Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-11-06

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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] Denktash denies map, timetable discussed in Geneva talks.

[02] Yilmaz pleased with Athens contacts, comments on Cyprus problem.

[03] Turkey says third parties should keep Cyprus ``realities'' in mind.

[04] Papandreou to Yilmaz: ``Cyprus will either divide us or bring us together''.

[05] Pseudostate gives illegal `citizenship/ to 49,000 people.

[06] Turkish navy exercise to be held in North Mediterranean, off-Cyprus between 3-16 November.

[07] Pseudostate claims EU statement encourages Greek Cypriot ``intransigence''.

[08] Ertugruloglu describes Vassiliou statement as `insincere/.

[09] Ayioi Asomatoi church.

[10] George Vassiliou/s interview to KIBRIS.

[11] Iraqis arrested off Koma tou Yialou.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash denies map, timetable discussed in Geneva talks Anatolia Agency (16:05 hours, 4.11.00) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader

Speaking to the Turkish press in Geneva, Denktash said that they completed the third meeting of the fifth round of the proximity talks, adding they didn`t discuss the issues of map and territory in these meetings.

He said that they were busy with the contents of a document related with a confederal solution on the island and they discussed this issue in the meeting.

Alvaro De Soto, the Cyprus Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General, also explained his views on the issue and he explained his oppositions to some of them, said Denktash and added that they tried to record progress.

Rauf Denktash said that in Geneva they prepare for the ``basis''. He stressed that the road to the solution is a long one and views have to be explained there in patience and in calm attitude. ``At the end of this round, we have to make an overall evaluation both in Lefkosia and in Ankara together with Turkey. We must ask ourselves whether we are on the right way and what is or what can be the proposals of the UN Secretary General, we must evaluate these well'', said Denktash.

When a journalist asked him whether the sixth round of the talks would be transferred to Cyprus or not, Denktash said that they would insist on that. He noted that the Greek Cypriot side and UN Secretary Kofi Annan should also say ``yes'' to that.

``We think that we can meet in Cyprus again, in fact this is inevitable, because we can see what can be done then. This can take place in Lefkosia'', said Denktash.

He denied the news saying that efforts are underway to prepare a draft solution till June and added that no timetable was given to him.

Denktash said that the views of the two sides are taken separately, adding that among the views conveyed to them there are also the ones which were taken from the other side.

``I think that they have the intention of bringing out one document, but we didn`t give them such an authority'', said Denktash and noted that it is them who will live together on the island.

They won`t welcome a document which will be in the form of fait accompli which will be imposed from outside, said Denktash and noted that ``we are not in a process which is close to Camp David. It was Palestinians and Israel which went to Camp David and their situation was different from ours which continues for more than 30 years.'' Noting that Camp David like meetings are not magical, Denktash said that they can meet face to face if the necessary preparations are completed. ``If we can reach an agreement, we will do that. There is no need for others` pressure. We are not strangers of each other. But first of all Clerides should give up the image of the Greek Cypriot side/s representing the Turkish Cypriots'', he said.

Rauf Denktash said ``Turkish and Greek Cypriots are the leading actors on the island'' and he stressed that ``the TRNC would not accept any main actors''. Assessing the point reached during the fifth round of proximity talks on Cyprus, Denktash said they would see if it ``fits in a confederal framework'' while reviewing the negotiations` details. ``We want to make an agreement which depends on two separate states, which would not be violated easily by saying that it is their domestic affair'', Denktash told reporters.

Defining the difference between the confederation and federation, Denktash said ``the more powerful side can topple the federation by claiming that it is their internal affairs, but it cannot do the same thing in a confederation.'' ``This confederation is open to a federation in the future'', he said. Reminding reporters that Cyprus Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said in Geneva that ``the EU was a catalyst and the objection of the Turkish Cypriot side to this showed its helplessness,'' Denktash blamed the Greek Cypriot side for applying to the EU ``with a false status''. ``They should quit trying to possess Cyprus by following the way shown to them by other forces'', he alleged.

Greek Cypriots, Denktash said, would not obtain any benefits by armament or giving military bases to Greece. He also claimed that the EU/s interference is encouraging the Greek Cypriot side to resist negotiating. ``Any sane person would suggest first agreement and then the EU. Therefore we give priority to agreement'', he elaborated.

Drawing attention to deep differences of view between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Denktash said ``the conflict will not be resolved if the Greek Cypriots don`t change their minds. At the end of this round, we will sit and think where things started from and where they ended and we will decide accordingly.'' Responding to a question on Turkey/s Accession Partnership Accord, Denktash alleged that including the Cyprus issue in this document would be a big mistake. ``If such a big mistake is made, then naturally it will be an excuse for a re-evaluation,'' he commented.

He also added that Turkey is working hard in order not to have Cyprus in the Accord.

Proximity talks should not be used to exert pressure by EU countries both on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side on this matter, Denktash said and claimed that Turkey/s EU entrance was a completely different issue.

