Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-08-27

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader left for Zurich and Salzburg.

[02] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader to TRT 2 television.

[03] Statements by Sukru Sina Gurel prior to the meeting between Denktas and Annan.

[04] «Cyprus Action Plan» for full integration of the pseudostate with Turkey.

[05] Greece withdraws from Izmir Fair because of the participation of the pseudostate.

[06] Turkish Cypriot political party leaders express their views on the resumption of talks on Cyprus.

[07] Message from the 41 Turkish Cypriot organizations to UN Secretary-General.

[08] Akinci hands over the CLP/s leadership at the 14 October Party Congress

[09] Turkey has not approved changes in the economic package.

[10] Businessman murdered in Turkey.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Sami Cohen assesses Denktas meeting with Annan in Salzburg.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader left for Zurich and Salzburg

«We are going to Salzburg on the invitation of Mr. Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General. Of course we will discuss the Cyprus issue and the situation that was created with the suspension of the proximity talks. The proximity talks could not go on because they did not serve their purpose. The purpose was to prepare the grounds for comprehensive and direct talks. The proximity talks were moved away from this purpose. Therefore, they could not go on. We are going to see if there are any new grounds, a new method, new ideas. Of course, since Mr. Annan invited us, we will listen to what he has to say. We will then explain our situation.

Mr. Verheugen from the EU who heard that we were going on this trip expressed a wish to meet us. We will meet with him in Zurich tomorrow night 27 August.

The whole issue is that the Greek Cypriots have become completely intransigent as a result of the EU intervention. There is a very wrong course of events that was caused because the Greek Cypriot recourse to the EU was considered as Cyprus' recourse. This is a very dangerous course of events. We will try to explain why this is not Cyprus' recourse. We will listen to what they have to say. I hope that we will hold beneficial contacts. When we return, we will assess the results of these contacts with our government, and if necessary, with the government in the motherland. Nobody should doubt our good intentions.

A problem was created deliberately 37 years ago. Those who created the problem should be a little more realistic and sensible. Nobody can ignore the realities because only an agreement based on the realities will be permanent. If we sign an artificial agreement by ignoring the realities it will be very short-lived.

We are a people that has suffered. We cannot forget what was done to us. Consequently, we want to sign a sound agreement that will debar a return to the past. We are not going to bestow the title of the legitimate government of Cyprus to the Greek Cypriots.

Question: Chirac said that unless the conflict in the island is resolved, the Greek Cypriots cannot join the EU. What can you say about that? Will you discuss this issue with Verheugen?

Answer: The agenda is always the same. Everything will be discussed. French statesmen have always been realistic regarding the Cyprus problem. Do not forget what Charles de Gaulle told Inonu and the elder Papandreou in 1964, and then to George Ball: After blood has been shed between these two nations, it is impossible to unite them and turn them into one nation. The Cyprus problem must be resolved on two separate foundations.

What Mr. Chirac has said is on target, it is right. We are receiving similar messages from other places as well. That is why we insist. The Greek Cypriots must stop giving priority to EU membership. Priority must be given to the solution of the Cyprus problem. An agreement must be sought sincerely between the two equal sides, the two states. After that, we must also agree on how to represent Cyprus in international organizations. If it is done that way, everything will be very easy. The Cyprus problem can be resolved very quickly.

The Cyprus Mail reported today on the information the United Nations presented to us in the past in connection with the administrative organization. I looked at the reactions of the Greek Cypriot side. They say: We destroyed the 1960 constitution because it was a complicated one that could not be implemented. What is being proposed today is far more complicated than the 1960 constitution. It is a mechanism that is far more difficult to implement.

It is true.

The conflict between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus -- which lives in security -- and the Greek Cypriot Administration -- which also lives in security -- should be resolved, rather than creating an artificial organization that is unprecedented in the world by taking partial elements from other countries, and then claiming that this is for the purpose of granting security to the Turkish Cypriots. This is an issue of borders, of property, and so on. Both sides have constitutions, administrations, all the establishments. What is the point of creating an extremely complicated mechanism by trying to unite them? These are issues that must be placed on the agenda and discussed courageously and realistically.

