CyBC bi-lingual program spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles, Biz Emeis 25/02/2011 featured an interview with Şener Elcil, Secretary General of the KTOS Turkish Cypriot Teachers' Union.
The intreview was about the massive 28th January demonstration seeking to ensure the continuing existence of the Turkish Cypriot community, and about his views on the reactions in the Turkish Cypriot community to the statements made by Turkish premier Erdogan. There is to be a second mass demonstration by Turkish Cypriots on 2nd March 2011.
Introduction: The echoes from the demonstration held on 28th January 2011 organised by the Trade Union Platform. The insulting words directed at Turkish Cypriots by Turkish Prime Minister Tayiip Erdogan raised tension levels between the Turkish Cypriot community and the Turkish Government. In order to make an assessment tonight we have here with us the Secretary General of the KTOS Teachers' Union, Mr Şener Elcil. Welcome ... .. in the conversation we had in the studio before the 28th January demonstration (see video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0xlo33vmbs ) you had said that you expected massive participation by the people. In the time that has elapsed since then there have been significant developments. In your view, did the 28th January demonstration achieve its purposes, and to what extent? SE: I would like first of all to thank you. The demonstration did achieve its purpose. We have no doubt on that. Our purpose was to project the reaction of our community to the impositions and to stress that the Turkish Cypriots will not capitulate to them. I want to tell you that your program is very effective. It has widespread viewership in 'the north', particularly among certain circles. We are receiving considerable criticism because of your program and we have become targets of charges that we take instructions and money from Mr Christofias in having organised these demonstrations and that we use this program for our propaganda. We don't need to do propaganda. The community in 'the south' and in 'the north' knows us, it knows our views. We are not doing something in secret and our actions are visible to the people ... (Q) ... Excuse my interrupting ... they say that when it is your enemies who are accusing you, it must be a sign that you are doing something right. (SE) That's right ... as per the Turkish proverb - they throw stones at the fruit-bearing trees. We are doing our duty - we are trying to open the way for our community and we stress that the future of our country is ensured through peace and reunification and not with war. This is our basic aim. We are teachers. A teacher is a social being. Our duty is not to just go to class to teach, but our duty is to be interested in matters beyond our schools, to social problems, to help solve problems which are faced by our society and act in areas where we need to develop policy. That is what we are trying to do. (Q) After the demonstration the Turkish Prime Minister, Tayiip Erdogan caused intense reactions through the insulting statements he made. Certain circles are trying to soften these reactions. What is the current situation? (SE) Mr Erdogan has shown his real face. We have been saying this for a long time, that Mr Erdogan does not want a solution to the Cyprus issue. He appears to want a solution but he pushes things towards non-solution. On the other hand he is constantly placing obstacles in the procedures which could help the Turkish Cypriots take their fate in their own hands. On the one hand he tries to increase dependence of 'the north' with the mass influx of population from Turkey, particularly after the year 2000. Today an issue exists about 'naturalising' them ... in the 'parliamentary' session in 'the north' two days ago it was said that 250,000 persons are waiting to be 'naturalised'. In addition. Mr Erdogan encourages the large inflows of capital which is associated with him to be moved and invested in 'the north'. All this is not the result of a consciousness which wishes for a solution, but of a consciousness which aims at the conversion of 'the north' into a colony. Consequently, the comments by Mr Erdogan, five days after the demonstration, essentially show his real face and real feelings about the Turkish Cypriots. He calls us “kept parasites”. Turkey came to the island on the pretext that it was protecting the Turkish Cypriots. But it is using us to make politics, as it did with the agreements for the Republic of Cyprus in '60, and on the other hand it is trying to sideline us. I see that the Erdogan reactions and those of AKP officials who are expressing themselves offensively and who insult Turkish Cypriots provoke stronger reactions in our community. We are struggling to be able to become masters in our own lands, to be able ourselves to govern us. We are not struggling in order to become puppets or employees of Mr Erdogan. We expect our political will to be respected. We are not struggling for the money. We are not struggling for economic reasons. I want to stress this. If I judge on the basis of the voices I hear from 'the south', there is an emergent view that the mobilisations of the Turkish Cypriots are aimed at money or other economic benefits. Such a view is entirely wrong. (Q) A neutral third party observer of the situation might, and please do correct me if I am wrong, conclude that there are among certain Turkish Cypriot circles those who in one way or another undermine your struggle, and if you want me to be more specific I would say that there are certain columnists in Turkish Cypriot newspapers (and I could provide you with names if asked) who present the view that the Turkish Cypriots (after the Erdogan statements) will be intimidated, will be frightened to take to the streets. Is it like that? (SE) That does not apply. As I can here now talk comfortably, and in 'the north' people do speak freely - the Turkish Cypriots are protecting their democratic freedom in the best possible way. (Q) I'll express it differently and clarify what I meant, which I may have not expressed clearly. Some columnists who are opposed to your struggle are trying to convince readers that following Erdogan's threats, the people who had taken to the streets on the 28th of January will not come out now. That they will stay in their homes. And we must say this -- even in AFRIKA ... lets say things with names ... there are such articles appearing. (SE) I must say to you that I have exactly the opposite impression. With his offensive speech, Mr Erdogan has prompted even people who had not talked until today, to take to the streets. As a result, the demonstration on 2nd March will be larger and more impressive than the demonstration which took place on 28th January. Certain people naturally, constantly, try to prevent the demonstration taking place. Certain political parties in 'the north' ... following his visit to Ankara Mr Talat stated that the tones should be lowered, as if he had taken on the role of the fireman ... and there are other political parties such as that ... they circulate rumours that there will be attacks against the demonstrators, that there will be transfers from Turkey of special action units and policemen ... these are rumours which are intended to intimidate our people. We are fed up with such rumours. We are determined to defend our democratic rights to the end. We expect the same also of the Greek Cypriot community. We go out to the squares and we have two basic demands. One: that we should ourselves govern our place, Two: that a solution is found as soon as possible for Cyprus to be reunited. It is very significant for the Greek Cypriots to also go out into the streets, to demonstrate their desire for a solution. This will give a very positive message to the whole world. There is no sense for only one side to want a solution. The large organisations of the Greek Cypriots, they could for example, organise for the same time as ours, a demonstration at Eleftheria (Liberation) Square or somewhere else. This would give a very significant message to the world. What I am talking about does not need to be coordinated. The organisations of the two sides can simply express a common will regarding this matter. I am not asking my Greek Cypriot comrades and compatriots to come to 'the north' to support us. We can marshall the