Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-07-21

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey - ``TRNC'' Joint Declaration.

[02] Ecevit addresses invasion anniversary ceremony.

[03] Ecevit, Denktash answer questions on Cyprus issue.

[04] Gurel: The West must be creative to find form of equality between Cypriot sides.

[05] Denktash speaks on annivesary of Turkish invasion. AVRUPA criticizes ``Partnership Council'' agreement.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey - ``TRNC'' Joint Declaration

The statement which was read out by Rauf Denktash stressed that the contents of their Joint Declarations of 20 January 1997, 20 July 1997, and 23 April 1998, were reaffirmed.

``Reiterating their mutual desire and determination to develop and deepen the relations between the two countries in every field'', the statement went on as follows:

``Having reviewed the current situation in the light of the statement by the G-8 countries at their summit in Cologne; the United Nations Secretary- General´s report on his mission of good offices; and the UN Security Council resolution 1250, deemed it useful to make the following common views and decisions known to the public:

- Today is the 25th Anniversary of a day which marks the end of a dark period of suffering for the Turkish Cypriot people.

- The Turkish Cypriot people, who, through great sacrifice, have reached the present day, fully appreciate the value of living under the roof of their own independent and sovereign state, enjoying the right to determine their own future. We commemorate, with respect, our Martyrs, who have sacrificed their lives to this end, and extend our gratitude to our veterans.

- There will never be a return to those dark days and there is no question of tolerating any fait accompli which would leave the door open to such a development. All such aspirations should be abandoned.

- Turkey and the TRNC expect that their sensitivity and determination in this respect are recognized by all and, unlike in the past, their views are carefully taken into account.

- It is of vital importance that both for the security and well-being of the two peoples of the island as well as for the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean, the prevailing peace in Cyprus is not disrupted.

- The way to ensure this is to recognize the realities and to achieve a peace agreement between the Turkish Cypriot state in the North and the Greek Cypriot state in the South.

- The 36-year old chain of injustice against the Turkish Cypriots must be broken.

- With their pre-planned armed attacks in 1963, the Greek Cypriots destroyed the 1960 Republic, which had been established jointly by the two peoples of the island by exercising their separate right to self- determination, and tried to annihilate the Turkish Cypriot people.

- Since then, there has not been a state, government, parliament, or administration with the authority or competence to represent the two equal peoples in Cyprus, and to take any decision for the island as a whole.

- The Turkish Cypriot people have never accepted the usurpation by the Greek Cypriots of their rights and the titles emanating from the Partnership Republic, by force of arms. They resisted the Greek Cypriot attacks and oppression for years and continuing their struggle for survival, established their own administration and finally their own state.

- The intervention by Turkey under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, upon the coup d`etat carried out by Greece in 1974 with the aim of annexing Cyprus to Greece, not only put an end to this illegal act but also saved the Turkish Cypriot people from mass extermination and 11-year-long acts of oppression.

- After 1974, a new situation has come about in Cyprus, ending a period of continuous strife and bloodshed. The tranquillity ensuing from this enabled the two sides to live within their respective territories and states, and to search for ways to settle their disputes created after 1963.

- The Turkish Cypriot side has, for years, made serious and constructive proposals for the creation of conditions which would preserve the environment of security in Cyprus and enable the two sides to resolve their disputes. It has spent efforts, in good faith, for the formation of a framework for a comprehensive settlement. The Greek Cypriot side, however, has not contributed to these efforts in a genuine manner; has not changed its attitude towards Turkish Cypriot people; and has not abandoned its unfounded claims and prejudices.

- At the root of the 36-year-old impasse in Cyprus lie the failure of the Greek Cypriot side to abandon its obsession with converting Cyprus into a Greek island and, in that connection, its attempt to continue to hold onto its illegitimate title and claims. Greece primarily carries grave responsibility in the continuation of this negative and adventurous attitude of the Greek Cypriot side.

- It is abundantly clear that none of these claims of the Greek Cypriot side have a legal or justified basis or a legitimate purpose; that they are of an aggressive nature, and that they openly violate international agreements.

- The imposition, as an extension of these aggressive policies, of embargoes on the Turkish Cypriot people in all fields, and the propaganda war waged in the international arena cannot, in any way, be justified or accepted.

