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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-11-05

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA No.211/01 3-4-5.11.01

[A] NEWS ITEMS

  • [01] The Turkish Prime Minister speaks of total annexaiton and autonomous status for the pseudostate.
  • [02] Ismail Cem again speaks about reaction with no limits if Cyprus becomes EU member.
  • [03] Turkey warns Washington about the EU accession of Cyprus.
  • [04] Denktas alleges that Europe is taking advantage of Turkey/s wish to enter EU.
  • [05] Devlet Bahceli: Turkey ready to pay any price for Cyprus.
  • [06] Tansu Ciller expresses support for Ismail Cem/s statements.
  • [07] The Patriotic Union Movement comments on Cem/s statements.
  • [08] Denktas says de Soto did not bring new document.
  • [09] Illegal visits of Turkish officials to the occupied areas of Cyprus.
  • [10] Talat says that Cem/s statements a re not "the way of reason".
  • [11] Talat: RTP is not satisfied with the human rights of the enclaved Greek Cypriots and Maronites.
  • [12] "Ortam": The price of the "conscious desertion" of the negotiating table is being paid by the Turkish Cypriots.
  • [B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

  • [13] Columnist in SABAH criticizes the ultimatum approach towards the EU accession of Cyprus.

  • [A] NEWS ITEMS

    [01] The Turksih Prime Minister speaks of total annexation and autonmous status for the pseudostate

    Fikret Bila writing in MILLIYET (4.11.01) under the title: "Tough message from the Prime Minister regarding the future of Cyprus: `The TRNC cannot be handed over to the Greek Cypriots/ Comments on Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem/s statement regarding Cyprus that "we will do what is deemed necessary to do even if a heavy price is to be paid". He says that the meaning of these words is nothing but: "Turkey could take radical decisions if South Cyprus is admitted to the EU".

    He goes on and says that "in case of an accession decision we can say that Turkey will `tie up/ the occupied area.

    "As a matter of fact Prime Minister Ecevit, while answering our questions yesterday to this effect conveyed clear and tough messages.

    "Stressing that for a long time an integration process was going on in the relations between Turkey and the TRNC, Ecevit gave the following answer to our question: `What will happen in case South Cyprus is admitted to the EU?". (Tr. Note: in the Turkish text the acronym ABD which means USA, was used instead of AB which is EU),

    `First, I would like to state the following that the TRNC will not surrender nor will it be handed over to South Cyprus/.

    "While clarifying Foreign Minister Cem/s statement; ` We do what is deemed necessary to do/ .

    Ecevit spoke about two possibilities": Two paths could be followed for Turkey/s integration with the TRNC. There are two methods for this:

    1. Total annexation 2. Autonomous status/.

    "The prime minister then explained the two methods as such: ` South Cyprus/s accession to the EU carries the meaning of surrendering the TRNC to South Cyprus. In this case the TRNC could decide to be annexed to Turkey. Autonomous status means the TRNC will be independent in its domestic affairs but depend on Turkey in its foreign and defence issues. I have raised this model earlier as a possibility/.

    Bila draws the conclusion from Cem and Ecevit/s statements that "Turkey will never accept a fait accomplis nor an imposed solution in Cyprus".

    [02] Ismail Cem again speaks about reaction with no limits if Cyprus becomes EU member

    Ankara Anatolia (2.11.01) has sent the following despatch from Ankara: "Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has said that, should the European Union [EU] accept as a member the Greek Cypriot Administration on Southern Cyprus as the only representative of Cyprus, in the absence of a solution to the Cyprus dispute to which all parties agree, then [Turkey] "will have to take a very serious and very fundamental action." Stating that Turkey does not have the approach of leaving the Cyprus problem to solve itself, Cem said that Turkey is working in a serious way for the realization of a confederation model on Cyprus.

    The Foreign Ministry's budget for the year 2002 has been approved by the Planning and Budget Committee of the TGNA [Turkish Grand National Assembly]. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, responding to criticisms regarding the budget, stated that membership in the EU [European Union] is one of Turkey's two greatest goals, and that "We have taken this seriously, and we have also made a certain degree of progress in this. It is a fact that, since Helsinki, EU-Turkish relations have proceeded at a tempo that cannot be seen as bad."

