Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-06-23

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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. 108/99 -- 23.6.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The AVRUPA ``court case''.

[02] Eroglu: UNSC resolutions not to be binding on Turks.

[03] Denktkash meets Albanian party leader

[04] Ecevit comments G-8 statement on Cyprus.

[05] Cem on Cyprus problem.

[06] Pseudostate terms G-8 call to UN ``Inadmissible intervention''.

[07] Serdar Denktash in USA for contacts.

[08] ``Turkish Press Council'' admitted to World Association of Press Councils.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Behind the scenes of the G-8 initiative on Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The AVRUPA ``court case''

Meanwhile, the ``court'' ruled yesterday that President Clerides cannot be summoned to testify as witness by the ``court'' itself.

However, the ``court'' ruled that the defence could privately do this, and if he comes, the defence can put him on the stand.

(MY)

[02] Eroglu: UNSC resolutions not to be binding on Turks

After repeating the known Turkish views on the recent G-8 resolution, Eroglu inter alia claimed: ``We have all observed that the G-8 view the Turkish Cypriot side as a community. The real picture in Cyprus is being ignored. In other words, the reality that there is a state in the north and one in the south and that peace is reigning on the island is being ignored. We are continuing to live in peace. In other words, it is a country that has no problems. Greece is trying to link the Cyprus issue to Turkish-Greek relations and thus to blame Turkey in the Aegean issue and its relations with Greece. In this manner attempts are being made to obtain concessions on the Cyprus issue. The aim is to place Turkey in a difficult position, to put pressure on it, and to obtain certain concessions on the Aegean issue as well. The aim is to satisfy Greece, an EU member''.

Asked what will happen if the G-8 proposal becomes a UN resolution, he replied: ``The UNSC has adopted many resolutions so far. None was implemented in Cyprus. In other words, with the exception of the UNFICYP mandate, none of these resolutions was adhered to. In the past, especially when Kyprianou was president, we accepted the proposal submitted by the UN Secretary General. The Greek Cypriots, however, changed their minds at the last moment. No sanctions were imposed on the Greek Cypriots at the time. Within three months of that incident it was again the Turkish Cypriot side which was blamed. Therefore, the resolutions to be adopted by the UNSC will not be binding on us.''

[03] Denktash meets Albanian party leader

Speaking to reporters prior to his meeting with the Albanian politician, Denktash said that he was very happy with seeing the Albanian politician in the occupied area.

Buhati also met with Salih Coshar, the so-called acting assembly speaker. (MY)

[04] Ecevit comments G-8 statement on Cyprus

In particular, referring to the G-8 countriesī statement about Cyprus, Ecevit claimed that there has been perpetual peace on Cyprus since 1974. He claimed, ``the Turkish Peace Operation brought peace and democracy to the island. The TRNC President Rauf Denktashīs offer to recognize TRNCīs independence, and to begin the negotiations in equal conditions, is a true approach. Isnīt there any other problem to deal with except Cyprus for G- 8?''

[05] Cem on Cyprus problem

Describing the G-8 countries as ``primarily wealthy countries'', Cem assessed the recent proposal these countries made on the Cyprus issue within the framework of the United Nations.

Noting that the UN Security Council will probably adopt a resolution in line with this proposal, Cem added: ``We did not like the G-8 views on the isue. We can see that they are very wrong. Wealth is not necessarily accompanied by wisdom. Just as it is the case with human beings. This issue might upset Turkey. We, however, know that the TRNC and President Denktash will deal with this issue just as they have done in the past''.

Pointing out that determination is a very important factor in surmounting a foreign policy problem, Cem continued: ``Turkey and the honourable Denktash are determined. Moreover, Denktash is an expert in foreign policy. Denktash will definitely overcome the difficulties the TRNC will encounter vis-a-vis the Cyprus issue. We, as Turkey, will continue to extend our support to and stand by Mr. Denktash.''

In reply to a question, Cem said that ``the independence of the TRNC was stressed more vehemently in the last two years when compared to the period before that'', adding: ``I had made this point during a statement I made in the TRNC. I had said: We want the TRNC to be independent and to stand on its own feet. We can see that you have achieved that goal. Certain pressures might, however, be applied, injustices might be committed, and you might be in a difficult position. You should know that, if the need arises, you can make a call from Cyprus and we shall hear it on the Mediterranean shores. Your proximity and closeness to Turkey depends on you''.

[06] Pseudostate terms G-8 call to UN ``Inadmissible intervention''

The so-called ministries issued a written statement claiming that ``such external interventions in the Cyprus question encourage the Greek Cypriot side towards disagreement''.

The statement alleged that EUīs intervention in the Cyprus question and decisions taken at the Luxembourg Summit have eliminated the solution parameters and hampered the solution process on the island.

Stressing that a solution which is not constructed on facts, cannot be brought into force on Cyprus, the statement also noted that it is not possible to record progress in the negotiation process ``without easing the lack of confidence created by the Greek Cypriot side.''