masses. What is significant is that they also activate the masses, so we can project the common will for a solution, the reunification of Cyprus and of Cyprus being governed by Cypriots without foreign impositions. (Q) Speaking with Turkish Cypriots, most of them are somewhat upset that there has not been support ... the simple statements do not provide some security to the Turkish Cypriots ... you as the Trade Union Platform are struggling for Cyprus. Do you not feel alone in this struggle? (SE) The Turkish Cypriot community has always struggled ... it has never ceased to struggle. Even if we are numerically small, we never stopped struggling. I believe we will also have the support from the international community because our struggle is just. As we have seen, even if only symbolically we have been supported also by the Greek Cypriot comrades. But this is not enough. As in the past, so today we continue our struggle to the best of our abilities. Our struggle is not a new one. For many years now the Teachers Union and a team of progressive people have been struggling for many years, for the future of the Turkish Cypriot community, and for a solution, for peace in our country. This loneliness is not something new for us. We see however that every day increases ever more the number of people who understand and support us within the international community and in Cyprus. (Q) So, Teacher - on the 2nd of March you expect a larger turn out by the people. Do you feel that the squares are able to hold you all? (SE) On the 28th January the square was not big enough for us all. When one wants to gather the whole world in one place there is no square which will be large enough. It doesn't matter if the squares are not big enough to hold all of us. Our aim is that the people should come to demonstrate their reaction. Our reaction regards the governance of the Turkish Cypriots by the governments of Turkey. We stress this. Enough already of this abuse, the insults and swearing at us. We want to recover our democratic rights and to enjoy the political rights equally with the Greek Cypriots. We don't want to live any longer in isolation from the rest of the world. We want our children and our grandchildren to live better days in this place, in a reunited Cyprus. (Q) What happens if ... you said earlier that there are statements to intimidate, that they have threatened to bring forces from Turkey, etc, etc ... what if these are not just threats, what happens if they don't just stay on threats and if they actually go ahead. If there is even a provocation during the whole story? Have you anticipated this? What are your thoughts? (SE) We have for many years lived under exceptional circumstances. In 'the north' there are 45-50,000 soldiers. In such an environment it would be easy to cause provocations during a demonstration. This matter is always on the agenda. We constantly reappraise the situation. We have experiences and we always seek solutions on how to prevent such a possibility. In the past, they have placed a bomb at Inonou Square ... in 2002. We defused it. We were prepared for every possible provocation. (Q) Has the matter of banners been discussed? What slogans will the banners have which will be used by the platform? Will there be flags? (SE) We do not consider it right to exploit national symbols at demonstrations. We are opposed to any flag at the demonstrations. We consider that ... exploitation. The message we want to convey is crystal clear. We do not intend to demonstrate who is the most nationalist, or otherwise. We have suffered a lot and we suffer still from the nationalisms and the racisms. As a platform we declare that we do not consider it right to take nationalist emblems to the squares. As far as the banners are concerned - people are expressing their opinions and their emotions in two ways - verbally and in writing with banners. We do not consider it right to limit people's freedom of expression. We decided as a platform that there is to be no restriction on the carrying of banners during the demonstration as long as it is not of an offensive nature. We do not however consider it right that banners should be displayed that would divert the demonstration from its main aim. We have experienced this in the past. Consequently there is no restrictions on expression provided it takes place in a civilised manner. (Q) As far as flags are concerned ... (SE) We are against the use of national symbols. Whoever brings a flag will cause us to react appropriately. (Q) I want to ask also about the measures to restrict some of your strike actions .... (SE) The administration in 'the north' went on a visit to Ankara where the taking of certain measures was discussed. In 'the north' opposition is by certain unions. Most political parties have been completely marginalised. Yet others need approval from Ankara before they can wield positions of authority. Unions do not depend on the vote, so they can look to the future. That is why we are struggling. We know that certain measures have been taken. One of these was the suspension of strikes and was in fact based on a ruling from the days of British colonialism, of 1939. Those who bad-mouth the British administration now use the regulations of that era to suspend the strikes at three schools for two months. Yesterday in Nicosia we had a warning strike, in the schools, we protested. Today we have a strike in another school. Tomorrow in more schools. We will continue our struggle. (Q) All the things we see happening, in Egypt, in Libya and in other countries, how do they affect your struggle? Do you see them as an example, do they form yet another reinforcement to your struggle? (SE) In Libya, in Bahrain, in Tunisia, in Egypt ... in many places in the Arab world people are revolting in order to acquire democratic rights. Where there is a democratic deficit, where dictatorial and autocratic regimes exist and where there are no democratic rights people are revolting. If people try to deflect one struggle with repression and bans the people will erupt. They are left with no other choice. This is happening in Cyprus also. Everything which is happening around us has a positive influence on our struggle also. (Q) As we approach the end of our time I would like to touch upon a very serious issue. The other day you had mentioned that nationality should not be granted to the children whose parents are not Cypriot. Certain circles are accusing you of racism. How do you answer that? (SE) This is a hand-crafted news item. I had made a statement in the newspaper Fileleftheros. There are people who came from Turkey and settled in Cyprus. Their children, who are born and grow up in Cyprus - when they are sent to Turkey find it difficult to live there because they can not assimilate. They have learnt our way of life. They feel they belong to these places. These people are in the middle. That is what I had expressed. The children who were born in Cyprus from Turkish parents have identity problems. These children have not been able to, and will not be able to become citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. This is a reality. That is what I had expressed. The news agency in 'the north' which does the translating diluted my comments and turned them against me. News Agencies involve the art of reporting on events. For us however it has been turned into the art of reporting false and erroneous news. They can continue attacking me but I will continue to speak about realities. (Q) We have only a minute left, and I would like to ask you how far you are prepared to go, and to what extent are all the unions which take part in the mobilisations united as they had started? (SE) Between the trade union organisations there is close cooperation and dialogue. There certainly are different views, differences in the political sphere, but we continue to go forward together. I liken it to a speeding train. The unions are like the steam engine, behind them are the political parties and the non governmental organisations. The train is travelling at such great speed that if anyone jumps off it they will break their head, will be seriously injured or even killed. Consequently no one wants to jump off the train because the destination of this train is the liberation of our community. Everyone is working soul and body so we can reach our destination.