    Stating that in terms of relations with the EU, he is neither an optimist nor a pessimist, but rather looks at them objectively and realistically, Cem stressed that the relationship with the EU is a process that depends not just on Turkey, but also on the EU. Pointing out that, within this process, there have from time to time been various difficulties that have been encountered, Cem said on the topic of the meeting on the European Convention that he did not believe that Turkey would be discriminated against. He said that "The topic known as the European Convention is not a highly decisive, highly vital issue, but if Turkey were to be discriminated against, then from our standpoint that would turn into a very serious matter."

    Cyprus issue

    Foreign Minister Cem stressed that neither at Helsinki nor in the Accession Partnership Document was the question of Cyprus treated as an obstacle before Turkey, but that in fact, there is indeed a serious problem between the European Union and Turkey in terms of views on the future of the Cyprus problem.

    Cem continued as follows:

    "The problem between the EU and ourselves arises from the EU's preparing to take as a member the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus, as if it were the representative of the entire island. We have made this clear on numerous occasions. Should the EU, in the absence of a solution to the Cyprus dispute to which all parties agree, accept as a member the Greek Cypriot Administration in Southern Cyprus as if it were the only spokesman, the only government, the only representative, then Turkey will be obliged to take a very serious and very fundamental action against this. We have said this very clearly. And in fact, on one occasion, when the question was asked "Well, what is it that will be done?", I replied that "There is no limit on this."

    Stressing that Turkey's goal on Cyprus is "a confederation consisting of two sovereign units or entities, each with its own internal organization", Cem said that only such a model would be suitable both to the reality of Cyprus and the sensitivities of the two sides. "We are working for a confederation" Stating that Turkey does not have the approach of leaving the Cyprus problem to solve itself, Cem continued as follows:

    "We have been working in a very serious way for the realization of the confederation model, mindset, and framework. And we have been telling this to our interlocutors. If we should be unable to arrive at a solution, then a truly unpleasant situation will come about. Everyone will have difficulties from this, and everyone will be harmed. In such a situation, Turkey will probably suffer greater difficulties than anyone else; it will have to accept more difficulties, since there is no other way. If there should be no agreement and if you should take as a member the Greek Cypriot Administration as the only government on the island, then Turkey will do what it has to for the sake of its own interests, the interests of the Turkish Cypriots, and the context of the balances in the Eastern Mediterranean."

    Noting that the balances in Central Asia are developing in a way that may create results that will be favorable both to Turkey and to the Turkic republics, Cem characterized as "unjustified" the criticisms by opposition politicians of Turkey's Middle Eastern policies.

    Cem also criticized the statement of Japan to the effect that Turkey is insufficiently safe for tourists. Stating that everything that could possibly be done in this area has in fact been done, Cem said that "We have been unable to reconcile such a thing with a serious country like Japan. I hope that the Japanese will abandon this approach."

    In responding to questions from parliamentarians, Minister Cem stated that the government is at the moment not giving any thought to sending troops anywhere else [presumably a reference to the dispatch of Turkish troops to Afghanistan].

    Responding as well to a question as to whether or not Turkey would take part in a peacekeeping force in Afghanistan, Cem replied that this would be dependent on the conditions prevailing at the time. He said that "If Turkey should, in its own evaluations, see a suitable environment for taking on such a duty, and should Turkey judge that it would be capable of contributing to a political structure that would develop in a suitable political atmosphere, and if this would be beneficial to the Afghan people, it would certainly take part in that peacekeeping force. If these conditions did not apply, Turkey would not consider taking part in a peacekeeping force like some sort of guest musician."

    [During the discussions of the Foreign Ministry budget] DLP [Democratic Left Party] Parliamentarian from Afyon Gaffar Yakin, noting that Cem has said on the topic of Cyprus that Turkey "could be forced to make a decision", said that "We have to do on Cyprus what Ataturk did in Hatay. There doesn't seem to be any other solution."

    Stating that Turkey wants to enter the EU with its own identity and for its own interests, Yakin said that "We are not hostage to the EU." Yakin said that, with alternative foreign policies, the EU could be forced to accept Turkey into the Union.

    Yakin, suggesting that Turkey sign an agreement of cooperation like CENTO [Central Treaty Organization] with Azerbaijan, said that this would ensure peace in the Caucasus.

