TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
1. Eroglu: The Turkish army will not withdraw from
Cyprus even after the solution
2.
Ozgurgun evaluated to AA the election of Anastasiades and the Cyprus problem
3. Ozersay held contacts in Berlin and said that the
Cyprus problem is an issue between the two communities in Cyprus
4. British High Commissioner met with the Turkish
Cypriot Chamber of Commerce
5. Two so-called ministers carried out contacts in
Dubai within the framework of the Gulfood Exhibition
6. Turkish Cypriot journalists were briefed on the EU
aid to their community
7. Flautre suggests that Turkey’s problems with Cyprus
not enough reason to block Ankara’s EU road
8. Kerry to visit Turkey on Friday; the Cyprus problem
in his agenda
9. Fule: “EU Committee approves opening new chapter”
10. Halki Seminary discussed at Merkel-Erdogan meeting
11.
KSP
announced its candidate for the forthcoming “elections” at the occupied
Lefkosia municipality
12. Five more top commanders under custody for
February 28 coup probe
1. Eroglu: The Turkish army will not withdraw from
Cyprus even after the solution
Turkish Cypriot
daily Haberdar newspaper (28.02.13) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader,
Dervis Eroglu has alleged that the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation army
from Cyprus is out of the question even after the solution of the Cyprus
problem. During a meeting yesterday in Bursa with Turkey’s War Veterans’
Association, Eroglu was asked whether the Turkish army will withdraw from the
island, if an agreement is reached. He replied the following: “Such a thing is
out of the question. Turkey should be in Cyprus as a guarantor. Even after
having an agreement, the continuation of Turkey’s active and effective
guarantee is sine qua non for us”.
Referring to the
newly elected President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiades, Eroglu said: “I
think that we could agree, if Nikos Anastasiades, who tries to show the
characteristic of a new leader in a new period, comes to the table having the
will for a solution”.
Eroglu argued
that today they are both trying to “get the TRNC’s existence accepted in the
world” and continuing the negotiations with their Greek Cypriot interlocutors
in order to achieve a solution.
Eroglu claimed
that when he was “prime minister” in 2003, they have taken the decision to open
the “border gates”, as he described the barricades that exist in Cyprus due to
the presence of the Turkish occupation army, in order to give the message to
the world that they “could live together in peace”. He went on alleging:
“However, we are
the side which is accused, excluded and being under embargo, in spite of the
fact that we have absolutely no blame. Our demand is the lifting of the
embargoes on the TRNC… The world cannot stay so insensitive. I thank the
motherland, the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), all the governments until today,
everyone who participated in the peace operation [Translator’s note: this is
how he described the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the occupation of the
island since then]…”
Asked whether he
hopes that an agreement will be reached, Eroglu argued that he is hopeful,
given that he wishes the continuation of the negotiations. He reiterated the
view that an agreement will not be reached only if he is hopeful, but “the
other side must also want it”.
Meanwhile,
speaking at a conference in Bursa’s Uludag University on the “the Cyprus
negotiations from past and to the present”, Eroglu alleged that the Greek
Cypriots were the side that started the fight on the island and never exhibited
an approach in favor of the solution in the negotiations. He argued that even
though the newly elected Greek Cypriot leader gives positive messages, the
important thing is the policy he will follow at the negotiating table.
Referring to the
“history” of their “struggle” in Cyprus, Eroglu said that “the struggle is not
new” and added: “When the Greeks established EOKA, we established the Turkish
Resistance Organization (TMT). Many countries in the world secured their
independence with such underground organizations. The TMT was established in
communication with the Turkish General Staff in order to increase the will for
wide struggle…”
Eroglu alleged
that the policy of the Greek Cypriot side has always been to present themselves
as the side which wishes reconciliation and claimed that the decisions of the
UN and the EU incite what he called “Greek Cypriot intransigence”.