Question: What kind of an approach do you expect from Mr. Annan to enable the resumption of the proximity talks?

Answer: Do not be in such haste. Let us see how he approaches the matter. We will assess all that after we return. You will see then.

Question: The Greek Cypriots do not want a federation or a confederation. They come up with various scenarios. How do you view that? Answer: What the Greek Cypriots want is to keep the title of the Cyprus government and the profits therein -- a title they gained by means of massacres and mass graves 37 years ago. What they want is to consolidate these gains and put an end to the Cyprus problem in such a framework. That is what we are trying to explain to the world. The Cyprus problem will remain unsolved as long as the Greek Cypriots are told: you are the legitimate government of Cyprus, you lack nothing, your complaints stem from the too many demands of the minority and from the fact that the minority is helping the occupying force.

As long as the Greek Cypriots are told that, the two sides in Cyprus cannot come together. The Greek Cypriots have no right to rule us. They absolutely do not have the right to carry their rule to the north under the title of the Cyprus government. The problem is obvious. That is why I say we must face the realities with courage.

All right, let us not anger our friends again just as we are leaving.

Question: When are you coming back?

Answer: On Wednesday 29 August.

[02] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader to TRT 2 television

Tanpinar begins by asking Denktas what his expectations are from his forthcoming meeting with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Denktas responds: "The talks were interrupted for some nine months. There were indirect contacts. We met with Mr. De Soto a few times. Certain developments occurred, however, during these nine months. For example, on 12 September the Secretary-General put forth a framework. What was this framework? It is quite simple. There are two equal sides. They foresee a new partnership. One of the sides cannot dominate the other. One of the sides cannot speak on behalf of the other. What is there in this framework? Two equal partners who will discuss a new partnership. The old partnership has been disrupted, now a new partnership is being considered. What is there beyond this? What is there to get angry about? What is there that deserves a boycott here? The Greek Cypriots brought this to their parliament, adopted a unanimous decision saying that they categorically reject this framework. They empowered Clerides to exert efforts, together with Greece, to eliminate this framework because it is unacceptable. Has this incident been brought to the attention of the Secretary-General during these last nine months? Has it been assessed? Have they considered what the Greek Cypriots want and to what they will consent? I do not believe so. When I have a look at the contacts I have been having with various diplomats, I see that no one has assessed this issue. In other words, it is as if it never happened. Whereas the statements we make are viewed as most important. Protests are issued immediately." Denktas goes on to note that he is going to the meeting with Annan on the latter's invitation, adding: "What will the Secretary-General tell me? This is what I want to know. Will he say to me that he has understood the reason why we withdrew from the talks and that an injustice has been committed against us? Will he show us a new path? I am going to the meeting to understand this."

Tanpinar then recalls a statement Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit made to the "Cyprus Special" program some time ago to the effect that no country outside the guarantor countries should intervene in the Cyprus issue, suggesting that it would also be better for the United Nations not to interfere. Asked to assess Ecevit's remarks, Denktas says: "Now the United Nations has interfered. It is easy to say that it would be better for the United Nations not to interfere. At the time guarantor Greece, acting together with the Greek Cypriots who destroyed the partnership, took action. Had Britain remembered its guarantor status and stood by Turkey, then the Greek Cypriot-Greek duo would not have committed these murders and the Byzantine plots to own the island by shedding blood and committing murders would not have been hatched. Britain, however, did not stand by Turkey because of its bases. It deserted Turkey." Denktas goes on to relate the events that led to the 1974 invasion adding: "What Mr. Ecevit has said is most true. Had the three guarantor states diagnosed the situation by looking into the realities, then neither the UN Security Council nor the EU would have intervened. Who has been deceiving the EU? One of the guarantor countries, namely Greece."

