Visit our Document Archive Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Thursday, 28 March 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-01-16

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA No.16/03 16.01.03

[A] NEWS ITEMS

  • [01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader after meeting with President Clerides under UN auspices.
  • [02] Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman: No change in Cyprus policy.
  • [03] The speaker of the TGNA concluded his illegal visit to occupied Cyprus and returned to Turkey.
  • [04] Demonstrations by pro-Denktas supporters in favour of continuation of the ethnic cleansing policy in Cyprus.
  • [05] Islamic leader to visit the pseudostate.
  • [B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

  • [06] Sener Levent: "You are an occupier Mr Bulent Arinc".

  • [A] NEWS ITEMS

    [01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader after meeting with President Clerides under UN auspices

    Ankara Anatolia news agency (15.01.03) reported from occupied Nicosia that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas, following his meeting with President Glafcos Clerides in the buffer zone, told reporters that they would meet again at 4.00 p.m. on Friday.

    Denktas said that their advisers would also participate in Friday's meeting.

    Noting that they had a meeting on changes they wanted to see in the United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Cyprus plan, Denktas said that the schedule of their meetings would be set on Friday.

    Responding to a question, Denktas said that their impression about the meeting was important and added: ``Both sides have objections. If it is possible to discuss these in the form of give-and-take, they will want something in return for a thing we demand. If it is possible to give, we will give it, but otherwise, we cannot. To this end, we will continue the talks with good will. We hope we can reach a good point. ``

    Denktas stated that there was no proposal from the U.N. about the busy schedule of contacts.

    Responding to another question, Denktas said that rallies held in the occupied areas came onto the agenda and that he and Clerides expressed their views.

    He added that he would not explain what they debated.

    U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro de Soto also attended the meeting.

    [02] Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman: No change in Cyprus policy

    Ankara Anatolia (15.01.03) reported from Ankara that Foreign Ministry spokesman Yusuf Buluc held a press conference on Wednesday. In reply to a question whether or not the policy of Turkey's integration with the puppet regime had been given up, Mr Buluc said: ``It is early to give an answer to such questions.

    "There is a time-table for the peace process reaching the desired results. At the stage when this time-table reaches its final date, a new evaluation will be made and the necessary position, attitudes and policies will be put forward according to that evaluation."

    Regarding the mass demonstration in occupied Nicosia, Mr Buluc said that the puppet regime officials will assess Tuesday's rally and the public opinion preferences which were put forward during the rally, adding that it is the mission of the puppet regime to come to a conclusion.

    "It is Rauf Denktas as the `TRNC President´ and the chief negotiator to make the assessment. Mr Denktas is a `president´ and leader who has so far harmonized the will of the nation and leadership responsibilities in the best way. We have no doubt that he will continue to do so in the future``, he said.

    Upon a question about the discussion on whether the Cyprus policy of Turkey has changed or not, Buluc said that the Ministry aims to inform the public opinion and that they are in a serious and professional effort to this end. Buluc said that the focus on only one word or sentence of his comprehensive responses to the questions asked to him shows that the mentioned efforts were not evaluated well.

    Alleging that Turkey always favours a just and permanent solution in Cyprus, Buluc said: ``There is no change in our target of foundation of a new partnership which will protect the existing peace atmosphere in Cyprus, the active and effective guarantee of Turkey on Cyprus, which will maintain the Turkish-Greek balance, which will accept the sovereign equality of both sides on the island, and which will be based on compromise. ``

    Buluc said that the negotiations in Cyprus until the end of February in close consultation with Rauf Denktas have to continue in order to give a new chance to the negotiation process, adding that the proposals of U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan have been found negotiable by the Turkish Cypriot side and that Turkey shared this view. Buluc said that regulations in line with the expectations of the Turkish Cypriot side are necessary on certain parts of these proposals for an agreement to come out until February 28.

    ``The attitude of the Turkish side during the coming negotiation process has been determined within the scope of the negotiation with `TRNC President´ Rauf Denktas and `TRNC´ officials. Except that, there is no development in question which can be described as policy change. Turkey supports the negotiation process to find a lasting solution to the Cyprus question and the efforts of Denktas, `` he concluded.

    [03] The speaker of the TGNA concluded his illegal visit to occupied Cyprus and returned to Turkey

    Ankara Anatolia news agency (15.01.03) reported from occupied Nicosia that the speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Mr Bulent Arinc, who is visiting occupied Cyprus, on Wednesday, attended a dinner given in his honour by the puppet regime's so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu in occupied Kyrenia.

    Later Mr Arinc held a press conference.