Recalling that the pseudostate had stated that the negotiation process can only be maintained on the base of ``two states'', and had disclosed a concrete offer or August 31, 1998 envisaging confederation on Cyprus, the statement added, ``the G-8 invite a new failure by requesting negotiations to restart in unequal conditions once again. Peace on Cyprus can only be possible with the free will of two sides. Interventions of third sides will not lead the island towards peace. Peace on Cyprus can only be possible with an agreement between two equally sovereign states. A lasting solution for the regional peace and stability, will only be attained in this way.''

The statement added, ``recognition of TRNCīs existence will be helpful to form the necessary ground for meaningful negotiations. Those trying to impose useless solutions in the Cyprus question will not assist UN Secretary Generalīs good will mission''.

[07] Serdar Denktash in USA for contacts

The paper claims that Serdar Denktash will also meet with Congressmen and businessmen.

(MY)

[08] ``Turkish Press Council'' admitted to World Association of Press Councils

HALKIN SESI reports that during the WAPCīs regional meeting held in Brisbane, Australia, between 18-20 June, the Turkish Cypriot application for membership was accepted following the Turkish Press Councilīs proposal.

The so-called chairman of the ``TPCNC'', Ismet Kotak, welcomed the decision taken by the WAPC.

(MY)

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Behind the scenes of the G-8 initiative on Cyprus

The section on Cyprus in the G-8 communique entitled ``Regional Issues'' notes that this problem has remained ``unresolved for too long'', implying that ``enough is enough''.

The endorsement of a text on Cyprus by the United States, Britain, Russia, France, Canada, Italy, Germany, and Japan for the first time - moreover at the level of heads of state - is undoubtedly important.

Although the G-8 has no jurisdiction over the UN Secretary General, and the sides in Cyprus have no obligation to respond to calls made by either the G- 8 or the UN, the joint appeal by the eight influential states inevitably imposes responsibilities on both UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders. It is also obvious that the G-8 appeal is indirectly addressed to Ankara and Athens.

The G-8 leaders discussed Cyprus at lunch in Cologne on 19 June. They were aware of Turkeyīs position that ``the G-8 has no jurisdiction'' and that ``there is no problem in Cyprus''. Nevertheless, the leaders had no compunctions about expanding the plan proposed to them by G-8 foreign ministers and setting it in a framework that is entirely incompatible with Turkish positions.

With that stance, the leaders signalled that they will never accept the argument that ``there is no problem'', that they do not approve of the status quo in Cyprus, that they want it changed, and that the UN Security Councilīs resolutions for a ``bicommunal and bizonal federal state'' remain valid.

Moreover, the leaders sent a message to Turkey by asking that the results of the Cyprus talks they want started in the fall be reported to them at the OSCE summit in Istanbul. The message sent is that, if the Turkish side avoids the talks, Cyprus will be ``a troubling subject'' at the OSCE summit.

The British Foreign Office, which hosted Greek and Greek Cypriot foreign ministers in London in recent weeks, and Moscow played an important role in endorsing the text in this form. The Clinton Administration, on the other hand, backed the G-8 initiative because it was felt that ``it is time to see some movement in Cyprus'', even though it is ``fully aware of the reluctance of the Turkish side'' on this issue.

US officials are aware that the presidential elections to be held in the TRNC next year will make it even more difficult for the Turkish side to take an ``accommodating'' position.

Nevertheless, Washington does not want the Turkish side to insist on its internationally ``impossible'' demand of ``recognition for the TRNC'' or its ``confederation'' proposal which appeared to block all roads to a settlement. The Clinton Administration sees the ``hawkish'' position of TRNC President Rauf Denktash and the full support Ankara has given him as the principal factors blocking talks for a settlement of the dispute.

Indeed, the higher-priority messages sent by US officials to the new Turkish government include Cyprus. One White House official we interviewed before going to Cologne, said:

``We do not agree that Cyprus is a problem that is more intractable than Northern Ireland, the Middle East, or Bosnia. None of us would have believed five or six years ago that things could improve in Northern Ireland. However, the road to settlement opened when we pressed ahead with determination''.

US officials respond to arguments that there has not been much bloodshed in Cyprus in recent years and that the division between the two communities has become permanent by saying: ``It would be impossible to speak about peace in the eastern Mediterranean, genuine Turkish-Greek friendship, or Turkeyīs integration with Europe if the Cyprus problem is not solved.''

One US State Department official explained why the United States is optimistic ``despite everything'', by saying: ``We believe in Prime Minister Ecevitīs personal importance. With his leadership, progress in Cyprus is possible after 25 years.''

Now, in the aftermath of the Cologne appeal, Annan is expected to invite the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders to New York in September. It is clear that the Clinton Administration will fully support this appeal and try to persuade Ankara to make ``the TRNC leader to respond to this call''. US and British diplomats believe that it is ``highly likely'' that the Greek Cypriot side will ``welcome'' the G-8 initiative as well as the UN invitation.

Consequently, the ball is in the court of the Turkish side. The ball has been pitched by the leaders of the worldīs most powerful nations.

Western diplomats in Cologne have stated explicitly that ``the TRNC will be branded as intransigent if it refuses to come to the negotiating table.'' Another issue on which these diplomats have expressed concern is the ``possibility that the Turkish side may create military tensions in Cyprus to prevent the opening of negotiations''. I report this without comment.''

EF/SK

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

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