- The EU, by opening accession negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side, has taken a totally wrong turn. It is not possible to consider the balance between the two peoples of Cyprus as well as between Turkey and Greece, established and guaranteed by the 1960 Agreements, as non-existent. This has no validity in international law. Despite our objections and admonitions, the EU, by taking such an irresponsible step, has destroyed the established framework and parameters for a settlement, and by deepening the crisis of confidence, led to the further estrangement of the two peoples from one another.

- An approach which regards the Greek Cypriot side as the sole interlocutor authorized to negotiate on behalf of the island as whole, and which purports to ignore the equal political status and sovereign rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, is totally invalid and is bound to fail. The Greek Cypriots and the EU should realize that the future of the island cannot be built on such an approach.

- The emergence of a new awareness on the part of the EU in this direction is welcome but not sufficient. The Union must show the will to abandon the wrong path it has embarked upon, and the accession negotiations conducted with the Greek Cypriot side under the banner of Cyprus must be stopped.

- Because the green light given to the Greek Cypriot side for EU membership has raised expectations on the Greek Cypriot side and encouraged them to pursue a dangerous policy of tension. The Greek Cypriot Administration has been engaged in importing high-technology weapons to South Cyprus; establishing aid and navy bases for Greece; and openly supporting PKK terrorism against Turkey, in collaboration with Greece. These are unacceptable actions, which escalate tension in the island as well as the region, and place obstacles in the way of any process of negotiations.

- Turkey, as motherland and a guarantor country, has treaty rights and obligations towards the Turkish Cypriot people, and has national security interests over the island of Cyprus. The erosion, directly or indirectly, of the 1960 Treaties of Guarantee and of alliance will not be allowed under any circumstances. The balance established between Turkey and Greece over the island and in the Eastern Mediterranean, through the 1960 Agreements, will be carefully maintained, in political, military, economic, and all other fields, particularly in the light of developments in the EU´s relations with the Greek Cypriot side.

- We are aware of the existence, within the international community, of circles who acknowledge the mistakes of the past and properly evaluate the situation in Cyprus, sincerely desiring an agreed settlement. As many past experiences show, prerequisites and basis for achieving a reliable outcome end in failure, each failure deepening the mistrust and tensions in the island and pushing the parties further apart.

- The joint has been reached where it is not possible to start a new process of negotiations, without accepting the equality of status between the two sides, and without manifesting with the necessary legal and political clarity, the existence in Cyprus of two equal and sovereign states representing the two peoples, and the fact that neither of these two states can claim sovereignty or authority over the other. The acceptance of the separate sovereign existence of the TRNC has become the key to reconciliation based on agreement between the two states of the island.

- Avoiding the realities in the island is not in the interest of anyone, including the Greek Cypriot side. A new Cyprus can only be founded on these realities. Third parties can only contribute to the preservation and further consolidation of peace in Cyprus by encouraging the Greek Cypriots along this path and by adopting an attitude which would make them abandon their obsessions. A settlement can only be lasting if it is freely negotiated between the two equal states in the island, if the balance between the two motherlands, namely Turkey and Greece, is maintained, and if the differences between the two sides are reconciled on a comprehensive and mutually acceptable basis.

- The confederation proposal put forward by President Rauf Denktash on 31 August 1998 draws up a framework for opening the door to lasting peace based on agreement between the two peoples and the two states of the island on the basis of equality and sovereignty. If the aim is to secure lasting peace in the island of Cyprus and in the region, the proposal for a Cyprus confederation should be considered with utmost care and seriousness.

- The relations between Turkey and the TRNC will be developed and deepened in line with the target of integration set at the highest level. Projects which are important for speeding up the economic development of the TRNC will be put into effect and completed. With the aim of protecting their common interests in all their aspects, Turkey and the TRNC will sign a special relationship agreement, in the period ahead.''

