Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-02-26

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Extensive statements by Erdogan on the Cyprus negotiations.

[02] Further statements by Erdogan about good will while Denktas continues to be more intransigent than ever before.

[03] Statements by Denktas during a meeting in occupied Nicosia.

[04] Denktas: No EU role in Cyprus talks.

[05] Denktas met with Alvaro de Soto.

[06] The occupation regime started preparing a list of all the houses and the empty building plots in occupied Cyprus in the framework of the Cyprus talks.

[07] Izzet Izcan: "Denktas is trying to sabotage the referendum".

[08] A gang securing "citizenship" to Turks and foreigners was uncovered in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] Columnist in HURRIYET supports that Denktas´ intransigence has not changed.

[10] CUMHURIYET newspaper supports that the occupied areas have been turned into a center for Muslim activities.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Extensive statements by Erdogan on the Cyprus negotiations

Following are his statements on Cyprus:

Erdogan begins by recounting that he held a telephone conversation with Guenter Verheugen, EU commissioner in charge of enlargement, on the Cyprus issue, which he says is also related to Turkey's relations with the EU. Referring to the Cyprus negotiations, Erdogan says: "If such negotiations are continuously discussed in public, this could adversely affect the negotiation process from time to time. The discussions may be very positive, but as you know, what appears positive to one side may be negative for the other." In social and political sciences, he asserts, the truths can change for each party. "I believe that such statements and public declarations could cast a shadow over the healthy continuation of these negotiations. Furthermore, I find it very important that the Turkish media impose self-censorship on this issue for the continuation of this process."

Asked if his remarks are directed at both leaders in Cyprus, Erdogan responds: "I do not want to say so in so many words, but personally I think it is important for them to carefully display this sensitivity. The citizens can also be influenced by this, and this in turn would create difficulties for us as well. Such difficulties could foil the 1 May process. We want to conclude this matter before 1 May."

In reply to a question whether the government position on Cyprus affects the JDP grassroots Erdogan assures that there is no problem in this regard in the party grassroots. The party grassroots believe in its leadership, he notes. "At the end of these negotiations, Cyprus will become a state acknowledged not just by Turkey, but by the entire world. At present, south Cyprus is recognized, but north Cyprus is not. If this matter is concluded in the way we want, after 1 May, south Cyprus will be sharing its status as state with north Cyprus." Erdogan underlines the value of being a recognized state, and cites the disadvantages of not being recognized. Given these facts, he says, "it is wrong for us to put up resistance in certain issues." EU investments will assist in the development of the north, he explains.

To the question: Will Turkey eventually accept whatever Annan inserts in the blanks, Erdogan replies: "There is no question of whatever he inserts. The existing structure in the Annan plan is evident. The matter must be approached with a mutual win-win attitude, and everything must be done until Annan takes over. If even after the second phase -- the talks between Turkey and Greece -- there is no conclusion, the matter will be left in the hands of Annan, and the final document will be submitted to a referendum." Asked if Turkey could object to what Annan may do, claiming that Annan failed to safeguard the interests of the Turkish side, Erdogan says: "There is no question of this any more. This matter was concluded in New York. Once the plan has been submitted to a referendum, the determining factor is our parliament. In accordance with our law, the National Assembly will decide."

Asked if he has hopes that Turkey can solve the problems regarding Cyprus with Greece, Erdogan responds: "At present, we have reached the stage of solving many of our problems with Greece. The air corridors, which were only two, have increased to 11. The military exercises have been cancelled. The Aegean talks are continuing positively. More important, we concluded a natural gas agreement with Greece. We will supply Greece with natural gas. There are similar developments in many other areas. In the near future, we may even supply 12 Greek islands with water. This is an expression of the extent to which the relations between the two countries are developing."

On a final note on Cyprus, Erdogan is asked whether he will be pleased if the Turkish Cypriots accept the plan and the Greek Cypriots reject it in a referendum. He explains: "The consequences of such an outcome are very clear. I believe that in such a case, the EU would definitely display a stand in favor of the "TRNC." Asked if this means that the EU will recognize the occupation regime, Erdogan says: "The statements are along those lines. It would not be right to discuss the level of such a move at present, but the "TRNC" has fulfilled its duty and Turkey has taken all the necessary steps, and I hope consequently the embargo imposed on north Cyprus for 40 years would be lifted."