Tanpinar recalls two previous statements made by Denktas, one being that the Greek Cypriot moves to own the entire island through the EU path are taking the issue in the wrong direction and the second one being that Greece, instead of risking a war with Turkey should agree to a friendly solution in Cyprus based on two states. He then asks whether this is what is going to happen in the event the Greek Cypriot administration acceded to the EU as the Government of Cyprus. In response, Denktas notes: "If I know the Greek Cypriots well, which I think I do, they are aware that acceding to the EU as the Government of Cyprus and through lies that their territories and their island are under occupation will not be sufficient to claim the entire island. They will definitely cause a fire. I know them very well. It will be a small fire and the EU will come to extinguish this fire together with the Greek Cypriots. In other words, they are under the impression that they will claim Cyprus. They are as adventurous as to think that Europe will go into war with Turkey. They began the 1963 incidents with these adventures in mind."

Asked why the EU, which refrains from accepting countries with border conflicts, accepted south Cyprus as a candidate member, Denktas explains: "The EU was forced to accept because it was deceived by their lies. The decision to accept them was, at the time, taken by the French. Their most authorized officials told me that they were deceived. They said: Greece and the Greek Cypriots convinced us that great strides have been taken in the Set-of-ideas and that the problems are about to be solved. Only details remain to the settled. If the EU gives the green light, then this issue will be concluded." Denktas explains that the French officials noted that they took this decision in a bid to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem. Denktas then goes on to accuse those who took the decision of not listening to the Turkish Cypriot side.

In reply to a question on why the EU is insistent on a federal structure in Cyprus, Denktas explains how he concluded an agreement on a federal structure with Makarios at the time and adds: "When we speak about a federation, we are speaking about a federation based on sovereignty and on a state. Otherwise, the Greek Cypriots are intending to amend a constitution that no longer exists and to establish a federation from the administrative viewpoint. Which is the constitution that is being amended? They were the ones who eliminated that constitution. Now here is the difference. With the intervention of the EU the approaches have changed. The paths have diverged into opposing directions. Europe is still insisting that there is a Government of Cyprus and that this government is holding talks with its minority. The EU is encouraging the Greek Cypriots to continue their negotiations with the so-called minority."

Asked to comment on the armament expenditures in the Republic of Cyprus, Denktas says: "It just goes to confirm what I have been saying. The Greek Cypriots have a plan. They are planning to create an incident. "They do not want Turkey to defeat them within two days. Let them at least be able to resist some 10, 15, 20 days. This is the reason why they are amassing arms. During this resistance period they will be telling the world: Did you not accept me as the Government of Cyprus? Did you not agree with me when I told you that my country was under occupation? Did you not tell the Turks, who were complaining about our armament, that every state has the right to arm itself in self-defence? I have armed myself and have taken a step toward eliminating the occupation. Now I am being beaten, come and help me. They are arming themselves in order to be able to say: Come and throw Turkey out of my country. Otherwise, there is no other explanation."

Tanpinar mentions "a model of instability that can be kept under control in Eastern Mediterranean" and asks Denktas who the creators of this model are. Denktas responds: "The superpowers are under the impression that they can control it. Maybe certain conflicts are kept under control in a bid to eliminate the damage they might cause to the superpowers. Is it not a shame, however, for those who are party to the conflict? Have a look at Israel and Palestine. From the viewpoint of the superpowers it was a conflict that was kept under control. They were observing from afar and telling them to reach a conciliation and to resume the talks. They were even given prizes because they made up and signed a paper. What happened then? The lives of people were lost. It is under control, it is not spreading. The same goes of the Balkans. It was controlled to a certain extent. When the time comes there will be a large explosion that will create a fire involving the entire world. Therefore, what should one do? The problem should be diagnosed. Those who diagnose the problem in the Security Council should, in addition to their own interests, consider the interests of the countries involved as well. They should not consider their interests alone."

Tanpinar proceeds to ask about the continental shelf issue in Eastern Mediterranean and asks Denktas' opinion on the cooperation among Syria, Egypt and the Cyprus Government. Denktas recalls an agreement concluded between a US firm and the Greek Cypriots some nine to ten months ago, adding: " As you know, after we reached an agreement with Turkey, we issued the statement you are aware of some time ago. This is an important issue. Syria's stand is wrong. It is an act of hostility directed against us. It might lead to a great disaster because we also have rights over our coasts and in the sea between Turkey and us. We will not let anyone violate these rights. They can, in no way, violate our rights. If necessary, there will be a confrontation.»