[02] Ecevit addresses invasion anniversary ceremony

``My dear friends, despite the fact that the world chooses to ignore it, a state that is not recognized exists in north Cyprus. This state is getting stronger each passing day despite all the pressure on it. Turkey´s support will increase in direct proportion to the pressure applied on the Turkish Cypriots. This support is increasing and will continue to increase. The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) session a few days ago is proof of this increasing support. In the face of the increasing pressures, all the parties represented in the TGNA, casting aside their differences on other issues, united in behalf of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots. While the EU has tightly closed its doors to Turkey, which has for centuries been a European country, it has opened its doors of membership to the Greek Cypriot administration in the south, as though it represents the entire island. The Turkish Republic, together with the TRNC, has continued its resistance in the face of the increasing Greek, Greek Cypriot, and EU pressure.''

And Ecevit added: ``Up until the Peace Operation and in the years that followed, we proposed and supported a federation as the solution in Cyprus. A federation, however, could not be realized. The Greek Cypriot administration in the south and the EU are responsible for that. The Greek Cypriot administration obstructed the establishment of a federation because it was never able to overcome its illusion of returning to the pre-Peace Operation situation. The EU move to open its doors to the Greek Cypriot administration in the south as though it represents the entire island has rendered the solution of a federation invalid as far as Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots are concerned, because if a federal solution is reached in the wake of the EU decision, then the ties between the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey will inevitably be severed and the Turkish Cypriots will be under the yoke of Athens, under Greece´s sphere of influence. Therefore, the federal solution has been removed from the Turkish agenda. The honourable Denktash, through his profound insight, said that from now on only a confederal solution can be considered. He is very right in that. What will happen if a confederation is not established? Is there an alternative to a confederation? I believe that there is an alternative. Actually, there are two alternatives. The first alternative is for the current situation to become a lasting one. In other words, the current situation can continue forever. The second alternative, in the event the pressures increase, is to advance the unification of Turkey and the TRNC. This unification can be furthered to suit the needs.

As I have recently been reiterating Turkey considers the independence of the TRNC to be as important and inevitable as that of the Turkish Republic. Just as Turkey is necessary for the security of the TRNC, so is the TRNC necessary for Turkey´s security. Shakespeare, the famous British bard, in his play Othello referred to the importance of Cyprus for the Turks. In the centuries since Othello was written, Cyprus´ importance for Turkey has increased because the development in weapons technology has increased the possibility of Cyprus´ becoming a focal danger point against Turkey. (passage omitted).

The Greek Cypriots are trying to deploy in south Cyprus missiles based on the most advanced technology. They have established a large naval base and a large air base in the south. There is an enormous Greek and Greek Cypriot military buildup in the south. When we criticize this buildup, we are told that they are obligated to do it because the Turks might, one day, try to occupy the entire island. Had we had such an intention, we would have extended the Peace Operation for a few more days in August 1974 and would have gotten hold of the entire island because we met with no resistance. We calculated those limits well, however.

Meanwhile, the strategic importance of the eastern Mediterranean has increased. The importance of this region will further increase when the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline becomes operational. Turkey and the TRNC will be the most sound guarantee of security in the eastern Mediterranean. No statesman in his right mind can envisage that security in this sensitive region can be ensured by the Greek Cypriots.

My dear brethren, for years now I have stopped using the words problem and solution in relation to the Cyprus issue because as far as I, Turkey, and the Turkish Cypriots are concerned there is no longer a problem in Cyprus; there is a solution.

The eight states generally known as the G-8 – these states that are trying to create a world order – have now attempted to intervene in Cyprus. Where do they derive that right from? Only Britain among them has legal rights in this issue because it is a guarantor state. Then again, the United States has the opportunity and to some extent the right, if not legal then de facto, to intervene in this issue because it is the only superpower in the world. These two states, however, based on their past experiences, are well aware that neither Turkey nor the Turkish Cypriots will succumb to impositions and pressures. The more the outside interference, the more complicated the situation in Cyprus will become.

According to the wishes of both the G-8 and the UN Security Council (UNSC), the leaders of the two sides in Cyprus should come together and sit at the negotiating table without any preconditions. Mr. Denktash will not be able to present any conditions or preconditions, but the G-8 and the UNSC members will present their conditions. They are saying that there will be no preconditions but that a federal state will be established, that there will be a single citizenship, and that there will be a single state. In other words, the conditions will be presented by those states that have no real reason to take an interest in the Cyprus issue. Talks without any conditions can only be held on condition that the reality of the TRNC is accepted. Another condition is the lifting of this oppressive economic embargo. The TRNC will continue its existence, its independence, and its development irrespective of this embargo. It is a fact that no state other than Turkey has recognized the TRNC so far. Even if there is no diplomatic recognition, the diplomas of the six universities of this small state are recognized in the entire world. The TRNC has thus become one of the leading countries in education and technology.

