[01] One soldier killed, another wounded at Akheritou.

[02] Denktash calls soldier's death cold-blooded murder.

[03] Denktash opposes EU membership without Turkey.

No.162/96 7-8-9.9.96

[01] One soldier killed, another wounded at Akheritou

Illegal Bayrak (8.9.96) claimed that one soldier was killed and another wounded when Greek Cypriots fired shots at a guard post belonging to the occupation forces at Akheritou, around 4:00 yesterday morning. A statement issued by the Turkish occupation forces Press Bureau noted that the necessary security measures have been adopted in the region and the incident is being investigated.

The Press Bureau of the Turkish occupation forces command issued a statement in connection with the incident in which one soldier was killed and another wounded this morning, saying that the attack was planned and professionally executed. The statement added that the incident occurred near Akheritou at a post belonging to the occupation Forces Command parallel to the SBA road passing through Akheritou village within the region of the British Bases. The statement noted that the two security forces soldiers were attacked while on guard at around 4:00 (1:00 GMT) this morning, adding that one of them was killed and the other seriously injured.

Meanwhile, Rauf Denktash strongly reacted to the incident, describing it as a premeditated murder. The incident was assessed at a high-level meeting held at Denktash's office. Turkish envoy Aydan Karahan, Lieutenant General Ali Yalcin commander of the occupation forces; and Taner Etkin, so-called foreign affairs and defense minister, participated in the meeting.

Denktash, in a statement after the hour-long meeting, described the attack as a premeditated murder. Alleging that the attack was perpetrated by infiltrating into the occupied area, Denktash said that the soldiers, who were on duty, were shot by automatic weapons from a short distance.

Denktash continued: "These incidents are tantamount to putting the last nails in the coffin of a federation. Those who aspire to a federation do not violate the borders of the party with which they wish to establish a federation."

[02] Denktash calls soldier's death cold-blooded murder

According to Ankara radio (8.9.96), Rauf Denktash described the attack as a murder committed in cold blood for the sake of revenge. In a statement to illegal Turkish Cypriot News Agency, TAK, Denktash called on the people and the security forces to remain cool-headed.

Tansu Ciller, foreign minister and deputy prime minister, telephoned Denktash to receive information on the incident. Ciller said that Turkey is following the issue closely. Expressing her share in the grief of the Turkish Cypriot people because of the attack, Ciller conveyed condolences to the Turkish Cypriot people and the family of the martyr on behalf of Turkey

[03] Denktash opposes EU membership without Turkey

According to illegal Bayrak radio (8.9.96), Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash alleged that it would be communal suicide to join the EU in the wake of Cypriot membership before the status of the Turkish Cypriots is determined.

Denktash issued a statement in response to Sabit Soyer, Republican Turkish Party secretary general, who opposed his statement that the Turkish Cypriots cannot join the EU without Turkey. Denktash stressed that those who defend the Turkish Cypriot cause must first be aware of the nature of the problem. Makarios presented the issue to the whole world as full independence, but the real goal is "enosis", Denktash recalled, adding: "Those who do not know this should read the Akritas plan and Makarios' statements."