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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-08-14
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA
No. 154/00 -- 12-13-14.8.00
[A] NEWS ITEMS
[01] Gurel on Geneva Talks, Economic Package, Banking Crisis
[02] Denktash confers with Parties on talks, Economic Situation
[03] Denktash: Greek Cypriot threat to withdraw from talks is a bluff
[04] Hasipoglu, Eroglu assert no turning back in Anniversary Messages
[05] Petition for peace by Turkish Cypriots
[06] Mehmet Ali Talat calls for end to Denktash monopoly over Cyprus
[07] Opposition parties rap pseudo government for canceling payment to
depositors
[08] Turkish Cypriot Unions criticize economic package
[09] Bank victims establish association, call on pseudo government to
resign
[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS
[10] Honeymoon atmosphere, negative developments between Turkey and Greece
viewed
[13] Share ideas, in the interests of all
. NEWS ITEMS
[17] Gurel on Geneva Talks, Economic Package, Banking Crisis KIBRIS
(13.8.00) reports that Sukru Sina Gurel, Turkish state minister
responsible for Cyprus affairs, has told the Turkish Cypriots: Let us not
fall into the trap of those who want to cause a rift between Turkey and the
``TRNC''.
Gurel said that the decision about the economic package will be made by
those who rule the ``TRNC''. On the payments to the bank victims, he said:
We will continue to make recommendations and to extend financial aid. We
are studying the issue.
On the proximity talks, Gurel said he returned happy from Geneva and that
both in Geneva and before that, the talks were held in line with the
concrete and constructive proposals made by the ``TRNC''. He pointed out
that third parties that are interested in the Cyprus question are closer to
the realities of the issue than before, adding: ``Therefore, during our
joint assessment, we were able to say that compared to the past, we are now
much better able to explain the realities of the island and the reality of
the TRNC to others.''
Asked what Turkey's expectations are regarding the talks planned for
September, Gurel said: ``We are waiting for the ground to be prepared for
direct comprehensive talks, but so far the Greek Cypriot side has not made
any constructive or concrete proposals.''
[43] Denktash confers with Parties on talks, Economic Situation
``Yeni Demokrat'' (13.8.00) reports on a meeting Turkish Cypriot leader
Rauf Denktash has had at which he briefed political party leaders on the
third round proximity talks held in Geneva. Denktash explained to them the
current position of the Turkish Cypriot side. ``Internal problems were also
discussed at the meeting'', the report says.
Mustafa Akinci, Communal Liberation party leader, ``state minister, and
deputy prime minister'' noted that it is impossible to say much in
connection with the Geneva talks because of the news blackout. He added:
``We came here to discuss the Geneva talks, but we also touched upon
internal matters. Those issues were also discussed in earnest, and views
were exchanged.''
Akinci remarked that the issues were discussed in general, but no concrete
proposals were submitted during the meeting. In the period ahead, Akinci
said, the ``government'' can benefit from various views which are suitable
to the country's conditions, which are applicable, and which do not
constitute mere criticism for the sake of criticism.
Democratic Party leader Serdar Denktash reported that the Cyprus issue and
the ``domestic'' developments were discussed. Noting that there is not much
hope of reaching a conciliation regarding internal matters, Serdar Denktash
remarked, however, that the very fact that the issue was discussed together
is progress. Serdar Denktash said that his party had described the
``government's'' stand as wrong, and this was manifested in the meeting as
well.
He added: ``It is clear that there is no more confidence in this
government. A new governmental structure must emerge to inspire the
people's trust and to prompt them to say that maybe now something will
happen. This is what we must dwell on, because the country is on a bad
course.'' He continued: ``We must create a new economic structure
internally by activating our own resources. To this end, we must cooperate
with, rather than confront, Turkey, and together outline the course
ahead.''
Republican Turkish Party leader Mehmet Ali Talat said: ``Work to be
conducted on many levels at this juncture when the Cyprus issue is on a
path of non solution and steps to be taken in this regard may lead to the
solution of the economic crisis. The government is definitely not engaged
in such work''. Talat charged that the economic packages prepared together
with Turkey have nothing to do with the economy. Claiming that the packages
are devoid of economic sense and fail to incorporate any element concerning
production. Talat said that the packages define only how to balance the
public finances, how to restrict budget allocations, and how to increase
the budget income by raising prices.
