Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-02-10

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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. 23/99 -- 10.2.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash meets Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister

[02] Denktash claims Turks own equal rights over buffer zone.

[03] Birdal on Human Rights violations in Turkey.

[04] Denktash extends condolences, congratulates Abdallah.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash meets Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister

Denktash said that Mrs Haga´s country, Norway, respects human rights and aims at ensuring world peace. He expressed the belief that within that framework, the Norwegian foreign minister (as heard) can be of help in solving the Cyprus problem.

Aslaug Haga affirmed that she had the opportunity to hold a good and frank meeting. She recalled that Norway has helped solve problems in many parts of the world. She asserted that it is important to tighten the relations between the two communities for the solution of the Cyprus problem. She stressed that Norway has no interests in Cyprus, that she does not have a secret agenda, and that the only reason for her efforts is to help find a solution to the Cyprus problem. She pointed out that Norway has experience from other intercommunal conflicts in the world. She said: ``As you know, the solution of the Palestinian-Israeli problem began with the Oslo process. I believe that intercommunal contacts are useful for reaching lasting solutions to difficult problems.''

The Norwegian deputy foreign minister asserted that she cannot say that she can fully implement Norway´s experience from other intercommunal conflicts in Cyprus. Every problem is special, she added.

Haga affirmed that she learned certain things at her meeting with Rauf Denktash, adding that the establishment of intercommunal activities are a gain on the way to a solution.

Haga then met with Turkish Cypriot businessmen. After the meeting, she went to occupied Kyrenia for more contacts. She was to meet Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the Republican Turkish Party, in the afternoon. In the evening, she was to attend a dinner in her honour hosted by Denktash at the Saray Hotel.

[02] Denktash claims Turks own equal rights over buffer zone

Denktash was replying to questions by illegal BRT in occupied Ayios Nikolaos where he went to attend the inauguration of a scouts camp. In reply to a question he claimed: ``We have as much right over the buffer zone as they have. The Greek Cypriots, who have maintained an occupationist mentality, for the last 36 years, have used their (words indistinct) to launch their attacks''. Denktash alleged that the world has begun to see the ``Cyprus realities'', adding that if an agreement is to be achieved within NATO then this will be a confederation that has already been endorsed by Turkey.

[03] Birdal on Human Rights violations in Turkey

At a news conference at the Southeastern Journalists Association, Birdal affirmed that when Turkey wanted to join the EU, it promised the European Parliament it would do whatever is necessary in connection with the Kurdish, Cyprus, Aegean, and human right violation problems.

Birdal said that there is no need for the Human Rights Ministry that was established by the previous government. He said: ``The abolishment of the Human Rights Ministry is an expression of the 56th government´s sincerity. The abolishment of that ministry shows that not only that ministry, but everyone will make efforts in connection with the violation of human rights.

After it failed to join the EU, Turkey quickly distanced itself from its promises. State and government officials are saying that Turkey does not care if the EU does not want it. They act as if they have fulfilled all their promises. The agreements signed with the United States and Israel will not prevent Turkey´s isolation. Currently, four of our branches are closed, our officials are in prison facing hundreds of suits, and their lives are being threatened. At the moment, there are 2,500 cases against Turkey at the European Human Rights Court (EHRC). We are not proud of taking these cases to the EHRC. On the contrary, we are ashamed. If a crime has been committed, the punishment must come from our own law.''

Birdal stated that those who have Turkey´s interests in mind should not defend the crimes being committed against humanity.

Heidi Wedrel, a representative of Amnesty International, said that there is great concern about the fact that the IHD Diyarbakir has been closed since 1997. She said: ``This IHD branch was closed so that the violations here are not heard of. We want the branch to be reopened''.

[04] Denktash extends condolences, congratulates Abdallah

Denktash extended his best wishes ``on behalf of the Muslim people of the TRNC and himself'' to Abdallah and the Jordanian people. He wished ``lasting peace, happiness, and wealth to the brotherly Jordanian people.''

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

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