Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-12-18

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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. 243/00 -- 16-17-18

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash, Eroglu, Akinci, Cosar, Talat on Cyprus issue, ``Sina Qua Nons''.

[02] Pseudo-assembly decides, `useless/ to continue with talks.

[03] Turkish Cypriot ``ultimatum''.

[04] Dentkash visits Pyla.

[05] Denktash views efforts to portray Cyprus as obstacle to Turkey/s EU membership.

[06] Denktash meets Chinese envoy.

[07] TUSIAD officials criticize Turkish Government on Cyprus policy and economy.

[08] Mass resignations from UBP.

[09] Economic talks with `TRNC/ postponed to 10 January due to heavy schedule.

[10] So-called Turkish Cypriot Security Forces Radio to start broadcasting.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Writer Muses over impact of US election result on Turkey.

[13] Editorial sees Bush Administration sympathizing with Turkey/s interests in time.

[16] Turkish Cypriot paper views reactionary activities seudostate.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas, Eroglu, Akinci, Cosar, Talat on Cyprus Issue, 'Sine Qua Nons' Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (16:30 hours, 16.12.00) reports that the pseudo-

Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot side tried its best to pursue the talks under the status of ``state'' despite all the efforts exerted by the Greek- Greek Cypriot duo, Denktas recalled that Turkey always extended support to this end. Stressing the importance of acting together with Turkey in order not to lose the gains, Denktas said: ``No concessions can be made on the basics and political equality constitutes a sine qua non''. Denktas added: ``Nobody should expect me to accept a system of administration, which erases my state from the map and sets up municipal-like boundaries that will enable the Greek Cypriots to live among us and force my people to migrate''.

Denktas briefed the ``deputies'' in detail on the proximity talks and the document submitted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to both sides during the fifth round of talks. Warning that Cyprus will turn into another Kosovo in the event that the provisions of the US secretary general's document are accepted, Denktas added that the Greek Cypriots charged that the concepts of sovereignty and separate state should not be raised during the negotiation process. Denktas continued: ``The Greek Cypriots accused us of violating the UN Security Council [UNSC] resolutions''.

Alleging that the UN secretary general's stand and the developments of the negotiation process make it impossible to continue with the talks, Denktas said that the sole goal of the Greek Cypriots is to turn the Cyprus republic into a federal republic and added: ``The Turkish Cypriot side, in return, seeks a solution based on two separate states''.

Denktas continued: ``We assess that the UN secretary general's stand is in favor of the Greek Cypriots even though both sides' approaches to the issue are complete opposites of one another. An EU membership before an agreement is signed is tantamount to having the Greek Cypriots settle among us.'' Denktas underscored that an EU membership without an agreement is unacceptable.

Noting that future developments will depend on the contacts of the UN secretary general's Cyprus special envoy in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, Denktas added: ``We can pursue the dialogue only if the framework contains new, acceptable, and realistic conditions; does not sacrifice our state and dilutes the Turkish guarantee; emphasizes our equal sovereignty, and gives priority to a global exchange of property''.

Dervis Eroglu, ``prime minister'' and National Unity Party [UBP] leader, addressed the pseudo-assembly after Denktas. Eroglu said that there was no change in his party's views on the Cyprus issue. Explaining that the UBP envisages an agreement, which secures the independent existence and international recognition of the pseudostate, its rights, and Turkey's active and de facto guarantee, Eroglu continued: ``The talks can continue within this framework. This is our essential national goal''. Explaining that the UN secretary general imposed conditions on the Turkish Cypriot by submitting to the sides a nonpaper, which foresees a unitary state, Eroglu added: ``This situation is in violation of the principle that everything can be laid on the table''. Noting that there are approaches on the security issue which eliminates the guarantee agreements, Eroglu continued: ``It is impossible for us to accept this. This is against our national politics and is in the nature of removing Turkey's active and de facto guarantee''. Commenting on the latest resolution adopted by the UN Security Council, Eroglu said that the UNFICYP can carry out activities on the condition that the ``TRNC authorities'' approve. To this end, Eroglu emphasized, we will insist on reaching an agreement with the United Nations on this issue.