    AK [Justice and Development] Party Parliamentarian from Bitlis Ergezen stated that, as long as Turkey continues to develop its relations with Israel, it will make further enemies in the region.

    Claiming that "Turkey is making a mistake on the issue of Afghanistan", Ergezen said that the regime in Afghanistan, which he referred to as the "Taliban monster", was in fact created by the U.S. and countries which cooperate with it.

    Contemporary standards

    DLP Istanbul Parliamentarian Masum Turker stated that the authorization given to the government covered dispatching troops abroad and accepting foreign troops into the country, but that in order to send troops to the front a declaration of war would be required.

    Turker also said that "We should look at the EU project not merely in terms of becoming EU members, but in order to reach contemporary standards."

    Putting forth the view that, in the new world order, there would be a new physical and economic geography drawn up, Turker said that the U.S. wants to continue its leadership, while Great Britain and Russia want to return to their earlier days, and that, after Germany has clarified its position, there will be a struggle experienced among these countries.

    "Let us claim Aleppo and Damascus" SP [Felicity Party] Hatay Parliamentarian Metin Kalkan, pointing out that innocent people are dying in the military operation against Afghanistan, said that let us not appear to be participating in this bloodshed in exchange for money."

    Criticizing Turkey's foreign policy, Kalkan pointed out that Hatay is still shown in Syrian maps as part of Syria. Kalkan then said "If there's no reason why not to, then let us show Aleppo and Damascus as being in our territory."

    ANAP [Motherland Party] Rize Parliamentarian Ahmet Kabil, claiming that Turkey has been harmed by the Customs Union Agreement [with the EU], asked whether this was going to be suspended.

    SP Erzurum Parliamentarian Aslan Polat said that terrorism is terrorism no matter whom it strikes, but charged that there is only a reaction when it affects wealthy countries.

    Of speakers who are not committee members, SP Adana Parliamentarian Ali Goren said that Turkey's position in the Afghanistan operation resembles that of a peasant who tried to impress the village landowner but was later left in the lurch.

    AK Party Manisa Parliamentarian Necati Cetinkaya, claiming that he has been obliged to follow events from the press, said that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has not been keeping parliamentarians informed".

    On the same issue Istanbul HURRIYET (3.11.01) publishes the following report by Ugur Ergan and Metehan Demir, under the title: "Either Us or the Greek Cypriots"

    "Ankara sent a very harsh message to the European Union [EU], which continues its insistence on making the Greek Cypriot Administration a full member in the EU: "If necessary, we will burn our bridges with the EU for the sake of the TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus]". Turkey, which used such a harsh and clear language against the EU for the first time on the subject of Cyprus, gave the EU the message, "Either us or the Greek Cypriots".

    Ismail Cem, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced this view of Ankara to the entire world under the roof of the Turkish Parliament. Cem stated that in case the Greek Cypriot Administration becomes a full member in the EU, then Turkey will be forced to make a definite decision, even at the "cost of paying a price for it". Cem, who especially mentioned the subject of Cyprus in his presentation speech of the budget of his ministry at the TGNA [Turkish Grand National Assembly] Plan and Budget Committee, said that the subject is important from the aspect of Turkey's security and its position in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cem continued as follows:

    "Turkey's interests are being completely ignored on the subject of giving EU membership to the Greek Cypriots. In such a membership formation, Turkey is forced to take a decision. Either it will say, 'we tried, but this is all that we could do', and no one wants this, or 'I do not accept this decision'. In that situation, Turkey might be forced to take a definite decision. We should know that the definite decision to be taken will cause Turkey to pay a price, but we are forced to take such a decision".

    Cem, when answering the questions directed to him at the Committee, continued his harsh statements and said the following:

    "The problem between the EU and us stems from the fact that the EU is preparing to accept the membership of the Greek Cypriot Administration as if it is the sole representative of the entire island. If the EU accepts the Greek Cypriot Administration as the sole spokesman, sole government, sole representative of the island, without finding a solution on Cyprus on which all the parties agree, then Turkey will be forced to make a very serious and very radical movement against this. We have said this extremely clearly. Moreover, at one time, when it was asked, 'All right, what is it that you will do?', I answered by saying, 'There is no limit to this'".