    Referring to the plan which was presented to the sides in the island by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Arinc said: ``Turkey has been assessing the plan carefully. We explained our reservations about the plan clearly. In such a critical period, such approaches insulting "President" Rauf Denktas´ will make everything more difficult for the "TRNC". During our contacts, we stressed that everyone should act carefully in such a sensitive period. We consider the continuation of the negotiation process beneficial.

    After returning to Turkey, I will inform President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Abdullah Gul on my contacts in the TRNC.``

    Referring to the EU Arinc told reporters: ``200 thousand Turkish Cypriots can think

    that the EU is their last chance, and that the EU membership may put an end to all their difficulties. However, we should consolidate these ideas with concrete proposals by taking into consideration the fact that the negotiation process is carried out together with the Greek Cypriot side.`

    It is impossible to consider the opinion of `whatever happens, we should join under their flag by making EU maps a flag` the essential factor in the solution of the Cyprus issue. So, we should be determined in the process we have recorded so far and we have to believe in our case. And we have to continue defending our case with the same confidence as we did in the past``

    Noting that they were leaving the occupied areas with hopes and that very good days would start soon Arinc said that the pseudostate´s unity and solidarity should not be destroyed especially by giving the other side an opportunity during such a process.

    ``However, it would not be very easy for fair people to see dragging of this case into some other fields and to welcome insults and criticisms against historical personalities who have exerted great efforts so far. This unity has brought all of us to these days and tranquillity has been dominant over Cyprus. So we of course consider it very important for the future of our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters if there is a plan which includes four basic factors; that are, bi-zonal structure, sovereignty, political equality and Turkey's effective and de facto guarantee, or formulates these in the best way,`` he said.

    Later, Arinc answered questions of reporters.

    Replying to a question which said, ``there were also banners which showed the Turkish army as if it was an invader, in yesterday's rally in Nicosia. What do you think about this?`` Arinc said that opening such a banner is inappropriate, ugly and bad and he added that probably only a few people among 200 thousand Turkish Cypriots think this way. He said that Turkey used its right, as a guarantor country, for saving the lives and property of Turkish Cypriots.

    Noting that if there are people who try to use these rallies to weaken the opportunities of the Turkish Cypriot side and cooperate with the Greek Cypriot side, this can only be considered as betrayal to Turkish Cypriots, Arinc said, adding that he feels sorry for those who consider Turkey as an invader country.

    Upon a question whether the current developments caused a polarization in the occupied areas, Arinc said: ``We can surely be tolerant for different views. But it attracts attention that these views cause polarization among people and open criticisms which can sometimes be degrading, and these criticisms take a shape to the benefit of Greek Cypriots; it attracts attention that they had started preparations much earlier neglecting all these instead of looking for unity among themselves on national issues. This is wrong.``

    Upon another question, Arinc said that everybody should show a common sense after the current developments and added that Turkish Cypriots should act together in such a period.

    Mr Arinc concluded his illegal visit to occupied Cyprus and returned to Turkey on Wednesday afternoon.

    [04] Demonstrations by pro-Denktas supporters in favour of continuation of the ethnic cleansing policy in Cyprus

    Illegal Bayrak Radio (15.01.03) broadcast that the Famagusta pro-Denktas organizations Action Committee today staged a rally under the banner of 'yes to peace, no to migration and Greek Cypriot refugees.' Speeches delivered in the rally, which was held at the Namik Kemal Square, conveyed the following messages: Varosha and Famagusta villages cannot be given to the Greek Cypriots; "no" to migration, uncertainty, and chaos for the fourth time; the price of an agreement cannot be our homes, villages, towns, and state; Greek Cypriots cannot live among us; "yes" to peace; "no" to giving the villages of Famagusta. Speeches delivered at the rally extended full support to Rauf Denktas.

    Meanwhile, the Action Committee composed of 19 organizations and 27 regional mukhtars gathered around the Famagusta Victory Monument yesterday evening and organized a procession carrying torches. The participants expressed support for the policy being pursued by Denktas and opposition to living together with the Greek Cypriots and renouncing the principle of sovereignty. They also stressed that the Annan plan is unacceptable. The Action Committee, formed with the aim of extending support to Denktas, carried placards saying: "The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will live; no concessions can be made from sovereignty; we will not become refugees once again; no to the Annan maps; Mr. President, we will stand by you to the very end; together and in solidarity we will advance toward the future."

    The participants marched around Famagusta and conveyed the message that they are supportive of Denktas and his struggle to the every end.

