Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-01-07

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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 Sezer's Spokesman on the views of Erdogan and Denktas for the solution to the Cyprus problem

[02] Erdogan repeats that the Cyprus problem should be solved

[03] The Turkish Foreign Minister was interviewed by NTV

[04] Foreign Minister Yakis Interviewed by Sedat Ergin. Turkey asked for help from the U.S. to solve the Cyprus problem

[05] Turkish Cypriot political party leaders continue their meetings with Denktas

[06] Erdogan says UN Cyprus Plan negotiable

[07] Turkish Cypriots in Istanbul demonstrated in Support of Annan Cyprus Plan

[08] Fifty-three thousand Turkish Cypriots emigrated from the occupied areas between 1974-2002

[09] The telephone of Mustafa Akinci is being tapped

[10] Denktas and his supporters are accused of trying to "destroy" the 28th of February

[11] KTOEOS criticizes Mumtaz Soysal

[12] Pro-Denktas VOLKAN newspaper publishes a public opinion poll

[13] KIBRIS publishes an opinion poll on how the Turkish Cypriots see the UN revised plan

[14] Kibris (07/01/03) publishes the second instalment of the poll carried out by the Turkish Cypriot market and research company KADEM.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by Sezer's Spokesman on the views of Erdogan and Denktas for the solution to the Cyprus problem

When asked, ``a polemic has been continuing between Justice and Development Party (JDP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Rauf Denktas. What is the attitude of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer about this polemic? `` Ildem said: ``The Cyprus question was taken up at a meeting which was held with the participation of Rauf Denktas. Both Turkey and the 'TRNC' target to find a solution to the Cyprus question. The most important thing is that both Turkey and the 'TRNC' considered the plan presented to the sides in Cyprus by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan negotiable.`` Mr Ildem also said that there are some basic subjects that are difficult to accept in the plan, adding that those subjects are land, immigrants, property and security. He said that the statement of Denktas who thinks the plan can be negotiated and who said that they are ready for talks as targeting February 28 is an important development.

Ildem said that if the subjects in the Annan Plan which Turkey considers positive are gained, it has to be accepted that the foresighted manner of Denktas and 'TRNC' in talks had a role in this gain.

``Demonstrations are held in Cyprus and those can be done in every democratic society and this a sign of healthy working of democratic life. The important thing is the talks between sides, not the talks in 'TRNC' or Turkey. We believe that talks which will start on January 7 will reach a positive result with the good intentions of both sides. The significant thing is a solution which will take the realities in Cyprus into consideration. It is also possible to reach a solution at all costs, but this can't be the recipe of a permanent solution. A lasting solution is a solution on the basis of a new partnership that will take into consideration the security and sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriots and the balance between Turkey and Greece in any case. The expectations of the Turkish Cypriots are important, and certainly the expectations of the 'TRNC' people will give a form to these negotiations, and Mr. Denktas is for the moment in intensive consultation process with the parties represented in the 'TRNC' parliament. He prepares for the negotiation process that will start on January 7. As much as the expectations of the Turkish Cypriot people, the historical and conventional rights of "Turkish Republic on Cyprus" are also important. This should not be forgotten, `` he said.

When asked if Mr. Denktas shared his ``uneasiness`` about this issue with Mr. President, Ildem said: ``I could not clearly understand what you meant by `uneasiness. ` There is no uneasiness which Mr. Denktas conveyed to the President. In fact, Mr. Denktas expressed happiness over the result of the meeting held in the Presidential Palace in which both Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also participated.``

[02] Erdogan repeats that the Cyprus problem should be solved

"Actually, I see Mr. Denktas' remarks as a continuation of my own remarks. What I say does not contradict Mr. Denktas' remarks. Let me say that the Cyprus problem is not a personal question but a national one. That is what I said. Look, it is obvious that there is a problem in Cyprus. It is obvious that there is a problem that needs to be solved. If this problem remains unsolved, as it is today, as certain circles say it should, then the problem of the past 40 years and the way it is disturbing the present new generation will be exacerbated in the future. Our thinking is that politics is not the art of creating problems but that of creating solutions. Why should the Turkish Cypriots or Turkey avoid creating a solution? We must sit at the negotiating table, we must announce our position and our arguments for that position, and we must solve this problem while standing by our position and arguments.

There are, however, certain circles who distance themselves from political ethics and who make unethical and ugly statements. I consider them to be hallucinating; I consider them to be hallucinating because they are nearing their end. I do not take them seriously.

