Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-04-24

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

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader wants the Council of Europe to set up a Commission to diagnose the Cyprus problem

[02] Kemal Dervis' views on the Cyprus problem

[03] Olgun speaks of a "mini EU model in Cyprus"

[04] A woman settler from Turkey says it is Denktas who brought the settlers to the occupied areas of Cyprus

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[05] Alarm bells ringing in Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader wants the Council of Europe to set up a Commission to diagnose the Cyprus problem

Denktas asserted that the Council of Europe must approach the issue in an unbiased manner. He added that the Council of Europe can set up a commission to find out how the Cyprus problem began and developed, and what kind of a solution should be sought.

Meanwhile, the Turkish parliamentary delegation at the Council of Europe is taking steps for the establishment of such a commission.

Denktas pointed out in his speech that an artificial or imposed solution cannot be successful in Cyprus and cited the Palestinian-Israeli agreement as an example. He recalled that the Israeli and Palestinian leaders had received the Nobel Peace Prize for the agreement they had signed. Everybody should draw lessons from what is happening in the region today, Denktas stressed.

Denktas reiterated: "By saying that there is no need to reach an agreement because the Greek Cypriots will join the EU anyway, the EU is encouraging the Greek Cypriots to remain intransigent and not to seek a solution."

Commenting on reports that a solution could be reached by June, Mr Denktas said that they are the result of a wrong perception. Alleging that both he and President Clerides will undergo an operation there is no possibility of the talks being completed by June.

[02] Kemal Dervis' views on the Cyprus problem

Dervis stated that he could not continue his assignment forever which he started without being a member of a party, noting that, ``of course a different development will happen at a point. `` State Minister Dervis, currently in the United States to attend the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank spring term meetings, addressed a conference in a think-tank organization "The Washington Institute".

When a participant of the conference asked if he would be involved in politics, Dervis said: "I am focused on my assignment. However, any independent minister can not continue his mission forever without having links with a party."

Regarding the European Union Dervis said in case the European Union (EU) sets a date for Turkey for membership negotiations, this would create a serious contribution on Turkey's economic structure.

Pointing out that the EU was a regional cooperation, Dervis said Europe should be open outside like the United States. Dervis stated the cooperation of the United States with Canada, Latin America, and Mexico.

Dervis said: "We need the EU. However, I believe that the EU also needs us. Europe will be more stronger with us." He said if the EU sets a date, this would strengthen the reform dynamic, and accelerate the reforms.

Recalling that some intellectuals in the United States were not close to Turkey's full membership to the EU, and adopted the approach that ``You are the ally of the United States``, Dervis said this was wrong. Stressing that Turkey was a Balkan country more because of its location, Dervis said Turkey's accession to the EU was also important within the framework of the U.S. national interests.

Dervis said: "EU-Turkey relations are between the EU and Turkey. It can operate or not. The United States can only help. It will be very beneficial if the United States continues its constructive role." Dervis said social difficulties were not experienced as the program was preserved; however he noted that 6-7 percent growth was needed to overcome the social problems.

Responding to a question whether the Cyprus problem would constitute an obstacle in the EU target, Dervis said: "Cyprus is a very big obstacle but I think there is willingness in all sides toward a solution. There is a real willingness in this respect in business circles. However, the EU should exhibit a more balanced approach. At the same time, when you consider the other problematic regions, nobody loses his life in Cyprus. May be there is not an ideal situation, but nobody dies. I believe that a solution will be found in this respect."

[03] Olgun speaks of a "mini EU model in Cyprus"

Speaking yesterday in London at the offices of the so-called "representation" of the pseudostate Mr Olgun said: "We too want to take our place in the EU. Applying a mini EU model in Cyprus and taking it into the EU is possible.".

Mr Olgun repeated the Turkish stance regarding establishing a "new bi-communal partnership state", which must not be the continuation of any other state, which is the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr Olgun went to London in order to participate in the celebrations of the 23rd April, Turkish national day and according to the paper he would meet with Lord David Hanney, the British Special Representative for Cyprus and address a meeting at the Friends of London Association of the House of Commons.

[04] A woman settler from Turkey says it is Denktas who brought the settlers to the occupied areas of Cyprus

Mrs Kisti, the husband of whom is also a mainland Turk, said among other things the following, when asked about her feelings regarding the possibility of a solution to the Cyprus problem as a result of the face-to-face talks between President Clerides and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas:

"I feel absolutely nothing when I hear that they are discussing for an agreement, because Denktas was the one who brought us here. Yes, he is the one who brought us. He is the one who settled us down. He is not going to send us away. .It means that Denktas must look after us as he brought us here. He has no right to send us away. If he does this he must pay an amount of money to everyone who will return. Because what will they do when they go there (translator's note: to Turkey)? .He must settle us there as he did when he brought us here. .".

