Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-09-24

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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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Dentkash: Plans by foreigners cannot solve problem.

[02] Ecevit´s file of Cyprus conditions to US:

[03] Denktash briefs Talat on US contacts.

[04] Gurel says no official information on US Cyprus plans.

[05] Akinci hopes for `tourism bridge´ between Turkey, ``TRNC''.

[06] Greek Ambassador to Turkey on Turkish ties, Cyprus.

[07] Political leaders´ statements after Denktash briefed they on his contacts.

[08] Denktash meets foreign diplomats.

[09] Suspect in London murder arrested in pseudostate.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash: Plans by foreigners cannot solve problem

Denktash had a meeting with members of the so-called government headed by Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the so-called assembly speaker, and Dervis Eroglu, the ``prime minister'', and informed them about his contacts in Ankara, the US and recent developments about the Cyprus issue.

Denktash referred to the news titled ``new American plan'' published by a newspaper in Turkey, saying that ``they tell us that there is no American plan. It does not matter whether or not there is a such a plan. The Cyprus question can only be solved within a framework, which can be agreed by the two peoples on the island''.

Describing the news published in newspapers about this issue as ``rashly plans'' and calling people not to be effected from them, Denktash pointed out that the politics of the Turkish Cypriot side has been underlined and accepted once again in his last visit to Turkey. Denktash added that the visit of Premier Ecevit to the US is very important as it will enable to learn the White House Turkish policy by the most authorized person of the US.

``From now on shuttle diplomacy has to be carried out between the two sides on Cyprus. This shows our will of reaching reconciliation. We are ready to come to an agreement upon the basis of two states. There is nothing on the table apart from our proposal of confederation. The Greek Cypriots who reject the confederation, will sooner or later accept the existence of two states.''

[02] Ecevit´s file of Cyprus conditions to US

``No Bargaining on Turkey´s Accession to EU: Turkey becoming a candidate EU member and the Cyprus problem are two completely separate issues. Turkey will never bargain on Cyprus to become a candidate EU member. The EU will contradict itself if it decides to have the Greek Cypriot side join the organization.

Agreements Must be Heeded: The London and Zurich Agreements informed the world that two separate and equal communities exist in Cyprus. Turkey is one of the guarantors of Cyprus. We expect the countries which signed the London and Zurich Agreements to honour their signatures.

The Cyprus Problem Exists: Yes, the Cyprus problem exists. However, the Turkish side cannot be blamed for it. Turkey used its right as a guarantor to safeguard the Turkish Cypriot people´s equal rights in 1974. The problem now is the effort that is made to isolate the Turkish Cypriots in the economic and political fields in the world.

TRNC Must be Accepted: Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots are ready to contribute toward the solution of the problem. Their only condition is the recognition of the TRNC as a sovereign and independent state''.

[03] Denktash briefs Talat on US contacts

Noting that it is evident that Turkey´s policy on Cyprus will not change, Denktash explained that the recent Turkish-Greek rapprochement has prepared the basis for a better dialogue.

Denktash remarked that the newspapers reported that a summit will be held in Turkey under the leadership of US President Bill Clinton, but he has not received an invitation to that effect.

Making a statement to the press after the meeting, Talat said that there is increased activity in the world for the solution of the Cyprus problem, adding that the Turkish Cypriots should take advantage of this process by producing policies that will underline the interests of the Turkish Cypriots within this framework. It is the duty of everyone, especially of Rauf Denktash, to create a situation that will benefit the Turkish Cypriots, Talat remarked. He claimed that both sides in Cyprus have intransigent leaders who are not interested in solving the problem.

[04] Gurel says no official information on US Cyprus plans

Meeting with Tashin Ertugruloglu, the so-called foreign and defense minister of the pseudostate, Gurel claimed that the solution on Cyprus question lies on the ``truths'' of the island and that those who want to find a final solution about the Cyprus question which can satisfy everybody, should take into consideration these ``truths''.

Gurel added that ``reaching final solution is the business of the two nations living on Cyprus''.

When asked about the US plans which were reflected to the press, Gurel stated that he does not want to comment on these plans and they do not want to hear about such plans.

Stating that they do not consider Turkey and ``TRNC'' as two different countries, Gurel said that ``Turkey and TRNC are two countries which were established by one nation sharing the similar destiny.''

On his part, responding to a question about the US plans which were reflected in the press, Ertugruloglu said, ``in our opinion, the Cyprus question is not a question which can be solved and on which an agreement can be reached by so-called plans which are proposed by third parties.''

