Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 96-12-06

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TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No.221/96 6.12.96

CONTENTS

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu says `minor disagreements' no cause for resignation.

[02] Talat: Efforts to integrate with Turkey impede solution.

[03] Bank suspends its operations in the occupied area.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu says `minor disagreements' no cause for resignation

In a statement he issued Eroglu said he will brief the National Unity Party (NUP) Central Administrative Council, and the party assembly group on the issue of the "coalition". Eroglu further noted that the protocol to be signed with Turkey will also be discussed at these meetings.

In a statement he issued to illegal TAK (Turkish Cypriot News Agency) on the rumours regarding the "coalition", Eroglu said: "We joined the government in the belief that the coalition will continue in 1998 as well. This is what we week; however, this cannot be one-sided. It can be achieved only by showing mutual understanding. We have such understanding. There is no reason why this government cannot continue if the other side also shows the same understanding."

[02] Talat: Efforts to integrate with Turkey impede solution

He warned that an unnecessary reaction to these initiatives may lead to "border" incidents which sometimes result in deaths and to developments that obstruct the quest for peace.

Talat said that during the intercommunal talks, agreement was reached on certain issues, listing them as: the equality of the two communities, the equal participation of the two communities in the negotiations process; Cyprus' independence, territorial integrity, and non-alliance; the self-administration of each community on its own region; and the structuring of the Presidency and the Foreign Ministry in a way that enables political equality in the executive body.

The RTP leader stressed that Turkey's guarantorship is very important for the Turkish Cypriot community and that the foundations set by the 1960 guarantee and alliance agreements must be strengthened today.

Talat said the absence of a solution hurts both communities but especially the Turkish Cypriot community. He charged that the problems created as a result of many years of incorrect policies are exacerbated today by the efforts to integrate with Turkey. He said: "Certain circles point to the Greek Cypriots' one-sided appeal for EU membership as a pretext and say that it is time for a change of policy. This makes the Turkish Cypriots look intransigent, a label they do not deserve."

Talat said that the 1960 guarantee and alliance agreements gave Turkey rights regarding all of Cyprus and claimed that the 20 July 1974 invasion was carried out on this basis. He warned that the declarations about integration with Turkey will push the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey back to the pre-1960 period. He reiterated that the argument that the Turkish Cypriots will not become EU members unless Turkey is a member will not help solve the problem. He pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots will have an equal say in a federal Cyprus' membership in the EU. This would mean the resolution of one of the important questions between Turkey and the EU, he said.

Replying to a question, Talat said that the secrecy around the economic protocol being drawn up between Turkey and the pseudostate is a result of the "government's" view of democracy. We consider this very gave, he said, adding: "This issue must be debated in the Assembly and in public." Talat said that he has the text of the protocol in his hands and that some of the articles of the protocol are incompatible with the identity or honour of the Turkish Cypriot community.

[03] Bank suspends its operations in the occupied area

Bank "officials" said that because of the difficulties faced by the Bank they will reduce their size and will soon start operating in smaller premises. (MY) EF/SK