Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-06-08

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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. 97/99 -- 8.6.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Pauline Green: Dialogue will solve the Cyprus problem.

[02] Turkish Cypriots launch anti-visa campaign in Britain.

[03] Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey to visit occupied area.

[04] Dentkash meets French Ambassador.

[05] Ankara´s Chamber of Commerce in the occupied area.

[06] Leaders discuss ``constitution amendments''.

[07] Denktash announces ``candidacy''.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Pauline Green: Dialogue will solve the Cyprus problem

She is the No 1 candidate of the Labour´s London team and will definitely be among the new MEPs representing London. The paper asked her inter alia about her approach to Turkey and Cyprus problem. Here is what she replied:

``Question: For the Turkish speaking community in London there are other considerations as well. What is the right direction for Turkey and Europe? Where is Europe going with Cyprus?

Answer: Labour is clear on our view of Turkey´s relationship with the European Union. We believe that Turkey in the European Union would be a significant force for peace and stability in the south east Mediterranean. In Britain the Labour Government has given very clear signals to that effect. In Brussels, the Socialist Group under my leadership has adopted a policy statement to that effect. In both Britain and Brussels we are also clear that before Turkey can enter there has to be progress on democracy, human rights, Cyprus and the Kurdish problem. I have advocated that, with Turkey, we develop a roadmap which sets out the steps which need to be taken and then it is up to Turkey to deal with them at its own pace. This is a constructive and sensible way forward.

As far as Cyprus is concerned, negotiations are well under way for the accession of Cyprus to the EU. Once again in Britain and in Brussels, Labour has been united in arguing that we would prefer Cyprus to enter as a united country. We have also made it clear that we would like to see Turkish Cypriots taking a full part in the pre-accession negotiations. Tony Blair and Robin Cook worked to secure an invitation for Turkish Cypriot participation. Todate, the offer made by President Clerides at the Commonwealth Conference to the Turkish Cypriot community has been refused.

Only recently, I organized a meeting in north London for the Turkish and Greek Cypriot community with Leopold Maurer, head of the European Commission´s task force on enlargement for Cyprus and George Vassilliou, the Chief Negotiator for Cyprus. The aim was to ensure that the London Cypriot community was at least fully up to date and informed. I was pleased that so many Turkish Cypriots took part and we had a healthy and frank debate.

I have strong and good relations with progressive Turkish Cypriots and their organisations. I continue to believe that dialogue is the best way to solve problems and am convinced that finally it is dialogue which will solve the Cyprus problem - but dialogue there must be.

Labour in Britain and in Brussels are clear that it is firm but fair leadership on all these issues which our voters want to see. A strong Britain in a strong Europe will be good for London and a good partner for Turkey and Cyprus.''

[02] Turkish Cypriots launch anti-visa campaign in Britain

Mr. Erisen had promised to launch the campaign if elected chair of the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations (Konsey). But despite his defeat, Mr. Erisen is prepared to try to get the restrictions lifted.

To this end, he is calling a meeting on Monday 7 June at Mozart House in Albion road N16, to get groups together to see how this can be done.

``I will invite all groups, whether they are in the Konsey or not, to join in the campaign,'' Mr. Erisen said. ``The UK as a guarantor power of Cyprus should not discriminate against Turkish Cypriots who need a visa to come here. Turkish Cypriots should be treated the same as Greek Cypriots.''

Mr. Erisen added that the campaign would benefit the whole community and said 10,000 letters will be prepared for sending off to MPs, ministers and government officials in a bid to change the restrictions.

[03] Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey to visit occupied area

The paper says that the Ambassador and his wife will be arriving in the occupied area around 15 hours today.

He will be meeting Rauf Denktash, Dervish Eroglu and Tahsin Ertugruloglu.

The Pakistani Ambassador will visit the so-called Kyrenia American University, the Near East University and the East Mediterranean University. The visiting ambassador will leave the occupied area on 11 June.

(MY)

[04] Denktash meets French Ambassador

During the meeting the latest developments in the Cyprus problem were discussed.

The meeting continued over lunch.

There was no statement after the meeting.

(MY)

[05] Ankara´s Chamber of Commerce in the occupied area

(MY)

[06] Leaders discuss ``constitution amendments''

The leaders decided to establish a committee which will prepare proposals for the establishment of a ``Constitutional Amendment Commission''.

Speaking about the ``amendments'' Eroglu said that the aim is to establish a ``permanent constitution''.

In his turn Akinci added that the ``amendments'' should be completed before the year 2000.

RTP leader Talat said that the ``constitution'' should be compatible with the 21st century.

DP leader Serdar Denktash stressed that the ``amendments'' should be such that will not tie up the so-called executive authority´s hands.

(MY)

[07] Denktash announces ``candidacy''

During the press conference Denktash claimed that he has decided to be a candidate to fulfill the wish of the people. He said that the ``presidential post'' is a difficult post that requires knowledge of foreign language, of the law and of the Cyprus problem. Denktash added: ``The president should be an impartial person.''

As for the Cyprus problem and the press reports that in September he will be sitting at the negotiation table with President Glafcos Clerides, Denktash said that he did not receive any invitation to this effect. He said: ``If I get an invitation and this invitation is for meeting with the UN Secretary General, there is no problem. However, if it is for a meeting with Clerides, I will look into the status issue. There will be no going back from the state-to state negotiations.

In case an agreement is reached between the two states, of course a map or maps will come out. What is important is the recognition of the state to be established and the two states reaching to agreement''.

(MY)

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

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