Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-04-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Rauf Denktas insists that he wants a solution without fundamental freedoms for the Cypriots.

[02] Ismail Cem: The Cyprus problem is a foreign factor in Turkish-EU relations.

[03] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister in Athens.

[04] Asil Nadir/s Bank was transferred to the Savings and Deposits Insurance Fund.

[05] Statements by Rauf Denktas after meeting Eroglu and Cosar.

[06] Turkish Cypriot sources informed Turkish Daily News about the situation in the direct talks for a solution in Cyprus.

[07] Turkish Justice Minister: EU should not expect unilateral concession from Turkey.

[08] Ertugruloglu will attend the meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

[09] The identity card of Archbishop Makarios is for sale in Turkey.

[10] Rauf Denktas is trying to exploit the crisis in the Middle East to delay a solution in Cyprus.

[11] "European Party", a new party, in the occupied areas

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Rauf Denktas insists that he wants a solution without fundamental freedoms for the Cypriots

The second round of direct talks between Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem has also seen some serious arguments.

In his statement to CUMHURIYET, Denktas pointed out that the Turkish side had made a large opening for a joint structure that could enter the EU and said that in return for this they needed territorial integrity to be taken under guarantee. Refusing to elaborate on the issues he and Clerides had argued over "because of a blackout", Denktas stated that the Turkish side was insisting on three conditions: restrictions to the three freedoms (of movement, of settlement and of property ownership); separate sovereignty and preservation of the Greek-Turkish balance.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriots ignored outside reaction to their attacks on the Turkish Cypriots over 1963-1974 and were calling it "our internal matter", Denktas continued: "We are insisting on our territorial integrity and the right to separate sovereignty so that should the attacks be renewed they will not be able to use the same excuse. What divided Cyprus into two were the attacks by the Greek Cypriots. Now there are two equals sitting at the table and we are working so that both equal parties can make a new partnership."

Explaining that the notion the talks could be over by June and that he had issued a timetable because of a doctor's appointment, Denktas said: "Besides, both parties know very well what the other has been insisting on for years. This is why the period we set ending by June is sufficient. However, the talks could go on beyond June." Explaining that the Greek Cypriot side was not giving up its claim that they were "the legitimate owner of the Republic of Cyprus", Denktas said: "We are also insisting that we are a separate state, albeit an unrecognised one." Denktas added that news in the Greek press concerning the land issue did not reflect the truth. Once the second round of direct talks between Denktas and Clerides, which began on 16 January, is over, the third round will begin on 9 April.

[02] Ismail Cem: The Cyprus problem is a foreign factor in Turkish-EU relations

Ismail Cem/s statement is as follows: "There is a lot of fuss and uproar about this issue. Naturally, I am following all these developments. The reality, however, is that Turkey might be in a position to commence the negotiations at the end of this year. I can see this. A foreign factor that might adversely affect this issue is the Cyprus problem. The reason why I call this a foreign factor is the following: We, as the Foreign Ministry, have always kept the EU and Cyprus issues separate in our activities. At times we had to wage a struggle on this. Legally -- and this is the reason why I said foreign factor -- there is no such condition in Turkish-EU relations."

[03] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister in Athens

Noting that Turkey followed a well-planned foreign policy last year, Cem said: ``We reached a very good point in our foreign policy last year. The initiative launched by Mr Rauf Denktas is the best of the alternatives stemming from the atmosphere created by the careful foreign policy since 1988. Also, we reached a tripartite agreement on the European Security and Defense Policy. 2001 was a productive year in regard to foreign policy. A clarity should come on the scene regarding the European Union issue by the end of 2002 to make it as productive as 2001. ``

``The EU is determined to accept Turkey as a member, and Turkey is determined to become a member. These approaches are very sound attitudes based on mutual benefits,`` he said.

When asked whether or not relations between Turkey and Greece would be affected by any negativity in Turkey-EU relations, Cem said: ``Everything is connected to each other without doubt. However, we do not have any approach of endangering the whole after getting angry with one part of the whole.``

Noting that relations between Turkey and Greece were going well, Cem said that talks could be held even on the Aegean issue which had been considered taboo until the recent past and that he believed that progress could be recorded in this issue.

Stating that there was not a signal about an impasse in talks with the Greek side and talks were going well at the moment, Cem, said: ``We are following a very serious policy and we continue our relations very carefully, both we and Greece.``

Noting that Cyprus was a very difficult issue but he hoped it would reach a good point, Cem stressed that the ongoing process was a serious opportunity also to the Greek Cypriot side.