When we discuss something, we have the interests of our nation and our country in mind. These interests can never be one-sided, however. There must be mutual interests. If you defend mutual interests, then you can reach a solution. If you defend only one-sided interests, then you will never reach a solution. Unfortunately, the circles that defend a unilateral solution will lose what they already have, and they do not know it. That is our concern."

[03] The Turkish Foreign Minister was interviewed by NTV

On the Cyprus issue, referring to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent statement disapproving the Cyprus policy of the past 30-40 years, and Rauf Denktas' subsequent reaction to that statement, Akgun asks whether there is discord in the Turkish side.

Yakis declares: "No, this is not the way I see it. Both Erdogan and Denktas agree that this matter is not a Denktas issue, that it is the problem of the Turkish Cypriot people and the Turkish people. Anyway, no one can pile everything on Denktas and ask him to resolve this problem. Both Mr. Denktas and our government must settle this problem in line with the common views of the Turkish Cypriot people and the Turkish people, and this is what will be done."

Asked to comment on increasing demands for Denktas' resignation in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Yakis remarks: "One is free to express any view in a pluralistic society. The existence of such an atmosphere in Cyprus should not disturb anyone, as long as those who engage in this are not influenced by foreign elements and they act in line with their true interests. If they are correctly interpreting their interests, their action should be respected."

Can the Cyprus problem be solved by 28 February, and if not, will this be a breaking point, Akgun questions. The minister says no, and describes 28 February as "an artificial date." This date does not coincide with the end of a period, Yakis explains, adding that the only significant event is that Mr. Clerides will resign on that date. "If Clerides fails to solve this problem, the next date is 14 April, the date on which the EU will sign the accession agreement." Yakis describes 14 April as a more concrete deadline.

Questioned about the utilization of the time before any deadline, Yakis says: "Our cooperation with Mr. Denktas is continuing. He is also aware that distance must be covered rapidly, regardless of the 28 February deadline. He knows the issue very well, and we believe that he is exerting every possible effort to conclude matters on time."

Asked to comment on Greek Prime Minister Simitis' statement about the green line in Cyprus, namely the importance of Cyprus for Turkey's EU accession, Yakis explains: "Greece will have a chance because it will assume the presidency of the EU. Moreover, there is a new element pertaining to the lack of clarity regarding Cyprus' EU accession. Will it accede with the status of 1960 or with the status stipulated in the Annan plan? These two points underscore the need to solve the green line issue as soon as possible. It is my guess that this is what Mr. Simitis is trying to point out."

Akgun also questions Simitis' reference to the territorial shelf problem with Turkey and his hope to solve this problem in the period ahead. Is there any hope to solve this issue in the short term, Akgun asks. Pointing out that Turkey claims that the problem with Greece does not consist of the territorial shelf alone, Yakis states that "we continue to maintain this position. As you know, the negotiations are continuing with Greece along many channels, and we declare our position in every forum." "There is a process started by Mr. Cem and Mr. Papandreou. I believe this is a correct process." Yakis says that this process is based on starting with the easier problems and working toward the more difficult ones.

[04] Foreign Minister Yakis Interviewed by Sedat Ergin. Turkey asked for help from the U.S. to solve the Cyprus problem

Following are the replies by Mr Yakis to questions on Cyprus:

Question: A solution is expected to be found in Cyprus by 28 February. This might coincide with a US operation against Iraq. There are rumours to the effect that the United States intends to launch an operation at the end of February.

Answer: This is a coincidence.

Question: The United States has put forward very sensitive demands with regard to Iraq. Can Turkey not make use of these demands in order to stop the pressure regarding Cyprus? Is it possible to use these demands as a bargaining card in Cyprus?

Answer: We have never been in favour of turning this into a bargaining issue. In other words, we have never been in favour of saying: "You give us this in Cyprus and in return we extend support in such and such a way in Iraq." Similarly, we have never turned the Iraqi issue into a bargaining issue. We have never said: "If you pay us this much money, we will give you this many soldiers." We have negotiated on each issue separately. However, we have said to our American friends: We understand that Iraq is very important for you, but you should also understand that Cyprus is very important for us. We are approaching the 28 February deadline. Even if we cannot find a solution by this date, we still have time until 14 April. An accession agreement will be signed between the EU and Cyprus on 14 April. We have to make some progress by this date. Otherwise, the non-solution in Cyprus will continue. You should help us with regard to this issue. As a matter of fact, regardless of the Iraqi issue, you should help us resolve the Cyprus problem. If you leave Turkey alone in the Cyprus issue, which has almost turned into a crisis, Turkey will not be able to cope both with the Iraqi and the Cyprus crises. It cannot cope with both crises. This is the message we are trying to give to the United States.