Ertugruloglu said, ``if a lasting solution about the Cyprus question is expected, the path which will be followed is obvious and clear. The sample plans and pressures can only temporarily determine the agenda. But, they cannot find a lasting solution on the island.''

[05] Akinci hopes for `tourism bridge´ between Turkey, ``TRNC''

Akinci told Anatolia during his visit to Antalya that the tourism carries importance for the pseudostate´s economy.

Emphasizing that they aim at setting up a tourism bridge between Antalya and ``TRNC'', Akinci noted that the problems arising from transportation were the issues mainly discussed during his contacts.

Stressing that since the most vital point for the pseudostate´s tourism is transportation, they will reach the desired level in tourism when the ``embargoes'' are lifted. Akinci stated that they are carrying out efforts how to attract the tourists.

Stating that the fleet of the so-called Turkish Cypriot Airlines will be increased to overcome the transportation problem, Akinci said that the number of flights will increase.

Akinci continued, ``we will participate in tourism fairs. Our future depends on tourism. The problems arising from transportation negatively affect our tourism sector. The tourists who want to come to TRNC cannot have direct flights to TRNC. They have to stop in Istanbul or Antalya. But, the tourists want to arrive in the holiday resort as soon as possible. We cannot reach the desired level in tourism because of this transportation problem''.

[06] Greek Ambassador to Turkey on Turkish ties, Cyprus

Korandis used terms that indicate that there are still a lot of problems in the relations between Turkey and Greece regarding Cyprus, the EU, and the PKK (Workers Party of Kurdistan). For example, he indirectly suggested that the Cyprus issue is a precondition in the relations between Turkey and Greece and between Turkey and the EU.

Specifically on Cyprus, Korandis said that Cyprus has become a ``test case'' known in Turkish as a test platform for the Turkish-Greek relations, and added: ``Everyone, especially the Greeks, is waiting for a positive signal from Turkey in this respect. In my view, the factors that are necessary for reaching a solution are present. The main thing is to sit at the table. The two parties must sit at the table and discuss everything that they have in their minds. There is the likelihood that no results will emerge from these talks, because no one can guarantee any success. However, we must keep in mind that chances for finding a solution are nil if the diplomats of the two countries avoid sitting at the table''.

Korandis noted that at present Cyprus is a ``precondition'' for the Turkish- Greek as well as Turkish-EU relations, adding: ``This must be understood very well: Turkey´s attitude toward the Cyprus issue will have either a positive or a negative impact on the Turkish-Greek relations. It will also have an impact on our viewpoint on Turkey´s EU candidacy, which we believe will be taken up in the Helsinki summit.''

Arguing that the whole world has certain requests from Turkey in this regard, Korandis said that finding a solution for the Cyprus problem must not be perceived as defeat in Turkey.

In reply to another question, Korandis once more made known that the Greek backing to Turkey´s EU membership is conditional by talking about the ``road map'' for Ankara´s EU membership and saying that actually, Athens has always backed Turkey´s integration with Europe.

Korandis went on to say that the progress due to be achieved in the Helsinki summit on Turkey´s EU membership will be dependent on the ``road map'' that incorporates a number of issues ranging from human rights to the Cyprus issue.

[07] Political leaders´ statements after Denktash briefed they on his contacts

Specifically, so-called prime minister Eroglu said that there is no change in policy and that common ground must first be found.

``State Minister and deputy prime minister'' Mustafa Akinci pointed out that it is better not to open a road for negotiations that will lead to new fiascos.

The leader of the Republican Turkish Party Mehmet Ali Talat stressed that ``Denktash continues to have the same ideas. We believe that with the solution of Cyprus problem the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people must be protected.''

The leader of the Democratic Party, Serdar Denktash, supported the policy of his father Rauf Denktash.

The leader of the National Revival Party, Enver Emin, said that it was the first time that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash called the parties, which are not represented in the so-called parliamentar, to brief them about his contacts in the States and Turkey.

The leader of the National Justice Party, Zorlu Tore, said that ``right now, in Cyprus there is peace, there is solution, the only thing lacking is an agreement. The only agreement is for the TRNC to be recognized. If the Greek Cypriot side or the world does not accept this reality, there cannot be progress in Cyprus''.

(DP)

[08] Denktash meets foreign diplomats

Denktash´s ``advisors'' were also present at the meeting.

There was no statement after the meeting.

(DP)

[09] Suspect in London murder arrested in pseudostate

Yorgun will appear before a so-called criminal court on 27 September. (DP)

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

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