    In case the EU accepts the Greek Cypriot Administration as a full member, then Turkey will respond immediately with a "retaliation policy". The retaliation policy will include first, economic integration with the TRNC and subsequently, political integration. It will be extremely wrong to interpret this as "annexation". A diplomat, an expert on the subject of Cyprus, said the following to the "Hurriyet Newspaper": "As soon as the full membership of the Greek Cypriot administration to the EU is announced, we will immediately put into force the retaliation policy. It is necessary for both the EU and Greece and the Greek Cypriots to consider and think in a very serious manner about the message given by Minister Cem. The Minister especially chose the Parliament for these statements".

    What Kind of a Price We Will Pay

    The following answers are given to the question of Ismail Cem, who said that we would "pay the price".

    - Foreign Ministry source: "The relations between Turkey and the EU will be seriously strained. Naturally, the expert staff would make studies related to scenarios beyond this. However, these are a state secret. They will be put into force if needed. Turkey will not behave in a conciliatory manner on the subject of Cyprus".

    - Mumtaz Soysal, the special advisor to Rauf Denktas said: "I agree completely with what Minister Cem said. The price of this is to give up EU candidacy. In any case, we will never be accepted as a member of the EU".

    We Can Suspend the EU Candidacy, This Is No Joke A high-level official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the meaning of the harsh warning made by Minister Ismail Cem to the EU as follows: "We no longer hesitate to express that if the EU continues its insistence on taking the Greek Cypriot Administration as a full member, then we will suspend the EU candidacy given to us at the Helsinki Summit. This is no joke. Turkey is not bluffing".

    Moreover speaking on TRT 2 television on Saturday (3.11.01) and replying to a question on Cyprus Ismail Cem said:

    "The point is to find a solution. And this solution must be realistic. If, when reaching a solution, you ignore a community, in fact, a nation, and if you ignore its expectation, then what you think is a solution will ultimately be a nonsolution, in fact, a grave nonsolution. What we have done is issue a call to common sense, I will not say a last call, but a call to common sense. Everybody who is interested in this issue must realize that time is running out, and must do the right thing, and must not make Turkey face a fait accompli, because the response may be very grave for everyone. Leading this matter to a point of confrontation will bring costs to everyone involved, and maybe most of all to Turkey. We must point this out objectively".

    [03] Turkey warns Washington about the EU accession of Cyprus

    Istanbul HURRIYET (3.11.01) published the following unattributed report under the title: "Cyprus Warning to Washington, D.C": "Turkey conveyed its latest attitude to the United States, relating to Cyprus, and requested support for stability. Jim Jeffrey, the Charge d'Affaires of the United States in Ankara, went to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday and met with Ugur Ziyal, the Undersecretary. In case the EU accepts the Greek Cypriot side on Cyprus as a member, then it was conveyed in the talks what sort of harsh measures Ankara would take and it was requested that the United States support Turkey for stability. Ankara requested the United States to warn the EU on this subject in an approach that would give support to the Turkish points of view. Additionally, it requested that Turkey should not be overlooked, in light of the most recent developments, for the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) as well.

    After the discussions, Jeffrey made a statement in Turkish, and said that Turkey's decision for sending a special force to Afghanistan, had been officially given to him.

    [04] Denktas alleges that Europe is taking advantage of Turkey's wish to enter EU

    Ankara Anatolia (3.11.01) reported that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas said on Saturday that Europe tried to benefit from Turkey`s wish to enter into the European Union (EU).

    Denktas, who commented on the statements made by the Foreign Minister Ismail Cem regarding the Cyprus problem, said that Cem`s statement was a response to the approach ``either give Cyprus or we will not accept you as a member.`` Denktas noted that other countries tried to take the advantage of the economic crisis in Turkey but that Turkey would overcome this crisis as before.

    Denktas drew the attention that the recent developments increased Turkey`s role as a key country and said that Turkey was aware of its power and would continue to use this power.

    [05] Devlet Bahceli: Turkey ready to pay any price for Cyprus

    Ankara Anatolia (3.11.01) reported that Devlet Bahceli, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the leader of the Nationalist Action Party (NAP), said on Saturday that Turkey was ready to pay every kind of price for Cyprus.

