Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-02-14

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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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash comments on `beneficial/ Fischer meeting.

[02] Soysal interviewed on Geneva talks, Cyprus problem.

[03] Denktash: Turks not to accept every EU condition.

[04] Denktash, Ecevit comment on Cyprus talks.

[05] Akinci proposes dual internal representation and single external representation.

[06] Cyprus: New `Set of ideas/ in offing.

[07] Pseudostate to attract tourists from Hungary.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash comments on `beneficial/ Fischer meeting

We explained our views in sincerity and in a clear manner. They, in turn, expressed their own views after listening to us. The whole point is that a definite step has been taken to see the viewpoint of the Turkish Cypriot side with regard to the two-sided Cyprus issue. We are pleased at this. God willing, the foreign ministers of the other countries will also be able to display the same courage and mentality''.

Furthermore, Ankara Anatolia (14:47 hours, 11.2.00) in a Hamburg-datelined report says that Denktash said in the news conference he staged after his meeting with Fischer that ``the Cyprus issue is important for Germany in relation to the region.''

In addition, at 18:00 hours, Ankara TRT 1 Television carries a video report from Frankfurt on the statements Denktash issued after his meeting with Fischer in Hamburg. In reply to reporters/ questions, Denktash said: ``We hope that, after the EU doors were opened for Turkey, everybody will feel the need to see the other side of the Cyprus issue, which interests Turkey from close and which is its national cause. We are waiting for this. For this reason, it was a beneficial meeting from our point of view''.

In reply to another question, Denktash said that ``the meeting was more a meeting of understanding the issue than presenting a solution. The contents of the meeting will not be made public along the lines of a decision in principle''. Denktash later explained that Germany also wants the issue to be resolved as soon as possible.

At 18:30 hours, Ankara Anatolia carries a Berlin-datelined report on the statements Denktash issued upon arrival in Berlin. Assessing his meeting with Fischer, Denktash said: ``I believe that we met with a trustworthy statesman, whose feet are firm on the ground''. On the issue of a solution to the Cyprus issue, Denktash said that the developing relations within the framework of the Turkish-Greek friendship gave rise to a new opportunity and added that the door, which was opened when Turkey was granted the candidacy status at the Helsinki summit, constitutes an opportunity for the ``TRNC'' as well.

[02] Soysal interviewed on Geneva talks, Cyprus problem

Asked what is the difference between federation and the confederation model they are proposing in Cyprus, Soysal said: ``In a federation sovereign states come together and create a third `sovereignty above themselves/, whereas in a confederation two `sovereign states/ just come together. The joint state they set up has sovereignty in certain things but in others sovereignty directly belongs to the states themselves. As confederation would mean the recognition of greater sovereignty to us than in a federation, this is creating reaction in the opposite side.

The confederation solution that we have put forward is the only solution method that can be realised under current conditions. Safeguarding the state/s sovereignty and at the same time establishing a unity can only be realized through a confederate solution. For this reason we intend to insist on this until the end. We say that there can be no other type of solution. And we say this not because we are insisting on it but because nothing else can be considered.

A unitary state or a state with a strong partnership authority can no longer be established.''

To a comment that ``Right from the start there has been contradiction at the Geneva talks. It was said that there were four main topics at the table in New York. Mr. Clerides has said the same thing. But Denktash said that for them there are seven basic issues and that these issues had been and are being discussed in the first round and in Geneva'', and when asked what are these seven issues, Soysal replied:

``What makes us apprehensive is that the UN Secretary General too said the other day that there are four topics, then he corrected this. And we retaliated by saying that for us there are seven topics and not four. In addition to the topics expressed by them (security, distribution of powers, compensations, territorial integrity-Cumhuriyet editor/s note) for us there are also the issues of confederation and the global solution of the property exchange. The Greek Cypriots view the last issue differently. For us there is also the sovereignty issue, which the others are not heeding much. And of course for us there is the lifting of the embargo. Confederation, sovereignty, and the lifting of the embargo are vital issues for us. Thus these too must be added to the list.

We do not want to hold direct negotiations before the solution of the sovereignty issue. What will they want from us at the direct negotiations? Let us assume that they want territory. How can I give the territory where I have no sovereignty? Why am I being asked for it? It is very logical that I will turn round and say, `Seeing that this land is under your sovereignty, why are you asking me for it? I must be sovereign to be able to give back land/. Is what I am saying not logical?''.

To a comment that President Clerides has reportedly said that Clinton, EU and UN support a federation and when asked whether a clear message has been received on this issue, Soysal replied:

``Currently these are not being openly discussed. But what we have known up to now, and what we knew right up to coming here is that this is the official view. The Security Council resolutions also speak of a federation. The British and the Americans are saying this. But even when we said federation we were imputed of `talking about a confederation/. The federation model we proposed was not a classic type of federation because we were proposing a very weak central system. So they used to tell us `what you propose does not fit into the concept of federation/.

The other side was also upholding federation but the central authority in the system they were proposing was so strong that it was more like a federative state. [preceding sentence as published]. That is, both the sides were being accused for different reasons.