The reality of two separate states can no longer be ignored. This reality cannot be ignored. Therefore, if the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides are to get together again, the talks cannot be held between a state and a community but only between two independent states. They can come together not at some distant place in the world but in Cyprus. If the reality of two states is digested and if the embargoes are lifted, new horizons can open up for all the Cypriots, a peace and security agreement can be signed between the two communities, economic cooperation can be established, and cooperation in the health, environmental, educational, and cultural fields can be achieved.

Even if the TRNC is not recognized by any state other than Turkey, it is a strong and legal state in the north of the island, and it is a state that derives its strength from its people and Turkey. From the TRNC territory, I call on those who choose to ignore this reality: If one of the requirements of independence is a flag, then there is a flag. If the requirement is a motherland, then there is a motherland. If it is a state, then there is a state. Here is the state of the TRNC, which is getting stronger by the day despite the most oppressive conditions and obstructions. Here is the reality of northern Cyprus. There might be those who choose to ignore this reality; however, they cannot change it.''

[03] Ecevit, Denktash answer questions on Cyprus issue

Anatolia (20.7.99) reports that Rauf Denktash and Premier Bulent Ecevit held a joint press conference after their tete-a-tete meeting which lasted for half an hour.

After Rauf Denktash read out the joint statement (see today´s Bulletin item 1) Denktash and Ecevit responded the questions of the journalists.

When a reporter asked the content of the special relationship agreement which was mentioned in the joint declaration, Prime Minister Ecevit said that efforts are on the way concerning the issue and asked State Minister Sina Gurel who also attended the press conference to answer the question.

Gurel said that this agreement will form a framework to further deepen the existing relations.

When a journalist reminded that he said that there are two alternatives against the confederation solution in Cyprus, and asked which one is most suitable, Ecevit said:

``Both alternatives are suitable and valid for us. Today´s situation can continue. If today´s situation continues, the relations between Turkey and TRNC can further deepen and continue.''

When a Romanian journalist asked the perspectives for the development of relations between the ``TRNC'' and Romania, Ecevit said that the existing bilateral friendly relations between Turkey and Romania develop rapidly, and recalled that the Romanian President visited Turkey in recent days. Stating that he had a very fruitful meeting with the Romanian President, Ecevit said that he had the opportunity to convey his views concerning the ``TRNC'' and the current situation.

Ecevit added: ``A dialogue between the TRNC and the Greek Cypriot Republic in the South can be set up on the condition of accepting the existence of two states on Cyprus and lifting the embargo on TRNC. The relations between the two countries can continuously be developed.''

Ecevit stated that both communities in Cyprus are currently broken off from each other economically, politically, culturally, and morally, adding that the fate of one or two states between the two communities which were broken off to this degree, cannot be determined.

Ecevit said: ``What I am asking from the world, and countries who convened under the title of G-8, and the European Union: Leave two of us alone. Then, the developments between the two communities can speed up''.

Stressing that it will be very difficult to reach to a compromise or somewhere between the two communities as long as the Greek Cypriots do not give up their dreams of turning back to the period before 1974, Ecevit said it is out of question to have an intention of expanding the territories of the ``TRNC'' by Turkey. Stating that Turkey cannot take the risks of such an attitude, Ecevit said in case the two communities are left alone, better relations will be set up between Turkey and Greece, and between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

Responding to a journalist from Azerbaijan who asked if he had any message to Azerbaijan,, Denktash said they have not asked from any country to recognize the ``TRNC'' until now, and claimed that it is their right to be recognized. Denktash said, ``we want every country whom we know as friend to recognize us. This is not something to be ashamed. We know the difficulties of Azerbaijan and other friendly countries. We also have difficulties. But to get rid of these difficulties, we have to recognize each other and set up normal relations. At the same time, this is a right in international relations.''