[02] Yilmaz pleased with Athens contacts, comments on Cyprus problem Anatolia Agency (17:53 hours, 3.11.00) reports that Mesut Yilmaz, the

Yilmaz, who visited Athens to participate in a meeting staged by the Turkish-Greek Business Council, briefed the journalists about his contacts in Athens.

Pointing out that he had the opportunity to hold a series of bilateral contacts in Athens, Yilmaz said, ``I met with Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Constantinos Mitsotakis, the former Prime Minister of Greece, Costas Karamanlis, the leader of New Democracy Party (NDP), the main opposition party in Greece. I also exchanged views with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou. There is willingness and political will for the continuation of rapprochement process with Turkey. I have seen that Athens has this political will.''

Stressing that very important developments have been recorded in the rapprochement process, Yilmaz said mutual confidence, which is very important for the relations of the two countries, would be strengthened within this process.

Yilmaz said the mentality of the rapprochement was to discuss the cooperation issues which could not be taken up so far because of the problems, and to improve cooperation, and underlined that this process required patience and understanding.

Pointing out that the issue of the Turkish-EU accession partnership accord was discussed during his contacts, Yilmaz said he had the impression that Athens would not have any demand to add a new element apart from the Helsinki decisions.

Yilmaz also said he thought there would not be an element that will be disturbing for Turkey in the accession partnership document.

When asked if Athens would have a demand to add issues like Cyprus and Turkish-Greek relations to the document as they were included in the Helsinki decisions, Yilmaz said, ``there may be different comments on the Helsinki decisions. However, we have put forward our understanding in this respect. The Prime Minister has conveyed our evaluations in this respect to the EU Chairmanship. The EU should not have any hesitations in this respect''.

Pointing out that the Accession Partnership Accord would be disclosed on November 8, and would be sent to the EU Nice Summit in December if an agreement could not be reached on it in the EU Foreign Ministers General Affairs Committee, Yilmaz said, ``I think an agreement would be reached at the stage of Foreign Ministers meeting''.

Yilmaz, who mentioned the Cyprus issue, stressed that it was not right to expect all the efforts from the Turkish side, adding that all the concerned sides should exert efforts.

Pointing out that Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou/s approach in this respect was right, Yilmaz said he thought solution of this problem in a just way, and in a way that will be acceptable to the two communities living on the island, would add a great momentum to Turkish-Greek relations.

[03] Turkey says third parties should keep Cyprus ``realities'' in mind Anatolia Agency, (14:31 hours, 3.11.00) reports that Turkish Foreign

In reply to a question, Dirioz said that Turkey ``is continuing its constructive approach to the Cyprus proximity talks'' within the framework of the support it extends to the UN Secretary General in efforts directed toward finding a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem.

Pointing out that Turkey will continue to support and encourage the Turkish Cypriot side in the negotiations process aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to this problem, Dirioz continued:

``The Cyprus proximity talks are being held without any preconditions. The meaning of this is that no model can be introduced as a precondition. Therefore, any reference to be made to the UN Security council resolutions is not valid''.

Noting that the statement issued by the pseudostate on the issue is shared by Turkey as well, Dirioz pointed out that the ``proximity talks process'', which was initiated with the statement the UN Secretary General made on 14 November 1999, is being conducted based on this statement, adding:

``According to that statement there are two equal sides in Cyprus and efforts are being made to prepare the ground for direct talks between these two equal sides through the proximity talks process''.

Claiming that the two equal sides in Cyprus are the ``two separate and sovereign states that represent two different peoples on the island'', Dirioz said that the solution to the Cyprus problem will be found by these ``two states'' and not by third parities. He continued:

``The duty that befalls third parties, which are sincere in their wish to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem, is to keep in mind the realities on the island as well as the fact that a viable and lasting solution can be found only through a conciliation to be reached between the two equal and sovereign states in Cyprus.''

[04] Papandreou to Yilmaz: ``Cyprus will either divide us or bring us together''

In his address Yilmaz said: ``It is our belief that discussions are not a basis for unilateral concessions. The discussions must lead to a framework for joint efforts to achieve a settlement acceptable for both sides''.

Stressing that relations between the two countries have reached sufficient maturity to discuss mutual disputes, Yilmaz said: ``There is now great momentum in the relations of the two countries. We should maintain this despite the ups and downs''.

Papandreou said that it was time for his country and Turkey to bury decades of animosity and take steps to forge a lasting peace.

Addressing a group of Greek and Turkish businessmen, Papandreou said the road to peace must be taken ``even though the recent problems between us show this path is not strewn with rose petals''.

Papandreou said Athens and Ankara should work together to find a solution to the Cyprus dispute, saying it was time ``to tear down the last Berlin wall in Europe'' and remove the most difficult obstacle in their relations. ``Solving the Cyprus issue will remove distrust between our countries'', he said. ``Cyprus will either divide us or bring us together''.

[05] Pseudostate gives illegal `citizenship/ to 49,000 people Nearly 49 thousand people were given the so-called ``citizenship'' of the

``KIBRIS'', which has the highest circulation in the occupied areas, says that according to figures given by a special investigative committee to the illegal ``parliament'' in the pseudostate, 48 thousand 816 people were given the so-called ``citizenship'' since 1974, while the report warns that the Turkish Cypriot community may face a number of social, cultural and economic problems if this trend is not stopped.