Asked whether a reply has been received from either Syria or Egypt on the issue, Denktas says: "I sought out the Syrian ambassador. He is an official who never visits us. Initially they told us that he was not in his office. We called again and again. The answer was no. We understood that he would not respond. Now an ambassador living in a country cannot act in this manner. What will happen? We have to take measures against Syria, at least against the Syrian Embassy. I will have him called again to talk to him. If he comes he comes, if not then he will not be able to cross to the north any more. We have no other choice."

[03] Statements by Sukru Sina Gurel prior to the meeting between Denktas and Annan

Pointing out that the proximity talks process, which was interrupted with the decision of Ankara in November 2000, could not resume, and that there was an effort whether or not to resume the talks, Gurel said: ``Some of the concerns of Denktas should be overcome to resume proximity talks. The U.N. Secretary-General should be more creative and a reformist basis should be set up for the recognition of TRNC`s sovereign equality. ``

Alleging that it was the EU, not Turkey, which was in a ``difficult situation,`` regarding the EU membership of the Greek Cypriot side, Gurel said a message was conveyed by saying: ``Don`t develop this process further, because it will not contribute to peace and stability in the region and the solution of Cyprus problem.``

Gurel alleged that the EU was in a difficult situation at the moment, and briefing about EU`s dilemma, he said: ``The EU is in a difficult situation because it will either accept the Greek Cypriot side and put the EU seal to the partition on Cyprus, or will act against Greece and endanger the enlargement process. If they accept the Greek Cypriot side to the EU as if it represents Greece, then partition on the island would irreversibly become definite. Then, Turkey and the TRNC will have limitless alternatives. Thus, partition on the island would become definite.``

Gurel said this alternative would lead to instability in Eastern Mediterranean and disruption of Turkish-Greek balance.

When asked which alternative the EU would favour, Gurel said: ``I think the EU would convince Greece regarding the EU`s enlargement process, and would not take the Greek Cypriot side to the EU for now.``

[04] «Cyprus Action Plan» for full integration of the pseudostate with Turkey

«In recent months, Turkey made a historical decision within the framework of the Cyprus Action Plan and removed the customs barriers, which is the most important phase for full economic integration with the TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] and opened the way for the Turkish Cypriots to have connections and relations with the world. The Implementation Agreement on the Regulation of the Trade Relations with TRNC was accepted by the Turkish Council of Ministers and went into effect. Thus, the customs duties between Turkey and the TRNC have been reduced to zero.

All goods produced in the TRNC will be able to enter Turkey from now on without paying any customs duties or funds and, through Turkey, these goods can be exported to the European Union (EU) and other third party countries. According to the agreement, it was envisaged that the imported goods should not exceed $30 million.

The correspondence related to the agreement, which will open the way for the solution of the economic crisis in Northern Cyprus, has reached the point of completion. The target of the agreement, which is expected to bring a vitality to the TRNC economy, is to form "an economic region" between Turkey and the TRNC.

In spite of the target for gradually withdrawing the aid made to the TRNC by Turkey in the amount exceeding $100 million per year, in accordance with the Agreement for State Incentives in Investments, an application will be implemented to transfer a source with a total of $160 million over a period of four years.

It was stated that the other economic and social project activities envisaged for the full economic integration of the TRNC with Turkey are also continuing and some of these, which have reached the final stage, will come onto the agenda in the near future».

[05] Greece withdraws from Izmir Fair because of the participation of the pseudostate

Hepsenkal said that Greece had decided to withdraw from the 70th IEF due to the participation of the pseudostate of occupied Cyprus in the Fair.