Mustafa Akinci, Communal Liberation Party leader, ``state minister, and deputy prime minister'', said that the Cyprus issue should be taken and assessed within the framework of Cyprus. Noting that the Turkish Cypriots are undergoing an extremely crucial stage, Akinci said: ``There are certain difficulties; however, they can be surmounted once the Cyprus issue is resolved''. Stressing the importance of the dialogue within the public, Akinci said that the TUrkish-Greek relations are progressing, adding that this progress should not be disregarded. Commenting on the EU stand, Akinci said that the organization is producing nonsolutions instead of solutions. Asserting that a EU membership should come after a solution to Cyprus issue is secured, Akinci stressed the importance of laying the grounds for a negotiation process. Underscoring the stand in favor of pursuing the talks without any conditions, Akinci warned that the withdrawal of the Turkish Cypriot side from the talks can shorten the road leading to the EU for the Greek Cypriots. Akinci continued: ``Explaining the existence of the TRNC will be difficult as long as the Turkish Cypriots keep away from the talks''.

On behalf of his party group, Democratic Party leader Salih Cosar recalled that it became evident after studying the UN secretary general's package, which was submitted at the end of the proximity talks, that it did not contain any reference to confederation or federation, Cosar stressed:

``This package showed that one state and one sovereignty is sought in Cyprus. The principle of political equality and Turkey's guarantorship is diluted''. Explaining that resilience is needed on certain issues in order to secure peace and conciliation, Cosar added: ``However, it is absolutely necessary not to accept the basic elements such as engaging in talks without any basis. This will be tantamount to denying the past and future of the Turkish Cypriots''. Noting that they extend support to Denktash on his stand, Cosar noted that principles such as sovereignty, Turkey's guarantorship, equality, and exchange of property should be sine qua nons.

Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the Republican Turkish Party [CTP], charged that the pseudo-government transferred the Cyprus issue to Denktas, adding that this weakens the so-called assembly. Explaining that it is wrong to brief the ``assembly'' after all the decisions are already made, Talat criticized the fact that the decision to withdraw from the talks was made by Denktas in Turkey after consulting with the ``government''. Pointing out that the process between the EU and the Greek Cypriot side is continuing and that the accession date is already fixed, Talat added that withdrawing from the talks while the EU process is under way will only contribute to the Greek Cypriot politics and endanger the Turkish Cypriot side. Talat further charged that the Turkish Cypriot side will revert to the pre-1974 situation in the event that the Greek Cypriots join the EU on their own. Assessing Turkey's reasons for extending support to the Cyprus stand of Denktas, Talat added that Turkey is ignoring the Turkish Cypriot for the sake of easing the presssure on its domestic politics. Explaining that several issues in the 8 November document of the United Nations were included in the 12 September document as well, Talat added that the 8 November document should not be rejected even though it has certain negative points. Talat continued:

``The views on this issue should have been expressed''. Explaining that Denktas' statement that he seeks to negotiate a confederation also constitutes a condition as much as the conditions in the 8 November document, Talat asserted that the document in question should be reviewed. Noting that there is a race against time at this stage, Talat added: ``For this reason, it is wrong to withdraw from talks''. Talat called for the Turkish Cypriot struggle to be waged on the table.

Taking to the podium once again after the party leaders' addresses, Denktas noted that he said that he will not participate in the proximity talks and that he can accept the UN secretary general's invitation in order to gain the sine qua nons. Reiterating that the raison d'etre of the talks is to find a solution to the Cyprus issue, Denktas explained that a meeting with the UN secretary general can be held in the event that the Turkish Cypriot ``sovereignty'' is accepted.

Criticizing the latest UN Security Council resolution, Denktas stressed that the United Nations cannot carry out activities in the Turkish Cypriot side without the ``TRNC'' approval.

Explaining that the view not to close the doors to negotiations is correct, Denktas added: ``At this stage, however, it is impossible to continue with the proximity talks''. Reiterating that he cannot do this, Denktas added:

``Under these conditions, the state will be considered nonexistent''.

[02] Pseudo-assembly Decides 'Useless' To Continue With Talks Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (6:00 hours, 17.12.00) reports that the so-called

The decision adopted said the following: ``The Republican Assembly assessed the proximity talks, which started on 3 December 1999 and continued with intervals until they ended on 10 December 2000. The Assembly has taken careful note of the information given by Rauf Denktas on this issue and would like to extend its appreciation to the serious, constructive, and determined stand displayed by the Turkish Cypriot side during the proximity talks. In addition, the TRNC Assembly would like to extend its gratitude to motherland Turkey for the support it extended to the decisions adopted in the TRNC, to this decision, and for its continuous assurance.''