[02] Further statements by Erdogan about good will while Denktas continues to be more intransigent than ever before

Erdogan said that the meeting with reporters was necessary due to developments in Cyprus, adding that after the end of the first preliminary talks on the Cyprus issue, which continued for two days, the next period in negotiations until March 22 had great importance both for the Turkish Cypriot side and also for the Greek Cypriot side. ''We wish these negotiations to be resulted and finished in a desired way in that period. If this is not the case, the new process in which Annan will invite Turkey and Greece will start and continue until March 29. If no desired result was taken from that process, the remaining part will be finished by Mr Annan and the plan will be made ready for referendum,'' Erdogan said.

Mr Erdogan stated that very different interpretations could be made on this issue and that this was natural, adding: ''We believe in the necessity of the information process about the things that need to be done by Turkey, as the guarantor country with its government, opposition, non-governmental organizations, and media and we will talk to reporters in that regard.''

''Sometimes it is shown by the press as if we are opponents with Mr Denktas. This is not true, we can only be kinfolks. We work together with Denktas from the beginning,'' Erdogan said.

Prime Minister Erdogan stated that they wanted the Cyprus issue to be resolved before May 1, adding: ''As you know the first step of the negotiations which we expected to start on the island was taken in the meeting which we made with Mr. Annan in Davos. But before the meeting with Annan, we held a summit in Turkey and we determined a road map for us. We told both Mr Annan and Mr Bush that we thought of taking a step within our road map and by taking the Annan plan as the reference and we believed negotiations should start and that the Turkish side would not withdraw from the negotiation table. We even told them that "TRNC" would be one step ahead of the Greek Cypriot side. We, as Turkey, still believe in that and we want this issue to be resolved before May 1.''

''What will TRNC gain here? What do the high interests of Turkey necessitate? We must focus on that. First of all, the "TRNC" is a state which is only recognized by Turkey. But the Southern Cyprus does not have such a problem as it is recognized internationally. Even if we want it or not, Southern Cyprus will become a full member of EU in May 1. If an agreement is reached before May 1, northern Cyprus will have the chance to accede to the EU as a united Cyprus Republic by integrating with southern Cyprus, meaning it will also be a state in the international society. Today, Southern Cyprus is accepted as a state in the international society. Therefore, Northern Cyprus, as a state will share that state structure.

I cannot personally imagine the value of being recognized as a state. You cannot have that value easily. You catch such a value. From now on, the international community can make investment in north of Cyprus. International events will be held in "TRNC". Turkey has recognized it. But, we cannot put it into practice in every field. Let me give an example. We cannot hold a match in "TRNC" and vice versa. But, you have to hold the matches in south of Cyprus. Otherwise, you isolate yourself from the world. We cannot and should not disregard those things. When all those things are done, we cannot assume an attitude saying 'everything will be mine'. We should resolve this issue according to a ''win-and-win'' understanding.

We should not be the side leaving the negotiation table on this issue. If a side is to leave the table, this side should be the Greek Cypriot side.

We should reach success on this issue together. We, as Turkish side and Mr. Denktas, should not create an impression in world public opinion as if we are escaping from negotiations or leaving the negotiation table. We also have good-willed approach to the good offices mission in the Annan plan. Undoubtedly, it has some parts which can be discussed and parts which can be changed. We aim at bi-zonality to be strengthened. We aim at our guarantee rights to be improved and also aim at the map to have smoother border line, not a border line with zigzags. Those issues are main goals. If success is reached in these issues, a very important step will be taken for next generations in Cyprus.''

Speaking about the statements made to the public in the negotiation process, Erdogan said: ''The sides can agree and make a joint statement, this is something different. However, I think it is not right to make serious and detailed statements about the contents.''

When asked what was the worst scenario for Cyprus and about the preparations of Turkey for this, Erdogan said: ''First of all, the formation of a United Cyprus Republic is the ideal scenario for us. You become a state. It is a republic which is totally isolated from the world and deprived of many rights with the embargoes that were imposed. This has a cost for Northern Cyprus in humanitarian sense and as a state. It also has a cost for Turkey. It will be Northern Cyprus which will totally get rid of this and which will take a very big step.

