Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-01-28

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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. 15/99 -- 28.1.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash demands referendum on confederation.

[02] Occupied Lapathos cemetery destroyed.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash demands referendum on confederation

Recalling the fact that the confederation formula was put forward together with Turkey, Denktash said: ``It is not enough to say: `we are in Turkey´s footsteps, we adopt Turkey´s policies´. For this reason I told them: Go confere with Turkey and we will meet again. I do not believe they have made that contact. I am waiting, let them hold their contact, because the aim is to settle the problem. The aim is not to render the problem more difficult. I hope we will settle this problem through talks peacefully, nicely and with understanding''.

Stating that he is carrying out the duty of negotiator with the protocols signed with Turkey and that they are at the point of confederation Dentkash stressed: ``It is wrong to look into the confederation as though it is taking away something from the state. One of the sides (in the coalition) considers the peace as establishing federation with the Greek Cypriot side, and it says that `confederation is not necessary. Let us preserve and exalt the state and we can discuss federation as well´. The other one says: ` I have my state. I safeguard the state and exalt it. I do not need to enter into peace with the Greek Cypriots. Neither federation nor confederation is included in my programme´. However, the same person (he implies Eroglu: Tr. Note) was in the same post when confederation was discussed and adopted . What has changed? It is the coalition parteners that have changed, and since their views greatly differ on the Cyprus problem they were unale to converge at one point.

They have said, let us first estabilsh a government, then we will see, God is great. But the world want negotiations. The world does not say `God is Great´.

If you negotiate, the world asks what will you discuss. I repeat. We have proposed confederation together with Turkey and decided it with Turkey. We have included it in a protocol. We have made Turkey mention it in Parliament. The Turkish government included it in its programme, and here I have been left in the lurch because of the contradiction between the coalition partners. It is not important that I have been left in the lurch. I will again do my duties, but this has to be referred to the people. May be it will be necessary to hold a referendum.''

Branding the pseudo-government´s stance ``a major retreat'', Denktash said that for years principles were discussed, knitted, moulded and shaped and at the end a bizonal federation came into light. Claiming that the Greek Cypriot side rejected federation, thus 20 years were lost, and now the confederation formula was put forward, he also alleged: ``Confederation is the invitation for accepting the TRNC existence, and discusing principles is tantamount to not knowing what you want. I do hope that - a guest comes this week from Turkey - we discuss this among us. Although we are not in a hurry, we have to settle this issue. It will not work otherwise'', Denktash conlcuded.

[02] Occupied Lapathos cemetery destroyed

KIBRIS says that the contractor, without having the right, bulldozed the cemetery destroying tombs, opening graves and spreading the bones and remains of the dead here and there.

KIBRIS reports that the so-called Water Development Department (WDD) of the ``Ministry of Interior'' immediately intervened and stopped the contractor. Workers of the ``WDD'' will try to repair the damage.

The so-called deputy director of the ``WDD'', Mustafa Can, accused the contractor Ali Coban of commiting a big mistake and acting on his own initiative in destroying the cemetery. He said that if need be the contractor will be sued for not abiding by the terms of contract.

KIBRIS further reports that the so-called mayor of Trikomo , Halil Orun, as well as the villagers in Lapathos have expressed anger and dismay. The so- called mukhtar (village headman), Ahmet Yanmaz, said that they feel ashamed and demanded from the occupation regime ``to make up for this historic mistake.'' (MY)

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

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