Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-11-16

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 211/98 -- 14-15-16.11.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gurel: ``Greeks will not be allowed to deploy-300´s.

[02] Turkey, ``TRNC'' to conduct two joint maneuvers.

[03] Demirel, Yilmaz congratulate Denktash on ``anniversary''.

[04] Denktash addresses Turks on 15th so-called anniversary of the pseudostate.

[05] Turkish General: ``TAF ready if Cyprus conditions force action''.

[06] Turkish F-16´s kept ready to land in occupied area.

[07] Atacanli on George Papandreou´s remarks about Cyprus.

[08] Search for a new government in Turkey.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gurel: ``Greeks will not be allowed to deploy-300´s

Gurel stressed that there needs to be unity and solidarity for success. He claimed that the Turkish people want peace and cooperation, not confrontation. Gurel affirmed that ``the guarantee of peace and tranquillity in Cyprus is the Turkish Republic.'' He stated that ``the Greek Cypriot side will not be allowed to deploy S-300 missiles or to build air and naval bases.''

Gurel stated that there will not be a return to the pre-1974 period, reiterating that ``the existence of two separate peoples, orders, and states on the island must be acknowledged''. He said that ``a solution will come if the two peoples resolve their basic problems and find a common way to live together''. Gurel affirmed that Turkey is always ready to help the Turkish Cypriots in this regard.

State Minister Gurel recalled that Turkey opposed the Greek Cypriot side´s recourse to the EU and warned the EU member countries about that. The development of that issue, he claimed, will further increase the tension in the island.

He noted that Turkey and the pseudostate have declared their joint stand regarding the Cyprus problem. ``The government has full support for the TRNC'', he said.

[02] Turkey, ``TRNC'' to conduct two joint maneuvers

The Turkish Armed Forces´ naval exercise, Determination-2 98, will start 16 November, while the Toros-2 98 will begin on 18 November. The exercises will be conducted in the so-called international airspace and waters of the occupied area, and the eastern Mediterranean. Units from the occupation forces in Cyprus, Turkish Air Force and Navy elements, as well as units from the so-called TRNC security forces will take part in the exercises.

A statement issued by the Secretariat General of the Office of the Chief of the General Staff says that the exercises will focus on coordination and cooperation methods among the ground, naval, and air force. The Determination-2 exercise will last eight days and the Toros-2 three days.

[03] Demirel, Yilmaz congratulate Denktash on ``anniversary''

President Demirel said in his message that the ``establishment of the TRNC is a historical turning point concerning the Cyprus matter'', alleging that ``the existence of the TRNC is guarantee of peace, security and stability in our region.''

The Presidential Press Centre quoted the words of President Demirel as ``Turkey will continue to extend maximum support to the Turkish Cypriot people by being conscious of her historical and legal obligations. We appreciate the resolution of the Turkish Cypriot people to become an equal member of the international society within the framework of agreements and we believe that this will come true.''

Prime Minister Yilmaz said in his message to Rauf Denktash and Dervis Eroglu that ``the TRNC, which was established upon the basis of modernity and democracy, has proved that she is indispensable in respect of peace and stability in the region and she has also progressed much in the fields of politics and economy during the last 15 years. I am sure that the Turkish Cypriot people will be able to make the whole world accept her fightfulness in the end,'' he added.

[04] Denktash addresses Turks on 15th so-called anniversary of the pseudostate

Addressing to Turkish Cypriots during the celebrations held upon the 15th so-called anniversary of the pseudostate, Denktash said that they are ready to participate in the negotiations between the ``two states'' on the island, adding that the pseudostate is not hostile against the Greek Cypriots, but they have a message for the Greek Cypriots which is the fact that the latter will never be able to govern the Turkish Cypriots.

[05] Turkish General: ``TAF ready if Cyprus conditions force action''

In a statement at occupied Tymbou airport, Ozkok said that Turkey is determined to safeguard its strategic and vital rights and interests in the Aegean and Cyprus. Ozkok called on ``those who talk about drinking Turkish blood and occupying Kyrenia and Famagusta not to forget the tragic lesson they were taught in Anatolia 79 years ago''.

In addition, Ozkok called on the Cyprus Government to review its decision to deploy the S-300 missiles in Cyprus and build naval and air bases in Paphos. Explaining that the TAF is determined and resolved to safeguard ``the peace'' that has existed in Cyprus for 25 years, as he put it, Ozkok added: ``All the weapons to be deployed in south Cyprus will exist only unitl a conflict breaks out in Cyprus.''

Gen. Ozkok claimed that the only way for the Turkish Cypriots to live in peace and cooperation is for the equality of the ``TRNC'' to be recognized and Rauf Denktash´s confederation proposal adopted.

Denktash had a meeting with Gen. Ozkok and conferred with him for some time. He began his statement at the meeting by extending his appreciation to the Turkish Army.

Alleging that the concerned countries refuse to acknowledge the ``realities'' with regard to Cyprus, Denktash said the following to Gen. Ozkok: ``You are our saviour. We are aware of this. It has been recorded in this manner in the annals of history, and it will continue to be so. Nobody can say the contrary.''

In turn, Gen. Ozkok said that the TAF and the so-called Turkish security forces ``are ready to fight for the independence and security of the Turkish Cypriot people in the event that international developments lead to adverse incidents''. Noting that all the military activities undertaken by the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo are being closely followed, Gen. Ozkok said:

``All the efforts exerted by the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo to arm themselves will constitute mere futile attempts. The Turkish Cypriot people should rest assured that we will not hesitate to undertake military action, even though we are strongly opposed to it, should conditions force us to do so.''

[06] Turkish F-16´s kept ready to land in occupied area

According to information received from a high-level military official, although the Turkish Air Force is adopting every measure necessary to ensure ``the passage to Cyprus'', the decision to send the F-16 planes has not been finalized yet. The military official said that the Air Force is awaiting the outcome of the assessment to be conducted by the Office of the Chief of the General Staff and the Foreign Ministry in this regard.

The exercises will begin on 16 November. The so-called Turkish Cypriot peace forces command and the so-called Security forces Command will also participate in the exercises. The exercises, which are both preplanned exercises conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces, will be held on 16-23 November and 18-20 November respectively.

[07] Atacanli on George Papandreou´s remarks about Cyprus

In reply to a question, Atacanli said the following in connection with the statement Papandreou made at the news conference he held after the EU General Affairs Council Meeting: ``Greece has no right to assume the guardianship of anyone, and especially not the Turkish Cypriots.''

Alleging that Greece is the party that prevents a solution in Cyprus and that uses the Greek Cypriot people to serve its own goals, Atacanli claimed:

``The Greek goal is to turn Cyprus into a Hellenic island and to condemn the Turks on the island to the status of a minority''.

Atacanli continued: ``A Greece that supports PKK (Workers Party of Kurdistan) terrorism and that invites its ringleader to visit it is the last country to talk about the necessity of adopting a joint stand against Turkey''.

Atacanli said that the warnings issued by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side are better being understood within the EU circles, claiming that this has caused Greece and the Greek Cypriots to become anxious and angry.

[08] Search for a new government in Turkey

While CHP leader Deniz Baykal is still asserting that a ``low-profile'' coalition cabinet in which none of the political party leaders would take part could be established, Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit commented that the present parliamentary distribution of seats would be unable to produce a new coalition and that he believed a ``Cankaya government'' could be formed.

A ``Cankaya government'', or an election government appointed by the president, does not need to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament. Yet according to the Constitution, it could be established only if no government was able to get a vote of confidence from Parliament within 45 days after a government resigns or is ousted from office.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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