I am again saying that the use of the Turkish language in EU meetings is a very important step. The flag and the national anthem can already be accepted. If the bizonality and guarantor rights are strengthened there, and if the map is smoothened, the result that will be obtained there will be for the benefit of the "TRNC". Of course, there are discussions on migration and properties. The sides should deal with these in detail. Of course, it may be a period when difficulties are experienced. I think the future will be very good.''

When asked what would be the position of the Turkish Cypriots if the Greek Cypriot side opposed to the Annan plan in the referendum, Erdogan said: ''Accession of Greek Cypriot to EU on May 1 is not related to that. When we asked the same question to them: What will happen to the 40-year embargo, they told us that 'there is no other way than solution'. This is what has to be. Turkey will show its rightfulness once again and the Turkish side will prove itself. We acted by taking the Annan plan as the reference. In addition to that, we've accepted the good offices of U.N. Secretary-General and acted in that way. We continued our studies with concerned persons in the United States and the EU. We will continue our studies in the same way.''

''You requested us not to write about the content of the negotiations in Cyprus. Do you propose us not to cover the statements of Mr. Denktas in his news conferences?'' asked journalists to Erdogan who said that ''certainly, I don't have the right to say that. I sincerely tell you that we expect the same sensitivity about this issue from both sides in Cyprus. We expect this from Mr Denktas, Mr Talat, Mr. Serdar Denktas and from the Greek Cypriot side in the same way. Similar statements are also issued in the Greek Cypriot side. But please see that, neither Turkey nor Greece is involved in such a thing. In my opinion, the sides' issuing such serious statements regarding the content of the negotiations to the press at the moment is wrong.''

Mr Erdogan further said that Turkey's expressing its views about detailed issues without discussion of the basic issues could negatively affect the negotiation process and weaken its power... ''If we are willing to get a result, we should evaluate the whole picture and our acquisitions. If we get into details much, we also urge the other side to do the same thing. If both sides start to assess their profits-losses too much, we can't get any result.''

When a journalist told Erdogan that members of the terrorist organization PKK frequently held demonstrations in the free areas of Cyprus and that the Greek Cypriot side became the shelter of this organization, Prime Minister said: ''If we have set up a joint platform both with the EU and the United States in September 11 process to fight against terrorism, we should also put forward a joint attitude to warn countries that shelter terrorism. If I receive damage from terrorism today, it will obviously hit somebody else tomorrow. Terrorism does not have a time, address and interlocutor.

Southern Cyprus should not make such a mistake. They may suffer from the same difficulty tomorrow. In fact, you know what kind of troubles the terrorist organization in Greece caused for Greece.''

When asked about his concrete expectation from the talks, Erdogan said: ''I can state it in one sentence. We expect them to solve the question without leaving any problem After March 22.''

Replying to a question about the legal process, Erdogan said the plan should pass through the referendum and approved by the Parliament.

When a journalist asked whether or not he could make an estimation for solution in Cyprus, Erdogan said: ''This is policy. It will not be right to make any estimation. Many things may change in 24 hours. It is wrong to make estimations in politics. As the government, nation and "TRNC", we have focused on the solution. We are resolved to succeed.''

[03] Statements by Denktas during a meeting in occupied Nicosia

Denktas stated that they worked to amend the Annan plan during the negotiations, but they could not be successful in that to date, adding: ''We will launch efforts until the end. After that, the decision will be made by the people. The people should make a decision by knowing the realities. I believe that they, as a people devoted to their state, will make the right decision.''

Mr Denktas alleged that the Greek Cypriot side was not willing to reach a compromise as they were relaxed because of having guaranteed EU membership, and that the Greek Cypriots didn't have the motivation for partnership.

Mr Denktas concluded: ''Greece should make suggestions to the Greek Cypriots. If Turkish-Greek friendship is really important for Greece, Greece should tell Greek Cypriots that they cannot achieve anything by seizing the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, and they should give up the arms build-up, and accept the fact that the island is the country of two peoples, and bizonality and guarantor rights are very important. Otherwise, I don't think that the Greek Cypriot side will take action because it does not have motivation for partnership and this motivation can only be ensured by Greece.''

[04] Denktas: No EU role in Cyprus talks

The Turkish Cypriot delegation also objected to the presence of EU experts within the United Nations delegation which participated in the talks, Mr Rauf Denktaº said.