Noting that the efforts exerted to achieve conciliation between the sides can continue only if they are based on realistic grounds, the statement added: ``To this end, the TRNC will continue to extend support to the UN secretary general efforts''.

Recalling the UN Security Council [SC] Resolution 1,331 to extend the mandate of the UNFICYP [UN Forces in Cyprus] , the decision said: ``In this way, the UNSC set a negative example and resolutions of this kind, whose grounds are not laid on the sovereign equality of the two sides in Cyprus, will adversely affect the Cyprus issue.''

The decision, which was adopted by a majority vote, underscored that the UNFICYP can carry out activities in the ``TRNC'' only within the framework of the rules determined by the ``TRNC''.

[03] Turkish Cypriot ``ultimatum'' KIBRIS (17.12.00) reports under the banner headlines ``Ultimatum to the Greek

KIBRIS goes on and says: ``Senior officers of the Security Forces Command (SFC) have given until Monday (18.12.00) noon to the Greek Cypriot National Guard to destroy the fortification works that have been going on the last sixteen days.''

The ultimatun - like warning of the senior officers of the ``SFC'' has been conveyed to the UN Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus yesterday during a secret meeting in Pyla with the commander of the Austrian contingent Lieutenant Colonel Kienberger.

In the very tough warning of the ``SFC'', it is said ``unless you destroy the fortifications on the Ghurka Hill and establish the status quo ante you will bear the responsibility of the consequences''.

KIBRIS further alleges that the National Guard turned a deaf ear to the written and verbal warnings of the ``SFC''.

Meanwhile, reports KIBRIS, the so-called SFC has dispatched a bulldozer to start fortification works on the ``Bayrak hill'', and occupation troops in the area have been ordered to take defensive counter-measures.

[04] Denktash visits Pyla KIBRIS (18.12.00) reports under the banner headlines ``Attention to Pyla'' and

Denktash visited occupation forces positions and fortifications and made provocative statements.

[05] Denktas Views Efforts To Portray Cyprus as Obstacle to Turkey's EU Membership

Denktash replied in writing to the written questions on the Cyprus issue of the National Channel News Center [Ulusal Kanal Haber Merkezi] which broadcasts in Turkey.

One of the questions was as follows: The pro-EU campaign in Turkey has been stepped up. Certain circles are trying to spread the idea that Cyprus may be given up for the sake of EU membership. How do you view the fact that TUSIAD [Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association] and the National Intelligence Organization are acting contrary to the decisions reached by Turkey at the highest level?

Denktas replied: ``Those who blame us or who panic because we are withdrawing from the talks are probably not familiar with the facts concerning the negotiations.

Denktas discussed the framework posited to the Turkish Cypriots by the UN secretary general on 8 November and the developments that followed. He stressed that this framework was said to go along the lines of the EU norms, which meant, he said, opening the doors to the Greek Cypriot refugees. Denktas said that the Turkish Cypriots went to the negotiations saying they could discuss everything with no preconditions but were met with unacceptable preconditions. ``Under these circumstances'', he charged, ``going on with the negotiations would have meant giving up everything, becoming second fiddle to the Greek Cypriots, and making Turkey incapable of defending its rights in a cause where it has so many rights.'' Another question went as follows: A psychological war is being waged in Turkey against Cyprus and this war is being led by the major newspapers and columnists. This psychological war targets you as well. Who do you think is guiding this war?

Denktas replied: ``Our force is derived from our mutual confidence, respect, and love with the motherland and from the fact that we are inseparable, like flesh and blood. Certain circles are active within the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus too, trying to destroy this confidence, respect, and love. Certain articles are being written as a result of certain domestic developments that we regret as well. Devious ulterior motives lie behind some of these articles. We regret these articles which confuse our people. However, these articles cannot make us or the motherland give up the national cause or change our course.''

A third question was: Can we interpret the West's insistence on the Cyprus issue as a preparation of the legal ground for intervening in Turkey, as in the case of Yugoslavia?

Denktas replied that certain circles are afraid of Turkey's power, and that some do not want it to join the EU because it is a Muslim country. He pointed out that Turkey must be alert against moves similar to the ones made in Yugoslavia, and that economic difficulties pave the ground for such moves.

