Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-10-18

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Conflicting reports about Denktas´ health.

[02] Turkish Cypriot political party leaders call on the EU to set a date for accession negotiations with Turkey.

[03] Mesut Yilmaz believes the EU will take into consideration Turkey^Òs threats upon deciding on Cyprus´ EU accession.

[04] Cosar: Trade relations between Turkey and the pseudostate have not reached a satisfactory level.

[05] Mehmet Ali Birand suggests that Turkey should force the US to support its positions on Cyprus in return for Iraq.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[06] RADIKAL columnist criticizes Turkish politicians^Ò stance vis-à-vis the northern Iraq issue and Cyprus.

[07] Columnist of AFRIKA stresses that as the situation is in North Cyprus he can only wait for the Turkish occupation to come to an end.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Conflicting reports about Denktas´ health

A.A correspondent has learned from pseudostate officials that Denktas' condition improved and he slept comfortably last night. Today he is very comfortable and very well, the ^Óofficials^Ô said, and there is nothing to worry about.

Serdar Denktas, Denktas´ son, had decided to fly to New York following the complication yesterday, but he cancelled his flight following the improvement in Denktas´ condition. Serdar Denktas reportedly spoke to his father^Òs doctors and was told that "there was no reason for him to go to New York."

Today, the Turkish Cypriot daily YENIDUZEN wrote that yesterday Rauf Denktas developed "a pulmonary complication and was having difficulty breathing and walking," reports A.A

Meanwhile Istanbul CNN TURK Television (17.10.02) broadcast that negative developments occurred with regard to the health of Rauf Denktas. Water was drained with a needle from Denktas, whose lung collected water in the wake of his operation. His adviser Ergun Olgun, who is currently in New York, explained the latest situation regarding Denktas' health to CNN TURK, as follows:

^ÓIt is true that three-four days after the operation, Mr. Denktas suffered some complications. This was manifested by difficulty in breathing. The doctors determined that this was a complication stemming from the collection of the body liquids around the lung during the operation. They tried to rid the body of these liquids through various methods. Yesterday, 800 cc of water was drained from his right side with a needle. After that, Denktas felt comfortable. At present, there is no problem. The difficulty he had in breathing was overcome. The doctors ordered him to stay away from work for eight weeks. Therefore, he is banned from working for eight weeks.^Ô

[02] Turkish Cypriot political party leaders call on the EU to set a date for accession negotiations with Turkey

During a meeting with the delegation, Talat pointed out that either the EU or the other world countries are not sufficiently well acquainted with the Cyprus problem and its connection with EU accession and enlargement. The EU membership of a united Cyprus will greatly benefit the Turkish Cypriots as well, but accession at this stage would harm the Turkish Cypriots and cause the detachment of the community, Talat remarked. He added that as individuals the Turkish Cypriots would be EU citizens, but the community's membership in the EU depends on future developments, including Turkey's membership as well. Talat noted that the decision adopted at the Helsinki summit granting Turkey candidate status was very important, but the necessary progress did not take place for a solution.

Noting that great hopes were pinned on the direct talks, but this effort also failed to yield a positive result, Talat said that if this situation continues, a very difficult period will begin, especially for the Turkish Cypriots. He stated: ^ÓWe must concentrate on the solution of the Cyprus problem. This is the only way to overcome all these problems. Excluding the Turkish Cypriots from the EU accession process is not something acceptable to the community, because over 90 percent of the community favours EU membership, naturally alongside a solution. They want a united island to accede to the EU. We believe that to achieve this end, both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership, which is opposing EU membership because of certain fixed ideas and prejudices, can be encouraged to reach a solution by primarily supplying Turkey with a date for negotiations at the Copenhagen summit."

Also speaking during the meeting with the Finnish delegation, Angolemli said that the EU will contribute significantly to the solution of the Cyprus problem and underlined the importance of the EU's granting a date for starting negotiations with Turkey. It is known that the United Nations is preparing a solution plan for Cyprus and this will be submitted to the sides in the wake of the elections in Turkey, Angolemli noted, adding that a Cyprus solution can be attained through a new partnership to be established based on the existence of two equal sides on the island. Angolemli said that his party, which advocates that the EU will positively contribute to the solution process on the island by treating the two sides equally and by granting Turkey a date for negotiations, supports a solution and post-solution EU membership.

The Finnish Foreign Minister, in turn, explained during the meetings that his aim is to exchange views on the Cyprus problem with all the sides in northern Cyprus. "Pointing out that this is the most opportune moment to solve the long-standing problem in Cyprus, Tuomioja stressed that the ongoing talks have reached the most critical phase in terms of the EU accession timetable.