OTHER RELEVANT ITEMS RECORDED FROM CYPRUS BROADCASTING CORPORATION
Anti-Turkey demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots explained - bilingual spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles
Bilingual Greek-Turkish program Biz Emeis continues coverage relating to the Turkish Cypriot protests and demonstrations in the Turkish occupied parts of the island. "As is well known, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan made insulting statements about the Turkish Cypriots in reaction to certain placards which were displayed during the massive demonstration on 28.01.2011 giving rise to tensions in relations with Turkey in Turkish occupied Cyprus".
This program, broadcast by Cyprus Broadcasting Corporaton on 11.02.2011 features interviews with two of the persons who had displayed some of the placards which had caused Tayyip Erdogan to take such offence - Hasan Yikici, Political activist from the "Baraka" Cultural Centre (http://www.baraka.cc/), and, Evrim Kamali from the "Jasmin Movement".
Extracts spoken in English, from a one hour current events program about the Turkish Cypriot demonstrations against economic measures being imposed by Turkey on the areas which are occupied 37 years after its invasion and occupation. This program (Turkish Cypriots - the "Liberation" which became a Nightmare) in the Anoiktoi Fakeloi (Open Files) series was broadcast by CyBC on 22.02.2011 and featured some interviews with Turkish Cypriots as well as with all Greek Cypriot political party leaders and President Christofias providing their assessment of the Turkish Cypriot demonstrations.
The above video clip is an extract from the full (60 min) item which is available at:
Spoken in Greek with Turkish subtitles, this was a Biz-Emeis bilingual pogram broadcast by CyBC on 22.02.2011. to provide a considered reaction from members of the Greek Cypriot community to the mass demonstration against the economic policies and settler policy being enforced on Turkish-occupied Cyprus by Turkey.
Speakers:
Director of KIPE, commentator, journalist and lecturer in Social and Political Studies - Mr Costakis Constantinou
Member of the Bi-Communal Initiative, Former Member of Parliament and EU Negotiator, Mr Takis HadjiDemetriou
CyBC weekly current events program Proektasis devoted its 10/02/2011 to a discussion with a panel of Greek Cypriot commentators providing an appraisal of the massive demonstration by 40,000 Turkish Cypriots on 28/01/2011. This program was also following events developing live at that time with Egypt's then-president Mubarak being due to make a televised speech during which he eventually announced he would not resign.
Panel consisted of:
Christos Pourgourides - DISY
Demetris Syllouris - President of the European Party EVROKO
Nikos Moudouros - Advisor to President Christofias on Turkey affairs
Takis HadjiDemetriou, former Member of the House of Representatives, former EU negotiator and member of the BiCommunal Initiative
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Turkish Cypriots General Strike documentary - protesting Turkey's policies 28.01.2011
Documentary, spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles, about the demonstration organised by the platform of trade unions attended by 40-50,000 Turkish Cypriots against the economic measures and immigration policies being imposed on the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus by Turkey. Produced by the staff of the Bi Lingual Greek-Turkish language Program Biz Emeis, as broadcast by Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation on 08.02.2011.
Includes interviews with many persons attending the demonstration including some of the event organisers and excerpts from some of the speeches
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Turkish Cypriot unions object to Erdogans "Strategic Interests" over Cyprus demos
CyBC news 07.02.2011 in English, Turkish and Greek report on how Turkish Cypriots found Turkish PM Erdogan's statements about his country's "Strategic Interests" in Cyprus to be offensive, and union leaders involved in organising the General Strike and the massive demonstration on 28.01.2011 handed in their objections at the "Turkish Embassy" in Nicosia and said they would organiser further mass demonstrations.
A union boss said 07.02.2011 that they had gone to the Turkish embassy because they wanted to send a message: "We do not accept what they are imposing on us. We are against it and we do not want to be hostages and slaves until Turkey joins the EU. We are ready to fight for our rights."
Also, statements by Cyprus Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou about the Erdogan statements, and questions to UN's Alexander Downer during his meeting with Cyprus President Demetris Christofias 07.02.2011
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Turkey's Erdogan Furious at Turkish Cypriot 2011 Demos
Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation news reports, in English, Turkish and Greek, (5th, 6th and 7th February 2011) report the furious comments by Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan following the demonstration on 28.01.2011 and the General Strike called by the platform of Turkish Cypriot trade unions to protest Turkey's economic and immigration policies with reference to Turkish-occupied Cyprus - Erdogan called for organisers to be arrested.
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Turkish Cypriots General Strike protesting Turkey's policies 28.01.2011
News reports on the major event involving mobilisation of a reported 50,000 demonstrators during the General Strike by the platform of Turkish Cypriot Unions held on 28.01.2011 at Inonu Square in Turkish occupied Nicosia, protesting the economic and immigration measures being imposed by Turkey.
News in English, Turkish and Greek from Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation on 28th January 2011 and on 29th January.
Also, the last clip is from the profile facebook.com/cetin.t.karaca featuring the music "Ciao Bella" with video footage from the demonstration.
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Zeki Βeşiktepeli - 27.01.2011 pre General Strike by Turkish Cypriots - in Greek Turkish with subs
Political analyst and founder of the Jasmine Party in Cyprus, academic Zeki Βeşiktepeli is interviewed on the day before the historic General Strike demonstration by up to 50,000 Turkish Cypriots in Turkish-occupied Cyprus, against Turkey's economic measures and the immigration policy enforced by Turkey sending hundreds of thousands of mainland settlers to change the demographic structure which now threatens the very existence of 'the Turkish Cypriots'.
Spolen in Greek and Turkish (with subtitles in Greek and Turkish) as recorded by the bilingual Biz Emeis Program on 27th January 2011, the day before the General Strike demonstration, and broadcast on 1st February 2011 by Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.
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Şener Elcil KTOS - 1of3 - General Strike in Turkish occupied Cyprus
Translation into English from the Greek subtitles of Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation 'Biz Emeis' [ http://www.cybc.com.cy/tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=195&Itemid=236 ] bilingual program on 16/09/2010 featuring an interview with General Secretary of KTOS (Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union [ http://www.ktos.org/ ]) KTOS Sener Ercil. Mr Ercil is also a member of the Executive Committee of ETUCE (European Trade Union Committee for Education) [ http://www.ktos.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=8 ] and is a founder member of "This Country is Ours" Movement in Cyprus.
Archive copy of the original broadcast Video, spoken in Turkish, with Greek subtitles:
Please add your name to support the petition on the web, placed online by Turkish Cypriots, and already signed by many of the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot movement:
Turkish Cypriots General Strike documentary - protesting Turkey's policies 28.01.2011
(spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles)
Documentary, spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles, about the demonstration organised by the platform of trade unions attended by 40-50,000 Turkish Cypriots against the economic measures and immigration policies being imposed on the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus by Turkey. Produced by the staff of the Bi Lingual Greek-Turkish language Program Biz Emeis, as broadcast by Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation on 08.02.2011.