[06] Turkish Cypriot political party leaders express their views on the resumption of talks on Cyprus

The leader of the National Unity Party (NUP) Dr. Dervis Eroglu described Rauf Denktas' decision to say "yes" to Kofi Annan's call for a meeting as a positive development. However, stressing that what the UN Secretary-General's briefcase contains was unknown, he asserted that the Turkish side expected Kofi Annan to adopt an approach that would not ignore the reality of the existence of the pseudostate. He said that he expected the UN Secretary- General to realize that the resumption of the talks will depend on the approach that will be adopted.

Eroglu recalled Kofi Annan's remarks on 8 November 2000 and asserted that the pseudostate expected his views to change. Stressing that the UN Secretary-General's main task is to have the talks resumed through his good offices, he noted: "What he said on 8 November 2000 cast a shadow on his goodwill mission. It was a mistake. Consequently, the indirect talks were interrupted. The basis for the new round of talks must be carefully prepared."

Stressing that a sound basis is required for the resumption of the talks, Eroglu asserted that the recognition of the existence of the pseudostate is essential for such a basis. He noted that the UN Secretary-General must include that in his statements.

Eroglu described the Attorney-General Mr Markides' six-point proposal as an unrealistic initiative. Recalling Markides' remarks on a federation with a strong central government, he said that the initiative was aimed at portraying the Turkish Cypriot as a minority. He said "agreeing to such an approach is impossible."

Eroglu asserted that they will insist on their call for the establishment of a confederation. He concluded: "We are determined to defend our thesis, which calls for the establishment of a confederation, until the end. Agreeing to Markides' proposal for the establishment of a federation with a strong central government is impossible. Statements have been made and reports have been published in south Cyprus that talks will be resumed in New York shortly after Denktas meets with Kofi Annan. Of course, The UN Secretary-General, the United States, and Britain might have cooperated to draw up such a scenario. However, it cannot be realized. Denktas and Kofi Annan will try to establish whether a basis exists for the resumption of the talks. The date for the process will be established after the sides agree to resume the negotiations. Rushing to call the sides to sit at the negotiation table will be an effort to draw up a scenario to accuse the Turkish side of abandoning the talks. So, it must be realized that scenarios drawn up before a decision is made on whether or not the talks can be resumed will make us uneasy. We will not be tricked." Democratic Party Leader Salih Cosar said Denktas' meeting with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan should not be taken to mean that the intercommunal talks will be resumed. He asserted that his party will support Denktas' policy until the end. Focusing on the interruption of the intercommunal negotiations, Cosar said that the process broke down because a basis that would satisfy the demands and comply with the rights of the Turkish side could not be established in the five rounds of negotiations that were held earlier. Regarding Denktas' meeting with Annan, he noted that whether or not a basis might be created is unknown.

Cosar asserted that what the Turkish side wants is common knowledge. He said: "UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's statement on 12 September complied with the Turkish side's demands. We were very satisfied with his remarks. We are convinced that talks might be resumed later on a basis that would be established in accordance with the statement he made on 12 September."

However, Cosar went on to say that the Turkish side agreeing to the criteria that were disclosed on 2 November 2000 was impossible. Recalling that that was why the intercommunal negotiations were interrupted, he asserted, "Delegations from many countries came to talk with the Turkish side. The Democratic Party received them many times. We tried to explain to them that the effort made to shift the Cyprus problem from the UN platform to the EU will yield a negative result."

Cosar said that the question of human rights has to be considered together with the political problem on the island and recalled that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots have been obstructed. He asserted that the Turkish Cypriots are not allowed to compete, benefit from equal opportunities, establish their own communication links, travel, and trade. He asked, "How can that comply with the concept of human rights?" Cosar said that they explained the situation to the foreign delegations.

Asserting that "the rights and freedoms of none of the many ethnic groups in the EU have been harmed," Cosar said that the possibility of the accession of the Turkish Cypriots to the organization as an ethnic group could be considered. He recalled the work carried out by the Cyprus Government to join the EU and said, "It might yield positive results by the end of 2002 and the Greek Cypriots might join the organization early in 2003. The possibility of the Greek Cypriot side's accession to the EU is used as a threat to the Turkish side."