Replying to a
question as to whether Turkey offers them adequate support, Eroglu argued that
Turkey is guarantor power for the entire island of Cyprus and that they lead
the Cyprus problem together with Turkey. He concluded saying the following: “We
have come to these days with the support of Turkey. We have budget deficits
now. Turkey contributes for the completion of our infrastructure. The TRNC is
under embargo and the three fourths of its population are refugees. We have
given houses and jobs to refugees who had come with their luggage and we tried
to guarantee their future”.
(I/Ts.)
2.
Ozgurgun evaluated to AA the election of Anastasiades and the Cyprus problem
Under the title: “The Cyprus problem
will be mobilized in the forthcoming period”, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes
(28.02.13) reports on statements by the so-called foreign minister Huseyin
Ozgurgun who evaluated to Ankara Anatolia news agency the election of Nikos
Anastasiades to the presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as his latest
statement that he is hopeful towards the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Referring to Anastasiades’ statement on
the Cyprus problem, right after casting his vote, that “he is hopeful towards
the solution of the Cyprus problem”, Ozgurgun said that he was not surprised
from those statements. He added that beside of what Anastasiades’ states, the
Greek Cypriot side will always be the side that is not willing the solution.
“The side that Anastasiades represented wants the non-solution. Anastasiades
not only appears to be supporter of the solution, but also, he leaves the
solution of the Cyprus problem to the Turkish Cypriots. They always make
statements in favour of the solution and they say that the problem is the
Turkish Cypriots. It is a part of the approach ‘If Turks get close we will solve
the problem’. This is the policy they follow for years. They say ‘we want
solution, we have hopes’, but, they will never be the side that wants the
solution”, Ozgurgun said.
Recalling that it was the Greek Cypriot
side which said “no” to the Annan Plan, Ozgurgun alleged that they have a lot
of proposals on the table, adding that the Turkish side is very well prepared,
like it was the previous years. He continued and said that a mobilization will
take place on the Cyprus problem in the forthcoming period.
Ozgurgun went on and said that the
Cyprus problem is essential for Germany, France, the UK, and the EU as well. He
added that they care about the Cyprus problem, since they see Cyprus as a
strategic basis.
Referring to the recent meeting of
Erdogan with Merkel, he recalled Erdogan’s statements who have said to Merkel
that “The Cyprus problem and Turkey’s EU bid are different processes” and
referred also to Erdogan’s evaluation: “This is the policy we follow on Cyprus
at the moment. The Cyprus problem and Turkey’s EU bid are totally two
disconnected matters. There are two sides in the island. The Greek Cypriots and
the Turkish Cypriots. Therefore, the Cyprus problem is a problem between the
Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots”.
Ozgurgun went on alleging that Turkey
has always contributed on the efforts exerted towards finding a solution to the
Cyprus problem. He added that Turkey’s supports on the efforts exerted by the
two sides for the solution, is full.
Stating the “the interlocutor of the Greek
Cypriots is the Turkish Cypriots”, Ozgurgun continued and said that the Greek
Cypriots’ approach that “Turkish Cypriots are a minority for the Greek
Cypriots. That motherland Turkey is an occupied force. That the Turkish troops
are occupied troops”, will not lead anywhere.
Ozgurgun further said that “motherland
Turkey’s support” is connected with the most productive use of the water,
electricity and the natural gas of the island.
(AK)
3. Ozersay held contacts in Berlin and said that
the Cyprus problem is an issue between the two communities in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily Star Kibris newspaper (28.02.13) reports that Kudret Ozersay, who is the
chairman of the “Clean Society Association”, held various meetings with German
MPs and German party officials. Ozersay held contacts in Berlin in the
sidelines of his participation in a conference under the title “New threats and
new prospective in Cyprus”.
During his
speech, Ozersay referred to the opportunities created after the presidential
elections in the Republic of Cyprus and the developments regarding the natural
gas and other natural sources in Eastern Mediterranean. In the framework of his
speech, he stated that the Cyprus problem is not between the Republic of Cyprus
and Turkey, but it is a problem between the two communities of the island.
