Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 99-03-24

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

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 51/99 -- 24.3.99

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Armed Forces report on latest developments.

[02] Ankara to Solana: Disappointed with Greece.

[03] Denktash defends Turkey�s interests in Cyprus.

[04] 1250 Turkish Cypriots will visit Tekke.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Armed Forces report on latest developments

The General Staff also drew up a report on the latest developments in Turkey and abroad which it submitted to President Demirel (17.3.99). The report outlined the General Staff�s proposals on the following:

1. Assessment of the separatist and terrorist organizations.

2. Reactionary forces� internal and external links.

3. Developments in northern Iraq and plans related to the area.

4. Cyprus problem and proposals for its solution.

5. Policy against Greece.

6. Relations with EU.

7. Relations with the United States and the situation of the Incirlik Base.

8. Initiatives to meet the TAF�s urgent and routine needs.

9. Measures related to elections and urgent measures against the Workers Party of Kurdistan and reactionary organizations.

10. General measures and strategies.

Moreover, the paper publishes TAF�s urgent demands:

- Religion must not be exploited in politics, religious recitations must not be used as propaganda material, and laws must be applied. Political parties must not exploit the separatist activities to increase their votes.

- The law must be effectively applied. Additional laws must be enacted as a deterrent against terrorist and reactionary activities. Article 312 of the Turkish Penal Code cannot be lifted.

- Experts must brief the people on the measures they can take against terrorist activities. Our people must be persuaded to follow the programmes that will be drawn up by the experts.

- Ataturk�s principles and reforms must be explained to the citizens in a comprehensible manner.

- The TAF are strongly committed to the maintenance and protection of the republic�s basic characteristics.

- Public opinion must contribute towards the effort that is made to reinstate and strengthen solidarity between the military forces and the people.

- The TAF neither support nor oppose any political party. They maintain an equal approach towards all the political parties that are committed to the constitution and its principles. Our military forces serve the State. They are at the disposal of the Turkish Government.

[02] Ankara to Solana: Disappointed with Greece

According to the Turkish Daily News (19.3.99) Solana was in Ankara on 18.3.99 for a one-day working visit. Citing diplomatic sources, the paper says that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem conveyed to the Secretary-General Turkey�s uneasiness regarding Greece�s alleged continuous support to the PKK.

[03] Denktash defends Turkey�s interests in Cyprus

``We are defending Turkey�s cause in Cyprus. Turkey is the possessor of Cyprus and the Cyprus cause is its cause'', Denktash told a conference at the Military Academies Command in Istanbul.

Praising the policies followed by the Turkish governments Denktash said:

``These governments outlined a vision on Cyprus. Their determination has eradicated our anxiety(�) Turkey�s current policy on Cyprus continues to exist''. This policy, he added, had created anxiety among Western countries.

The paper adds that Denktash played down the prospect of any talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, because as he said, of the recent display of Greek and Greek Cypriot support to PKK and its leader Abdullah Ocalan. ``What kind of a peace can we discuss with them [under these circumstances]?'' Denktash wondered.

Commenting on reports that the United States was preparing to step up pressure on the Turkish Cypriot side, Denktash said: ``Pressure, pressure, pressure�. 36 years passed like this. I have became like razor.''

[04] 1250 Turkish Cypriots will visit Tekke

The visit will take place on the third day of the Eid el Adha festival, on 30 March, 1999. The Turkish Cypriots who will visit the shrine will pay in Turkish Lira to Denktash regime the equivalent to four Sterling Pounds. (MY)

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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