Cosar stressed that the possibility of the Turkish Cypriots becoming a part of the EU can be considered after an honourable solution, which will call for the establishment of a bizonal structure, the recognition of the equality and sovereignty of the two peoples, and the exchange of property between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots, is found. He warned that the Greek Cypriot side's accession to the EU before the Cyprus problem is solved will facilitate the occupied area's integration with Turkey.

Describing the Greek Cypriot press reports that the "talks will be resumed in September" as unrealistic, Cosar said that we have to wait for the outcome of Denktas' meeting with Kofi Annan. He asserted: "What the Turkish side wants is common knowledge. How will the talks be resumed if a basis cannot be established?"

Stressing that he definitely disagreed with the Attorney-General Markides' views, Cosar said that the proposals he made might be valid only in countries where no problem exists. Describing the situation on the island as a unique problem, he said, "We sincerely support Denktas' policy and views."

Republican Turkish Party Leader Mehmet Ali Talat defended the view that the precondition that the pseudostate should be recognized for the resumption of the talks was wrong. Stressing that expecting the talks to be resumed under such a precondition would be an illusion, he asserted that the approach would create the impression that the Turkish side does not want the talks to be resumed.

Replying to the questions put to him by a Kibris correspondent, he stated that Denktas conditioned himself to oppose the solution of the Cyprus problem. Stressing that the Cyprus problem can be solved only through the talks between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides, he said: "Withdrawing from the negotiations will be very wrong. It will be against the Turkish Cypriots/ interests. We have explained that many times."

Talat recalled that the EU recognized South Cyprus and Turkey as candidate members of the organization while the no-solution situation on the island isolated the Turkish Cypriots from the world and economic problems forced them to suffer. He said that the developments showed that the Turkish side's withdrawal from the talks was a dangerous risk. Talat said: "The Turkish Cypriots were able to deal with the situation by holding on to Turkey when it was not an EU candidate in the past, just like a child that holds on to his mother's skirt. However, the recognition of Turkey as an EU candidate created a new situation." He said that the adoption of a willing, constructive, flexible, and determined approach for the solution of the Cyprus problem will be in the Turkish Cypriots/ interest.

Arguing that the Turkish side should not only agree to return to the negotiation table but it should also contribute toward the effort that is made to find a solution, Talat said: "I agree that the Turkish Cypriot side cannot solve the problem by itself. But it can be the side that wants to contribute toward the solution of the problem."

Disagreeing with the view that the "TRNC should be seen as a reality when an effort is made to prepare the basis of the talks," Talat asserted: "I am opposed to any precondition for the resumption of the talks. My approach is in line with our party's policy. If you put forward preconditions, then the other side will do so as well. The TRNC is a mechanism that was established to help the Turkish Cypriots have a government. Its performance is unsatisfactory and it is headed by oppressive elements. It can be described as a puppet state. However, it is still a state. A solution based on the existence of the TRNC will mean the establishment of a federation. A federation is established by federal states, regardless of what they might be called. What is important is the recognition of the TRNC. Do they intend to make an effort to have it recognized? That is an illusion. Calling for the recognition of the TRNC and arguing that talks can only be held if it is recognized will create the impression that the Turkish side intends to avoid the talks."

Talat described Attorney-General Mr Markides' proposals as an initiative to include EU norms among the principles that were outlined in the Ghali Set of Ideas in the past. Stressing that Markides included his views and expectations in his proposals, Talat said: "What he came up with is an illusion. Making such an initiative after so many years is useless. His proposals outlined his personal views. We cannot agree to what he said."

Talat asserted that the sides should agree not to leave the negotiation table before they reach an agreement. Stressing that such an approach will be in the Turkish side's interest, he said that he did not share Denktas' anxiety on the matter. Arguing that the Greek Cypriot side benefits from the time that is lost, he said that the Greek Cypriot officials want the status quo to be maintained. Talat noted: "Talks must be resumed without preconditions."