Includes interviews with many persons attending the demonstration including some of the event organisers and excerpts from some of the speeches (another version of this item with English subtitles will be uploaded to this account in coming days).
Anti-Turkey demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots explained - Turkish-Greek
(spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles)
Bilingual Greek-Turkish program Biz Emeis continues coverage relating to the Turkish Cypriot protests and demonstrations in the Turkish occupied parts of the island. "As is well known, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan made insulting statements about the Turkish Cypriots in reaction to certain placards which were displayed during the massive demonstration on 28.01.2011 giving rise to tensions in relations with Turkey in Turkish occupied Cyprus".
This program, broadcast by Cyprus Broadcasting Corporaton on 11.02.2011 features interviews with two of the persons who had displayed some of the placards which had caused Tayyip Erdogan to take such offence - Hasan Yikici, Political activist from the "Baraka" Cultural Centre (http://www.baraka.cc/), and, Evrim Kamali from the "Jasmin Movement".
TV News reports about the demonstration by CyBC, in English Greek and Turkish:
News reports on the major event involving mobilisation of a reported 50,000 demonstrators during the General Strike by the platform of Turkish Cypriot Unions held on 28.01.2011 at Inonu Square in Turkish occupied Nicosia, protesting the economic and immigration measures being imposed by Turkey.
News in English, Turkish and Greek from Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation on 28th January 2011 and on 29th January.
The last clip is from the profile facebook.com/cetin.t.karaca featuring the music "Ciao Bella" with video footage from the demonstration.
Turkey's Erdogan Furious at Turkish Cypriot 2011 Demos
Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation news reports, in English, Turkish and Greek, (5th, 6th and 7th February 2011) report the furious comments by Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan following the demonstration on 28.01.2011 and the General Strike called by the platform of Turkish Cypriot trade unions to protest Turkey's economic and immigration policies with reference to Turkish-occupied Cyprus - Erdogan called for organisers to be arrested.
Turkish Cypriot unions object to Erdogans "Strategic Interests" over Cyprus demos
CyBC news 07.02.2011 in English, Turkish and Greek report on how Turkish Cypriots found Turkish PM Erdogan's statements about his country's "Strategic Interests" in Cyprus to be offensive, and union leaders involved in organising the General Strike and the massive demonstration on 28.01.2011 handed in their objections at the "Turkish Embassy" in Nicosia and said they would organiser further mass demonstrations.
A union boss said 07.02.2011 that they had gone to the Turkish embassy because they wanted to send a message: "We do not accept what they are imposing on us. We are against it and we do not want to be hostages and slaves until Turkey joins the EU. We are ready to fight for our rights."
Also, statements by Cyprus Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou about the Erdogan statements, and questions to UN's Alexander Downer during his meeting with Cyprus President Demetris Christofias 07.02.2011
Interview with Şener Elcil
The Secretary General of the KTOS Teacher's Union, Talks about the General Strike in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus on the 28th, broadcast on 25th January 2011.
(spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles)
Izzet Izcan - Turkey threatens Cypriots with annihilation
1of3
Interview, in Turkish with English subtitles, with Izzet Izcan, Secretary General of the Turkish Cypriot political party "United Cyprus", about the outcome of the 'elections' in Turkish-occupied Cyprus in April 2010 with Dervis Eroglu replacing Mehmet Ali Talat as leader of the Turkish Cypriots, the political situation in Cyprus and prospects for the intercommunal talks which recommence on 26th May.
Interview with Izzet Izcan, Secretary General of the Turkish Cypriot political party "United Cyprus", about the outcome of the 'elections' in Turkish-occupied Cyprus in April 2010 which resulted in Dervis Eroglu taking over leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community from Mehmet Ali Talat, the political situation in Cyprus and prospects for the intercommunal talks which recommence on 26th May.
Broadcast on 17th May 2010 by CyBC TV Biz Emeis program, providing bilingual items in Turkish in Greek
(With English subtitles, and transcript below, as translated from the Greek subtitles)
On 26th May the talks begin again to find a solution to the Cyprus Problem. In order to assess the process and assess the upcoming developments we have with us today the General Secretary of the United Cyprus Party, Mr Izzet Izcan.
Welcome Mr Izcan.
The new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community is Eroglu. Why did Talat lose, or, why did Eroglu win?
Your party supported Talat.
Let us begin by assessing this outcome.
(Christodoulos Christodoulou) Was it that Talat lost or was it that Eroglu won?
(Izzet Izcan) (Laughs) Talat basically lost, but those who lost are the Turkish Cypriot community.
Talat had been brought to power with our support, as also that of all the other democratic elements, with the purpose of achieving our aim as soon as possible, which was a solution of the Cyprus problem. However, in these four or five years, Talat had considerably dissapointed the Turkish Cypriot community in terms of pursuing a consistent policy. At times he made good statements, at other times he talked as if he was a spokesman for the AKP, Erdogan's party, in the north of Cyprus. To this is added the failure in the economic and also in domestic policies of his own party's CTP Government, the party from which Talat had originated.
The conservative forces, namely those who support maintaining the status-quo and who wish to see the creation of two separate states in Cyprus, such as Eroglu, Denktash, and other fanatic nationalist parties with the support of the Deep State in Turkey, the military and their representatives here had organised themselves and carried out a psychological war. At the end of this campaign they cultivated despair in the Turkish Cypriot community which saw its aspirations not coming to fruition, and the talks did not lead to the desired outcome.
There had been great expectations of the European Union and the world beyond, something which had been raised by Talat himself. But these expectations were not realised.
The forces which oppose a European solution and a reunification of Cyprus exploited these failures to conduct a very intensive campaign.
Another significant contributory factor was the disruption of Talat's relations with those forces which supported a solution. He clashed with the educational unions, the medical unions, those of civil servants who prior to the referendum had created the 'This Country is Ours' platform and those people who had said yes during the referendum.
Can you imagine a political leadership which conflicts with that section of society from which it derives its power?
(Christodoulos Christodoulou) Just to continue your thought a little, that he came into conflict with those people who had pioneered the movement to bring about better days, and had struggled for the reunification of the country .... and as if this is not enough, and if I am mistaken please do correct me ... and if he maintained a negative position towards you which may have even boomeranged on him, particularly when he gave to many of the [Turkish-mainland] settlers the right to vote. This had a boomerang effect, because as is known the largest proportion of settlers voted for Eroglu.