    According to KIBRIS (16.01.03), the pro- Denktas organizations under the name of Action Committee have organized a rally under the banner "Yes to Peace, "no" to Displacement and Settlement of Greek Cypriots among the Turkish Cypriots" yesterday in occupied Famagusta which was attended by around 700 hundred persons mainly Turkish settlers and Fascist Grey Wolves.

    Speaking at the rally the former leader of the Fascist Grey Wolves in the occupied area Azmi Karamahmutoglu, who came from Istanbul to attend the rally, declared and threatened that "If with a monkey business Cyprus is taken from Turkey's hands one should know that we shall leave here after turning it into a blood bath". He went on and declared support to Denktas' intransigent stance and strongly criticized the leader of the ruling party in Turkey, the Justice and Development Party (JDP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan for boasting. He said that in the Cyprus cause they would be victorious even without Erdogan's support "because 70 million Turks in Turkey and 250 million strong Turkic world is on our side."

    Meanwhile, the organization Idealist Hearth (Grey Wolves) announced that they will organize rallies on 18 January supporting the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas and his policy on the Cyprus issue in eleven provinces in Turkey.

    [05] Islamic leader to visit the pseudostate

    KIBRIS (16.01.03) reports that the chairman of the Islamic Felicity Party (FP) Recai Kutan, will pay a visit to the pseudostate on the 19th of January along with the Committee "Aiming to give support to the Cyprus question". According to the paper, during his visit Mr Kutan will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas, the "speaker" of the pseudoassembly, Vehbi Zeki Serter, the "prime minister" Dervis Eroglu as well as with the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot parties. Mr Kutan will return to Turkey on the 22nd of January.

    [B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

    [06] Sener Levent: "You are an occupier Mr Bulent Arinc"

    Under the title "Thousands of 28 February", Sener Levent of AFRIKA (16.01.03) comments on the statements of Turkey's Speaker of the Parliament, Bulent Arinc, who during his illegal visit to the occupied areas told the Turkish Cypriots to be patient and not to hurry for reaching a solution until 28 February 2003, because this date is not the end of the world as there will be "hundreds of 28 February". Mr Levent writes the following:

    "Yes, Mr Bulent Arinc, you are an occupier. You have come here as a guarantor. Afterwards you became an occupier.

    There might have been a single banner in that huge rally telling you that you are an occupier. This does not mean that our number is very small.

    You can thank the organizers of the rally. In any case, they did not know how to stop these people who have revolted. They took protective measures by saying 'no slogans other than those which have been defined shall be shouted at the rally'. They secured themselves even before the rally began. However, hold back, if you can, the people who have broken the chains.

    A history teacher has been thrown out of the school because she had called you 'occupiers'. She has been sent to the court. Her imprisonment has been asked for. What do they care?

    Yes, Mr Bulent Arinc, you are an occupier. What else than an occupier can you be in a country where a captain at a police station swears at the prime minister calling him 'son of a whore'? What is the difference between you and the other occupiers in the world, when your generals here call us 'dogs', organize armed raids into our houses and conspire against us? Do those things happen because you are saviours at the same time? The poor Ukrainian peasants had in the same way welcome and greeted the occupiers who had once gone there. They thought that their executioners were saviours.

    Yes, Mr Bulent Arinc, you are an occupier, but do not worry. There are still some people here who think that you are saviours. Look, they are getting in line in order to offer you flowers. Even at that huge rally they expressed their gratitude to you, because they thought that you are different from Ecevit and Gurel. However, you do not understand such compliments, do you? Do you need a greeting from the podium of a rally?

    However, you did not fail to reciprocate. You have immediately distributed their rewards to those who consider you savior. You called them traitors, because they do not trust and believe Denktas any more. Is it not so? What did you say? There are a lot of 28's of February. It means that there are hundreds and thousands of them. No, Mr Bulent Arinc, no. There is only one 28 February in this world. There is no other!

    Yes, Mr Bulent Arinc, you are an occupier. I am not the only one who says this. The whole world says it. The whole world holds you responsible for all that happen in northern Cyprus for 28 years. I too hold you responsible. All these have since a long time been registered in the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

    Be careful do not take these lightly. And look once more at the 28th of February. Do not deceive yourselves by saying that there are hundreds and thousands of Februaries. Look at this February. Do you know what will happen, if there is no agreement until the 28th (of this February)? Then I will not be the only one who will be calling you occupier. Everybody here will call you that. Forget the annexation. Throw integration into the garbage. The footsteps of a delayed rebellion are being heard at the door. Look at this February!"


    Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
    Back to Top
    Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
    All Rights Reserved.

    HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
    tcpr2html v1.00 run on Thursday, 16 January 2003 - 13:47:01 UTC