We do not want to be misunderstood, however. We have not proposed to give soldiers to the United States in return for its help in Cyprus. We want the United States to help us in Cyprus. We would have asked for our American friends' support even if there were no crisis in Iraq. Our stand with regard to the Iraqi issue would not have changed even if there were no problems in Cyprus. We know from our negotiations with our American friends that Cyprus does not constitute a priority issue for the United States at this time. We are making utmost efforts to clearly explain to the United States why Cyprus constitutes a priority issue for Turkey.

[05] Turkish Cypriot political party leaders continue their meetings with Denktas

Denktas continued to assess the latest situation in the Cyprus issue with the political parties represented in the so-called Assembly. Dervis Eroglu, National Unity Party chairman; Serdar Denktas, Democratic Party chairman; Republican Turkish Party Chairman Mehmet Ali Talat; and Reformist Leap Party Chairman Ertugrul Hasipoglu attended today's meeting. So-called Republican Assembly Speaker Vehbi Zeki Serter and Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu were also present at the meeting.

Denktas replied to reporters' questions prior to the meeting. Noting that they want to reach a solution today and that they are working to attain that goal; Denktas said that there are many issues to be discussed. Noting that a Turkish Foreign Ministry delegation will be arriving in Cyprus, Denktas said that they will assess the work of this delegation, adding that they want to attain results without any delay.

Upon being reminded of the CLP decision not to attend the assessment meetings, Denktas said that he has just heard of this development, but that every party has the right to act as it wishes. Asked to comment about the poll results that appeared in the dailies today, Denktas said that such polls change in line with the questions posed by those who prepare them. Expressing his disbelief that 85 percent of the inhabitants of Morphou will endorse an agreement within the framework of the Annan plan, Denktas said: "I am in contact with Morphou. I do not believe that such a result will emerge. It is, however, still an indication. I have not been advancing by paying attention to such results. Let everyone make his comparison and decide. As I have said, however, it is still an indicator."

Denktas said that a professor will call on him this afternoon and submit a poll he has conducted. Denktas said: Our indicator is a just, lasting, and logical peace. Our indicator is a basis that will not allow the repetition of the 1963-64 incidents. He further stressed that they want a peace that will not dilute the interests of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey on the island.

In a statement after the meeting that lasted about two and a half hours, Eroglu said that it was a very productive meeting. Noting that they advanced toward a solution, Eroglu said that the sides will assess the situation for two days and will meet again. Upon being asked about his statement on territorial concessions that appeared in the Greek paper "To Vima", Eroglu said that it might be a translation mistake, adding: I talked about a section of Varosha that is currently closed. I did not say anything about giving Famagusta. Eroglu said that border adjustments can be made in parts of Famagusta and Greek Cypriot refugees, if there are any, can be settled there.

[06] Erdogan says UN Cyprus Plan negotiable

Speaking at the meeting, Erdogan said: ``According to our point of view, the Cyprus problem should not be a matter weakening Turkey any more. Therefore, we said that we are ready to negotiate. We are not in favour of using the established language of the status quo on the Cyprus question. We think that it is necessary to find a solution to 40-year Cyprus question.

Both sides in Cyprus should refrain from accepting non-solution as a kind of politics. According to our point of view, the plan presented to the sides in the island by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is a negotiable idea. Some circles claim that the plan cannot be negotiable and changeable. They are wrong. No one can give up Cyprus or underestimate it. We propose to act reasonably by attending the negotiation process and by taking into consideration the future of both Turkey and the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC). There are some circles trying to exploit both our statements and Rauf Denktas by making concessions regarding the welfare, happiness and international respect of Turkish Cypriot people with their policy based on non-solution.

We are definitely not in favour of a policy such as `give and get rid of it` towards Cyprus. However, we say that any favourable point can't be reached with the policies that have been followed for forty years. ``

Mr Erdogan also said that those who had governed Turkey for years had failed to solve the Cyprus issue but they had created insolubility and the issue could not be overcome with such a mentality.