(Izzet Izcan) Correct.
We will also talk more about this matter later.
I have also raised this matter during meetings which I had at the European Parliament. We are faced with the following situation - the CTP 'Government' unfortunately approved the 'Immigration Law'. We did whatever we could to stop this 'law' being passed. They cooperated with the UBP and the Democracy Party and they passed this 'law'. As a result, there was a frightening increase in immigrants from Turkey. There was an increase of the order of 200,000 with the excuse that we would give them a 'legal status' and that they will then be registered. The applications for 'naturalisation' also increased.
I am not a racist - as leftwingers we love people and we don't discriminate based on identity and their origins.
As a result of this however there has been in Cyprus a dilution of our will.
During the referendum in 2004, 25% of the settlers voted no. At the next 'elections' the majority of them gave their support to Eroglu and in the last elections the CTP did not manage to get votes from this section, despite all it had done [for them].
One way or another they certainly did not vote for us.
In the 'presidential elections' the outcome was determined by the 'voters' in Famagusta, in the Karpas and in Tricomo. If we were to exclude the 12 areas where the main residents are settlers, then Talat would have won, with a majority of 53%.
Certain circles get angry when we talk about this, but the reality is that the point we have reached is that the Turkish Cypriots are a minority in the north. Until now we have been saying that the Turkish Cypriots will become a minority. Now we say that we are already a minority.
There is a lack of will - our view on the Cyprus problem, our aim for a solution, the love we feel for this country, the desire for a solution and reunification is not something which these people identify with, or at least a large section of them. Yes, a section of them may support us.
With how many 'votes' did Eroglu win in 'the elections'? With a difference of 400 'votes'! How many 'citizenships' were given to them in the last year? 1600! How many 'citizenships' are ready and waiting at this time? 6,500!
If this process continues in the same way we will not in future be able to talk about 'democratic elections' in the north, but nor about the will.
All these reasons, but also the friendly behaviour towards us ... look, despite these reasons and suppressing our feelings, having in mind the dislike for our party, we decided to act based on the logic of supporting Talat since we love this country, we want the continuation of the talks and we must keep this window open. But our support was not sufficient.
During this time, Talat had made another mistake. The way he approached the Greek Cypriot community did not help him at all. As Denktash had done, Talat constantly presented the Greek Cypriot community as 'the others'. The whole community actually, indiscriminately. Even in the criticism which he made through his repsentatives, in some of which cases he may have been right, he converted the entire matter into his propaganda about 'them and us'. This contributed to a flaring up of nationalism in the Turkish Cypriot community, of anger, and traditionally leftist voters and supporters of a solution were filled with doubts.
Our 'electorate' is 164 thousand. Of these Eroglu received 61 thousand. 103 thousand 'voters' either did not vote for Eroglu, or stayed at home. 38 thousand 'voters' did not go 'to vote'. A significantly greater part of these 'voters' belong to the democratic left and to the scholars.
When we assess all these things we see the magnitude of the despair in the Turkish Cypriot community.
Naturally, the progress which happened in the talks was not satisfactory. We could have had, and there should have been, more progress. This also caused an extra negative reaction, and so we reached this outcome.
(Huseyin Halil) But Eroglu basically did not get the result he wanted.
(Izzet Izcan) Eroglu is saying that he got 50% plus of the votes. This however does not correspond to the truth.
He received 61,000 of the 164,000 of 'votes'. This corresponds to 35 to 40%. Despite everything, Talat was supported by 43% of the community. 25% of the 'electorate' stayed away from 'the elections' and that is how this result has come about. We must bear in mind all these things.
What is right at this time is for those of us who believe in a solution and peace, and who love this country, as much in the south as in the north, in [the mountains of] Troodos [in the south] and the same with those in [the mountains of] Pendadaktylos [in the north], in Limassol, in Kyrenia. We must be united and march together and to support the bicommunal talks.
(Christodoulos Christodoulou) - yes, indeed , we must see what will happen in the future....
(Huseyin Halil) Before we go to that matter, lets take a look at something else. You were recently in Brussles where you were involved in a singificant visit. Please tell us about this, and then we can look at what future action is needed.
(Izzet Izcan) I went to Brussels as the guest of the left group in the European Parliament. The item on the agenda was the Cyprus problem and future developments, and we were asked to talk about and discuss this during the meeting of the European Parliament. We were with the Secretary General of the AKEL Party, Mr Andros Kyprianou, who was to present the views of AKEL.
The President of the left group, Mr Bisky, made the introductions and we then discussed the Cyprus problem. The matter which I raised during the discussion was the population [settler] policy. This caused intense reactions in the north and the attacks against our party continue to this day.
I had said that the Turkish Cypriot community has been led to extinction and that in the longer term they will also destroy the Greek Cypriot community.
If this situation continues in the future, in ten years time when the population in the north could for example reach one million, how easy do you think it will be to reach a solution? How easy will it be to achieve a compromise between the two sides? That is what I tried to explain to them.
I analysed the 'outcome of the elections' for them. The MEPs were also asking me what you asked me. Why did this result come about? What should happen, what went wrong?
I explained all these things.
I personally asked the European Parliament to conduct a population census in the north, in the presence of international observers. I asked that in addition to the census they should help in the creation of an investigative committee which would examine the policy of naturalisation and put an end to this process.
I asked them the following:
Are we, as Turkish Cypriots, European citizens? They answered me with a yes.
According to the Protocol, the north constitutes European territory? They answered yes.
Are we therefore your citizens?
It is the whole of Cyprus which territorially belongs to the European Union.
There is a violation of human rights.
We have reached a time when the Turkish Cypriots are facing annihilation. The identity, the culture and its very existence.
Do you have no responsibility, no authority?
Will you continue to be spectators?
Will our annihilation affect negatively the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, and put in danger the whole of Cyprus?
We placed all these matters on the table.
They were very angry with this because we demolished certain stereotypes, we went outside the confines of the official policy. We will continue to do this.
In a television program I took part in a few days ago in the north I explained that we are doing what we are doing because we love Cyprus, we have respect for Turkish Cypriots and we want to unite all of Cyprus. But if the existing situation continues, and if the opponents of the solution continue their attacks, and I see with sorrow that in the south the government and AKEL, and Christofias, are being attacked by the conservatives as I call those who benefit from the continuation of the existing situation ... they demand the immediate withdrawal of the proposal for a rotating presidency, for a weighted vote. Note that those are the same things wanted by the nationalists on the Turkish Cypriot side. They also do not accept.