During his
contacts in Germany, Ozersay met with the deputy chairman of the Social
Democratic Party, Axel Schafer and the MP with the Green party Manuel Sarazzin.
4. British High Commissioner met with the Turkish
Cypriot Chamber of Commerce
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.02.13) reports that the Cyprus problem and issues related to honey trade were discussed during a meeting held between the British High Commissioner to Lefkosia, Matthew Kidd and a delegation of the Turkish Cypriot chamber of commerce (KTTO).
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.02.13) reports that the Cyprus problem and issues related to honey trade were discussed during a meeting held between the British High Commissioner to Lefkosia, Matthew Kidd and a delegation of the Turkish Cypriot chamber of commerce (KTTO).
Speaking during
the meeting, the chairman of the KTTO Gunay Cerkez stated that support from the
international community is needed for the solution of the Cyprus problem and
added that the solution of the Cyprus problem will not be beneficial for only
the Cypriots but for everyone.
On his part,
Kidd stated that they will do everything possible in order to offer assistance
for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
5.
Two so-called ministers carried out contacts in Dubai within the framework
of the Gulfood Exhibition
Under the title: “The ‘TRNC’ at the
Dubai Gulfood Exhibition”, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (28.02.13) reports that
the so-called minister of agriculture and natural resources, Ali Cetin Amcaoglu
and the so-called minister of economy and energy, Sunat Atun participated at
the Gulfood 2013 Food Exhibition, which opened yesterday in the town of Dubai
in the United Arab Emirates. The two “minister” carried out also contacts,
writes the paper and points out that it is the sixth time that the occupation
regime participates at the fair.
The occupation regime attends the fair
with seven firms and under the umbrella of the “Turkish Cypriot Chamber of
Industry”.
Evaluating the fair, so-called minister
Amcaoglu has said that it is an honor for the Turkish Cypriot firms to
participate to this important fair. He added that the producers of milk
products had the opportunity to carry out contacts and exchange views with
fabricators as regards the problems experienced in their field.
Also speaking, the so-called minister of
economy and energy Sunat Atun said that they had the chance to meet and
exchange views not only with manufacture firms but also with customers who were
visiting the fair, adding that the aim of their contacts is to make opening to
more markets.
Atun further underlined that a
remarkable increase has been observed recently on the exports to the Gulf
countries, especially with promotion measures being taken.
Atun went on and expressed the belief
that after the producers in the “TRNC” make a good evaluation of the potential
in the region, the export figures will be increased.
Also, so-called minister Atun said that
Turkish Cypriot businessmen met yesterday afternoon with Dubai-Turkish
businessmen with the aim to look to seek for the possibility of cooperation.
(AK)
6. Turkish Cypriot journalists were briefed on the
EU aid to their community
Turkish Cypriot
daily Haberdar newspaper (28.02.13) reports that a delegation of European Union
(EU) officials headed by Michaela di Bucci, Head of Task Force of the European
Commission for the Turkish Cypriot Community, briefed yesterday Turkish Cypriot
journalists on the work of the Union for the Turkish Cypriot community and the
EU aid program.
In statements
during the working lunch in the occupied part of Lefkosia, Kudret Akay, team
leader of EU Infopoint, said the aim of the meeting was to present a booklet
prepared by the EU regarding the aid of the Union to the Turkish Cypriots.
Michaela di Bucci
said that the aid of the EU is increasing and noted that around 1000 contracts
have been signed within the framework of the Support Program, something which
means that financial aid to 1000 projects has been given by the Union.
(I/Ts.)
