Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-09-29

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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. 177/99 -- 29.9.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] International Skal Clubs chairman in the occupied area.

[02] Eroglu on ``Annexation Directive''.

[03] Ecevit´s expectations of US said `mainly economic´.

[04] Mainland Turks attack British couple.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[05] Birand on Ecevit´s messages to Clinton.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] International Skal Clubs chairman in the occupied area

Espinosa will have various contacts in the ``TRNC''. There are three Skal Clubs currently operating in the occupied area.

(MY)

[02] Eroglu on ``Annexation Directive''

Replying to a question on the issue by an illegal BRT correspondent, Eroglu said that the directive in question issued by the Turkish Prime Minister´s Office aimed at enabling Turkish ministries to more speedily and effectively follow up issues related to the ``TRNC''. Eroglu reiterated that intensifying relations between the ``TRNC'' and Turkey in all fields is in the interest of the Turkish Cypriots, adding: ``The TRNC Government has clearly indicated that it is in favour of intensifying its relations with Turkey. Our relations with motherland Turkey are continuing in a most positive and productive manner. The highest ranking officials of the Turkish Republic have repeatedly expressed the benefits of the TRNC continuing its existence as a separate state and have announced that they share our views on the issue. They have expressed support for our activities to exalt the TRNC. Given the situation, there is no point in confusing the minds of the Turkish Cypriots and in disseminating false reports. Turkey and the TRNC will exist to eternity.''

[03] Ecevit´s expectations of US said `mainly economic´

In a conversation with journalists, Ecevit described these expectations as ``moderate and fair''. Ecevit cited as an example the $35 billion Turkey has lost from the Gulf War and the burden that loss has imposed on the Turkish economy. Ecevit also noted that the United States grants certain exemptions to EU countries on textile imports. The Prime Minister said: ``The United States says that it wants Turkey to be a member of the EU. Then it must support Turkey in this area (textile quotas) also''.

Commenting on FMS (Foreign Military Sales) credits, Ecevit said that he expects US support on this issue also. Turkey wants its FMS debts, which now total $6 billion, to be cancelled completely or partially - or it wants at least the interest accumulated on the debt to be cancelled - to provide some relief to the Turkish economy. It is also evident that Ecevit is attaching special priority and

It is also evident that Ecevit is attaching special priority and importance to political issues like Cyprus which has been discussed frequently recently - and is clearly hoping for the continuation of the support the United States has provided in the past.

Although Ecevit said that he did not want to discuss political issues at that time, he could not keep himself from giving clues about the message he will send to Clinton and other US officials about the Cyprus problem. On this issue, Ecevit said: ``In our opinion there is no problem in Cyprus. However, those who think there is a problem should help the two communities on the island to solve it among themselves''.

Stating that we are only at the beginning of the Turkish-Greek dialogue and that the time has not yet come to discuss fundamental problems (the Aegean), Ecevit said that, in any event, it will be impossible to include the Cyprus problem in the Turkish-Greek dialogue.

During the conversation with reporters, Ecevit was asked: ``What do you think about disagreements between Turkey and the United States over northern Iraq and the TRNC?'' Ecevit replied: ``I do not think there will be any pressure. There may be some disagreements over certain issues, but the United States and Turkey have a good dialogue and friendship. I believe that problems can be solved easily in such a climate''.

[04] Mainland Turks attack British couple

Two mainland Turks, Feyzullah Culfuk and Ozgul Sertbirinci, broke into the house of John Hoggins and Oriene Nicole, raped Nicole and then tried the couple on their bed and arsoned the house. The couple were saved at the last moment by their neighbours. Denktash´s ``police'' were able to arrest the two accused. The incident happened last Sunday.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[05] Birand on Ecevit´s messages to Clinton

[11] Turkey is the most trusted US ally in the region. It will continue to be so in the future.

[14] We expect the United States to significantly increase its economic aid.

[16] Turkey must be recognized as a EU candidate if progress is to be made on Cyprus and the Aegean problems.

The second decision will clarify whether or not Turkey´s accession as a full member to the organization will be accepted.

Turkey To Reject Meaningless Candidacy (subhead)

What is most important to Turkey is that its candidacy, which it wants to be recognized, must `not only be in words´ or a mere `title´. It must be treated in exactly the same way as all the other candidate countries are treated. It will expect the process of talks to begin.

The conviction in EU circles that `we can consider what we can do after we recognize Turkey as a candidate´ has made Ankara uneasy. This will mean that Turkey´s candidacy will be a mere title. Ankara wants the Helsinki summit to recognize a Turkish status that will pave the way for the commencement of talks on accession. In fact, this is what Bulent Ecevit will explain to President Clinton when he meets him today.

Turkey Not to Take action Before It Becomes Candidate (subhead)

Turkey is aware that the candidacy that will be recognized to it will not be enough by itself, regardless of whether or not it is meaningful. This is because all the EU countries, including Greece, have the right to veto the decision. This is why Ankara will insist that the organizaiton adopt a `meaningful´ decision on its candidacy.

A high-ranking Foreign Ministry official described Turkey´s approach as follows: `Setting aside the situation prior to the recognition of Turkey´s candidacy, a meaningless status will prevent us from taking any action´. Conditions Related to Cyprus and Aegean to Change After Candidacy (subhead)

Some of the high-ranking officials in Ecevit´s delegation have clearly said that Ankara´s policy on the Aegean disputes and the Cyprus problem will be reconsidered if the summit in Helsinki decides to recognize Turkey as a candidate. An official of the Foreign Ministry Department for Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus Affairs has told a group of Greek citizens: `Our policy will definitely be reconsidered if Turkey is recognized as a candidate. I do not know the approach Ankara will adopt but I can say that things will develop in a positive way´.

The approach President Clinton will adopt in his talks with Ecevit is unknown. However, the White House sources have said that they do not want Ecevit´s visit to be impeded by the Cyprus problem and noted that a plan will not be proposed.''

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

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