There is therefore an unholy alliance between the opponents of a solution on both sides.
We must oppose this and overturn this.
(Huseyin Halil) What did the Europeans answer you?
(Izzet Izcan) As far as I could determine, the Europeans are saying the following: "You the Cypriots will solve the problem, if you take steps towards a solution we will support you".
That is what they say. I countered to them with the following:
"This situation does not concern only the two communities, it is an international problem".
Present at the meeting, along with the Europeans, were representatives of the Republic of Turkey and representatives from the north. I asked them not to victimise Cyprus during Turkey's accession process. To not allow Turkey to use the Turkish Cypriots and Cyprus in its accession negotiations.
We support Turkey's European prospects. But Turkey must fulfill its obligations, and Europe must decide whether it will accept it.
Let them not use us because we are a separate state.
We in Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots want to live in brotherhood and peacefully with our neighbours. But here there is an injustice and the European Union has its own duties and responsibilities in this.
We placed all these issues on the table. I believe that it was necessary for us to say all these things.
What do I ask of Cypriots, irrespective of their background ... is for us not to see each other as enemies. We are no one's enemies. We are simply victims of this tragedy. All of us. There are 180 thousand Greek Cypriot refugees. They have abandoned their homes and fled to the south. There are thousands of missing people. There are people who have lost their loved ones and who are still suffering.
We must all remember that neither the coup by the Greek junta, nor the Turkish invasion have solved the problem. They have not lessened the pain in Cyprus. On the contrary they have further complicated the situation and we have been relegated to being a small part of the whole problem.
All us Cypriots must understand this. We must help each other and to unite their energies to find a solution.
What form will this solution have?
The United Nations Security Council has presented the parameters of a solution, the agreements of July and May show this clearly: Bizonal Bicommunal Federation on the basis of political equality, but ensuring a single citizenship, single sovereignty and territorial integrity. The way we will arrive at this solution is through negotiation.
Can there be an ideal solution?
The answer is No. We can only achieve the feasible, and that which is feasible we must find jointly.
But, if the other side insists wanting to discuss on the basis of two states, two separate nations and two separate peoples, while on the other side in the name of patriotism certain members of the National Council continue to insist that there can not be a Turkish Cypriot president, that they do not accept weighted voting, that too many concessions have been made and that these should be withdrawn - I see that as Cyprus we will have big problems.
(Huseyin Halil) we would now like your views about the process of the talks. The talks begin again on 26th May. Do you think there will be changes to the positions of the two sides?
(Izzet Izcan) For the last 5 years, since the referendum, the AKP has followed a strategic and tactically realistic policy. This policy envisaged that Turkey would remain one step ahead.
However this is not a policy to find a speedy solution. There is no such thing as a speedy solution of the problem. We will remain one step ahead and we will expose the Greek Cyprioit side, they said. They did this successfully until Mr Christofias came to power. The balance has changed.
With the correct policy, the policy of one-step-ahead can be exposed. However, what we need is not being steps ahead, but a solution.
Can Mr Eroglu escape from the policy established by Ankara?
The answer is no.
We however know very well that Mr Eroglu fundamentally wants a confederal solution and two separate states which would be in accordance with the founding document of his Party.
What he will try to do is to gain time. He will continue the talks and try to gain time so that Turkey's accession negotiations can continue unhindered.
(end of clip 2) --------------- (start of clip 3 of 3)
(Christodoulos Christodoulou) To what extent can Turkey impose its views on Eroglu? To impose its positions?
(Izzet Izcan) It can impose its will.
Turkey is a big and powerful country and it has great influence in the north. It has 40 thousand troops, it controls the north economically and it has hundreds of thousands of Turkish citizens in the north. Turkey can impose its positions.
Eroglu dared try to oppose Turkey during the referendum and he paid a heavy price.
What Eroglu will do now is to appear conciliatory, to be at the negotiations table biding time and waiting for the Deep State and the opponents of the AKP to increase their power at the next elections in Turkey. That is why he has softened now and declares that he accepts the agreements which have already been achieved. He expresses disagreement only about the content of these agreements. Consequently, it seems that this procedure will continue.
Except that we do not simply want the talks to continue, but for the discussion of the remaining chapters to be completed as soon as possible, and for the speeding up of the process so that a solution can be reached as soon as possible.
All Cypriots must understand this and we must all together contribute to achieving this, because time works works at the expense of Cyprus.
(Christodoulos Christodoulou) Exactly, and though We all know approximately, and you have outlined the positions which Eroglu is expected to follow in the negotiations, so, what hopes are there? Knowing his positions?
(Izzet Izcan) Mr Eroglu may be thinking of following such a policy, and Turkey may want him to follow such a policy, the question however is what do other parties in the game want? What do you want? What do those viewing us want? What does the Greek Cypriot side want? Do we really want a speedy solution to the Cyprus problem or are we just biding our time with the hope that we will achieve some 'ideal' solution?
(Christodoulos Christodoulou) The President of the Republic has shown he wants that which he said from the beginning, from the time two years ago when he was elected. He was very clear about what he wants, and that he really wants a solution. I don't know if you agree with me. Now, if there are certain other voices among the Greek Cypriots ... they are there, and you are quite right in what you say, but the official voice is that of the President of the Republic.
(Izzet Izcan) The President of the Republic has said that he wants a united Cyprus, that he wants a Federal solution.
In the three chapters, such as the chapter on governance and distribution of powers a large degree of convergence has been achieved.
However, I see what is happening now in the National Council. I hear what EDEK is saying, what EVROKO is saying and also DIKO which has not yet clarified the extent to which it is with the government as well as the contradictory statements by its Secretary General and of the President of DIKO ... also the double stand which DISY holds. We must talk about these things openly. At this moment the Greek Cypriot side does not present a united position.
(Huseyin Halil) In your meetings with party representatives have you confronted them, do you say these things to them openly?
(Izzet Izcan) We do say these things, and we express our discomfort. We are now used to these recordings. In the north we have seen many such. This introversion and backtracking is intended to influence public opinion and to achieve a benefit in some possible future electoral confrontation. All these things do not benefit Cyprus at all.