Since this is the accusation against us, since we are being told that what we want is actually a confederation in essence, then we are now openly saying that our real intention is confederation. That is we are now expressing our thesis more clearly. And the others by showing such a strong reaction to our thesis are actually divulging their real thesis.

Let us meet with the opposite side, reach an inter-states agreement amongst ourselves, then we could even transfer some of our authorities (to central government). We could establish dual nationality, that is, the people could become the citizens of the confederation and their own state, and so on.''

Asked whether the recent rapprochement between Turkey and the United States could influence the solution, Soysal said: ``Of course the Greek Cypriots are uncomfortable over this. But why does this rapprochement exists, what is being demanded in exchange? Instead of worrying about Cyprus, one should really worry about Turkey. If you are one of those who think `let us give Cyprus away and get rid of the problem/, then you do not have to worry because that is just what is being attempted. America may be working not so much to detach Cyprus from Turkey as to solve it in a way that would please the Greek Cypriots as well. Britain on the other hand may be working to keep its bases there. There could also be those who want to replace the UN force in Cyprus with their own. Everyone is after their own interests. No one is working for the benefit of the people of Cyprus''.

In reply to another question, Soysal said: ``The newspapers are creating a myth. Then they all start expecting something. According to them if Cem and Papandreou embrace then all problems are solved. The idea of putting up Denktash and Clerides into the same hotel may have been to bring about some sort of rapprochement. It seems that the Americans were behind this as we had already made our own reservations far in advance.

Let us say that we take tea together then the only topic of conversation would inevitably be Cyprus. This method has been tried previously to no avail. The affair should be taken seriously. We have said from the start that we will not negotiate unless our sovereignty is recognised.

All such moves are planed beforehand. Do you think that the Greek teams came over of their own volition during the earthquake? These are all part of the `let us benefit from Turkey/s love affair with Europe/ strategy. They want to do childish things. But what I really want to say is that the Turkish press falls for all this very easily. There are even those who speak on behalf of the United States. The press should analyse the situations a little more seriously. Issues such as Cyprus and the Aegean are no jokes for Turkey and such great issues should not be approached emotionally. The Aegean problem is the decisive factor in whether or not Turkey would become a maritime force. This cannot happen if you give a concession upon a concession for the sake of friendship''.

Asked whether he is hopeful on the course of the talks, Soysal replied:

``The talks are fun. First there is the preparation phase and then the evaluation phase. The meals eaten together are being evaluated and so on. But the proximity talks are being held just for show. But even though these talks are for show certain frictions do still take place. There is this danger, and things could ignite, bringing the whole process to a halt.''

[03] Denktash: Turks not to accept every EU condition

Denktash said that if the path to the EU is taken then the Turkish Cypriots will not blindly accept every condition, adding: ``We want guarantees that the Greek Cypriots will not come and claim their former homes, thus throwing us into the sea. Will they be able to give us those guarantees? In other words, we shall not turn a blind eye and say: The EU is excellent. Long live the EU''.

In reply to a question on how the German officials addressed him, Denktash responded: ``At times they address me as His Excellency and at times as president (last word in English). The important issue, however, is for them to know who I am and that I am an elected official''.

Denktash on Sunday left Germany and went to Ankara.

[04] Denktash, Ecevit comment on Cyprus talks

``A new opportunity has risen with the green light given by the EU to Turkey. Naturally, we seek to take advantage of this opportunity. Together with our motherland, we will have a chance to explain to EU countries the reasons behind the Cyprus issue and the position of the Turkish Cypriots. Along these lines, high-level EU ministers will visit Cyprus in the coming days and they have expressed the desire to meet us as well. We have already given them appointments. Consequently, it has become easier for the Turkish Cypriots to open up to the outside with the step Turkey has taken toward the EU. This does definitely not mean that our work has become easier and that conciliation is around the corner.

The Greek Cypriots have to change. We are all aware of their reasons for launching the struggle for Cyprus. We expect them to give a sign and make a move that will show that they leave these reasons behind them for the sake of humanity and friendship. We expect them to lift the 36, 37-year-old embargo, which was imposed because we did not recognize them as the legitimate government. We expect them to extend us a hand in friendship and acknowledge that we are equal and sovereign''.

Ecevit, on his part, inter alia said: ``We have reached a point in which the existence of the TRNC cannot be denied. Several leaders and political organizations accept that this is a given, which cannot be d is regarded, even if they cannot say so openly. In other words, everybody accepts that there is a separate and sovereign TRNC state in Cyprus. It is impossible to take a backward step from here. A constructive dialogue can be established if the Greek Cypriot side also accepts this reality and comes to terms with it. Under these circumstances, a more constructive dialogue than the one we have now can be established. I believe that, in this way, we can enter a path, which will be satisfactory for both sides.''

[05] Akinci proposes dual internal representation and single external representation

Akinci was replying to correspondent/s questions in connection with the second round of proximity talks held in Geneva which he attended as a member of the Turkish Cypriot delegation. He pointed out that negotiations in the real sense of the word have not started yet, and that the sides are merely explaining their positions. He noted that the real negotiations that may lead to a solution will begin in the third and later rounds.

