Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-08-08

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas says EU is asking for trouble if Cyprus joins EU.

[02] Cyprus: Talat calls on Denktas to prepare the community to a solution and to EU accession.

[03] CLP leader Angolemli critical of Denktas.

[04] New Turkey Party leader Cem: "Cyprus problem could be solved until Copenhagen Summit.

[05] Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman: "Cyprus is not a condition on Turkey' s path to the EU".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktas says EU is asking for trouble if Cyprus joins EU

In reply to a question at the farewell meeting with Major General Bahtiyar, whose term in office ended, Denktas assessed the remarks made by George Vasiliou, who is Cyprus/ Chief Negotiator for Accession to the EU, to the effect that they will become an EU member by December.

In his statement, Denktas said that if Cyprus is accepted as an EU member under the name of Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriot side will continue its path with Turkey in order to protect itself. Denktas explained that he had asked to hold direct talks with President Clerides with the hope it will help in having the whole of Cyprus become an EU member, in preventing the dangerous consequences of an unilateral EU membership, in safeguarding the condition that Turkey's rights remain intact, and in having the EU give the necessary assurance on maintaining the Turkish-Greek balance. For this reason, Denktas added, the EU will be asking for trouble if they intend to have the Greek Cypriots join unilaterally because they did not attach the necessary value to this historical opening and our brave initiative. We, however, will not be responsible for this, added Denktas.

Recounting that a political party leader attempted to divide the Turkish Cypriots into those who seek peace and those who do not, Denktas added: "Everybody should talk according to the votes they receive. The votes they received are party votes. Several members of these parties voted for me just because they sought peace in line with our sovereignty, state, and Turkey's effective guarantee. I am representing those people."

Denktas pointed out that he was conducting the negotiations as the representative of a people who sought sovereignty, equality, and the continuation of Turkey's effective guarantee. Denktas continued: "I expect and will continue to expect that those who took an oath to support sovereignty to extend me support on this issue."

[02] Cyprus: Talat calls on Denktas to prepare the community to a solution and to EU accession

Talat called on Denktas to consider the current situation as well as the significance of the meeting he will be holding with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in September. He also called on Denktas to make serious assessments with all the political parties, the nongovernmental organizations, and the pseudo-Assembly instead of engaging in polemics.

[03] CLP leader Angolemli critical of Denktas

''In the past, by leaving the negotiating table, Denktas was responsible for the Turkish side to be accused of being the side abandoning the talks, now he is using the same tactics this time he is using the sovereignty as an excuse to divert the attention of those who are locked in the EU target'' Angolemli said. He urged Denktas instead of resorting to such tactics and wasting people's time, to understand the importance of the Copenhagen summit and take the developments seriously and lock himself in on targets for realising the EU membership and the settlement.

[04] New Turkey Party leader Cem: "Cyprus Problem could be solved until Copenhagen Summit"

However, Cem added that a settlement, which will endanger Turkey and Turkish existence in Cyprus, will not be accepted.

[05] Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman: "Cyprus is not a condition on Turkey' s path to the EU"

Referring to Turkish Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel's recent visit to Jordan spokesman Bulunc said that Gurel has asked Jordan's support regarding Turkey's stance on Cyprus. "We have briefed them on Cyprus issue'' Bulunc declared.

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