Referring to Denktas' fears, Talat said: «Denktas is worried because the Cyprus problem might be solved. He does not want the problem to be solved. That is why he fears any development that might pave the way for a solution. He would make every initiative to obstruct the possibility of the reunion of the two sides for the island's accession to the EU. He would even do everything he can to obstruct the prospects of Turkey's accession to the EU for the sake of preventing the solution of the island's problem."

On his part Communal Liberation Party Leader Mustafa Akinci said: "The talks have to be resumed. The present situation cannot be maintained. An agreement was reached for the resumption of the talks in November 1999. The Turkish side might be blamed for the present deadlock. That will facilitate the Greek Cypriot side's accession to the EU."

Recalling that talks have not been held for nearly a year now, Akinci argued that the Greek Cypriots have gained from the interruption of the negotiations. He said that the Greek Cypriots used the time that has been lost to fulfil the EU requirements and noted that the Greek Cypriot side will take additional steps if the Turkish side continues to disagree with the resumption of the talks until the existence of the pseudostate is accepted as a reality. Stressing that the Greek Cypriots will join the EU in 2004 the latest, Akinci said that he expected the Denktas-Annan meeting to be held in accordance with the statement that was made on 12 September. He asserted:

"UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has not retreated from his position. He said that the views he outlined on 8 November were not a proposal. An agreement was reached for unconditional talks in November 1999. All issues would be placed on the table. The side that ignores the agreed principles will be blamed. The Turkish side will suffer if it obstructs the resumption of the talks by putting forward preconditions.

"There is no time to lose. The TRNC is our state. It will be one of the sides in the new structure, regardless of the kind of solution that might be found. An effort must be made to persuade the other side to agree to such a solution. Obviously, the talks will not be resumed if we insist on the recognition of the existence of the TRNC. Losing more time will facilitate the Greek Cypriot side's accession to the EU. We have lost many months. The outcome of that is obvious. We will be supporting the Greek Cypriot side's effort to join the EU if we fail to contribute toward the talks and if the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey are blamed for the failure of the negotiations."

Akinci assessed Denktas' warning that "the Turkish side will not be tricked by scenarios." He said that he is unable to understand why the talks should be delayed until September. Recalling that the negotiations were interrupted in November 2000, he said that 10 months have been lost already.

Asserting that they were aware for many months that the talks might be resumed in September 2001, Akinci said that time was against the Turkish Cypriots. Referring to the Attorney-General Mr Markides' proposals, he noted: "Disputes will increase if a strong central government is established. That was outlined by Glavcos Clerides during the meeting that was held by the Turkish and Greek Cypriot political parties in 1988. Considering that, the establishment of a strong central government will be wrong. The internal structure should be made up of two states. But the island should have a single international identity abroad. Disputing over concepts will be wrong. It might be that the solution to be found will be unique in the world."

[07] Message from the 41 Turkish Cypriot organizations to UN Secretary - General

The paper reports that the message will reflect the views of the democratic Turkish Cypriots, who do not agree with Mr. Denktas and Turkey's policy on Cyprus.

Mr. Denktas left yesterday the occupied areas for Zurich and Salzburg, where he is to meet with the EU Commissioner Gunter Verheugen and the UN Secretary - General respectively.

[08] Akinci hands over the CLP`s leadership at the 14 October Party Congress

Under the title «The presidency period is over, but the politics continue», the paper publishes an interview of Mr. Akinci who expresses the view that within the 14 years he remained in the CLP`s leadership he gave everything he could and adds that his decision to hand over the post is definite.

«If the conditions demand for my people to give me another duty, of course I will assess the situation», said Mr. Akinci who, according to KIBRIS, «gave the sign» that he wishes to be «president» of the pseudostate in the coming years.

[09] Turkey has not approved changes in the economic package

The new coalition partner, Democratic Party leader and so-called Economy «Minister», Salih Cosar, supports the preparation of a new package which has to be different from the old one.

However, he remained alone in the so-called «Council of Ministers» after the Turkish delegation expressed its determination to support the already existing package, notes Yeniduzen adding that the package has been approved by the «Council».