Asked to comment on the three-and-a-half page declaration President Clerides issued in Geneva under the name of a position document, Akinci said that this declaration has several meanings but at the same time is a very negative statement. Akinci stated: ``Had we called for a federation rather than a confederation, this declaration would have been understandable.''

Akinci stressed that it is very wrong to give the impression that the Cyprus problem can be resolved through certain amendments to be made on the 1960 Constitution or through a simple transition from a unitary structure to a federal one. He said: ``No matter what name is given to it, Cyprus needs a special solution. Such a special structure may not be found anywhere else in the world, but it is the content that is important and not the name''.

Akinci asserted that the solution of the Cyprus problem will eventually be in the form of bilateral internal representation and single external representation. In that way, he said, the two sides will be sovereign in their own regions, will live in security and equality, and act jointly in issues of international representation. There will be single representation at the EU and at the United Nations, and there will be joint membership, joint representation, and representation based on consensus. I believe that such a solution will satisfy the sides as long as mutual rights are recognized and economic interests protected, he said.

[06] Cyprus: New `set of ideas/ in offing

Denktash has already disclosed that he would not campaign for re-election other than addressing Turkish Cypriots on TV and radio.

When he announced his re-election bid several months ago, Denktash/s popularity was at an all-time low, while the popularity of his arch political rival, Dervis Eroglu of the National Unity Party (UBP), was soaring.

Economic difficulties and a series of bank scandals have eroded Eroglu/s popularity over the past several months, while the start of proximity talks and the atmosphere of optimism that a Cyprus accord may finally become in sight has helped Denktash recuperate and boost his electoral support.

Still, contrary to the belief of Denktash/s supporters, none of the ``presidential'' hopefuls appear strong enough to garner the 50 percent plus of the vote required to be elected in the first round of votes on April 15. However, because of the inability of the left to gather around one candidate, it has become almost certain that as was the case in 1995, the April 22 runoff vote will be between Denktash and Eroglu, with the vote of the left determining the winner.

In 1995 the left/s vote had shifted in favour of Denktash in the runoff poll. Since Denktash is busy nowadays trying to build an image of himself as ``peace-loving dove'', it is anticipated that rather than voting for ``hawk'' Eroglu, the left would prefer to keep the veteran Turkish Cypriot leader ``in office''. This can only be safely predicted however, during the seven-day period between the first and second votes.

The approaches to the Cyprus problem of the two major parties on the left of the Turkish Cypriot political spectrum are far from the one pursued by Eroglu. Whereas, although the socialist Republican Turkish/ Party (CTP) has been defending a federal settlement in contrast to Denktash/s confederation proposal, the views of the veteran Turkish Cypriot leader and the general approaches of Mustafa Akinci, leader of the social-democrat Communal Liberation Party (TKP), to the problem are much in conformity. Both Denktash and Akinci stress that a settlement on the island must be built on the reality of a de facto two-state situation. Thus, while Denktash may not get the socialist vote, Akinci/s supporters are expected to vote for Denktash in a runoff.

Denktash, however, appears confident that he will be re-elected. He agreed last week in Geneva to the start of the third round of the Cyprus talks on May 23 in New York. This, according to many domestic political observers along with well-placed Cyprus watchers, demonstrated Denktash/s confidence that his re-election was ``a forgone conclusion''.

Although the third round of talks are scheduled to start in May, Cyprus diplomacy will begin to gain momentum once again towards the middle of March, with a visit to the island by Alvaro de Soto, the UN special envoy for Cyprus.

Do Soto is expected to stay on the island for about 10 days and conduct a series of talks with both Denktash and President Clerides as well as with officials of political parties and opinion-influencing groups on both sides.

There are already claims, supported by disclosures made by Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides, that U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and his Cyprus envoy de Soto, with the help of American and British envoys have reportedly already started drafting a new ``set of ideas'' aimed at constituting a framework accord for a Cyprus settlement.

It is claimed that on visits to the island in March and April de Soto and US and British envoys will ``verbally inform'' the two leaders on the contents of the new package.

According to the sources the new set of ideas will be officially conveyed to the two sides during the proximity talks stage of the third round in New York, and if the two sides agree on the package, the two Cypriot leaders will ``fill in the gaps'' in the subsequent face-to-face stage and conclude the New York talks with a joint declaration that a framework accord for a Cyprus settlement has been reached.

Meanwhile, according to some other reports, Richard Holbrooke, the current US ambassador to the United Nations and former presidential envoy to Cyprus, is expected to be involved ``more'' in Cyprus diplomacy. Holbrooke, sources say, will personally attend the May third round of Cyprus talks in New York.

[07] Pseudostate to attract tourists from Hungary

It has been announced that the so-called Turkish Cypriot Airlines (KTHY) will begin chartered flights to Hungary from 19 June 2000 to 25 September 2000. The flights will be once week round-trips (Tymbou-Istanbul-Budapest).

In addition, it is expected that many tourist agencies from the occupied area will attend the ``International Tourist Fair'' in Budapest between 22- 27 March, 2000.

(DP)

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

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