Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 00-03-07

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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. 44/00 -- 7.3.00

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash- De Soto.

[02] Talat -Czech Ambassador.

[03] Presidential candidates.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Denktash - De Soto

Prior to the meeting, Denktash told reporters that it was not an official meeting. He said de Soto´s visit "is a contribution to the talks because he will know the facts better than reading them in a book or in a report, so we hope that when he goes back he will be in a better position to help us".

Denktash called on the Greek Cypriot side to stop claiming that they are the sole government on the island and show good will to help build bridges between the two states. This can be done by lifting the sanctions against the "TRNC"which are in force since 1963, and which cover economic matters, sports and cultural field. The sanctions, he said, are a gun aimed at the Turkish Cypriots.

The two states on the island can cooperate under the roof of a confederation, Denktash.

Moreover, he reiterated that recognition of the Turkish Cypriots´ sovereignty was the first condition to start a "give and take process" in Cyprus. Cyprus is a special problem and it needs a special solution, Denktash said adding "What we are trying to do is to see whether we can establish a joint administration for the whole island, securing the continuation of the two states" He also welcomed rapprochement between Greece and Turkey, but went on to reiterate his claims that the Cyprus Republic application for EU accession is not valid and that the Republic cannot join the Union before a settlement. If accession does take place before a settlement, this will worsen the situation and the division of Cyprus will become permanent, he said. Asked about the outcome of the European Union Helsinki Summit which gave Turkey a candidate status, Denktash said, "it means a lot to us, it has opened a new window of opportunity by dealing with Turkey justly and fairly.

Replying to other questions Denktash tried to play down the fact that in the past two months over 200 Turkish Cypriots have fled the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus and have come to live in the Government-controlled areas, saying this happens all over the world. "You encourage them when you say when you will give them money", Denktash said.

For his part de Soto said he is here "to learn more about the Cyprus problem and to associate geographical places with geographical names and see how UNFICYP works."

[02] Talat - Czech Ambassador

(DP)

[03] Presidential candidates

Five party candidacies have been announced so far and one independent.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will contest the elections as an "independent" candidate. Denktash holds this position for the last 27 years without interruption, first as "administrator", then as "federal state president" and finally as "president".

The so-called prime minister Dervis Eroglu and also leader of National Union Party, will contest for the second time.

Mustafa Akinci, the so-called state minister and deputy prime minister will be the candidate for the Liberal Communal Party.

Mehmet Ali Talat, the leader of Republican Turkish Party will contest the elections for the first time.

The Demokrat Party has made public its support to Rauf Denktash. As it is known, Denktash´s son Serdar leads the DP.

The only political party which will contest the elections but which is not in the "TRNC assembly" is the Patriotic Union Movement. Arif Hasan Tahsin will be its candidate.

National Revival Party press release said that the party will announce its preference on 10th of March.

Zorlu Torce, the leader of National Movement Party stated that although they have not their own candidate, they will not remain neutral and have decided that to support the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. (DP)

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

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