Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-05-29

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before and after meeting President Clerides.

[02] Reference to Cyprus in statements by Devlet Bahceli in Beijing.

[03] Press conference by Bulent Ecevit on the occasion of the third anniversary of his coalition government.

[04] Former Turkish Foreign Minister stated that the assumption that Cyprus cannot become EU member before the solution of the Cyprus problem is wrong.

[05] The pseudostate to take part in Baku Tourism Fair.

[06] The names of the "candidates" in the "municipal elections" have been announced

[07] A new ecological disaster in occupied Karavostassi.

[08] Otuken has been re-elected as chairman of KAMU-SEN.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Columnist in AFRIKA calls on Turkish Cypriots to vote for Nilgun Orhon, thus expressing their disagreement with Denktas and Ankara.

[10] Former Turkish General suggests the establishment of the Fifth Army in southern Turkey.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader before and after meeting President Clerides

Denktas replied to reporters' questions as he left the occupied areas to go to the Nicosia Conference Center where the meeting was held. He pointed out that they would continue to discuss the security issue and that they were assessing the Greek Cypriot proposals in this regard.

Asked if the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot proposals on the security issue converged anywhere, Denktas replied: "If our views cannot come closer on this issue, then they cannot come closer on any issue. Security concerns both sides. The security of Cyprus as a whole was guaranteed by the 1960 agreements. The security of both `states/ is in question in the new partnership to be established. We must find a common formula. We are working on that."

Responding to questions of journalists following the meeting, Rauf Denktas said: ``We exchanged views on the Greek Cypriot side`s proposals about the issue of security.``

Rauf Denktas and President Clerides will meet again on Friday.

[02] Reference to Cyprus in statements by Devlet Bahceli in Beijing

Referring to the relations between Turkey and the EU, Bahceli said that the relations entered a very critical period. Vital decisions which will affect the future of the relations between Turkey and the EU will be taken at the EU summit in Copenhagen in December this year. Bahceli said that a decision will also be taken in the summit about the "membership of Cyprus to the EU".

Bahceli said that the attitude which European Union (EU) would adopt about Turkey as well as the political decision which the Union would take on Cyprus issue would have significant effects and results.

Bahceli assessed the third year of the 57th government following the reception Turkish Ambassador to China Rafet Akgunay hosted.

Bahceli said: ``Cyprus`s being a full member to the EU will both make the solution of Cyprus issue impossible and also affect the future of the relations between Turkey and the EU deeply if the EU concluded Greek Cypriots` illegal application to the Union before a political solution is reached in Cyprus.``

Bahceli said that Turkey took concrete steps for EU membership by his party/s active support.

Bahceli said that the EU wants Turkey to abolish death penalty and to permit education and broadcasting in mother tongue to be in line with the Copenhagen criteria.

Noting that the Nationalist Action Party/s (NAP) attitude was clear and consistent from the beginning, Bahceli said that ``NAP wants membership of Turkey to the EU sincerely. The concrete steps were taken by the support of NAP. Accusing NAP on the issue is not right.``

[03] Press conference by Bulent Ecevit on the occasion of the third anniversary of his coalition government

On the issue of Cyprus, Ecevit said: "We hope that the Cyprus talks which were started with Mr. Denktas' initiative will yield positive results. However, it is essential to accept the fact that a lasting solution in the island depends on the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot side's sovereignty rights."

On the future of his government Mr Ecevit said: "Today, we look to the future with great confidence and hope. The 57th government is in control of its duties with determination, harmony and resolution to succeed. This government will remain in power until the scheduled elections, and it will do all it can to fulfill all its promises to the people."

The second half of the news conference was devoted to questions and answers. Asked to comment on the conditions for EU membership posited today by Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli who is the leader of the Nationalist Action Party, (NAP), Ecevit replies that he has not read the details of the statement made by Bahceli today. However, he adds, all three coalition members want Turkey to join the EU and they have announced that on every occasion. Recalling the sine qua non conditions for Turkey's EU membership, such as "abolishing capital punishment and certain educational and cultural issues," Ecevit states that unless progress is made in these fields Turkey can forget about joining the EU. "Therefore, I believe that the NAP which makes up one of the wings of our government, will act constructively in this regard. It is impossible to think otherwise, because, as I said, the NAP has accepted the target of full membership in the EU. It has accepted it without coercion, on its own will. We will all try, together, to do whatever is necessary for full membership. We may have difficulties among ourselves. There may be different opinions among the three parties in this regard. I believe, however, that sooner or later, we will reach a consensus."