[07] Turkish Cypriots in Istanbul demonstrated in Support of Annan Cyprus Plan

Reading out a press release on behalf of the group, Hivsiye Oztoprak said: ``As Turkish Cypriot young people living in Istanbul, we want the right to speak about developments which will affect our future. The plan presented to the sides in Cyprus by United Nations Secretary-General Annan is a good opportunity for the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots to live together in the island in brotherhood and friendship. Like the people in Cyprus who held demonstrations, we want the sides to sign the plan till February 28. ``

[08] Fifty-three thousand Turkish Cypriots emigrated from the occupied areas between 1974-2002

The paper publishes a detailed catalogue with the arrivals and departures of people in the occupied part of the island during the last 28 years and stresses that around 2000 persons emigrated from occupied Cyprus every year. It also states that those who are against the Annan Plan claiming that it will lead to emigration should think about the Turkish Cypriots who have emigrated since 1974. The paper also stresses that this phenomenon will continue if there is not a fair solution for the Cyprus problem and wonders which is worse, the immigration or the emigration of the Turkish Cypriots.

The paper adds that according to the so-called "official" records of the pseudostate, only 15,000 persons have emigrated from occupied Cyprus since 1975. The paper writes that the puppet regime does not include into this number the number of persons that escaped to Southern Cyprus.

[09] The telephone of Mustafa Akinci is being tapped

Mr Akinci, continues AFRIKA, underlined that a solution must be reached until 28 February and supported that finding a solution would be difficult after the above-mentioned date.

Accusing Mr Denktas of lack of willingness on the issue of finding a solution, Mr Akinci added: ".Those, who criticize Ankara's and Rauf Denktas' hawks, are given no peace. However, I do not think that they would dare to throw us in prison. They have no justification for this. I do whatever I do for Cyprus.".

[10] Denktas and his supporters are accused of trying to "destroy" the 28th of February

According to the paper, the theory of "if it does not happen in February then it will happen in March" is assessed as an initiative to "blow in to the air" the 28 February 2003, date defined by the European Union for reaching an agreement in Cyprus.

Commenting on the recent statement of Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yasar Yakis, who described the 28th of February as "an artificial date", ORTAM supports that Mr Yakis has also been convinced to accept this "theory".

[11] KTOEOS criticizes Mumtaz Soysal

Mr Barcin notes, inter alia, the following: ".During the last day, the ruling circles and their servants are systematically attacking the teachers and their organization which are struggling in an organized manner. Even the people of his own country have not accepted this person who needs medical treatment, does not even know the palace and the people in it and does not know at all the Turkish Cypriots. .Neither Denktas nor these sick brains have the authority to decide for the Turkish Cypriots. .".

[12] Pro-Denktas VOLKAN newspaper publishes a public opinion poll

VOLKAN notes that 79.8 % of the participants in the poll are against the UN plan for Cyprus, while at the beginning of December this percentage was only 69.5 %. 17.6 % of the participants in the poll approve the plan.

The number of those who are against the maps included in the Annan plan has also increased, argues VOLKAN, adding that the 78 % of the participants in the poll said that they oppose to the maps, while at the beginning of December this percentage was only 61.7 %. 17.2 % of the participants in the poll approve the maps.

24.6 % said that they think that the appointment of a new Turkish Cypriot negotiator is necessary, while 70.2 % think that this is not necessary.

64.9 % of the participants in the poll said that they do not see any hope for agreement within the next one year, while 32.4 % said that they were hopeful.

26 % said that they approve of the return of the Greek Cypriots to their properties, while 69.5 % expressed the opposite opinion.

[13] KIBRIS publishes an opinion poll on how the Turkish Cypriots see the UN revised plan

KIBRIS (06/01/03) reports that the 65.4 % of the participants voted "yes" to the UN revised plan, which means that two out of three of the Turkish Cypriots support the UN revised plan.

TABLE 1

The percentage of those who accept or not the Annan plan by educational level

                    Yes     No   Not replied  total
Illiterate         54,8    38,7    6,5         100
Literate           60,5    36,8    2,7         100
Elementary school  49,3    39,9   10,8         100
Secondary school   62,4    29,2    8,4         100
Lyceum             73,4    21,9    4,7         100
University         69,6    25,7    4,7         100
General            65,4    28,2    6,4         100

TABLE 2

The percentage of those who accept the Annan plan by profession

                     %
Civil Servant      77,5
Worker             65,5
Farmer             55
Housewife          55,3
Artisans           57,1
Industrialists     63,6
Retired            56,5
Student            62,7
Policeman/ Soldier 83,3
Teacher            78

TABLE 3

Which elements of the Annan plan and in which degree are accepted?

