TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
1. Eroglu evaluates the
elections in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus; Eroglu calls Anastasiades
to clarify the context of his statement on loose federation
2.
Kucuk describes Eroglu’s statements as “disloyalty” to Turkey
3.
Reactions to Atalay’s statements continue
4. CTP leader on the presidential
elections and the Cyprus problem
5.
More about the arrestment of a cargo ship with illegal guns
6. The “Faculty of Medicine”
of illegal YDU is included in Avicenna list of the WHO
7.
“Karpasia Gate Marina” has been promoted
8.
Kerry to visit nine countries including Turkey
9.
Turkish opposition involved in protests against Kurdish deputies, according to
Erdogan
10. Turkish police launch major operation against Revolutionary People's Liberation Party
10. Turkish police launch major operation against Revolutionary People's Liberation Party
1.
Eroglu evaluates the elections in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus;
Eroglu calls Anastasiades to clarify the context of his statement on loose
federation
Turkish Cypriot website Kibris postasi
(20.02.13) reports on statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu
during the press conference he gave today at the so-called presidential palace
where he evaluated issues into the agenda of the occupation regime as well as
the elections in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus.
Referring to the elections in “south
Cyprus”, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu said that Anastasiades’
statements are quit strange and pointed out that if Anastasiades says what he
says in order to be elected, then it is obvious as he said that there is an
important problem. Eroglu added that Anastasiades opposed to a timetable as
well as to what is consider as a sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriots.
Stating that he had recently had the
opportunity to have a discussion with “south Cyprus’ Anastasiades” to whom he
convey his feelings and also that his spouse was recently hosted by him, Eroglu
said that is one thing to discuss with Anastasiades during social meetings and
different to discuss with him at the negotiation table.
Eroglu said it would not be right to
comment on Anastasiades`s statement
regarding loose federation since he did not clarify it in his statement.
He went on calling Anastasiades to clarify that.
Stating that Christofias has said to him
that “we are ten steps ahead”, Eroglu was asked to reply to the question why
Turkey is mediating to the elections in the “TRNC” while on the contrary Greece
is not mediating to the elections in the “south”, and said: “In my opinion,
Christofias’ words do not reflect the realities. The Turkish Cypriot side’
stand is obvious in front of the eyes of the international community. There are
two elections, here, it is the UBP congress which is important. The elections
in the south are also important for the Greek Cypriots. It is important of
course in the south which from the two candidates will be the winner of the
ballot box; still for us it makes no difference who will win. When Christofias
won the elections, there was happiness in the north because there was a hope
that a solution was to be found. However, his term was finished and he left. It
makes no difference who will win(...)” Eroglu said.
AK
2. Kucuk describes Eroglu’s statements as
“disloyalty” to Turkey
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (20.02.13) reports that the self-styled prime minister
of the breakaway regime, Irsen Kucuk argued yesterday that the Turkish Cypriot
leader, Dervis Eroglu has denied statements made by Turkey’s government
officials, who had visited the occupied area of the island, and described this
situation as “example of disloyalty”.
In a written
statement, Kucuk referred to the words of Eroglu regarding the allegations by
the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot affairs, Besir Atalay
during the latter’s recent illegal visit to the occupied area of the island.
Kucuk described Eroglu’s statements as “meaningful and saddening from the point
of view of bearing a great example of disloyalty”. He recalled that the Turkish
Ministers laid the foundations of many projects which, he argued, they “gave as
present” to the regime.
“Such statements
could harm our state, our people and the relations with motherland Turkey and
at the same time they will bring benefit to no one”, he argued.
Meanwhile, in
statements during a visit to occupied Keryneia area, Kucuk said that the
National Unity Party (UBP) self-styled government continues to offer services
to the “people” being in harmony with Ankara.
(I/Ts.)