Denktas charged that a master plan prepared by the United States and Britain has been implemented in Cyprus stage by stage ever since 1955, and that this is the reason why Makarios and his government was recognized as the legitimate government of Cyprus. He claimed that the United States cannot contradict the Greek lobby, that Britain does not want to endanger its bases and hurt the Greek Cypriots, and that Russia has been able to get down to the Mediterranean without going to war, by selling arms to the Greek Cypriots.

[06] Denktash meets Chinese envoy Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 hours, 15.12.00) reports that Turkish Cypriot

The Chinese ambassador expressed his pleasure at meeting with Rauf Denktas and stressed that his country supports the UN secretary general's goodwill mission and the negotiation process for a just solution.

[07] TUSIAD Officials Criticize Turkish Government on Cyprus Policy and economy

Eczacibasi said that it will be beneficial to end some statements saying that the crisis has been overcome and that when money flows in, the crisis is over.

Eczacibasi said, ``our politicians should neither believe in these statements nor reflect these statements to the society. Such statements do not moralize the markets, but they indicate that the issue is superficially taken into consideration. We should not have doubts that the markets know that the crisis can only be over if the structural changes and understanding reform are fulfilled.``

The additional agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was inevitable, and the financial support that has been provided is beneficial, Eczacibasi noted.

Eczacibasi stated that if the requirements of this agreement are not fulfilled, this agreement will not have any benefits rather than creating a short-term relief.

Eczacibasi continued, ``there is a very hard period in front of us in which the costs of one-year mistakes and negligence will be paid. It will take a long time to decrease the interest rates to the figures prior to the crisis. But, the budget of 2001 was calculated over some lower rates. We can predict that there will be big trouble in public expenditures.``

``The revival provided by the consumer credits will end as the interest rates increase. This will affect the markets and the results created in respect of tax revenues will make it difficult to reach macro targets. The implementation of next year`s budget is an issue which requires great attention. Since there is not any possibility to call the IMF for help, we will have to tighten our belts,`` Eczacibasi said.

Emphasizing that there is a last chance in front of the government to bring a lasting stability to Turkey, Eczacibasi said, ``but, this is the last climbing before the cliff. We do not have another chance than re-ensuring the atmosphere of confidence which has been lost, to re-attract the international capital investors to Turkey.``

Touching on the relations with the European Union (EU), Eczacibasi said that the exclusion of Cyprus question from the scope of the issues that should be solved in the short term, is the result of the importance that Turkey carries for the EU.

Eczacibasi continued, ``we can no more hide ourselves behind excuses in democratization and economic adjustment. If we want to become a EU full member, these issues are not a matter of bargaining. The Cyprus question and the broadcasting in mother tongue are issues that we should solve whether or not there is the EU. Isn`t it necessary for us to reach a lasting solution in which the long-term interests of TRNC will be taken under control? So, why do we consider this issue within the framework of our relations with the EU? Why don`t we follow an active policy to solve the problem and why do we always face the accusation that we are escaping from solution?``

[08] Mass Resignations From UBP HALKIN SESI (9.12.00) reports that mass resignations have begun from UBP

A major rush for resignation has begun within UBP and people working in the agricultural field constitute a major part of those seeking to resign from the party.

It has also been learned that a large number of UBP members have resigned from the party in the Rizikokarpasso village and that an announcement will be made regarding these resignations in the coming few days.

Meanwhile, the endeavor of UBP officials to pay visits to villages with the aim of retaining the grassroots has ended in a fiasco, because UBP officials have encountered difficulties in finding people to talk to in the villages.

It is worth to mention that so-called mayors from UBP had announced a few days ago that they will resign from the party. There are 28 so-called mayors who are UBP members in the pseudostate. Should these ``mayors''resign from UBP, this resignation would deal a heavy blow to the party.

It has been also claimed that no grassroots have remained within TKP [Communal Liberation Party], the junior partner of the ``coalition government''. TKP officials who share power among themselves within the party have reportedly remained without supporters with the exception of those very close to them. TKP has done exactly the opposite of what the party's statutes and program envisage. Moreover, TKP has reportedly done exactly the opposite of what it has promised to the people.

It has been ascertained that the grassroots of TKP, which lacks any proper membership recording system, are even refraining from greeting the party's administration members. TKP deputies have begun to distance themselves from TKP Leader Mustafa Akinci in the face of the recent incidents and in view of the reaction that people have displayed toward TKP.