Stating that the factors around Cyprus did not have a defeatist attitude, Cem said: ``Turkey`s, Greece`s, the European Union`s attitude is constructive. For example I can`t say Greece raises obstacles, it means injustice. Also the EU wants compromise. However, I want to remind the relevant article of the Helsinki decisions. If a solution is not found, the EU will make a decision according to the attitude of the relevant sides. The fundamental principle is an agreement which the sides can reach with their free will. I don`t expect difficulty from the EU. Consequently, the EU will achieve the most important foreign policy success in its history.``

[04] Asil Nadir/s Bank was transferred to the Savings and Deposits Insurance Fund

A written statement issued by the occupation regime/s Central Bank's Executive Council noted that although a protocol was signed between the bank and its depositors with the aim of enabling the bank to recover, there has been no amelioration in the bank's structure in the 18 months since the protocol was signed and that, therefore, the administration and supervision of the bank has been transferred to the fund.

The statement noted that all the deposits made to the bank will be secured in cash by the pseudostate/s Central Bank and the fund within a week, transferred to the Kibris Vakiflar Bankasi, and made available to the depositors.

The statement said that the supervision of banks is continuing in a bid to ensure a healthy banking system.

The pseudostate seized the management of the bank in January 2000 following a deterioration in the financial situation of the bank. On 6 October 2000, the bank administration and the depositors signed a protocol to enable the bank to recover.

[05] Statements by Rauf Denktas after meeting Eroglu and Cosar

In a statement to the press before the meeting, Denktas said that "for years, the Palestinians have been losing their lives for their territorial integrity and sovereignty, and the Israeli people have been resisting to protect their homeland and territory." Denktas recalled that an agreement was reached, the leaders received the Nobel Peace Prize, the Palestinians accepted Israel's right to exist, and everybody was waiting hopefully for results. All of a sudden, Denktas noted, "everything turned upside down and the attacks resumed. As in Cyprus, officials from the outside world tried to remain neutral, not paying attention to who started the problem. This led to the present situation." He stressed that if a cease-fire is declared in the Middle East, it will be possible to see who resorts to the attacks first. Unfortunately, he added, nobody is declaring a cease-fire.

Denktas then said: "I am thinking of what can happen to us -- under the pretext that the agreement is not valid -- unless we sign a stable and lasting agreement, and unless we protect our sovereignty and state." He stressed that "it is everybody's duty to make sure that the Cyprus question does not turn into another Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The way to do that is to protect our rights, territory, homeland, and state, and to continue with our close cooperation with the motherland."

Denktas reiterated that an agreement and peace can be achieved under conditions of equality. He alleged that "the Turkish Cypriots established a state -- like the one the Palestinians want to set up -- in 1975 in the form of a federated state and then reinforced it by turning it into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983. "

Denktas said that he will brief the party leaders before his scheduled 9 April meeting with President Clerides . Denktas faulted certain party leaders for their criticism of the way he is conducting the Cyprus talks, and charged that such criticism harms him as negotiator as well as the people's resistance.

Asked how he views the Belgian model, Denktas replied: "There are many lessons we can draw from the Belgian model." Noting Belgium's special status in the EU, the rights and powers of the two sides in Belgium, and the importance they attach to the issue of language, Denktas said: "We too can get the rights and powers Belgium has achieved in its relations with the EU, as long as our sovereign equality is accepted, and the Turkish-Greek balance established by the 1960 accords is not upset."

In reply to whether a positive outcome can be expected from the talks with the Greek Cypriots, Denktas said that this must be given a chance.

Commenting on the US and UK envoys' suggestion that the talks process be speeded up, Denktas said that it is difficult because there is a lot of preparation and assessment involved.

In reply to a question after the meeting, Dervis Eroglu said that the transfer of Industry Bank to the Savings and Deposits Insurance Fund solved the problem without creating difficulties for the depositors of the bank.

[06] Turkish Cypriot sources informed Turkish Daily News about the situation in the direct talks for a solution in Cyprus

According to diplomatic sources, for the first time since the 1974 Turkish intervention on the island, following an Athens-engineered coup by Greek Cypriots in the summer of 1974, the two leaders hosted each other at dinner, and since their Jan. 16 first meeting -- during which they launched the direct talks process -- they have come together 22 times and spent well over 40 hours discussing all aspects of the Cyprus problem, these developments themselves have represented a major success.

Both sides remain committed to the process, the sources underlined, but admitted that the two leaders have appeared stuck again, and the process seems to be moving nowhere.

Countering this atmosphere of gloom, Turkish Cypriot sources said the two leaders have discussed almost all aspects of the Cyprus problem, resolved their differences on some aspects, but so far could not establish reconciliation on some, unfortunately, key issues. But, the sources said, that was the agreed methodology of the process anyhow. They said right from the very beginning that Denktas and Clerides had agreed to discuss all the issues one by one, when stuck on one, move to another and at the end of the process return to those issues they had failed to resolve and make a last attempt.