7. Flautre suggests that Turkey’s problems with
Cyprus not enough reason to block Ankara’s EU road
Under the title “Being a one step ahead and negotiations”, Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (28.02.13) publishes an article by Hélène Flautre, co-chairperson of the EU-Turkey joint Parliamentary Committee, who suggests that Turkey’s problem with the Republic of Cyprus, that is “the opening of Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot vessels and direct trade with northern Cyprus”, as she writes, are not as important as to block the negotiations of Turkey with Brussels. In addition, Flautre calls on Ankara to make a gesture towards the new President of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiades and to open the ports of Turkey to Cypriot vessels.
Extracts of the
main points of Flautre’s article is as follows:
“I have always
nurtured sympathy towards the three principles the Turkish foreign policy has
recently adopted. These principles are "being proactive," "being
one step ahead" and "having zero problems with neighbors." The
zero-problem-with-neighbors policy has been subject to various polemics. This
policy was praised in connection with the Armenian and Cyprus openings, but it
started to be questioned when these openings were clogged.
[…]
Since 2004, when
the decision to start membership negotiations with Turkey was taken, Turkey's
prime minister has not been invited to any EU summit meeting, and two EU
members arbitrarily vetoed 10 chapters. I have always felt ashamed of the fact
that one of these countries was France, my home country, all the more as this
populist decision was at odds with the long-lasting economic and political
friendship between France and Turkey. Except for the Cyprus issue, which I
intend to discuss more closely, I cannot find any other example that may indicate
Turkey's responsibility for the failed talks.
[…] Those who
closely monitor Turkey's internal politics today know well the real magnitude
of the internal political risks the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK
Party) had taken with its Cyprus initiative back in 2004. As their whole
universe was restricted to the island, the Greek Cypriots failed to see the
historic opportunity that came with the Annan plan, and this clogged not only
the solution in Cyprus, but also the progress of Turkish-EU relations. A closer
look at the two items which brought the negotiations to a standstill – the
opening of Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot vessels and direct trade with
northern Cyprus -- reveals that these matters are not as important as to block
the negotiations. The problem has nothing to do with these two matters. It is
about the lack of trust among Cyprus, Turkey and the EU. Following the bad
experience with the Annan plan, Ankara does not trust any message from Brussels
or from the Greek Cypriots and it is not inclined to take any unrequited steps.
Meanwhile. The Greek Cypriots and Greece are currently wrestling with economic
crises, and therefore, they lack the self-confidence needed for an opening in
their Turkey policies. Any opening related to Turkey will be perceived
internally as a weakness, the Greek and Greek Cypriot governments, which are
already walking on thin ice, can hardly be expected to come up with positive
initiatives. Summing it up, this deadlock may last for years if no initiative
is launched. Therefore, if Ankara re-assesses the changing political parameters
and manages to be "one step ahead," this may give boost to the
negotiations. What are these new parameters?
[…]
We see the most
obvious parameter change in Cyprus. We observe that those who undermined the
Annan plan have come to realize this has taken Cyprus to the lack of solution.
They killed not only the Annan plan but also the hope for a solution. Yet
voters in Cyprus do not seem to give any premium to these groups. The election
of Nikos Anastasiades as President, who had been declared by ultra-nationalists
as a "traitor" because of his support for the Annan plan, shows that
Greek Cypriots want solutions and welfare, not tension. Greek Cypriots are
begging for help for the banks that hit rock bottom due to the crisis in Greece
and which can be saved from bankruptcy with funds of 17.5 billion euros -- this
figure is equal to the annual gross domestic product (GDP) of many countries.
Not only Germany, but also many EU member countries do not seem to be eager to
lend money to these banks that operate like money laundering mechanisms as they
don't want to make their taxpayers pay for the damages Russian billionaires may
make. In short, a divided Europe, which hit rock bottom in economic terms,
needs a new initiative from Ankara.