I would, with sorrow, at this time want to say the following ... if Mr Marios Garoyian has the right to be elected president of the repubic, if he is elected by the people, why should Izzet Izcan not also have this right? Why should you, or someone else not have this right? What do we gain if we convert this into a matter for debate? Whom do we want in the presidency of the republic? Someone who believes in a united Cyprus, who loves our country, who will be the president of all Cypriots, who will not discriminate between people, who will serve Cyprus.
Who is it that is upset by 'weighted voting'?
I will be very happy if with weighted voting the Greek Cypriots get the right to determine by 20% our leader. Because I believe that the Greek Cypriots will contribute through their vote to the election of a democratic, progressive leader who loves our country. And we will do the same.
But who is it that react however? The Party of National Unity. Our nationalists and other such nationalists. No, they say, a Turkish Cypriot should not have a say in the election of the president.
We will get past these things. The world, Europe, have got past such things, and we will also.
We have to say openly - do we want peace or do we not want it?
We can not achieve peace by putting each-other down.
If we united our energies we can all win together. If we make this a tenet of our policy then our task will be much easier.
Otherwise Turkey will continue its accession process to the EU. However many years that may take. They themselves speak about 2023. Turkey is in no hurry. We must all understand this. That is how the problem will be perpetuated.
Do you believe that if the population [in the north] exceeds a million it will be easy for anyone to force them to leave?
Do you have the impression that if the exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties continues in the north, if there is investment on them, that the Europe of Capitalism will want any buildings demolished and the land given back to their owners?
Things will become even more difficult.
That is why it is significant for us to unite our energies to build a more beautiful country for all. We must help each other. To understand that we Cypriots are brothers, we are the true owners of this country. As far as the problem is concerned, it is not us. There may be some problems between us, but we must understand that it is an international problem.
(Huseyin Halil) We have come to the end of our time.
(Izzet Izcan) Thank you.
I continue to be optimistic. We must not lose our morale. It is the duty of us all together to unite our country as a free, independent, sovereign federation so we can secure a better tomorrow for our children. But if the confrontation between us continues, we will all be lost together.
(Christodoulos Christodoulou) Holding onto that message, we thank you very much for having been with us today.
The article by the Economist yesterday"The Cyprus talks - A fillip for Talat? - An international court ruling injects new life into fast-fading peace talks" serves as a useful introduction in writing about the judgement issued last week by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Demopoulos and 7 others v. Turkey.
Spin spin spin .... positive spin of course, and while the motive may appear altruistic, that can be highly deceptive.
It is Turkey's EU accession and the fact that is highly unlikely to happen while Cyprus continues to remain divided which is the true motive behind the spin in this story, rather than any desire to see a solution of the Cyprus problem acceptable to a majority of its people.
The best one can say in favour of this article is that it is at least an acknowledgement of the lengths to which 'a system' can be pushed in order to rig an 'election'.
Spin and boosting Talat because surely we do need to stop the Turkish side getting egg all over their faces when the majority 2/3 of the population in the Turkish-occupied part of the island (settlers shipped in from Turkey despite the violation of the Geneva convention by Turkey) vote for a secessionist and partitionist leader Eroglu!
Eroglu is at least honest in openly pursuing Turkey's age-old secessionist and partitionist policies for Cyprus, rather than the semi-confederalist Talat fighting for his political survival and helped by powerful allies wishing to prevent a train-crash in EU-Turkey relations.
The reason the current negotiations have not made progress is that the Turkish side is trying hard to make a confederal thorn smell as sweet as a federal rose.
The 'revised' Erdogan policy for Cyprus has cleverly involved pushing for an agreement that would pressure the Greek Cypriot side into legitimising Turkey's take-over of nearly half the island AND allow Turkey to join the EU, while leaving it for future developments in a solution more unworkable than the British-engineered 1960's 'independence' agreement to produce a subsequent breakdown on the island. That could then lead to international recognition of the secessionist entity as an 'independent' country, which Turkey's powerful allies can not lawfully engineer for the 'TRNC' at the moment.
Talat, though voted-in on a 'one-Cyprus' ticket, soon came to adopt the Erdogan-inspired confederal option - misrepresented by the UN as a Federal one in that two-state virgin birth monstrosity which the eventual version of the Annan plan delivered. The hope all along was that Turkey's deep-state generals would support this rather than overthrow the Erdogan government. We now all know about the Ergenekon and other plots to overthrow the AKP government, but the existence of those threats was well known by informed observers at the time of the Annan negotiations. A rarely analysed aspect of the Cyprus problem is how the generals would have exercised their veto by overthrowing the Erdogan government if the Greek Cypriots had not torpedoed that International Relations Debacle: The UN Secretary-General's Mission of Good Offices in Cyprus 1999-2004.
That debacle is now recognised by many to have been a shameful attempt by a UN Secretary General with his Secretariat and some top EU Commissioners combined to get a people to legitimise violations of the UN Charter, UN resolutions, as well as of the EU's Acquis Communautaire - by voting in a referendum in favour of that plan and to thus legitimise it despite its manifest imperfections, under the unique pressure of Cyprus' impending EU accession.
Reading through the details in the judgement by the ECHR in the case of Demopoulos and 7 others v. Turkey shows how the shameful UN debacle of 2004 is compounded by 17 judges sitting in Full Chamber in 2010, who, rather than delivering 'justice' can produce instead an injury to top the previous debacle.
Thus, international justice can be manipulated through political pressures to produce a decision by the ECHR which calls Turkey an invador on the one hand, yet obliges refugees who have been waiting for nearly a decade for their learned judgement, to apply to an organ of the occupying, invador country, to seek 'justice'!
Lets see Turkey applying justice by implementing the confederal model to solve its own Kurdish problem rather than continuing in its efforts to foist it on the tiny island of Cyprus, and lets have some true understanding in the international community of what a wolf in sheeps clothing the Erdogan government actually represents.
In dealing with Turkey it is time to call a wolf a wolf and recognise that appeasement does not work.
The EU Parliament has recently shown the way through its preparedness to vote by an overwhelming majority in favour of using the stick rather than relying on the carrot when dealing with Turkey. The only way Turkey can be helped to make progress by those who want to see it joining the EU is by making unequivocal statements calling for Turkey to begin NOW to withdraw its illegal settlers from the Turkish-occupied part of the island, by beginning NOW to withdraw its armed forces and by demonstrating its good faith towards the reconciliation negotiations in Cyprus by complying with its own previous agreements to give the ghost-city of Famagusta back to its legal occupants.