[09] Economic Talks With 'TRNC' Postponed to 10 January Due to Heavy Schedule Illegal Bayrak Radio 1 (11:30 hours, 15.12.00) reports that the joint

At the meetings, the two sides will assess the issues included in the monitoring chart they had agreed on in February 2000. They will also discuss structural changes that will bring about economic growth, the economic stability program, and future projects.

At its meeting on 14 December, the Turkish Council of Ministers approved an urgent action plan to strengthen the ``TRNC'' economically and socially. Turkish State Minister Gurel announced that in January, the officials of the two countries will discuss and approve a $350 million loan to be given to the ``TRNC''.

[10] So-called Turkish Cypriot Security Forces Radio to Start Broadcasting KIBRIS (14.12.00) reports that the so-called Turkish Cypriot Security Forces

Meanwhile, it will reportedly be possible to receive Basin Radio Television (BRT), one of the prestigious radio stations in Turkey that is affiliated with Turkiye Bayindir Holding, in the occupied area without the help of any satellite in the near future.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Writer Muses Over Impact of U.S. Election Result on Turkey Columnist Metin Munir, writing inYeni Binyil (Internet Version, (15.12.00)

``Good news for geographers: George W. Bush's presidency is now final.

The U.S. administration will now realize our geopolitical importance better, and it will not criticize us for our human rights violations and democratic deficiencies. As long as the Republicans are in power we can do whatever we want.

Now we need neither the Accession Partnership Document [APD] nor membership in the EU. We might just as well prepare our National Program four years later. We do not need to do anything or formulate new policies about allegations of Armenian genocide. From now on NATO will do whatever we say. The United States will certainly ignore all of Europe and support us on the European Security and Defense Identity. As for Cyprus, consider it done. Bush, an old friend, is obviously not going to ignore us and listen to the Greek Cypriot lobby instead.

It is true that we may get into some trouble but that is fine. We are always prepared to do anything for our geographical importance. What can we do? We do not have anything else to sell to the world. Given that we cannot market as national virtues our military's interventions in politics, street demonstrations by our police, and murders reminiscent of conspiracies that precede coups, the only thing we can do is wait for others to appreciate our geography.

Nothing can spoil our pleasure if, in addition, we can precipitate a couple of minor crises. Then watch the United States begging after us. IMF loans, foreign investments would flow in. Turkey would develop instantly, and its standard of living would exceed the EU average in two days.

Who says Bush is going to create problems? What do we care if the Russians do not like the National Missile Defense [NMD] system, which is reminiscent of the Star Wars project? We do not care if they enter into a strategic partnership with China or India. We have Bush in power, and that is enough for us.

In any event is it not in our interests that he creates problems? Has not our importance in the region been appreciated better after every problem? Was it not the United States that could not find a good enough pedestal for Ozal when Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990? Did anyone question us about democracy or human rights during the Cold War?

Yes, you are right, we paid a price for all that for many years. We are still paying for the power vacuum in northern Iraq. The PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] still has military strength because of this blood feud that has been going on for nine years. However even in this case we cannot say we have not benefited.

Today our soldiers are able to talk about the PKK's military assets in their annual assessment reports, point out links between the APD and PKK demands, confuse the Kurdish problem with the PKK, and can use the PKK to legitimize their opposition to the establishment of democracy with all of its institutions in Turkey, all because of the power vacuum in northern Iraq.

I know, some backstabbers among you will argue that none of this is very realistic. They will say that even if the Bush administration pushes forward with the NMD it will stay on the path of the previous administration on many issues. You will argue that Bush will give preference to the EU, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot administration over us. They will try to explain that the main difference will be in the development of relations with Iran, the downgrading of the priority of the Baku-Ceyhan project, and greater reluctance to act in the Middle East peace process. But no one should believe them.

Now we have a loyal friend in the White House. He will forgive us no matter what we do. He will support us throughout his tenure. The APD and other things do not matter. What matters is geography and the assumption of power in a great state by someone who can appreciate our geographic importance''.

[86] Editorial Sees Bush Administration sympathizing With Turkey's Interests in Time

``After 36 days, including judicial hearings, the U.S. presidential elections were won by George W. Bush and his running mate the former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney. Their administration, which will take over in January 2001, is expected to keep Turkish-American relations on a positive track.

Bush had given the message that the United States is opposed to `foreign solutions being imposed/on issues such as the Cyprus and Israeli-Palestine problems. Bush is not expected to show the same interest in Cyprus as the Clinton administration.