When asked how the merging of customs between Turkey and the ``TRNC'' would affect the Customs Union Agreement between Turkey and EU, Ecevit said they were not talking about merging the customs at this stage but using a single customs gate in the trade relations between Turkey and the ``TRNC''. ``The customs will not be removed, they will only operate easier between the two countries'', Ecevit said.

Ecevit, said Turkey would not turn the recognition of the ``TRNC'' to a bargaining issue with anyone when a journalist from Belarus mentioned a credit agreement between Turkey and Belarus and asked if the Cyprus issue would become a bargaining chip with Belarus. Ecevit said that they believed that the ``TRNC'' will be recognized naturally.

Another journalist asked how long ``TRNC'' would wait for a reply to its confederation proposal. Denktash answered this question by saying that ``TRNC'' was not going to be helpless should the Greek side declined the confederation proposal. Denktash stated that they would not stand still and wait for a confederation and added that the cooperation between the Greek side and Greece and EU would strengthen cooperation ageements between ``TRNC'' and Turkey.

About the situation of Varosha which was occupied during the invasion in 1974, Ecevit said: ``Prior to the foundation of the Republic, during the contacts between TRNC and the Greek Cypriot administration, it was agreed that Varosha´s situation should be frozen temporarily. But now it is time to re-evaluate the issue. I thank you for reminding''.

[04] Gurel: The West must be creative to find form of equality between Cypriot sides

In an interview with the Turkish Daily News (19.7.99) on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, Gurel stressed that providing equality between the two Cypriot sides is a must.

Asked about methods or formulae for providing this equality without recognizing the ``TRNC'', Gurel said: ``It is not up to us to outline these formulae. Steps taken towards the acknowledgement of the equality between the two sides will constitute steps towards the acknowledgement of the reality on the island. And this is a long process. Let´s see how creative they (the Western countries) can be in this process,'' Gurel stated.

Asked if terms such as ``two separate administrations'', ``two separate democracies'', ``two separate entities'' can be enough at least for the resumption of talks, Gurel said: ``I don´t think so, and I don´t want to comment on such terms''.

He ruled out suggestions that Ankara could back off on the Cyprus issue if Turkey is declared a candidate at the EU´s December summit in Helsinki.

``From now on Turkey will make no effort to become a candidate for full membership in the EU. That is why we are not going to mull over our steps on the Cyprus issue, contemplating what may and may not happen in Helsinki'', the minister said.

Asked if he can name some countries that are interested in the confederation proposal, Gurel replied: ``No. But the number of those who accept Denktash´s confederation proposal as the most realistic solution framework is increasing''.

Gurel added that it was their mistake in the past to put forward the federation proposal and that now they are saying: ``state and confederation.'' (EF)

[05] Denktash speaks on anniversary of Turkish invasion

``We will negotiate as state to state. Any future agreement should never allow a repetition of the days we experienced during 1963-1974. Any future agreement should definitely not cast a shadow over Turkey´s guarantor status or its rights over Cyprus. Any future agreement should satisfy the Greek Cypriots with an exchange of property and eliminate any Greek Cypriot demands or desires for the northern sector. Any future agreement should prompt the Greek Cypriots to say: I cannot overthrow this state; it is also to my advantage to become friends with this state and its motherland. Any future agreement should enable the Greek Cypriots to accept and acknowledge this outcome''.

[06] AVRUPA criticizes ``Partnership Council'' agreement

AVRUPA reports that this agreement will provide major benefits to the Turkish citizens living in the occupied area who will acquire quickly ``TRNC citizenship''.

On the other hand, reports AVRUPA, the Turkish Cypriots who will acquire Turkish citizenship will be second-class citizens because they will not be given the right to elect or to be elected.

With this, points out AVRUPA, Turkey does not want to provide the Turkish Cypriots with the possibilities herself will acquire in the occupied area for her own citizens. Thus, the Turkish Cypriots will be second or third class citizens and they will be unable to enjoy the rights that Turkish citizens will enjoy.

AVRUPA goes on and says: ``Political observers evaluate that these steps taken by Turkey are steps to force the EU on its knees and they brand them as `dangerous´ steps. Political observers note that these steps do nothing but drag everybody in Cyprus towards new adventures.'' (MY)

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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article