Sources said that the two sides have already agreed that "Until everything is done, nothing is done," and it would be premature to brand the process a success or failure, despite the headway achieved on some issues and the deadlock on others.

Rauf Denktas admitted after the last meeting of the second round of direct talks process on Tuesday that there were difficulties, but he underlined at the same time that he would patiently continue to work towards a solution.

"Every aspect of the problem has been addressed and discussed," Denktas told reporters. "There are difficulties. The difficulties are continuing," he said. "In the nine days ahead (before the next meeting) we have time to assess the meetings and discussions we have had and put together a list of issues we agree and disagree upon." That's indeed why the two sides are having intervals in the process.

Countering also the pessimism of diplomatic observers that little headway had been achieved in the talks, and striking a deal between the two sides on the island by the June deadline has become increasingly unlikely, Denktas stressed that he was committed to the process and would continue beyond the June deadline if necessary.

"I have said that by June we may get a better picture of whether we agree or not," Denktas said. "Once the problem is diagnosed properly, what we have started in January we can finish by June. What is important is the diagnosis," he said. "We're going to continue patiently and with good intentions."

Denktas, who faces possible heart surgery in August, and declared early this year that he had set the June deadline considering his health among a series of other factors, declared that the talks "can go on beyond June."

The Turkish Cypriot leader will undergo extensive medical controls in June or July, sources said, to take a decision on whether and when surgery was ne cessary. The doctors of the Turkish Cypriot leader had reported to him last October that he would need a heart operation within six to twelve months.

Another important factor that makes a Cyprus settlement a matter of urgency is the looming European Union accession of the Greek Cypriot leadership that enjoys international recognition as the "sole legitimate government" of the entire island.

Turkey has threatened an annexation of the northern third of the island if Greek Cypriots were admitted into the EU before a settlement on the island -- a development considered by Turkish Cypriots and Ankara as an indirect union of southern Cyprus with Greece.

Such a development would not only dash Turkey's EU aspirations or make Turkey a country "occupying EU territory," but could land Turkey and Greece in a war.

It was this possibility that pushed Denktas write to Clerides and urge him to a direct meeting last November.

Clerides, on the other hand, would become the Greek Cypriot leader who would make permanent the partition of the island if EU accession was completed before the end of his tenure. The EU accession credit, on the other hand, would go to former President George Vassiliou. It was during Vassiliou's presidency when Greek Cypriots applied to the EU. Vassiliou has been the head of the Greek Cypriot team at the accession talks with the EU.

As there has been no change in the conditions that forced the two leaders to start the direct talks process, some diplomatic sources underline that there is no need for pessimism as long as the talks continue.

This was indeed what was stressed on Wednesday by the United States. Responding to a question, State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher underlined that the continuation of the talks between the two leaders was a positive development, but Washington expected them to accelerate the talks and meet the June deadline.

According to senior Turkish Cypriot sources, the Greek Cypriot leadership has not moved an inch from its "uncompromising" approaches regarding power-sharing, territorial aspects and the refugee issues. The sources, however, underlined that a breakthrough was still possible provided Greek Cypriots relinquished their intransigence on the principle of political equality and move to reconcile towards establishing a new partnership based on sharing sovereignty.

The Greek Cypriots want a single federated state made up of two regions, while the Turkish Cypriots want a union of two states only loosely linked by a central administration.

[07] Turkish Justice Minister: EU should not expect unilateral concession from Turkey

Addressing a panel called, "Turkey-EU Acquis on the path to the EU and the works of Turkish ministers", organized jointly by Ankara University and the Frieidrich Naumann foundation, Turk noted that Turkey had fulfilled all of its short-term pledges in its National Program and had begun to fulfil some of its medium-term pledges.

Stressing that Turkey has unique problems compared to the other candidates, Turk identified these as the problems between Turkey and Greece over the Cyprus issue.

According to Turk, Turkish-Greek problems may be solved through reciprocal talks. "Turkey is always expected to make efforts and concessions. This expectation results in the uncompromising stance of the other party, because the other party is also an EU member. Such an attitude will do no good and it will not solve the problems," he added.

Touching on the Cyprus issue, Turk stated that the solution to the Cyprus problem was only possible with the agreement of the two parties, and added that EU commissioner responsible for expansion Gunther Verheugen/s statement that "Cyprus will enter the EU although the problems are not solved", would not contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Turk noted that Turkey was supporting the UN Secretary-General's efforts, adding that Turkey would fulfil its requirements. He warned however, that nobody should expect unilateral concession. "It is a double standard for the EU to announce it was ready to let a problematic Cyprus in, while wanting a no problematic Turkey", Turk said and asked the Union to adopt a constructive attitude on the Turkish-Greek problems and the Cyprus issue.