For the Bush administration it is my no means certain that supporting Turkey's accession to the EU will be one of their priority foreign policy lines. Bush has reiterated many times his desire to withdraw U.S. forces from the Balkans and it is being said that the Bush administration could harm Turkey's efforts at finding a place within the European Security and Defense Identity.

Diplomatic observers are saying that Bush, who displayed a deeper anti- Iraqi stance than Democrat candidate Al Gore during election talks, may well given time come to better understand Turkey's sensitivities.

These circles do not expect to see any significant change in foreign policy in Iraq once the Clinton administration goes. During his time in office, Bush is not expected to create problems over the sale of arms to Turkey.

In Politics Since 1969

When George Bush senior was in the White House, Vice President elect Dick Cheney forged a close cooperation with Turkey. He especially visited Turkey several times during the Gulf Crisis (2 August 1990-15 January 1991) that erupted when Iraq invaded Kuwait. Even before then, Cheney had played an active role in opposing Armenian genocide bills and was a key figure in getting Congress to lift restrictions on the transfer of arms to Turkey.''

[125] Turkish Cypriot Paper Views Reactionary Activities in pseudostate An editoiral in ORTAM (10.12.00) says:

``Reactionary activities have silently begun to make their presence known in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [TRNC]. Reactionary activities, which have always been present in Turkey, have reached a stage where they constitute a threat against the secular and democratic state in the past few years.

Reactionary activities, which constituted the most serious problem and which continues to be the number one problem in Turkey, has finally begun to make itself felt in TRNC. University students who began to organize protests at university campuses after Turkey's decision to ban the wearing of headscarves inside universities have finally earned the right to enter the campuses of a number of universities with headscarves.

However, the administrations of a number of universities adhered to the decisions that the state made in this regard, thus preventing students wearing headscarves from entering the university grounds.

Meanwhile, unwilling to continue their studies in Turkish universities, a number of students wearing headscarves have opted to study at private universities in TRNC.

A large number of so-called religious foundations that the Turkish Cypriot people have never heard of have found the existence of a large number of pro-reactionary students wearing headscarves as an opportunity to carry out activities with the aim of extending assistance to these students.

Pretending to be good willed organizations, these religious foundations, which operate in a system similar to the systems prevailing in Turkey, are pitting against Turkey the students whom they attract toward their foundations.

These centers, most of which operate as religious foundations, are trying to gain power by attracting supporters in our country. Meanwhile, drawing attention to their limited financial resources, a large number of students wearing headscarves have confirmed that they are staying in so-called hostels in order to benefit from the shelter and food provided by these foundations.

People are now aware that these foundations are carrying out their activities merely to attract youngsters in order to raise militants. Meanwhile, a number of youngsters staying at the so-called hostels are good- willed people who are staying in these places for economic reasons. However, while staying in these hostels and getting a certain amount of food, these students are also receiving training under the name of religion.

Many people are wondering as to whether or not the imparting of religious training outside the control of the state is legal in TRNC.

The Turkish Cypriot people, who have adopted Ataturk's reforms even while the latter was introducing these reforms in Turkey in the twenties at a time when Cyprus was still a British colony, are concerned about the future of the secular democratic system in the country. People have begun to feel uneasy at the helplessness of the state toward the growing scenes in the streets of foreigners wearing headscarves.

Citizens who have asked us to convey their complaints regarding the matter have told us that they cannot tolerate the endeavor of universities to open their doors before Ataturk's enemies or to turn a blind eye to their activities, which harm Turkey and our country.

Arguing that reactionism has now become a threat in TRNC, other citizens have said that they want to know the real aim of an organization named Hamiyyetperverler Foundation that is carrying out its activities at Omorphita. These citizens also want to know the source of this foundation's huge resources, whether or not the state is monitoring it and, if it has monitored it, when did the state monitor it last.

Another citizen who is a mother of three children wanted us to ask on her behalf whether the state is waiting for reactionism to spread in TRNC as much as it spread in Turkey in order to take the necessary measures against it.

Meanwhile, a report submitted to the National Security organization [MGK] in Turkey claims that about 300 reactionist students have moved to TRNC. The issue had earlier become a subject of discussion in Turkish newspapers.

Is our small country a temporary basis for reactionary groups against Turkey, or is it a pilot region to test the establishment of the first state governed by Sharia laws''?

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

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