Speaking to reporters before the beginning of the fourth round of the UN sponsored reunification talks, which were later postponed to Thursday, Denktaº confirmed that he had raised an objection to the EU officials being present at the negotiations.

"The EU does not have a place at negotiation table," he said. "Nobody objects to the EU's assistance, but there are the UN and the two sides at the negotiation table. So bringing the EU to the negotiation table is not right. Thus, we made that objection, it is true."

[05] Denktas met with Alvaro de Soto

De Soto told reporters after the meeting that they had taken up basic issues and the talks would continue tomorrow.

Denktas said that they gave more comprehensive information to De Soto about the document of changes that Turkish Cypriot side had presented yesterday.

Noting that they answered to the questions of De Soto, Denktas said that their meeting was a preparation for tomorrow.

Upon a question regarding the problem stemming from the European Union (EU) experts' presence in the U.N. delegation which participated in the talks, Denktas said that the problem was solved.

[06] The occupation regime started preparing a list of all the houses and the empty building plots of occupied Cyprus in the framework of the Cyprus talks

[07] Izzet Izcan: "Denktas is trying to sabotage the referendum"

Mr Izcan, who was speaking to a radio programme, stated that the persons who do not live in Cyprus and do not know its distresses cannot vote for the referendum. He also said that he believes that Mr Denktas, who took every chance in the past to describe the Annan Plan as "a dead and buried" Plan and who quarreled with those who are against the status quo, cannot come to an agreement with President Papadopoulos in the Cyprus talks. "Therefore the referendum is of great importance", he said.

The secretary of foreign relations of the PDM also said that Denktas went to New York because of the road map he was given by the Turkish government and signed the text given to him by the UN Secretary-General because he was under pressure. He stressed that the supporters of the status quo are focused on the target to refuse the Plan as their only solution to be able to continue their sultanate.

[08] A gang securing "citizenship" to Turks and foreigners was uncovered in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The gang was securing "citizenship" to foreigners with false signatures and according to the report three members of the gang were arrested as well as one Russian woman with the initials S.C. and a Moldovan with initials V.B. who received "citizenship" with false signatures.

Among the three members of the gang arrested is an employee of the so-called Emigration Department of the illegal so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" which the Turkish Republic established and maintains in the territories of Cyprus through the presence of over 35,000 fully equipped Turkish troops.

The paper also reports in the same article that yesterday the so-called council of ministers of the occupation regime revoked the "citizenship" granted to 1563 foreigners on 24 September 2003 by the ruling coalition of the National Unity Party and the Democratic Party before the voting on 14 December, because the "legal procedures" were not followed.

The paper concludes that from investigations so far it was found that the gang secured "citizenship" to 31 foreigners, but that the number will increase.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] Columnist in HURRIYET supports that Denktas´ intransigence has not changed

"The Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas has startled every body by going to New York. While Denktas was on his way to New York everybody was saying: 'Do not worry he will sit around the negotiation table and then he will leave it immediately. He is going there for not holding negotiations'

Denktas continued to startle people. He did not leave the negotiation table. More, he put on the negotiation table the proposals prepared by Turkey, and made them to be accepted. He acted in such a way that he endangered his well known nickname of 'Mr. No'.

Last Thursday while I was flying to Ankara I have met with a very esteemed diplomat, who, once was Turkey's foreign minister, who very successfully represented Turkey in the UN and served in very important posts.

When I asked about the 'positive' change in Denktas' attitude he laughed and said 'it is not possible. He will find something. Rauf Bey does not want to reconcile'

I said: 'What could he do from now on, the process leading to referendum has started. No one could stop it.´

He said: 'Rauf Bey could find something'.

Now the news coming in from Cyprus is of the nature justifying the former diplomat.

Yet to get the results of the negotiations currently going on, on the Annan Plan, Denktas is already on move. Denktas is meeting with the politicians and large and influential families close to him and in these meetings he is telling them 'Start preparations for referendum. 'No' should be the outcome of this referendum'.

It is not possible to comprehend Denktas' attitude, at a time when we sent the 'ball of the intransigence' to the Greek Cypriots´ court and at a time when we were at an advantageous position as regards Turkey's EU process and removing embargos imposed on the north Cyprus. It seems that Denktas' real aim is not non-solution in Cyprus, but to serve those who are against Turkey's EU membership".