[90] Denktash: Greek Cypriot threat to withdraw from talks is a bluff
According to KIBRIS (13.8.00) Turkish Cypriot Leader, Rauf Denktash, said
on Saturday that the threat of the Greek Cypriot side to withdraw from the
talks due to the confederation proposal is a bluff. He said that ``it is a
kind of rigged game to influence the U.N. Secretary-General of the U.N.
Security Council.''
Denktash noted that the aim of the Greek Cypriots is to eliminate the
confederation proposal of the Turkish side and to bring the talks to the
frame they want.
Denktash stressed that they attended the talks on condition that everything
will come to the table without any preconditions, adding ``we will meet
without any preconditions. The sides are not communities, there is no
longer a thing called intercommunal talks. The term of 'two equal sides' is
used. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Nobody will be limited
by referring to the resolutions of the U.N. Security Council.''
Denktash added that the ``real aim of the Greek Cypriots is to join the
European Union by being the government of the whole Cyprus and to end the
rights of Turkey on Cyprus.''
[113] Hasipoglu, Eroglu assert no turning back in Anniversary Messages
According to ``Birlik'' (14.8.00) Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the ``Parliament
Speaker
of the TRNC'', said on Sunday that taking a backward step in ``TRNC'' is
out of question.
Hasipoglu issued a message upon the 26th anniversary of the second phase of
the Turkish invasion in 1974.
Hasipoglu said that they are against formulas that have the risk to bring
back former days in Cyprus and that the ``TRNC'', which paid the price with
its life, blood and self-sacrifice, will be further developed.
Hasipoglu continued ``the political and economic problems we are facing
today should not make us forget our earlier troubles. They should not make
us forget the 103 villages that we had to abandon and the sorrowful and
miserable days.''
TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu who also issued a message said that the
Peace Operation drew the final line where today's state was established and
put an end to the dreams of Greeks and Greek Cypriots who wanted to own the
whole of Cyprus.''
Eroglu added ``our main target in political platforms is providing the
acceptance of the existence of the two separate states on the island by
making the peace which was brought to the island by the Peace Operation a
lasting one.''
[141] Petition for peace by Turkish Cypriot CYPRUS TODAY (12-18 August,
2000) publishes a petition by Peace-Cyprus.Org
which will be posted on the Internet on August 15.
The announcement says that every year during the months of July and August
tensions rise in Cyprus and the bitter realities of the existing division
show their face. These months are the anniversaries of bloodshed.
People who believe in a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem should
raise their voices during these months and confront the chauvinist
rhetoric.
Peace-Cyprus.Org believes in grass-roots participation in peace-building.
Therefore, we are calling for endorsement of a petition which calls for a
peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the UN, for a
complete demilitarisation of the island, for the restoration of human
rights and for taking the necessary steps for rapid accession the E.U.
The petition and the signatures will be posted on the Internet on August
15.
It will be faxed/e-mailed to media in Cyprus, Turkey and Greece and to the
international media.
It will also be faxed/e-mailed to political organisations, NGOs and
international bodies. All destinations will also be posted in the homepage,
which is at www.peace-cyprus.org.
You and/or your organisation can sign the petition there, the announcement
says.
[171] Mehmet Ali Talat calls for end to Denktash monopoly over Cyprus The
front page of Yeni Duzen (12.8.00) under the title ``Why the chaos, what
is the solution'' refers to a statement of Republican Turkish Party (CTP)
leader Mehmet Ali Talat that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is
faced with important and serious problems.
Talat said that the negative interventions to the democratic system, the
discussions initiated on the regime, the civilian-military conflict, the
large rallies, and the signing campaigns are indications of serious
problems. The statement noted that the CTP has always approached the
country's problems in a sensitive and responsible manner.
Meanwhile, the CTP informed the public of its assessments on the Cyprus
problem, the economic and political situation, and the democratic system.
The CTP Party Council prepared a brochure under the headline ``Why the
chaos, what is the solution, we will produce, and we will govern'', saying
that the chaos which is affecting all the areas of our lives should be
eliminated. The brochure further expressed the view that the development
and change of the Turkish Cypriot people as well as its spiritual, cultural
and political experience is being suppressed. Pointing out that those who
created this distorted structure well not be able to solve the problems,
the brochure said that a crushing majority of the Turkish Cypriot people
want an equitable solution to the Cyprus problem and participation in the
EU process.
The brochure noted that if the economic, political and social crises are to
be overcome, then the restrictions imposed on politics should be lifted.