    Bahceli responded to the questions of journalists following a Central Executive Board meeting of NAP held in Kizilcahamam township.

    When journalists recalled the statements of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem regarding the Cyprus question, Bahceli said Turkey was ready to pay every kind of price.

    When recalled that the opposition parties claimed that sending a special unit to Afghanistan was a bargaining, Bahceli said those allegations belonged to people who don`t know the Turkish nation.

    Responding to a question whether Turkey would send soldiers to Afghanistan if it did not need foreign support, Bahceli said: ``Turkey would provide this contribution to make our brothers in Afghanistan to live in tranquillity, peace and stability even if it did not need foreign support.``

    When asked if entering hot clash in Afghanistan was in question, Bahceli said: ``Members of the Turkish Armed Forces who go to Afghanistan are aware of their assignments, and they will fulfill their assignments.``

    Responding to a question if there would be any increase in the number of soldiers that will be sent to Afghanistan, Bahceli said: ``Let us first evaluate what is happening today and then look to the future.``

    When recalled that Mesut Yilmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Motherland Party (MP) would present a report to his partners pertaining to the shrinkage of the state, Bahceli said, ``if there is the need to make radical changes in Turkey, then the NAP will fulfill its obligations.``

    Moreover, speaking on TRT 2 television on Saturday (3.11.01) Devlet Bahceli said: "Unfortunately, these EU member countries are finding it difficult to reach a decision regarding terrorist organizations such as the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] and the DHKP/C [Revolutionary People's Liberation Party Front] that have perpetrated bloody acts of terror. Naturally, it is impossible for Turkey to either accept or to understand such an approach. Today, the EU administration and the rest of the Western world are being tested for their consistency and sincerity in the fight against terrorism. The outcome of this test will also show to what extent they view Turkey as a friend and ally. We observe that the EU administration has turned it into a habit to constantly produce preconditions to our country, and in line with the changing conditions, to bring some of these preconditions to the forefront. It is understood that those who posited the status of the ringleader of the separatist organization as a precondition in the past and the solution of the Cyprus problem as a precondition today are far from having goodwill and from being objective. It is impossible to explain in any other way the hasty way in which the EU wants to admit the Greek Cypriot sector a full member, instead of trying to help reach a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. Everybody should know, however, that Turkey will not accept a fait accompli in Cyprus, and take their steps accordingly".

    [06] Tansu Ciller expresses support for Ismail Cem/s statements

    Ankara Anatolia (4.11.01) reported that the True Path Party (TPP) leader Tansu Ciller said on Sunday that the important statements and evaluations of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem regarding Cyprus were very realistic.

    Ciller issued a statement in which she said that the decisions that the government would take regarding this issue should be supported.

    TPP leader Ciller said that the world had entered into a restructuring process and that in this process, there was an opportunity for the pseudostate.

    Ciller noted that laying the groundwork for the fight against terrorism and bringing human rights issue into the world agenda for one more time were important for heralding the voice of the pseudostate.

    ``Foreign Minister Cem`s important statements and evaluations regarding Cyprus are very realistic. The decisions that the government will take in line with Cem`s statements should be supported. As TPP, we support all the steps taken in this path. But, the government cannot enable heralding of TRNC people`s voice,`` Ciller said.

    Ciller added, ``The role that the Greek Cypriot administration has in financing international terrorism cannot be explained to the world and there have been delays in initiatives. Turkey should develop a geostrategic action plan which will reduce the risks and seize the opportunities as soon as possible.``

    Moreover, Istanbul NTV television (3.11.01) broadcast that the True Path Party [TPP] Istanbul Deputy Aydin Menderes said that Turkey should be able to cut the cord at its weakest points. .

    In a news conference he held, Menderes described Cem's statements concerning the Cyprus/ EU membership as realistic and along the lines of Turkey's interest. Alleging that Cyprus is not an independent country and that the Greek Cypriot side cannot become EU member as the sole representative of Cyprus, Menderes added that the EU aims at having a presence in the eastern Mediterranean. This situation is unacceptable for Turkey, continued Menderes.

    "The tension can escalate and Turkey cannot be held responsible in this regard. Under such a circumstance, Turkey should be able to cut the cord at its weakest point". Said Mr Menderes.