So that there is
no confusion, let me say right away that we don't expect a swift solution
process with the election of Anastasiades. Anastasiades knows well that the
Annan plan is no longer a model for solution and that it's history as it was
rejected by an overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots. Therefore, he needs
time for a new solution process that will be accepted and will benefit both
communities. Moreover, his priority will be to secure the country's economic
recovery. Yet, he also intends to make his country a NATO member and get rid of
its image as "Russia's Brussels representative" and make it a
full-fledged EU member. It goes without saying that such a policy entails
dialogue, not conflict, with Turkey.
If Ankara wants
to remove the roadblocks to the membership negotiations, it should open its
ports to Greek Cypriot vessels upon the election of Anastasiades as President,
taking into consideration the changing parameters of Cyprus and the EU and in
order to be "one step ahead." Anastasiades deserves such a
"gesture" not only because of his support for the solution, but
because he is a reliable politician, especially as regards the political price
he had paid. With the election of Anastasiades, Ankara must abandon its
Greek-Cypriots-do-not-want-a-solution discourse if it wants to remain
convincing. Another and perhaps the most important consequence of the
one-step-ahead policy is that this will create the infrastructure for the
implementation of the EU's regulations for direct trade, and pave the way for
the opening of eight vetoed chapters. In the post-Sarkozy era, there is no
factor that can prevent such a development in the EU. We know that Ankara has
made the implementation of these regulations a proviso for opening its ports to
Greek Cypriot vessels. But we know that the draft resolution for implementation
is pending at the European Parliament and unanimity is not required for the
vote at the Council of Ministers. Moreover, the Greek Cypriots will not refuse
the Berlin and Paris' requests for not meddling with the process. To conclude,
everything is suitable for Turkey to be one step ahead. Do you think Ankara can
see these new parameters?”
8.
Kerry to visit Turkey on Friday; the Cyprus problem in his agenda
Ankara Anatolia news agency (27.02.13)
reported that the US Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Turkey on March
1.
Latest developments on Syria and Middle
East are expected to top the agenda on Kerry's first trip as US Secretary of
State. During his visit, John Kerry will visit a total of nine countries in
Western Europe and the Middle East.
Kerry and Turkey's Foreign Minister
Ahmet Davutoglu are expected to make their first face to face meeting at
Syria's Friends Meeting that will be held on February 28 in Rome. At the visit,
Turkish side will brief Kerry about the situation in Syria and convey Turkey's
point of view on what should be done.
US State Department earlier said that
Kerry will meet with Turkish officials to discuss US's strategic priorities
-from ending the crisis in Syria to promoting regional stability, peace, and
security- as well as explore areas to deepen US-Turkey bilateral cooperation,
including counterterrorism cooperation.
Alongside Syria issue, a broad agenda will
be on the table. Bilateral commercial, economic and political cooperation as
well as the latest developments in Afghanistan, Balkans and Cyprus will be
discussed.
Kerry will head to Egypt, Saudi Arabia,
UAE and Qatar respectively after completing his talks in Turkey.
9.
Fule: “EU Committee approves opening new chapter”
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(28.02.13) reports that the European Commissioner Stefan Fule announced on
February 27 via his Twitter account, that the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives
(COREPER) has agreed to open Chapter 22 as part of Turkey’s accession
negotiations. “Turkey is one step closer to opening a new chapter in accession
talks”, Fule wrote on Twitter.
The chapter, which focuses on “Regional
Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments,” will be the first one
opened in the last two-and-a-half years. After COREPER’s approval, the EU
council will make the final decision regarding the move. If approved, the
number of opened chapter will rise to 14 out of 35.
France had announced on February 12 that
it would assist Turkey in opening one of the five chapters once blocked by
Paris for Ankara’s long-stalled EU membership talks. German Chancellor Angela
Merkel had also said she was in favor of such a move before embarking on her
recent visit to Turkey.
10.
Halki Seminary discussed at Merkel-Erdogan meeting
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(28.02.13) reports that according to sources, the issue of Halki Seminary was
on the agenda during talks in Ankara on February 25 during which German
Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met
with various spiritual leaders.