Pointing out that an end should be put to the Denktash monopoly over the
Cyprus negotiating process, the brochure expressed the view the current
mutual anger in Turkey and north Cyprus was the result of the unhealthy
relations established with Turkey. The brochure, distributed by the CTP,
concluded by noting the inevitable presence of a strong, productive and a
self-governing Turkish Cypriot people within the framework of a democratic
system.
[207] Opposition parties rap pseudo government for canceling payment to
depositors
According to illegal Bayrak Radio (17.30 hours, 10.8.00) Serdar Denktash,
leader of the main opposition Democratic Party(DP), has said that the
National Unity Party(UBP)-Communal Liberation Party (TKP) coalition
government is incapable of either generating or implementing any decisions.
In a press release he issued, Denktash said that the government abrogated
the agreement it reached with the bank depositors, charging that, therefore,
the people's trust in the government has been shaken. Pointing out that the
depositors expect a concrete statement in connection with their savings,
Denktash noted that, the statement issued after the cabinet meeting held on
9 August that the payment of one eighteenth of the sums would not be made,
grieved the citizens. Pointing out that bringing to trial the owners and
administrators of the banks is inevitable, Denktash added that, this will
not facilitate the solution of the bank victims' problems. Stressing that
the so-called government should urgently find a solution to the problems,
Denktash continued: ``If the government is still uncertain as to what
measures should be taken on the issue and if it is considering solving the
problem by requesting funds for the depositors from Turkey, then it is
gravely mistaken. The solution lies within us.''
Nationalist Justice Party (MAP) leader Zorlu Tore has charged that it is a
great disgrace that the government has not been able to solve the problem.
In a statement Tore called on the so-called government and the bank owners
to solve the issue as soon as possible. Questioning as to how much longer
the Turkish Cypriot people will be administered by a ``government'' that is
incapable of implementing the state guarantee, Tore asked that stands
critical of the Turkish and the TRNC states by abandoned immediately.
[238] Turkish Cypriot Unions criticize economic package According to KIBRIS
(12.8.00) the Federation of Turkish Cypriot Worker
Unions (Turk-Sen) has announced that it is opposed to the deception of the
Turkish Cypriot people. Turk-Sen leader Onder Konuloglu issued a written
statement asking if the so-called government and the ``president''
consulted with any worker unions or non governmental organisations (NGO's)
before they decided to implement some of the clauses of the economic
package. Konuloglu said: ``If they are going to implement the economic
package despite the unions, despite the NGO's, in short, despite the
Turkish Cypriot people, then they should announce that they are doing it
because they are being forced to, because they are being instructed to.''
Konuloglu announced that Turk-Sen is opposed to these forced measures and
stressed that the officials must protect the country and the people.
The Turkish Cypriot Union of Public Sector Employees (Kamu-Sen) called on
the government to fulfill its promise that it will protect the rights of
the workers. Kamu-Sen leader Ahment Otuken and Secretary General Hasan
Kozuk sent a letter to so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu with a copy
to ``Deputy Prime Minister'' Mustafa Akinci. The letter says that Kamu-Sen
will continue to oppose the curtailment of the workers' rights.
[261] Bank victims establish association, call on pseudo government to
resign According to illegal Bayrak Radio (12.30 hours, 10.8.00) victims of
the
banking crisis in occupied Cyprus have established an association. Metin
Ahun was elected the temporary president of the Association of Bank
Depositors and Victims during the expanded coordination council of the bank
victims formed with the participation of the regional committees.
In a statement Ahun said that the ``Cabinet'', after its meeting on 9th
August, announced that the payment of one eighteenth of the deposited sums
was canceled unilaterally. He added that the committee took various
decisions following the ``Cabinet'' decision. The statement stressed that
the bank victims will not keep silent in the face of the unilateral
cancellation of the protocol envisaging the payment of the deposited sums
in 18 equal installments. Pointing out that a decision was adopted to set
up the ``Association of TRNC Bank Depositors and Victims'' in a bid to
establish closer ties with the depositors being represented and to overcome
the hitches in the activities being organised, the statement added that,
however, the Bank Depositors Administrative Councils will not be dissolved.
He noted that the Association's temporary administrative council will
implement the action plan to be formulated by the depositors within a week
the latest. The statement further stressed that the so-called government,
which the depositors believe is incapable of surmounting the problem, will
be asked to resign immediately and called on all the depositors to keep
calm and give a chance to the democratic initiatives and actions to be
taken.