The report, carrying the signatures of the ``committee/s'' so-called chairman Suha Turkoz, ``deputy chairman'' Savas Atakan, members Sonay Adem, Kemal Havali and Huseyin Ozgurgun, noted that since there has been lack of statistical information it was not possible to give a definite figure as regards to the nationality of those who received ``TRNC citizenship''.

The ``assembly investigation committee'' has compiled the report between 28.5.1999-8.6.2000. It took almost a year to prepare it. The 7 - page report adopted by majority ways that in the period covering 1994-1999, that is in six years time, 4371 people received ``citizenship''. The children of those who received ``citizenship'', who were under 18, were included in this figure. They received ``citizenship'' through a ``council of ministers'' relevant decision, that is after completing five years permanent residence in the pseudostate.. The report further says that in the period between 1973-1993, since the system was not computerized, no data exists to determine how many people received ``TRNC citizenship'' through a ``council of ministers decision''. In 25 years, covering the period between 1974-1999, 39728 people received ``TRNC citizenship'' through a ``council of ministers decision''. The report further mentions that 84% of those who have received ``citizenship'', obtained it through a ``council of ministers decision.''

During the debate on the report, RTP ``deputy'' Sonay Adem criticized the ``committee/s'' chairman Suha Turkoz of undue haste. Adem said that information given to the ``committee'' was wrong and ``fabricated''. He added that so-called citizenship was given to people who did not ever know where Cyprus was.

The DP ``deputy'' Ahmet Kasif said that in the 1990 ``elections'' those who disembarked from the ships were given ``citizenship''.

[06] Turkish navy exercise to be held in North Mediterranean, off-Cyprus between 3 - 16 November

According to Anatolia (12:20 hours, 3.11.00), four frigates, one fuel-oil supply ship and two submarines of the Naval Forces and planes of the Turkish Air Forces would participate in Barbaros 2000.

The scope of the manoeuvre includes submarine defense war, naval war and air defense war training, and naval-air cooperation methods.

The Kocatepe, Muavenet, Gaziantep and Gokceada Frigates will visit the occupied Famagusta Port between November 8 and 11.

The manoeuvre will end with transfer of participating troops and ships to Aksaz on November 13.

[07] Pseudostate claims EU statement encourages Greek Cypriot ``intransigence''

The ``ministry'' issued a written statement and recalled that the EU Term Presidency has issued a statement on October 31, before the fifth round of proximity talks on Cyprus, and called on the ``two communities'', to hold core talks and to reach a solution within the framework of the related UN decisions. The statement alleged``this call encouraged the Greek Cypriot side to adopt a more intransigent attitude''.

The statement described the statement of the EU Term Presidency as ``an unfortunate statement which contradicts with the efforts carried out within the framework of the good will mission of the UN Secretary General''.

The statement alleged that ``equal and sovereign status of the Turkish Cypriot side, and the fact that Greek Cypriot side was not the only government of the island should be accepted soon''.

[08] Ertugruloglu describes Vassiliou statement as `insincere/ Anatolia Agency (14:10 hours, 4.11.00) reports that so-called 4foreign and

Mr. Vassiliou was invited by the Patriotic Unity Movement in the occupied area and spoke at a conference on October 31.

Ertugruloglu claimed Mr. Vassiliou ``intentionally avoided expressing Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides/ goals during his speech''.

He alleged Mr. Vassiliou tried to avoid subjects such as removing Turkey/s guarantee over the ``TRNC'', giving minority status to Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus, enabling Greek Cypriots to enter the pseudostate, and to erase the idea of ``two separate states''.

Ertugruloglu stated that the pseudostate has no objections to apply for EU membership ``together with the Greek Cypriot administration legally'' after the two sides agree on confederation or after Turkey joins the Union. ``Even before these conditions are fulfilled, the TRNC does not object to enter the EU as a separate and sovereign state'', he said.

[09] Ayioi Asomatoi church KIBRIS (5.11.00) reports that the Ay. Asomatoi church in the area of

The article also says that in the same area (Aphendrika) there are many historical sites with important historical value, which are left unprotected.

[10] George Vassiliou/s interview to KIBRIS KIBRIS (3.11.00) publishes an interview with Cyprus chief negotiator with

In the interview, Mr. Vassiliou said that, as the Cyprus chief negotiator with the EU, their aim is for both communities to enter the EU.

Pointing out that they have not received a reply yet from the Turkish Cypriot side as regards their invitation for a joint delegation, Mr. Vassiliou asked: ``If we enter without you, what will you do? We say that we want you to enter with us. But if this doesn/t happen and Turkish Cypriots stay out, it will be very bad. You must understand that. Turkish Cypriots will not enter EU. After a while Turkey will enter EU and Turkish Cypriots will not be able to enter EU with Turkey''.

[11] Iraqis arrested off Koma tou Yialou According to HALKIN SESI (5.11.00) the occupation authorities arrested

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

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