[03] Mesut Yilmaz believes the EU will take into consideration Turkey^Òs threats upon deciding on Cyprus´ EU accession

Replying to a question on how Turkey would respond if the EU admits Cyprus as a new member, Yilmaz said: "It would depend on how it will admit Cyprus. If it admits the Greek Cypriot side as the representative of the whole island, it would be the worst-case scenario for us. However, they will not do that, because they can calculate its consequences, including partition of the island. It would also undermine peace and torpedo EU-Turkish and Greek-Turkish relations. If the EU is sincere in its attempts to find a solution to the Cyprus question, it would refrain from taking such a step." Yilmaz says that the EU could find a middle way by admitting Cyprus and recognizing the Turkish Cypriot community's sovereignty, pending a solution to the dispute while setting a timetable for opening accession talks with Turkey after fulfilment of certain conditions.

[04] Cosar: Trade relations between Turkey and the pseudostate have not reached a satisfactory level

Cosar made this statement in a meeting with fifteen Turkish bureaucrats who arrived in the pseudostate in the framework of the agreement for improvement of the trade relations between Turkey and the occupation regime. Current agreements covering the areas of trade, industry, agriculture and tourism are facing difficulties and the aim is to put them on a more solid base.

Mr Cosar said that until today, pseudostate´s exports to Turkey were less than 30 million dollars and he suggested that this number should be increased to 80 -100 million dollars. Mr Cosar said that the increase of exports from the pseudostate to Turkey will greatly assist the pseudostate; while it will be an insignificant amount of money for Turkey whose imports reach the amount of 50 billion dollars.

[05] Mehmet Ali Birand suggests that Turkey should force the US to support its positions on Cyprus in return for Iraq

Turkey is undergoing a deep economic and political crisis. Turkey is also surrounded by international problems that urgently have to be solved. Turkish Daily News (TDN) interviewed some prominent Foreign policy writers about the conditions that the new government will face after the November 3 elections.

CNN Turk executive board member, foreign relations columnist Mehmet Ali Birand, answering TDN questions stated that the next era will be very crucial for Turkey and dust on the international arena will be uncovered. Turkey will be even closer to pursue more peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, but the biggest concern will be the results of a U.S. military strike on Iraq and establishment of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq.

Asked by TDN to classify the most important and urgent foreign policy problems of Turkey, Birand indicated that "whether it is a coalition or one party government, first files will be Cyprus and EU in relation to Cyprus, separately Iraq." Birand stated that these are the three major issues. "Once we have considered long-term policies Turkey followed and policies we have followed until now. We see that there are not many options due to Turkey's economic situation," Birand says.

According to Birand, Turkey has to find a solution to Cyprus "because the worst solution is better than an unsolved problem." Says Birand: "The worst solution is better than no solution because once Greek Cyprus gains accession to EU at the Copenhagen summit in December, Turkey will loose all the cards it has. Greece will not feel the need to make any compromise to reach a solution. They will be already on the EU path. Northern Cyprus will also be an EU territory," Birand comments. According to Birand, "The Cyprus issue will not be solved. Cyprus will be an even more exaggerated criterion. To sum up, the Turkish side has to find a solution before December, if not, it may face a very difficult position."

Birand thinks that Dervis Eroglu's "no solution is the solution" words have reached an end. "These words are bankrupt. We are loosing flexibility. The EU wants Cyprus to come to the table with a solution. Our cards are valid until December 12." Birand says and explains that the cards still have importance: "Once the EU says we will accept Cyprus what ever it costs the issue is over. The EU may provide other "carrots" to tranquilize Turkey but the possibility of loosing Cyprus in the long- term also increases. Greek Cyprus as a member of EU may demonstrate Northern Cyprus as part of Cyprus and may apply pressure on the EU. This might become a criterion. This might become an important criterion for Turkey's accession to the EU," Birand indicates.

"Turkey has to solve the Cyprus issue. This does not mean, "let's give everything in order to accede to the EU, but find a formula which will not create a problem in the future", Birand explains and states that Turkey is correct to insist on the sovereignty issue, but there are other points which may serve as well: "You can add other topics to that and this might be beneficial. The U.S. is one of the main role players. Turkey and the U.S. have many close economic relations as well if we put all of them aside. Turkey has the Iraq card to get U.S. support on the Cyprus issue."

Will the Spain and Morocco tension over the Pejil islands set an example for Turkey on the Cyprus issue?

Asked by TDN whether the dispute between Spain and Morocco over the Pejil islands could set an example for the EU on the Cyprus issue, Birand refuses such claims: "Europe will never think of sending soldiers to save "invaded territories." There is no need for it. Greek Cypriots apply to the International Court of Human Rights and want to get their houses and land back. This is an important pressure for Turkey," Birand says.