Mr. Cosar has gone to Turkey in order to explain his views on the package, but political analysts do not think that he has many chances, writes the paper.

[10] Businessman murdered in Turkey

The paper reports that the 72-year old Garih was stabbed to death at about 14.00 by a person known as «Boyaci Fuat» (Fuat the painter), who has been arrested by the police.

In a statement issued later on Saturday afternoon, Mehmet Gurol, Co-ordinator of Alarko Holding Public Relations department notes that the victim had not received any serious threats.

As it is reported, Garih had been visiting the cemetery quite often. However, the reason of the visits remains unknown.

Uzeyir Garih was born in 1929 in Istanbul. He was married and has two children. He was interested in politics and used to write once a week in the papers Son Havadis, Turkish Daily News, Ekonomik Bulten and Barometre. He believed that businessmen have to be actively involved in the foreign policy of a country. He has sent a lot of letters to members of the American Senate and had contacts with the Jewish Lobby in the USA, searching for support to the Turkish positions on the issue of the Armenian genocide, writes «Radical».

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[11] Sami Cohen assesses Denktas meeting with Annan in Salzburg

«Activity will begin on the Cyprus problem at last. TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] President Rauf Denktas will hold talks with UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan in Salzburg, Austria, on Tuesday. He will hold talks with EU Commission Member Gunther Verheugen 24 hours before he meets Annan. UN Secretary-General's Special Representative to Cyprus De Soto will resume his "shuttle diplomacy" between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides on the island shortly after the Denktas-Annan summit ends. De Soto will try to prepare the negotiations process on the Cyprus problem. That is the program (or scenario, as various circles have described it) the UN officials have drawn up for the next few weeks with the active contribution of the United States, the EU, and Britain.

The meeting Denktas will have with Annan will be an encouraging development. It will be important because it will be the first contact at such a level ever since the "indirect talks" were interrupted in November 2000. Denktas disclosed after the fiasco in November that he will neither agree to the resumption of the talks nor meet Annan if the UN Secretary-General fails to withdraw the non-paper he put forward on his views and proposals. In fact, there has been no activity for a long time. However, the foreign circles we mentioned later made initiatives for the resumption of the process. They shared the outcome of their initiatives with Annan.

The first step was taken last month. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan invited Denktas to New York for an "initial meeting." Meanwhile, the Turkish side was informed that new ideas were considered for what might be discussed and the procedure that might be adopted. Denktas agreed in principle to meet Annan. However, fearing that pressure might be put on him during the convocation of the UN General Assembly in New York, he asked that the meeting be held in Europe toward the end of August. His proposal was accepted and an agreement was reached on a meeting in Salzburg.

The Turkish side has emphasized that the meeting Denktas will have with Annan must not be interpreted as the resumption of the talks. An official said, "Holding talks with the UN Secretary-General on how, when, and where the negotiations can be resumed is quite different from the actual resumption of the talks..."

In other words, Denktas' main objective is to establish what UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan has in mind or in his briefcase so as to be able to outline his views. The sides will move on to the next phase of the process (contacts by De Soto in Nicosia and etc.) if they agree that a suitable basis exists for the resumption of the main talks.

Will that be possible? The officials in Ankara and the TRNC seem rather cautious. Some of them are sceptical. In fact, the statement Denktas made to daily KIBRIS two days ago outlined the Turkish side's anxiety. His statement on the talks he will have with Verheugen and Annan showed that he maintains his approach on the principles that should be heeded for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the procedure that should be adopted for the resumption of the negotiations.

To what extend will the new ideas the UN Secretary-General is said to have come up with for the resumption of the talks comply with the Turkish side's approach? Furthermore, will Denktas, who maintains his basic approach, be able to agree that a basis can be established for reconciliation through Kofi Annan's views on the essence of the problem and the procedure to be adopted for the negotiations? Predicting the outcome of Denktas' meeting with Annan at this time is very difficult. However, the Salzburg summit has created the hope that the era of no-talks might end and the recent activity on Cyprus might facilitate new formulas for reconciliation».

KV/SK

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