Yes     No     Not replied     total
The percentage of the total territory that will be left to the Turkish
Cypriot component state
56,6   37,7       5,7           100
The creation of the six-member Council of Ministers
68,2   20,7      11,1           100
Joint presidential system
80,5   16,2       3,3           100
The limitation of the return of the G/C who will return to the T/C
component state at the rural area 14% and at the urban area 9%
45,1   41,3      13,6           100
Property exchange
62,9   31,1       6             100
The creation of the Supreme Court with 3 T/C, 3 G/C and 3 foreigners
78,1   17,5       4,4           100
The laws on the Security issues
62,3   25,1      12,6           100
The laws on the Citizenship issues
69,6   20,7       9,7           100
The arrangements on the issues of the sovereignty of the component states
62,7   22,1      15,2           100
The number of Turkish and Greek military units to be deployed between
2500-7500
64,9   23,6      11,5           100
The use of the water resources of Cyprus from the component states on
the basis of the equity
81,8   14,5       3,7           100

TABLE 4

Do you believe that an agreement can be reached until the 28 February?

                         %
Yes, I believe         50,4
No, I do not believe   46,4
No answer               3,2
Total                 100

[14] Kibris (07/01/03) publishes the second instalment of the poll carried out by the Turkish Cypriot market and research company KADEM.

The general result of the time table of the Turkish Cypriot region's accession into the EU,

In percentage (%)

* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem                     74.4
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem and after Turkey's
accession to the EU                                              21.4
* The Turkish Cypriot region should never enter into the EU       1.3
* No idea/no answer                                               3.0

Table 2

Views regarding the time table of the Turkish Cypriot region's accession into the EU according to the age groups.

Age groups 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55+
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem
            79.4, 75.6, 79.7, 71.0, 62.3, 74.2
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem and after Turkey's
accession to the EU.
            15.2, 23.8, 17.1, 22.2, 29.6, 21.4
* The Turkish Cypriot region should never enter into the EU
             2.0,  0.7,  2.4,  2.5,  1.3
* No idea/ no answer
           3.407,  2.5,  4.3,  5.5,  3.0

Table 3

Views regarding the time table of the Turkish Cypriot region's accession into the EU according to the Districts.

Districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Morphou and Trikomo.
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem
            69.5,      76.5,     84.0,    79.2, 54.5, 74.2
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem and after Turkey's
accession to the EU
            25.4,      20.7,     16.0,    16.3, 32.7, 21.4
* The Turkish Cypriot region should never enter into the EU
             2.7,       1.0,      0.7,     1.8, 1.3
* No idea/ no answer
             2.4,       1.7,      3.9,    10.9, 3.0

Table 4

Views regarding the time table of the Turkish Cypriot region's accession to the EU according to the level of education.

Illiterate, Literate-Primary- Middle Junior- Lyceum- University/College/
Higher Education.
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem
51.6, 60.5, 65.0, 71.3, 79.3, 74.2,
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem and after Turkey's
accession to the EU
39.7, 21.1, 30.0, 23.6, 17.3, 17.8, 21.4
* The Turkish Cypriot region should never enter into the EU
2.6, 2.7, 1.7, 1.4, 1.3
* No idea/ no answer
9.7, 15.8, 2.2, 3.4, 1.9, 2.6, 3.0

Table 5

Views regarding the time table of the Turkish Cypriot region's accession to the EU according to the occupation.

* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem and after Turkey's
accession to the EU
* After the settlement of the Cyprus problem
* No idea/ no answer
1.  Civil Servants            76.3, 20.0,  0.6,  3.1
2.  Worker/labourer           74.5, 21.8,  0.9,  2.7
3.  Farmer                    75.0, 20.0,  5.0
4.  House wife                70.4, 26.2,  1.5,  1.9
5.  Small shopkeeper/Artisan  66.7, 27.6,  1.0,  4.8
6.  Industrialist/Trader      81.8, 18.2
7.  Retired                   66.0, 26.5,  4.1, 3.4
8.  Student                   82.7, 12.7,  1.8, 2.7
9.  Officer/Police            80.0, 13.3,  6.7
10. Teacher                   71.2, 22.0,  6.8
11. Self-employed             87.0,  9.6,  3.5

Table 6

Do you think that the solution or the non-solution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the Annan Plan would affect the EU-Turkey relations?

           In percentage (%)
* Yes, I do            71.4
* No, I do not         22.9
* No idea/ no answer    5.7

Table 7

The effect of the solution or the non-solution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the Annan Plan on the EU -Turkey relations according to the age group.

            Age groups 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55+
* Yes, I do             74.5,  71.0,  76.2,  68.6, 65.3, 71.4
* No, I do not          15.2,  25.4,  19.6,  26.6, 27.6, 22.9
* No idea/ no answer    10.3,   3.6,   4.3,   4.8,  7.0,  5.7

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