3. Reactions to Atalay’s statements continue
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (20.02.13) reports that Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the
Social Democracy Party (TDP) has said that the statements made the day before
yesterday by the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot affairs,
Besir Atalay were a sign of disrespect to the Turkish Cypriot “people” and
meddling in their internal affairs. In a written statement issued yesterday,
Cakici criticized Atalay’s statements that “important progress was achieved in
the economy”, that “economy will be negatively influenced if a chairman of a
party is changed when he is prime minster” and that “the private sector has
been developed”.
Cakici argued
that Atalay’s statements on the economy do not reflect realities and that the
messages he had given regarding the National Unity Party’s congress were
“disrespect to the will” of the “people”. “Trying to secure the continuation of
the today’s awry and corrupt system by interfering with the political will of
the Turkish Cypriots is unacceptable”, he added.
Moreover,
Abdullah Korkmazhan, organizational secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP)
issued a statement on the same allegations by Atalay describing them as “open
interference with UBP’s congress”. He noted that it is clear that Atalay and
his accompanying delegation visited the occupied area with the aim of meddling
in the above-mentioned congress. Protesting against the interference of the
Justice and Development Party (AKP), Korkmazhan noted that AKP should “take its
hands off our country’ and accused all Dervis Eroglu, Irsen Kucuk and Ahmet
Kasif of being responsible for the situation.
Furthermore,
Sener Elcil, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Primary School Teachers
Trade Union (KTOS), noted that those who govern Turkey have forgotten why they
are in Cyprus and act having the mentality of a conqueror violating the
international agreements. Elcil accused the AKP officials of continuing the
“puppet regime” which they have established by interfering with the will of the
Turkish Cypriots. He said that the AKP officials have even organized meetings
in occupied Famagusta in order to influence the delegates in the UBP congress.
Finally, Tahir
Gokcebel, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers’ Trade
Union (KTOEOS), reacted to Atalay’s statements asking him whether he was ready
to take the responsibility for the “freak you have created”. He accused Turkey
of “making the Greek Cypriots the owners of the Republic of Cyprus”, of
transferring population to the island contrary to the Geneva Convention and of
making disputable the political equality of the Turkish Cypriots in the
Republic of Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
4. CTP leader on the presidential elections and the
Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot
daily Star Kibris newspaper (20.02.13) reports that the chairman of the
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Ozkan Yorgancioglu commenting on the
presidential elections of the Republic of Cyprus, stated, that it is not
cleared yet who will be elected president, adding that economic issues were the
most important topics of the election campaign.
Referring to the
Cyprus problem, Yorgancioglu stated that the new president will focus on the
first months after his election, to internal issues and the negotiations may
start on May-June. He said that EU, UN and USA are expected to play a more
active role on the procedure. He went on and said what is important is not what
is said, but what is done. He expressed
the opinion that the negotiations should continue from the point they were
left.
Yorgancioglu finally
said that the solution of the Cyprus problem will facilitate Turkey’s EU road
5.
More about the arrestment of a cargo ship with illegal guns
Under the front page title: “From where
the guns and bullets came from and to what destination?”, Turkish Cypriot daily
Afrika (20.02.13) reports on a statement issued by Unal Caginer, the Turkish
Cypriot businessman and owner of Akguler Maritime Company, owner also of the cargo
ship which was arrested yesterday by the occupation regime’s authorities
carrying illegal Kalashnikov guns and bullets.
In his statement Caginer said that
responsibility for the custom and tax control of cargo and the TIR vehicles
which were transferred by the cargo ship belonging to his company, belongs to
the port authorities. Caginer said that his company has no responsibility for
the context of the container and denied the allegations that the cargo ship of
his companied was seized.
Caginer added also that from time to
time his aviation and maritime firms except from passengers carries also cargo
into which sometimes guns as well as different other illegal materials where
found out. Still, he pointed out that the responsibility for these illegal
materials does not belong to the owner of the cargo company.
However, the paper underlines that no
statement was issued yet by the so-called authorities on the issue.
(AK)
6.