Another reporter asks if he would seek the opposition's support in connection with the death sentence issue if he fails to reach a consensus in the government. Ecevit replies that it is possible.

The next question is whether his health will affect the state affairs a little, a lot, or not at all. Ecevit replies: "It is impossible to say anything definite. I would like to state that I have done everything I could and I will continue to do everything I can not to disrupt the state affairs during my illness, or rather during my convalescence seeing that my illness is now a thing of the past. I may not be able to do everything. For example, I may have to refrain from certain foreign official visits until the progress in my health reaches a certain level. Actually, that did happen. However, such situations can be overcome with the responsibility shared in the government. I hope that very soon I will be able to fulfill my duties as prime minister regarding foreign relations as well."

Asked what his ailment really is, Ecevit says that the doctor who treated him made detailed announcements in that regard, and that the announcements show that there is nothing serious.

Asked to comment on State Minister Kemal Dervis' remarks that early elections are needed, Ecevit replies: "Kemal Dervis, like all other citizens, can have his personal views about political matters. Our government has announced that it does not find early elections to be appropriate in any way." He goes on to say that the issue was not even raised in the government.

A reporter asks if he has ever considered resigning, and why he insists on remaining in his post. He replies that for many years certain circles claimed that he had serious health problems, but that these claims were subsequently proven false. He adds: "As I have repeatedly said, politics is not everything for me. I have other fields of interests in which I find great pleasure. I would have loved to go back to them. However, upsetting the government's stability at this stage would bring very serious problems to Turkey. I cannot assume that responsibility."

The same reporter asks him if he will run as leader of the Democratic Left Party, in the next elections. He says that it is too early to talk about that.

Asked if he has any retirement plans, Ecevit replies that he is not considering retirement because "Turkey is going through a very sensitive period, and it is enacting laws -- that are really structural reforms -- one after the other. Because I think that it would cost Turkey greatly to disrupt this process, I find it necessary to remain in my post," he says.

Prompted by a reporter, Ecevit says that he wants to visit the various areas in the country, especially in connection with the village-city project, but adds that for now he does not know to what extent he can do that. He goes on to say: "If I have some difficulty in paying visits both within Turkey and abroad for a while, I want my citizens not to be concerned and to realize that the problems will be resolved within the framework of the state's stability."

Asked if he will convene the Economic Social Council, Ecevit replies "of course." He stresses that the State Planning Organization has been neglected for years and that this organization and the Treasury should cooperate more efficiently. That is why it is so important to convene the Economic Social Council, he says.

To the question of whether he will join the next National Security Council meeting, he replies: "Barring any health problems, I will attend it of course."

[04] Former Turkish Foreign Minister stated that the assumption that Cyprus cannot become EU member before the solution of the Cyprus problem is wrong

Speaking at a Panel discussion organized by the Bursa Journalists/ Association, Uludag University and Osmangazi Municipality, on "Face to Face Discussion with Intellectuals", Hikmet Cetin said that in case "south Cyprus is not admitted into the EU the EU enlargement will be halted because of the Greek veto, and if the Greek Cypriot side is admitted this will mean that the Greek Cypriots too will have a say on whether the EU will start accession negotiations with Turkey."

Noting that Turkey did not demonstrate the necessary determination on the course to full EU membership, Hikmet Cetin said: "If Turkey wants really to enter into the EU, then it should do what is necessary to realize it".

Cetin further said that Turkey missed the then EEC train in the 70/s because of its unstable governments, unstable coalitions and the struggle it waged against terrorism. "I hope this time Turkey will not miss the European train at the Copenhagen summit",Cetin concluded.

[05] The pseudostate to take part in Baku Tourism Fair

[06] The names of the "candidates" in the "municipal elections" have been announced

According to the paper, only the National Unity Party (NUP) of "Prime Minister" Dervish Eroglu, has candidates in all the twenty eight (28) "municipalities" of the occupied areas. The Democratic Party, the other "coalition" partner has "candidates" in 23 "municipalities", whereas Nationalist Justice Party (NJP) has 15, Republican Turkish Party (RTP) 14 and Communal Liberation Party (CLP) 13. The smaller parties, National Revival Party (NRP), Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), Union and Sovereignty Party (USP) will have one candidate each. Thirty candidates will participate in the "elections" as independent. The Patriotic Unity Movement (PUM) will have no "candidates".

The paper writes that the "candidatures" will be finalized on 2 June and the "official" announcement of the "candidates" is scheduled to take place on 3 June.