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[05] Alarm bells ringing in Cyprus

"Cyprus is the issue that will affect Turkey's foreign relations most. However, this issue seems to have been forgotten. The talks on the island and the Cyprus issue in general are developing in an 'unprotected' manner. It is impossible to find a solution by 'contracting out' this issue to Denktas and Clerides. Alarm bells are ringing. But no one wants to see that.

The staff governing Turkey is putting pressure on the European Union with all their might.

They all -- including Devlet Bahceli who indicates that he has doubts about the European Union -- are saying, "At the EU's enlargement summit in Copenhagen in December, as you hand out the full membership gifts to the 12 other candidates, you must give us a date as to when exactly the EU will start the EU-Turkey accession talks. That would enable us to see our path. And we can speed up our efforts to comply with the Copenhagen criteria. And, at the same time, we can dispel the public's suspicion, that regardless of what we do the EU is not going to take Turkey seriously."

Not a single meeting gets staged without these views being put forth insistently, without these questions being asked. Turkey truly has its hands around the EU's neck.

In addition to this political pressure, economic pressure has started to be applied. Kemal Dervis keeps saying that if such a date is given and the accession talks start, Turkey's "rating" in the international markets will go up by no less than three points. Business circles believe that the climate of trust needed for foreign investments in 2003, can only be ensured by obtaining a date from the EU.

As a society we have "locked onto" the "date" issue.

The EU, meanwhile, is reticent.

They believe that it would be risky to set a date before Turkey fully complies with the Copenhagen criteria. They fear that if Turkey, who came under strain even as it took the very first steps, proves unable to comply with these criteria, this will cause the two sides to follow increasingly forking out paths.

The Turkish officials are aware of the situation.

There are two conditions which must be fulfilled to obtain the much-coveted "starting date of the accession talks."

One of these conditions involve the need to pass new bills in the next few months, that is, soon enough for these to be assessed in the Progress Report the EU will issue on Turkey in October. However, due to problems arising from the Nationalist Action Party (MHP), even the steps needed to abolish the death penalty are not being taken. In other words, there is not much hope that this condition will be met.

That leaves Cyprus.

And the Cyprus issue goes fully 'unprotected' No one comes up and says this clearly and officially, but it is no secret that the second key to obtaining a "date" is Cyprus. In the EU circles it is now being openly said that if a solution can be found in Cyprus, Turkey will stand an increased chance of obtaining a date from the EU, even if Turkey cannot take big strides regarding the Copenhagen criteria at this stage.

Lack of a solution in Cyprus not only will make it impossible for Turkey to obtain a "date," but it will also cause significant losses for both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.

Turkey-EU relations would be suspended for some time, that is, for a few years at least. The periods of tension would make a comeback in the Aegean. Once more Turkey's image would be shaken. The "oxygen" needed by the economy would be lost, upsetting the markets that desire stability.

Lack of solution will lead to the Greek Cypriots joining the EU on their own. The Turkish side's "effectiveness" in Cyprus will vanish altogether. And Cyprus will fully claim the top place in the list of conditions for Turkey's potential EU membership in the future. All the things Turkey would gain by finding a solution now, Turkey would lose in a bargaining process in the future.

We are at such a major turning point.

The EU-Cyprus issue has become the most vital item on the country's agenda.

Yet, what do we see?

Turkey has still not determined for itself, basic policies, either on the Cyprus issue or on the EU issue. It is not known which steps should be taken during the coming months and which steps should be left to the future, where the line should be drawn in Cyprus and what kind of strategy should be conducted. The job has been "contracted out" to Denktas. Turkey contents itself by watching the developments from a distance.

On all these issues, Turkey lives on a day-by-day basis, solving the day's problems piece by piece.

Bahceli and Yilmaz speak in different voices. The prime minister, meanwhile, cares for nothing else than saving the day.

On the EU and on the Cyprus issue, debates still take place on the basis of slogans. One hears remarks that compete with one another in absurdity. We are down on our knees in ignorance.

There seems to be no "owner" of either the EU or Cyprus issues.

We are drifting out of control. THE LEADERS MUST TAKE A DECISION WITHOUT ANY DELAY!

We cannot possibly leave Turkey in such a situation.

We cannot push Turkey into a position of "having no owner or protector" like this.

The leaders must be stirred into action without losing any time.

They must determine what will be done on the EU issue, and what kind of steps will be taken in Cyprus. Unless such a strategy is determined, the ship, rocking, may hit an iceberg.

Things can be carried out only to a certain extent with "crisis diplomacy." But one cannot continue all the way to the end with the same approach.

At a time when the country is going through such a critical stage, those governing Turkey should not have the luxury of merely announcing their views at press conferences. They have no right to block the future path of this country's youngsters.

We expect Ankara to finally wake up, determine the steps it must take, and then have Ismail Cem knock on Athens's door to address this issue. This is because Cyprus is too important an issue to be left to Denktas and Clerides alone."

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