    Claiming that the situation in the United States after 11 September paved the path for new diplomatic possibilities for Turkey, Menderes added: "The Turkish soldiers will have been sent to Afghanistan in vain if the Greek Cypriot side becomes EU member".

    [07] The Patriotic Union Movement comments on Cem/s statements

    Illegal Bayrak Radio (4.11.01) reported that Rasul Keskiner, Patriotic Unity Movement [PUM] Foreign Affairs Secretary, said that Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's recent remarks on Cyprus show that we are on the eve of important developments regarding a solution. In a statement on Sunday, Keskiner pointed out that important developments are taking place with regard to the Cyprus problem, adding that Cem's remarks stem from an anxiety to find a solution in Cyprus. Noting that the Turkish Cypriot community is the side that is actually paying a price, Keskiner charged that, as in the past, policies based on threat will not serve any purpose.

    [08] Denktas Says de Soto did not bring new document

    Illegal Bayrak Radio (3.11.01) reported that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktas has said that Alvaro de Soto, the UN Secretary-General's special envoy in Cyprus, did not bring a new document.

    In a statement following his meeting with de Soto last night, Denktas said that they discussed how to resume the Cyprus negotiations and exchanged views on the matter. Denktas refused to divulge the contents of the meeting but stated that de Soto did not bring him any new document.

    [09] Illegal Visits of Turkish officials to the occupied areas of Cyprus

    KIBRIS (5.11.01) reports that Ugur Ziyal, permanent undersecretary in Turkey 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is to visit today the occupied areas of Cyprus for a two-day visit.

    Mr Ziyal arrives in Cyprus at 3:00 p.m. and right after his arrival is expected to meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas, the so-called Speaker of the "Assembly", Vehbi Zeki Serter, the "Prime Minister" Dervish Eroglu, "Deputy Prime Minister" Salih Cosar, the so-called Foreign Affairs and Defense "Minister", Tahsin Ertugruloglu and the Commander of the Turkish occupation army lieutenant general Ahmet Ozteker.

    Tomorrow, Mr Ziyal will be meeting with brigadier general Galip Mendi, commander of the so-called security forces. He will also have a second meeting with Rauf Denktas.

    Meanwhile, general Hursit Tolon, Commander of Turkey's Aegean Army, will be coming to the occupied areas in order to watch the Toros 2001 maneuvers, which is planned to start today.

    [10] Talat says that Cem's statements are not "the way of reason"

    "Yeniduzen" (5.11.01) reports that commending on Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem's statements, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party Mehmet Ali Talat, has expressed the opinion that the recent developments in the Cyprus problem require that everybody behaves in a reasonable way, but the Turkish side insists on a policy which is not realistic.

    In a written statement issued yesterday, Mr Talat noted that Mr Cem's statements are "a new evidence" that this is happening. Mr Talat stressed also that Turkey continues the same attitude and does not change its policy after seeing that Cem's statement about his country's reacting without limits in case that the Republic of Cyprus joins the EU before the solution does not prevent Cyprus' EU accession procedure.

    Mr Talat supported that the Turkish side should act in a more responsible manner and added: "The Turkish Cypriots who pay the price (of this policy) for years, must not be dragged into new adventures".

    Mr Talat argued that the right thing for the Turkish side to do is not to apply a policy of threats and creating crisis, but return to the negotiating table, try for a solution to the Cyprus problem and join Cyprus' EU accession talks noting that the Turkish Cypriots have equal political rights with the Greek Cypriots.

    [11] Talat: RTP is not satisfied with the human rights of the enclaved Greek Cypriots and Maronites

    "Yeniduzen" (3.11.01) reports that the leader of the Republican Turkish Party, Mehmet Ali Talat has stated that RTP believes that the enclaved Greek Cypriots and Moronites are not in a satisfactory situation from the point of view of their human rights.

    During a meeting on Friday with Dicky Marty, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA) Law and Human Rights Commission Rapporteur, Mr Talat said that RTP is "not very pleased on this matter".

    The paper also writes that Mr Marty met separately with the so-called Speaker of the "Assembly", Vehbi Zeki Serter, the "Prime Minister" Dervish Eroglu, "Deputy Prime Minister" Salih Cosar and the so-called Foreign Affairs and Defense "Minister", Tahsin Ertugruloglu.