The “Faculty of Medicine” of illegal YDU is included in Avicenna list of the
WHO
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (20.02.13)
reports in its front page that the Faculty of Medicine of the illegal Near East
University (YDU) has been included in the list of Avicenna of the World Health
Organization (WHO).
The Avicenna list includes Faculties of
Medicine from 157 countries which are consider to be fulfilling the criteria of
WHO, writes the paper.
The appearance of the “Faculty of
medicine” of the illegal YDU at the Avicenna list is fair writes the paper
because of the high quality training the faculty provides, its qualified
personnel, its infrastructure and administration, its modern and high
technology laboratories.
[Translator’s
note: Avicenna: http://avicenna.ku.dk/History]:The
World Health Organization (WHO) has published a World Directory of Medical
Schools since 1953. The last printed edition (7th ed., 2000) lists institutions
of basic medical education in 157 countries.
Avicenna - ibn-Sina - was a physician
and philosopher active 1000 years ago, noted for his syntheses of knowledge
from both East and West. He had a lasting influence worldwide in the
development of medicine in its widest sense: what is now known as health
sciences. The use of Avicenna's name symbolises the worldwide partnership that
is needed for the care and promotion of the health for all].
(AK)
7.
“Karpasia Gate Marina” has been promoted
Under the title: “Hotels and residences
are coming at the Karpasia Gate Marina”, Turkish daily Milliyet (20.02.13)
reports on statements by the representative of Karpasia Gate Marina, Liza
Singer who has said that the “Karpasia Gate Marina” (KGM) which was put into
service as of last summer, constitutes the widest marinas in the Easter
Mediterranean, since it has a capacity of 300 vessels.
Singer made the above statements in a promotion
meeting of the marina to Atilla Aksoy Turkish consultant of the project as well
as to the “administrators” of the “Karpasia Gate Marina.
Singer, said, inter alia, that hotels
and residences are planned to be constructed at the “Karpasia Gate Marina” and
added that with the construction of those hotels and residence, the investment
at the KGM will reached to 300 million euro.
Singer recalled that the investment of
KGM was made by the British Lewis Trust Company and pointed out that this
investment has the characteristic that it is the first direct foreign
investment which was made in the “TRNC”. Singer stated further that the luxury
restaurant which opened there constitutes one of the most luxury restaurants in
the Mediterranean and added that marina will be the new face of the “TRNC”.
(AK)
8. Kerry to visit nine countries including Turkey
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (20.02.13) reports that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
will visit nine countries in Europe and the Middle East, including Turkey,
starting Feb. 24 as he undertakes his first foreign trip as the country’s top
diplomat, the State Department announced Feb. 19.
Kerry will visit
Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab
Emirates and Qatar through March 6, State Department spokeswoman Victoria
Nuland told reporters. Kerry’s first visit will be to London, from which he
will move on to Germany and France.
Diplomatic
sources had told Hürriyet Daily News that the date of Kerry’s visit Turkey was
set as March 1.
However, Turkish
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu is likely to meet his American counterpart on
Feb. 27 on the sidelines of the core group meeting of the “Friends of Syria,”
which will take place in Italy.
Kerry will
discuss “strategic priorities” in Ankara, such as the Syrian conflict and
regional matters, according to a statement from the State Department. The visit
will also aim “to deepen U.S.-Turkey bilateral cooperation, including
counterterrorism cooperation,” the statement read.
Kerry’s next
stop after Turkey will be Egypt, where mass protests were triggered last
September over an anti-Islam film produced in the United States. Kerry will
also meet with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby in the Egyptian
capital. He will end his first foreign trip in the Arabian Peninsula with
visits to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
Kerry will not
be visiting Israel or the Palestinian territories as previously suggested.
Nuland said during a press briefing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu was still forming a government and said Kerry would join President
Barack Obama on an upcoming visit to country. Obama
is expected to arrive in Israel on March 20.
9. Turkish opposition involved in protests against
Kurdish deputies, according to Erdogan
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (20.02.13) reports that the Groups linked to Turkey’s opposition parties were involved in the Feb. 18 protests against the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies while they were visiting Black Sea province of Sinop, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday during a party meeting.