A source who did not want to be named,
told the Hurriyet Daily News that the Halki Seminary issue was opened for
discussion between Erdogan, Merkel and Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos. “The
Patriarch brought the topic to the agenda. Merkel said Germany was ready to
provide the necessary support with [Greek Prime Minister] Samaras, while
Erdogan said they were ready to take responsibility for the reopening of the
school on the condition that Greece would take two steps. However, he did not
say what these steps are,” the source said.
It is believed that Erdogan was
referring to the possible building of a mosque in Athens and the Greek
government’s attitude towards Muslims, particularly regarding the needs of
muftis in the north-eastern Western Thrace region, where an important community
of Muslim Turks live.
According to a statement issued by
Turkey’s Armenians Patriarchate, Acting Patriarch Archbishop Aram Atesyan
reminded the leaders during the meeting that the Patriarchate is not a legal
entity and thus has difficulties obtaining property. Archbishop Atesyan also
thanked the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government for their concern
toward minority issues, the statement said.
The Halki Seminary was opened in 1844
and served as a school of theology for years. However, as a result of a 1971
Constitutional Court ruling, all private institutions of higher education either
became part of state universities or were closed down. Halki’s Board of
Trustees refused to become part of Istanbul University. Consequently, the
seminary section of the Halki school was closed down. The high school section
is still open, but no longer has students.
11.
KSP announced its candidate for the forthcoming “elections” at the occupied
Lefkosia municipality
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (28.02.13)
reports that the Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP) has announced yesterday that
Zehra Cengiz will be the party’s candidate for the forthcoming “by elections”
to take place at the “Lefkosia municipality” on April 7.
The Cyprus Socialist Party announced its
decision issuing a written statement yesterday. The statement said that the
party determined Zehra Cengiz as its candidate following a “voting” which took
place at the party’s central committee.
(AK)
12.
Five more top commanders under custody for February 28 coup probe
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (27.02.13)
reported that Ankara prosecutors on Wednesday said that five top commanders of
the February 28, 1997 postmodern coup were arrested after they testified as
part of the investigation into the coup. The court ruled to jail two of the
prominent generals.
Just one day before the 16th anniversary
of the February 28, 1997 postmodern coup, five retired generals, including
former Land Forces Commander retired General Erdal Ceylanoglu and former Deputy
Chief of General Staff General Aslan Guner, and one active duty colonel, were
summoned to the Ankara Courthouse on Wednesday to testify as part of an
investigation into the coup.
Early on Wednesday, the Ankara Chief
Public Prosecutor's Office demanded the testimony of Guner and Ceylanoglu --
who were top commanders during the coup period -- as well as retired Major
Generals Mehmet Baspınar and Yucel Ozsır and Colonel Mehmet Cumhur Yatıkkaya.
Guner and Ceylanoglu were accompanied by police officers to the Ankara
Courthouse, while the other officers were in other provinces. They were
initially taken to state hospitals in their cities for a medical check-up and
later brought to Ankara. They were then taken to the courthouse for their
testimony to be heard by prosecutors involved in the February 28 probe.
Prosecutors Mustafa Bilgili and Kemal
Cetin demanded the arrest of the top five generals for their alleged role in
the February 28 military intervention. Retired General Erdal Ceylanoglu and
Yucel Ozsır were sent to jail while the remaining three commanders were
conditionally released by the court.
(…)More than 10 generals and admirals
have been arrested over the last month as part of the same probe. Currently, 72
people have been jailed as part of the February 28 coup probe. The prosecutors
have so far heard from 70 victims of the February 28 coup.
(…)
Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arınc spoke
to reporters about the latest wave of testimonies in the February 28 probe and
said that he finds the investigation “important.” “This is a matter being dealt
with by the judiciary. We need to follow it [developments] through. I hope the
matter will be completed following a case to be launched after the
investigation is completed”, he stated.
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