No translation into English is available for the above CyBC news clips which are in Greek, 5 - 7 March -----------------
Translation - CyBC News clips 10th March
The initiative by the Archbishop Chrysostomos who sent a letter to the Turkish Prime Minister, in which he asks for the immediate commencement of works for the restoration of the monastery in the Turkish-occupied area at Apostolos Andreas has had not only a positive response, but it seems there is even a strong possibility of a meeting between the two.
(Synod spokesman) Initiatives are currently underway for the works to commence, and even possibly for a meeting of the two, of the Archbishop with Mr Erdogan.
(Reporter) At a meeting of the Synod the Archbishop briefed the members about the letter, but also about the intention expressed by the Turkish side to grant permission for the restoration works to the monastery and about the possibility of a meeting, possibly in Constantinople.
(Archbishop) I wait to see actions because we have had many promises in the past but have not seen action. He assured me he will personally take a lead on the matter and that the monastery will be restored.
(Reporter) The United States strongly support the restoration of the monastery of Apostolos Andreas, as announced by the country's ambassador during a meeting with the leader of DISY.
(US Ambassador) The United States also continues to support very strongly the restoration project at Apostolos Andreas. It is something which we believe is of high priority and which we've been working for for quite a while, and which we'll continue working for as well.
(Reporter) The synod also had extensive discussions about the outcome of the European Court of Human Rights, and a unanimous decision was taken.
(Synod spokesman) We urge people not to make use of the illegal mechanism which exists in the occupied areas.
(Reporter) They call on people to have patience since such action would be dangerous for the future of our country and undermine the physical and moral and national survival of Cypriot Hellenism.
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(Reporter) The return of Famagusta. The Foreign minister Marcos Kyprianou revealed the new initiative by the government to the House Foreign Relations Committee. This all comes following the vote by the European Parliament for a return of the (occupied) town. Marcos Kyprianou told the members of the (Cyprus) House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee that the President of the Republic sent letters about the issue of Famagusta to the leaders of the 26 governments of the European Union and to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
(Kyprianou) There is a need for this item to be prioritised and for experts to be assigned the task of studying the restoration of Famagusta with a view to the speedy return of its residents. It is simultaneously stressed that this will also improve the climate for the talks.
(Reporter) We expect a continuation on the issue, said the mayor of Famagusta, Mr Alexis Galanos.
(Galanos) Particularly after the unfavourable outcome at the ECHR, certain strong cards, such as the return of the town of Famagusta, which is held solely by the Turkish occupation forces with its continuing destructiveness, must be brought to fruition by the government.
(Reporter) Representatives stressed that the issue of Famagusta becomes a strong card for the government in the negotiations.
(Skevi Koukouma - AKEL) If the possibility of the return of Famagusta is realised it would considerably ease the process of the negotiations.
(Kyriacos Hadjiyiannis - DISY) The issue of Famagusta is of strategic significance in relation to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
(Andreas Aggelides - DIKO) It can transform the impasse Turkey is in at the moment in its responsibilities towards the European union.
(Giorgos Varnavas - EDEK) The President of the Republic must place the issue of Famagusta at the negotiations.
(Reporter) Marcos Kyprianou confirmed that the issue of Famagusta is not on the agenda for the negotiations. It has however been included in the personal meetings between the two leaders.
------------
(Kenevezou) His satisfaction with the results of his contacts in the United States have been expressed by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou. During his meeting with President of the United States Barack Obama he discussed the Cyprus issue as well as the economic crisis in the country - we will hear more from our correspondent Apostolis Zoupaniotis.
(Zoupaniotis) A few hours before his departure from the United States to return to Athens following his tour of countries of the European Union and the United States, speaking at a press conference Mr Papandreou said that the recognition and support by the United States of the economic measures taken by the country and on national issues has been very positive. He referred to the announcement by Mr Barack Obama about the abolition of visas as a vote of confidence. Answering a question about the Cyprus issue, Mr Papandreou said that one frequently hears concerns expressed about how the results of the imminent so-called elections in the pseudo-state might create a new situation and problems. I reply to that, he said, that the deeper problem is Turkey's position in our efforts to reach a solution of a bicommunal bizonal federation which would be compatible with the European Acquis. The Greek Prime Minister went on to say that we do not yet have a continuing expression of Turkey's willingness and that despite the statements by Tayip Erdogan to Cypriot journalists, it remains for this to be seen and for that to be translated into action. Finally, the Greek Prime Minister went on to say that in all his talks with foreign leaders he had stressed the Greek Government's full support of the efforts undertaken by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias.
(Emilia K.) Thank you Apostoli.
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(Emilia K.) The issue of the abolition of (British) bases would start from the beginning if the Conservatives are elected was stressed by Shadow Foreign Secretary William Haig. Speaking at a meeting with community representatives in London, Mr Haig made it clear to Turkey that its entry to the European Union passes through Nicosia. At the meeting, an exhibition of photographs by Doros Partasides about the Green Line was being exhibited.
(Reporter) The Conservatives clarify their positions on the Cyprus issue in view of the anticipated General Elections in May. Speaking at a meeting with community representatives in London, Shadow Foreign Secretary William Haig stressed that if his party comes to power Britain will maintain a very active role, with the aim of achieving a mutually acceptable solution.
(Haig) We will take a position most likely to facilitate such a settlement, but that doesn't mean we have any immediate proposal or intention of abrogating our responsibilities (as you say). That's not how we approach it at all - we know that we have historic responsibilities.
(Reporter) On the issue of the closure of bases Mr Haig made it clear that his party is not bound by the committment by the Labour government for a partial withdrawal in the case of a settlement.
(Haig) An offer has been made, a partial offer has been made, under the current Labour Government, and really we start afresh with a new Government ... ehm ... and we're open to all ideas and suggestions, but you wouldn't expect me to sit here tonight and sign away Britain's military bases.
(Reporter) Mr Haig referred to a realistic approach by the Conservatives towards a settlement, criticising the Labour position on the Annan plan.
(Haig) We also, we are not interested in condemning what has happened in previous votes, referendums, you know that's democracy, and we all have to work with the outcome.
(Reporter) On Turkey's EU accession process he said that it is a fundamental point for the Conservatives that the Cyprus issue is a precondition.
(Haig) We are strong advocates of Turkish membership of the European Union but a settlement of the division of Cyprus is essential if Turkey's journey to EU membership is to succeed.
(Reporter) The elections in Britain are expected on 6th May.
Occasional postings relating to Cyprus-related interests providing comment from a Greek Cypriot perspective. That inevitably involves reference to the European Union, United Nations and frequent references to Turkey's politics.
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