[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS [288] Honeymoon atmosphere, negative
developments between Turkey and Greece viewed
Istanbul ``MILLIYET'' (11.8.00) by Sami Kohen Will the honeymoon between
Turkey and Greece, which began in 1999, end? We have asked the question
because of the reports we received on a number of recent developments
between the two countries.
``Honeymoon'' is a word that is frequently used. But let us see what it
stands for in international relations. It means an era of transition. It
might be full of disappointments or opportunities for friendships.
The honeymoon between the Turkish and Greek communities began at about this
time in 1999. It is still continuing. The affection displayed by the two
sides toward each other quickly brought the Turkish and Greek peoples
closer together after the two countries suffered from earthquakes. The
contacts between various sectors of the two communities and the exchange of
visits pave the way for cooperation between Ankara and Athens in many
fields. The Turkish and Greek Governments signed many agreements to
cooperate to promote tourism, trade and cultural activities between them.
Naturally, the dialogue and friendship between Foreign Minister Cem and
Foreign Minister Papandreou contributed toward the honeymoon.
The honeymoon atmosphere between the two peoples is still continuing but
the relations between the two countries at official level are
deteriorating. Some of the developments that took place recently can be
seen as a clear sign of that. For example, the meeting Cem and Papandreou
planned to have in Greece early in August was not held because the Greek
side changed its mind. They were expected to exchange vies on how to hold
talks on the main problems that harm the relations between the two
countries.
The strong statements recently made by some of the Greek ministers and the
Government Spokesman harmed the atmosphere between Ankara and Athens. What
they said in connection with various issues, from the Cyprus problem to
democracy in Turkey, recalled Greece's approach prior to the honeymoon
between the two countries.
The official statements in Athens brought to light Greece's inclination to
use the EU factor as a kind of weapon in its effort to settle its disputes
with Turkey on Cyprus and the Aegean Sea. In fact, the Greek diplomats
recently made a strenuous effort in the EU to achieve Greece's objectives.
That has led to ask whether or not Greece will adopt a negative and
obstructive approach against Ankara when the Turkey-EU Association
Partnership Document is placed on the agenda. In fact, the officials in
Ankara have already considered the possibility of Greece adopting such an
approach.
Why has Athens preferred such a policy, which conflicts with the approach
it maintained during the past few months? The position held by the Greek
officials should not be seen as a sign of a change in Greece's policy? The
views Greece outlined on Cyprus and the Aegean disputes when the honeymoon
between the two sides was at its peak were not different from those the
Greek officials defended in the past. Nor are they different at the present
time.
Cem and Papandreou might have found a way to improve the situation if they
were able to hold their planned meeting. However, it seems that the Greek
Government does not intend to change its approach on the main problems. Nor
does it intend to contribute toward new concepts for reconciliation.
Unfortunately, Papandreou's moderate approach (and more realistic
initiatives on various issues) failed to change that state of affairs. In
fact, many officials in Greece are convinced that he will be replaced.
The negative developments at official level have not affected the honeymoon
atmosphere thus far. But, unfortunately, nor has the honeymoon atmosphere
had a bearing on the official policies of Turkey and Greece until now.
[355] Share ideas, in the interests of all CYPRUS TODAY (12-18.8.00)
Referring to the various plans following the banking scandal in the
occupied areas the paper says: ``So, now its official: Plan A for repaying
lost savings of thousands of bank depositors is finally dead, just five
months after is inception and two months after the well from which
compensation was being drawn dried up.
But never fear; the government is beavering away on Plan B - its
alternative arrangement for meeting the understandable demands of investors
that they get their money back. Once the Cabinet is satisfied with its new
scheme, it will present it to the committee representing victims of the
four financial institutions ...
... who, meanwhile, have come up with their one five-point Plan C, which
they presented to ``Prime Minister'' Dervis Eroglu this week.
And in the latest development, it emerged that the Democrat Party had come
up with a Plan D for resolving the country' s economic woes, including the
banking crisis, within six months.
Who might now come up with Plans E to Z?
So far, it seems, few are privy to details on any of the new proposals.
Instead of the various parties playing their cards so close to their chests,
and talking of ``our'' plan, it would serve everyone's best interests if
some cross-party, cross-society think-tank were to be formed to pool ideas
and come up with an agreed, composite compensation scheme. One which, this
time, could be trusted still to be workable after three months.''
/SK.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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