    [12] "Ortam": The price of the "conscious desertion" of the negotiating table is being paid by the Turkish Cypriots

    Under the front-page title "Here is the reality", "Ortam" (3.11.01), mouthpiece of the Communal Liberation Party (CLP), writes that the Turkish Cypriots are paying the price for the refusal of their leader, Rauf Denktas to attend the negotiations towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

    The paper supports that the policies applied until today on the Cyprus problem by the Turkish side are wrong and adds that there are only 12 months left for the Turkish Cypriots to achieve a solution and after this solution to join the European Union. The other pessimistic scenario, according to "Ortam", is the continuation of the existing situation and when the Republic of Cyprus joins the EU, Turkey to annex the occupied areas of Cyprus. Then the "Green line" in Cyprus will become a border between Turkey and the EU, the emigration of Turkish Cypriots will increase and the goal of Turkey to join the EU will cease to exist.


    [B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

    [13] Columnist in SABAH criticizes the ultimatum approach towards the EU accession of Cyprus

    Istanbul SABAH (4.11.01) publishes the following commentary by Sedat Sertoglu under the title: "Paying the Price" :

    "Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has said that, if the EU [European Union] should accept Cyprus, that is, the Greek sector, as a full member prior to the resolution of the dispute, "then in such a case of membership Turkey will be obliged to make a decision. It will either say 'that's it, then' or else it will be obliged to say that it does not recognize this decision. Turkey could be obliged to make a very definite decision. We know that Turkey would pay a price for this decision, but we are obliged to take it."

    Is that really the way it is, my friend, Ismail Cem? Just what would this price be? Would it be for Turkey to give up its own membership in the European Union, which is one of its most important goals?

    Yet another topic that I very much wonder about is what those living in the KKTC ["Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"] will have to say about this decision. Will they be please with it? Will they thank Turkey for keeping them out of the EU? Or else will they have exactly the opposite reaction?

    It would be quite easy to find this out... You just go to the KKTC and poll people and the result would be clear...

    And moreover, I'm just not able to understand what we would gain by suspending our own membership... If we were to do such a thing, would the EU say "How awful!", or would the EU members, who have already had a difficult time getting to the current stage with us, in fact rejoice at this?

    And how is that that Ankara, which all along has been saying that "We can't decide for theTRNC; only Mr. Denktash can decide", and has tried not even to be seen at the negotiations, now all of a sudden has gotten into such a rage?

    If the decision cited in fact should be carried out, then if we are now 60 million people, then it would put that number of people into the situation of never being able to join the European Union... What would we gain from this? Nothing. But we would lose so much.

    What sort of a policy is this? These gentlemen have nothing to worry about in terms of their own futures... For them personally, EU membership is not important... But full membership in the European Union is in fact vitally important for Turkey's economy and for its politics... To knowingly leave Turkey, and the Turkish people, outside the EU is in my view akin to treason... And I hope that these words of Ismail Cem were merely said for political effect...

    For otherwise, this would be one of the most serious political mistakes in Turkey's history... It would be a grave error which would negatively impact on future generations as well...

    For Ankara, there is no price that could be paid for an effort to leave the country outside the European Union... For no one could pay such a price... For it would be such a high price...

    Afghanistan

    The government's dispatch of troops to Afghanistan is a completely appropriate decision. Don't pay any attention to the SP [Felicity Party] and those people from the AK [Justice and Development] Party, which emerged out of a twin embryo, and their absurd statements in opposition to it... The reason they oppose it is clear... It is clear, but they don't seem to be able to say it openly...

    Wasn't that earlier Turkish Prime Minister who went and stood like a schoolboy before [Libyan leader Muammar] Qadhafi and accepted every sort of insult from him that same [Necmettin] Erbakan? Why didn't he speak up then?

    Now Turkish soldiers are going there to rescue the Afghan people from the anachronistic administration known as the Taliban and the terrorism of Usama [Bin Ladin]... May they have a safe journey... I salute them all...

    If tomorrow they should be obliged to rescue the people of some other country from terrorism, they will no doubt do so...

    KV/SK


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