Meanwhile, Friedrich Naumann foundation representative Wolfgang Sacsenroder said at the panel that Europe needed Turkey, since the Islamic population was growing in Europe, which was meant to imply that Europe should integrate with the Islamic world.

[08] Ertugruloglu will attend the meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference

Ertugruloglu will deliver a speech on terrorism and will have contacts with officials.

After the end of the OIC meeting, Ertugruloglu will go to Spain, where he will have contacts. During his visit to Spain, the so-called General Director of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Fazil Can Korkut, will also accompany him.

The delegation will return to the occupied areas on 7 April.

[09] The identity card of Archbishop Makarios is for sale in Turkey

HURRIYET writes that it asked a representative of the Patriarch to comment on the issue but he refrained from saying anything.

According to the paper, Mr Erbilgin found the identity card from a friend whose father has been working in the Registration Office of the Republic of Cyprus before and during the Turkish invasion of 1974.

"My friend found the identity card when he was searching in his father's things after he died", said Mr Erbilgin to HURRIYET adding that they persuaded this person to sell the identity card but he was afraid to do it himself because he lives in Cyprus. "That is why he does not want his name to be revealed", he added.

Mr Erbilgin noted that about 60 - 70 persons called him after he gave the advertisement and expressed interest for buying the identity card. The highest price for the identity card was offered by a woman who owns a restaurant where Greeks use to go. This woman offered 18.000 US dollars.

[10] Rauf Denktas is trying to exploit the crisis in the Middle East to delay a solution in Cyprus

Denktas recalled that former US President Bill Clinton pressured Palestinian leader Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Sharon to sign an agreement because, Clinton claimed, time was running out. In fact, Denktas said, these two leaders even received the Nobel Peace Prize and added: "Unfortunately, we see what is happening to the Palestinians today". Denktas pointed to the dangers that may befall Cyprus if a time limit is imposed for a solution. Making haste in Cyprus, Denktas said, may lead to irreversible consequences, such as turning the Turkish Cypriots into a minority that has rights only on paper. This would be a disaster for us, he said.

Denktas emphasized that it is unacceptable for the Turkish Cypriots to join the EU as a minority of the Greek Cypriots. He added: It is impossible for us to give up our sovereignty. Think well where a wrong step can lead us. We must not forget what is happening between Israel and the Palestinians.

Denktas charged that the Greek Cypriots are trying to achieve through the EU what they could not achieve through armed force. He said: "We shed our blood, not water, when establishing this state. We will not give up the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and our sovereignty just so that we can join the EU".

Denktas warned that a wrong agreement can negatively affect everybody. He charged that EU representative in Turkey Karen Fogg and certain other circles had launched a campaign against him. I am trying to sign an agreement that will not turn Cyprus into another Israel-Palestine, he said.

Denktas concluded by saying that an agreement that does not define the status of the Turkish Cypriots or that does not accept Turkish Cypriot sovereignty or motherland Turkey's guarantees will not be signed.

Addressing the same conference, so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said that Morphou will not be negotiated and stressed that the people of the town need not worry. It is the Turkish Cypriot side that wants an agreement, he said, but we will never give up certain things just so that an agreement is signed. The people of Morphou should feel as secure in their land as do the people of Kyrenia.

Eroglu pointed out that Morphou was declared a priority region for economic development and that investors were being encouraged to invest in this area.

Eroglu stressed that it is important to reach a viable agreement between the two peoples in Cyprus. It is natural for the Greek Cypriots to shun an agreement when certain EU officials encourage them to do so, he alleged.

Eroglu stated that it is possible to sign agreement of mutual goodwill between the two sides. However, he alleged, the unacceptable demands made by the Greek Cypriots at the negotiating table clearly show that they do not have goodwill.

Pointing out that there are economic problems everywhere in the world, Eroglu said that the measures being taken thanks to motherland Turkey's extremely important contributions have started to yield fruit.

[11] "European party", a new party, in the occupied areas

Sener Levent, in a statement to the paper regarding the establishment of the party, said: "In order to get back our political will-power and our jasmines, which are under occupation, it was a necessary thing to establish our party." Stressing that they approve of the struggle that the opposition forces are waging against the occupation regime but they found it insufficient, Levent said that they must carry this struggle forward.

The emblem of the party will be a "red rose".

The first news about the foundation of the European Party were published in the right-wing Turkish Cypriot newspaper VOLKAN, with a list of the names of the founders, only one day after the founders made an "official" application to the so-called Ministry of Internal Affairs. VOLKAN defined the European Party as the "Fifth Column Party" and called on the so-called public prosecutor to close this party immediately.

AFRIKA reports that the European Party's target is to unite all the votes of the opposition, which are in bits, against the Ankara- Denktas regime. In the coming days, details regarding the programme and the activities of the party will be announced.

KV/SK

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