[10] CUMHURIYET newspaper supports that the occupied areas have been turned into a center for Muslim activities

"While the political administration in Turkey is relying on US and EU support and is saying "yes" to every condition set by them, interesting developments are unfolding in northern Cyprus. Naksibend leader Shaykh Nazim Kibrisi is assessing the situation on the Lefka-Washington-London line through his son-in-law Hisam Kabbani...

The Naksibendi, Suleymani, and Fethullah sects, whose members have selected the `TRNC´ as their headquarters and who have been carrying out organizational activities in `TRNC´ for years, are now uniting their economic power with the political power...

CUMHURIYET newspaper published six years ago an article in which it explained what would happen in north Cyprus six years later... Naksibend leader Nazim Kibrisi established a political party with the help of his son-in-law... He named his political party BP [ (Our Party) (Bizim Party) ]. (BP), which participated in the 1999 elections under the leadership of Okyay Sadikoglu, garnered 1.2 percent of the votes in these elections...

Meanwhile, which countries were behind BP? Well, the United States and Britain were behind this political party... Do you remember the reports that the Turkish intelligence units drew up in 1999? According to these reports, in addition to sects organized in Turkey, the "Teblig Congregation," which is of Middle East and Pakistani origin, also selected northern Cyprus as its headquarters... The reports also noted that MGV [National Youth Foundation] increased its activities in occupied Nicosia and Famagusta... The Vahabis, which are of Saudi origin, for their part, settled in Nicosia and Famagusta... The Vahabis became rich and attracted a large number of supporters...

Rauf Denktas was `president´ and Dervis Eroglu was `prime minister´ while all these developments were unfolding... A large number of imam hatip lyceum students moved from Turkey into north Cyprus in the wake of the 28 February process in Turkey. These students continued their studies in northern Cyprus...

While the financial power of the sects flowed from Turkey into northern Cyprus, those who were in power in Turkey during that era deemed it sufficient to merely read the intelligence reports about these developments...

Religious organizations settled in northern Cyprus years ago. These organizations, some of which came into being with the help of Saudi capital, while others came into being with the support of the United States and Britain, extended their roots in a number of cities ranging from Famagusta to Kyrenia, Nicosia and Morphou...

Meanwhile, from which country did Nazim Kibrisi receive support while establishing his Lefke Avrupa University [LAU]? Well, he received this support from Britain... Nazim Kibrisi is nowadays hurling volleys of fire at Denktas by saying: "Keep your feet in balance!" Calling his son-in-law Hisam Kabbani, Kibrisi receives information from the former and advises him: "Keep everything under your control in Washington and New York!"

Naturally, the Suleymani and Fethullah sects also carry out a great amount of political activities, albeit not as much as the activities carried out by the Naksibendi sect... The Turkish Cypriot officials surely remember the Suleymani sect's "Association of Aid to Students in the Age of Recovery" as well as the Hala Sultan and Lala Mustafa Pasa student hostels... What is taking place in these hostels today? On the other hand, the Fethullah sect has seven student hostels in northern Cyprus...

The Fethullah sect has not been able to establish a university in northern Cyprus yet... Meanwhile, there are currently four universities in northern Cyprus... Some 40,000 students attend these universities... Of these, 35,000 come from Turkey... Female students enter the premises of these universities wearing headscarves... Yes, the negotiations are set to begin in Cyprus... I believe that Nazim Kibrisi is extremely excited...

Kibrisi supports the JDP [Justice and Development Party] government. He tells his supporters that the presence of the JDP government is a great opportunity for Turkey... I wonder what PASOK [Panhellenic Socialist Movement] leader George Papandreou was thinking while listening to the views expressed by the Turkish Cypriots in the Ledra Palace Hotel... I am sure that the idea of "reducing the number of Turkish soldiers to 2,000 in northern Cyprus" was in Papandreou's mind, but somehow he could not talk about this...

What was Nazim Kibrisi saying? "Withdraw your occupation forces from the island," Kibrisi was telling Turkey!

As you may see, Papandreou is more impartial than the Naksibendi leader...

Sects, religious foundations, and associations are engaged in political activities in north Cyprus... Beware of Nazim Kibrisi and Hasim Kabbani... Do not forget the ties that these two individuals have with Turkey or the activities that they carry out on the London-Ankara-Washington-Nicosia line..."

/SK

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