According to Birand, the new government is obliged to implement reforms: "Turkey has to implement EU reforms. There is nothing to discuss about it. Some in the EU and who are against Turkey's membership to the EU will examine the Turkish government's attitude carefully. A government with the Nationalist Action Party (NAP) will be a disadvantage. JDP and RPP won't disturb the EU. The government will be obliged to implement reforms because Turkish people are looking for a quick change. Turkish people are outraged and reactionary and consider that the development of a system is interrelated to the EU," said Birand.

Subtitle: Cyprus for Iraq

To Birand, there are not many things that Turkey can do about the Iraq case: "Turkey declared its attitude. Turkey will open air bases for operation, according to U.N. resolutions provided that there are no territorial claims from Turkey and that the U.S. does not settle hundred of thousands of soldiers. In case the U.N. does not enter but the U.S. does it alone Turkey cannot say `no I do not cooperate with you'. It is obliged," Birand says and points out the importance of developments in Northern Iraq: "The most important point is that we will be very cautious in the developments in Northern Iraq. We have nothing to do, but to be aware of developments and pray," he says.

Asked by TDN whether Turkey can play the Iraq card for Cyprus as Deputy Parliament speaker Murat Sokmenoglu once said in an interview, "Turkey could get support from U.S. on the Cyprus issue as compensation for the Iraq issue," Birand is positive.

"Not to get support only. We have to force the U.S. for it. If necessary we do not open the gates until we overcome the Cyprus issue.

If Putin makes Georgia as a matter of negotiation, why shouldn't Turkey benefit from Iraq on the Cyprus issue? In fact, this is not a bargain or negotiation. You just make him feel it. No one has to stand up and say I changed my attitude. It is enough to mention Cyprus," said Birand.

According to Birand these are three major issues but there are some others not publicly known well but still very important.

Subtitle: Turkey has to open gate to Armenia

According to Birand Turkey cannot do many things on the Armenia issue as well as the many problems in Caucasus: "Turkey can open the gate and increase the capacity of pressure because Armenia is in a bad condition. Turkey's hand will be better if they see an opening from Turkey," Birand says.

"Georgia is mostly a problem between Russia and the U.S. Turkey has nothing to say about it. Turkey cannot support Chechens. Turkey has nothing to say about Chechens. This page is over," Birand says for Turkish-Georgian relations.

Going down to Southern neighbours Birand attaches importance to Turkish-Syrian relations: "Increasing relations with Syria has priority. Peace with Syria is important because Turkey will feel itself on a peace island. Turkey will be surrounded by peaceful relations," Birand says.

Asked by TDN whether we can call this "peace at home, peace in the world," which Turkey has claimed for a long time, but will reach only now Birand says: "Our relations with Iran are not bad. Turkey has to improve relations with Iran. Then, Turkey may feel more secure. Once a solution is reached on the Cyprus issue, the Southern wing will be secure." Birand added: "There is a very good condition for the coming government. Every problem can be solved. We will see what will happen after all," Birand says.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[06] RADIKAL columnist criticizes Turkish politicians^Ò stance vis-à-vis the northern Iraq issue and Cyprus

He says: ^ÓThe real contradiction is this: `On the one hand you struggle desperately for the sovereignty and self-determination of the 140-thousand populated north Cyprus, which is totally dependent on Turkey, against the democratic and prosperous Republic of Cyprus which is considered and accepted by the world, except Turkey, as the legitimate state, which is on the threshold of becoming EU member.

On the other hand, you consider as casus belli the northern Iraqi Kurds´ aspirations for independence. You consider too much the autonomy demand of the 3-4 million Kurds living in northern Iraq under a despotic, undemocratic dictatorship and merciless police state that used chemical weapons against these Kurds and crushed them under the weight of Iraqi tanks. Or you get angry when these Kurds speak about autonomy. How can these contradictions be reconciled?

Could there be such a foreign policy? If it is possible, then it would serve to nothing but to block Turkey^Òs path in Cyprus and to limit Turkey^Òs horizon in northern Iraq.

Does Turkey deserve this?^Ô

[07] Columnist of AFRIKA stresses that as the situation is in North Cyprus he can only wait for the Turkish occupation to come to an end

^ÓI am a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus. Some people may get mad at me and start giving their clever replies, but this will neither change my views nor the reality. Now the Hitler-headed may start ^Ñadvising me^Ò to ^Ñgo and live in the other side^Ò. No my wolves! I will not do this. This place is not the steppe lands of Central Asia. This is my own country. All of it, the north and the south, is my country. I was born here and I may have not lived properly because of the Turkism and similar principles, but I lived my life here and I will die and be buried here. ^Å

Yes I am a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus. The ^Ñcitizenship^Ò I have today is obligatory. This is as heavy a weight as the shadow of the weapons and the military boots. What else can I do under its ^Ñlaw^Ò than wait for the end of the occupation?!^Ô

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