The 28 "municipalities" of the pseudostate are the following: Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Morphou, Trikomo, Lefka, Goneli, Louroudjina, Yerolakkos, Kythrea, Lyssi, Pergamos, Lefkoniko, Sinta, Assia, Chatos, Akanthou, Vadili, Ayios Sergios, Karavas, Ayios Epiktitos, Dikomo, Ayios Ambrosios, Lapithos, Komi Kepir, Rizokarpaso, Galatia and Yialousa.

[07] A new ecological disaster in occupied Karavostassi

As a result of the explosion the water with the chemicals started flowing into the sea and the surroundings of the installations of CMC, continues KIBRIS, noting that the "blue sea was turned into brown" due to the polluted water.

Furthermore, agricultural products and animals are raised in the area, concludes the paper, stressing that this poses great dangers for the health of the people.

[08] Otuken has been re-elected as chairman of KAMU-SEN

The paper reports that the administration of KAMU -SEN decided to hold a new extraordinary General Assembly on 27 July 2002 in order to decide on the participation of the trade union in the Federation of Free Workers Trade Unions (HUR - IS).

[B] COMMENTS EDITORIALS

[09] Columnist in AFRIKA calls on Turkish Cypriots to vote for Nilgun Orhon, thus expressing their disagreement with Denktas and Ankara

The full text of the commentary is as follows:

"The Supreme Election Council has disclosed the list of candidates who will run in the local elections. Some 10 candidates will run in Nicosia, seven in Famagusta, seven in Kyrenia, and seven in Morphou. Some 128 candidates will participate in the local elections/ 28 areas. Only one of them, Nilgun Orhan, views the local elections as an opportunity for settling accounts with Ankara.

Nilgun Orhon made that quite clear in her election slogan: Nilgun, not Ayse [password for the launching of Turkey's military invasion in Cyprus in 1974]

Onder Konuloglu's election slogan in Kyrenia must be lauded as well: Jasmines will fill the air with their perfume-like odour. Konuloglu's message is political. He made that clear when he disclosed his candidacy by saying: "First, we must exercise our own political will."

Local elections will be held in a few days. However, we do not know how many Turkish Cypriots live on the island. Obviously, the settlers from mainland Turkey will determine the outcome. Nevertheless, we will still go to the polls. That will, at least, creates an opportunity for us to establish the strength of our community and the number of Turkish Cypriot voters left on the island.

The local elections will be very important for everyone because they will be the last of their kind. We will not find a similar number of Turkish Cypriot voters going to the polls when the next local elections are held. Who will want to live on the island if the Cyprus problem remains unsolved, Cyprus joins the EU and Turkey places us under its control?

Nilgun Orhon will represent the Turkish Cypriots in the local elections. The votes that will be cast to support her will show how much we disagree with Ankara and Rauf Denktas. The votes for Nilgun Orhon will bring to light the number of those who want to exercise their political will and object to the interference of the Turkish Embassy and military forces in the administration. They will also bring to light the number of those who defend the view that no one must be penalized for his political views, demand the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot citizenship rights in the Cyprus Republic, call for the transfer of the military command, police organization, fire brigade, and central bank to the Turkish Cypriots, demand legal action against the owners of the Credit Bank, and complain against military exercises and traffic jams caused by military convoys in the country.

The votes for Nilgun Orhon will help us to establish the number of those who disagree with Minister of State Sukru Sina Gurel, claim that they will annex Cyprus, and support integration with Turkey, believing that a difference between the Turkish Cypriots and the mainland Turks does not exist.

Those who will support Nilgun Orhon will penalize the officials who dismissed her from her school, cut her salary, and filed a lawsuit against her to see to it that she is sent to prison. The Turkish Cypriots can show that they do not agree with them only by voting to support her.

Our people have been suppressed and silenced for many years. They will be able to voice their grievances through Nilgun Orhon. She will help them to raise their voice to say that they disagree with the administration and its policy on Cyprus.

The electorate outside Nicosia must not regret being unable to vote for her. There are many ways for them to show that they support her.

Do not forget that the most effective action we can take to protest against the hopeless point we have reached in the Cyprus problem is to raise our voice. So, the only way to change the present situation is to support Nilgun Orhon, not Ayse."

[10] Former Turkish General suggests the establishment of the Fifth Army in Southern Turkey

This way, reports OZGONUL, the establishment of the "5th Army" was put on the agenda for the first time.

KV/SK

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