TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA (Cyprus PIO review) 96-01-08

From: Panayiotis Zaphiris <[email protected]>

Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Directory

TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.5/96 6/7/8.1.96

NEWS ITEMS

NEWS ITEMS

[01] Italy's Scammacca visits Turkey

"Therefore, it is important to discuss Turkey's relations with the EU. We will express our views and expectations on the issue. In the next few days, we will try to explain what our expectations of the Italian term presidency are. We will work in close cooperation and try to make the most of the next few days. Within this framework, I hope that Turkey will not only partici- pate in the Florence summit at the troika level but will also be invited to contribute to the agenda. We think this is important because it goes beyond the issue of protocol and reflects an understanding with regard to Turkey's relations with the EU."

Baykal said that regional issues will also be discussed at the talks, adding that the Cyprus issue will be assessed within that framework. Scammacca said that Italy supports closer relations between Turkey and the EU. He noted that efforts will be extended in that direction during Italy's term in office.

Baykal replied to reporters questions upon his arrival at the Foreign Ministry to meet with Scammacca. He stated that Turkey views the activities undertaken by the United Nations to solve the Cyprus problem as a fundamental method aimed at bringing peace to the island. He added that Turkey will welcome the contribution of friendly and neighbouring countries, as well as international organizations, to the mechanism initiated by the United Nations toward the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[02] Ciller assures Turkish Cypriots of Turkey's support

In her message to the Turkish Cypriots on the "Akis" program broadcast on illegal Bayrak radio and Television, Ciller also referred to the economic situation of the pseudostate.

Explaining that the Turkish Government is fulfilling its duties on this issue, Ciller added that the steps taken regarding this issue will be speedily concluded.

Ciller stressed that a bright and prosperous future awaits the Turkish Cypriots.

[03] Deniz Baykal comments on Cyprus issue

Speaking on the "Red Armchair" program broadcast on Inter- star, Baykal recalled that during the election campaign, state- ments that were out of line were made about Cyprus' being sold out, adding: "Some time later, it became evident that these claims were unfounded." Baykal stated that the Turkish Govern- ment contributed to the meeting held between President Suleyman Demirel and Rauf Denktash in a bid to confirm the Cyprus policy. Baykal said: "Those who said that Cyprus was sold out were sur- prised. Did the government have a hand in this meeting? Of course it did. It is very natural for the Foreign Ministry to lay the grounds for such a meeting. This is our stand, and we will pursue it."

Noting that a new tableau has emerged regarding the Cyprus issue, Baykal said that the EU has embarked on a policy in favour of Cyprus' membership. Baykal criticized the prevailing EU stand, which blames the intransigent attitude of Denktash and the Turkish Cypriots for the failure to secure a Cyprus solution. Noting that Turkey will overcome this "mistaken EU stand", Baykal once again expressed the belief that Cyprus cannot become an EU member before a Cyprus solution is achieved. Baykal said: "We cannot allow this. Cyprus' becoming a member of an international organization in which Turkey is not a member is not in line with the fundamental Cyprus agreements. For this reason, we cannot allow this."

Alleging that Cyprus can become an EU member after a solution to the Cyprus issue is secured and following Turkey's accession to the EU, Baykal expressed the hope that this kind of approach will facilitate a Cyprus solution and eliminate ten- sions.

[04] Mr Gilles Anouil's interview (continued from 2.1.96)

Gilles Anouil: I will easily answer this question. FIFA's rules are the rules of a special organization or a football federation. My former boss, Mr. Delors (who was a great football fan) used to say that the Commission should not interfere in this case because players having absolute freedom is not a good thing.

However, whatever the case, these are the rules or decisions of FIFA which is a special organization. They are not part of the EU legislature or Constitution.

The situation will be completely different in case of entry of the whole of Cyprus because every membership of a new state is part of our Constitution.

I can give you the example of Finland which is included in the Constitution.

What is the Court of Justice? It makes sure that everything is done according to the rules and laws of the EU and the Constitution. And in case Cyprus's case is written in the Constitution, the Court of Justice cannot but concede that this is the indivisible part of the EU Constitution and laws. Therefore, nobody can recourse to the Court and complain that it is unconstitutional. This is part of the Constitution and it is completely different from FIFA's rules. They are not part of the EU Constitution.

So, coming to your question, any agreement signed between the two communities will be included in the membership agreement, thus becoming a concrete case that will be safeguarded by the EU institutions.

Question: (Suleyman Erguclu): Turkey, with the Customs Union agreement, is accepting the provisions of article 64 and the decisions of the Court of Justice. Does this mean that Turkey will conform with the Court of Justice rules that bear restrictions on the export of products from north Cyprus? We consider the European Court's decision as an embargo.

Gilles Anouil: As you know, the issue in question is not restriction, but non recognition of the Health certificates and Country of Origin documents carrying the stamps of North Cyprus. The answer I will give to your question is "Yes".

Question: (Suleyman Erguclu): You are saying that Turkey has to abide by these rules.

Gilles Anouil: I am not a legal expert but having read the text of the ruling (this text is part of the EU rules), I think the Court of Justice will interpret it this way.

Question: (Sertac Gorguner): What will happen if Turkey does not obey to the Court of Justice decision?

Gilles Anouil: You have raised a very good issue: the issue of putting into practice the ruling of the Court of Justice. First of all, the Court of Justice is a Supreme Court. Therefore, any decision taken by it should be put into practice by local courts.

So, if a local court comes face to face with a complaint that the Court of Justice decisions are not being applied, then a court within the EU (it could be Italian, German or Greek) should take a decision in line with the Court of Justice.

Therefore, if the rules are not applied, there is the chance of taking punitive action.

Since the Court of Justice is a Supreme Court, it is no use standing against its decisions." (MY)

(to be continued)