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (20.02.13) reports that the Groups linked to Turkey’s opposition parties were involved in the Feb. 18 protests against the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies while they were visiting Black Sea province of Sinop, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday during a party meeting.
“Groups made up
of the CHP [Republican People’s Party] and the MHP [Nationalist Movement Party]
are involved there in the provocation,” Erdogan said. “Now they speak of good
wishes and ask the people not to let such things happen. Whether you like them
or not, they are deputies of the people. You have to respect a deputy of this
country,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan accused
both the BDP and the MHP of following racist rhetoric, and the CHP of being
unclear in its messages. He then targeted the opposition for previous criticism
against his government regarding the recent İmralı meetings with the imprisoned
leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan.
“We do not sit
at the table with terrorism,” Erdogan said. “We do not negotiate with
terrorism. For state officials to meet with the terrorist head is not
negotiation, it’s not sitting down with him. It’s taking an opportunity that is
present in the solution process. Why would anyone be bothered by this?”
Erdogan
challenged opposition members to voice their criticisms directly, especially on
accusations of compromises made by the state in the process, saying he “would
never compromise with terrorism.”
“We will take
all legal and legitimate steps to stop the bleeding,” Erdogan said.
In addition,
Hurriyet Daily news (20.02.13) also reports that violent protests staged in the
Black Sea provinces of Sinop and Samsun on Feb. 18 and 19 against a delegation
compromising of pro-Kurdish politicians, has led to the cancelation of the
remainder of the trip.
Peace and
Democracy Party (BDP) lawmakers Sırrı Sureyya Onder, Sebahat Tuncel, Ertugrul Kurkcu,
as well as independent lawmaker Levent Tuzel, planned to go on to the provinces
of Corum, Ordu, Giresun and Trabzon to explain to people the recently launched
“peace process.” However, the plan resulted in a right-wing backlash in keeping
with the image of the Black Sea region as a hotbed of nationalism.
The BDP
delegation began its trip on Feb. 17 in Çorum and no significant protests were
staged. However, in Sinop on Feb. 18, an ultranationalist group attempted to
attack the lawmakers at the city’s teacher’s lodge, where they were holding
meetings. Police struggled to disperse the angry group, which threw stones and
broke some of the windows of the building.
10. Turkish police launch major operation against
Revolutionary People's Liberation Party
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman newspaper (20.02.13) reports that the Turkish Police had warrants
for the detention of 167 people and launched simultaneous operations in 28
provinces across Turkey early on Tuesday, targeting the Revolutionary People's
Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C), a left-wing group that was allegedly behind a
recent suicide bomb attack on the US Embassy.
A suicide bomber
detonated an explosive device at the entrance of the US Embassy in Ankara on
Feb. 1, killing himself and a Turkish security guard and critically wounding a
journalist on her way to visit the ambassador. Soon after the bombing, the
far-left terrorist DHKP/C posted a statement on a website, claiming
responsibility for the suicide attack, after which the group became the subject
of intense scrutiny.
Turkish police
conducted simultaneous operations across the country, after taking out detention
warrants for 167 people, most of whom are public servants working at various
state agencies and institutions.
İstanbul police
raided several addresses in the city early on Tuesday morning, as part of the
major operation and detained at least 50 people on charges of being members of
the terrorist organization and disseminating the leftist group's propaganda.
The number of detainees may increase.
An additional 33
people were taken into custody on the suspicion of being members of the DHKP/C
in Ankara, on Tuesday. The Ankara Police Department counterterrorism units
raided the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK) headquarters, and
KESK lawyers told the Anatolian news agency that the investigation was being
conducted with the justification of "being a member of the terrorist
organization DHKP/C." Detention warrants were issued for several members
in Ankara, Istanbul, Malatya and Balıkesir, and KESK Organizing Secretary Akman
Simsek was detained in his house in Antalya province.
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