TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
No. 63/13
3/4/13
1. Eroglu argues that President Anastasiades will
adopt intransigent stance in the Cyprus talks; He reiterates Davutoglu’s
statements on a two-state solution
2. Ozgiyit criticizes Davutoglu for his latest
statement “either division of solution”
3. Turkish PM Erdogan set to embark on US visit on May
16
4. US Secretary of State John Kerry to visit Turkey
this weekend
5. Yildiz: Anatolia only feasible gas route for Israel
and Cyprus
6. A protocol on the protection and inspection of the
Halloumi dairy product
7. Efforts on the process to solve the Kurdish problem
8. Gul asked from Latvian President to create a
pro-Turkish lobby in the EU
9. Babacan said that Turkey shall not leave EU custom union
9. Babacan said that Turkey shall not leave EU custom union
10. Caglayan in the U.S.; Direct flights
Houston-Turkey
11.
Cigarette smuggling in the occupied area of Cyprus; five people under arrest
1. Eroglu argues that
President Anastasiades will adopt intransigent stance in the Cyprus talks; He
reiterates Davutoglu’s statements on a two-state solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (03.04.13)
reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu has alleged that
President Anastasiades incurred loss of prestige by accepting Troika’s
proposals and that “he has lost Greek Cypriot people’s trust, even if just a
bit”. In statements yesterday to Turkish TRT television, Eroglu argued that
“when such economic problems occur, the nationalistic ideas come more to
surface” and that President Anastasiades will adopt a “little bit more
intransigent stance” at the negotiating table.
Eroglu claimed that, as Turkish Minister of Foreign
Affairs Davutoglu had said, if the Greek Cypriot side did not think that the
Turkish Cypriots had rights on the underground wealth of the island, this would
be tantamount to accepting the existence of a separate state in the occupied
north part of the island.
President Anastasiades, Eroglu said, will not sit at
the negotiating table soon with the aim of reaching a solution to the Cyprus
problem and argued that the Greek Cypriot leader would face difficulties in
convincing his people to accept an agreement which will be satisfying the
Turkish Cypriots.
Eroglu alleged, inter alia, the following: “I think
that a person who has lost his popularity because of reasons which did not
depend on him, will become a little bit tougher at the negotiating table and
play with time. However, some circles say that an economic problem exists in
the south [Translator’s note: as he describes the government-controlled area of
the Republic of Cyprus] and that the economic problems could be solved, if the
Cyprus problem was solved. This situation could push the Greek Cypriot people
into a harder stance…”
Eroglu described as “lack of respect” the publication
of the reply by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Ahmet Davutoglu on the
Ministry’s website before the letter was conveyed to Davutoglu through the
Greek Embassy to Ankara. He alleged that by referring to continuation of the
Republic of Cyprus, the Greek ministry showed that the Greek Cypriots do not
intent to reach an agreement.
Arguing that Davutoglu’s proposal was “an appropriate
one”, Eroglu said that the Turkish side had submitted two proposals in
September 2011 and 2012 suggesting the transfer of the Cypriot natural gas
through Turkey, the establishment of a commission which will deal with the
issue of extracting the natural gas and the creation of a fund for using the
income for covering the expenses of the solution. He noted that Davutoglu had
said that “let us extract together this gas or come and let us agree, or if we
cannot agree and if there is the mentality that the wealth in the south belongs
to the south and the wealth of the north belongs to the north, let us sit and
discuss the two-state solution”.
Eroglu argued that we are at the negotiating table and
we submit proposals to each other. He went on and claimed:
“Having a time limit is absolutely necessary, because
the negotiations have been going on for more than 40 years and there is no
agreement yet. There has to be a time limit in our road map. There are three
states concerned with Cyprus: Turkey, Greece and Britain. Our proposal is a
five-party summit with the participation of these states. However, the Greek
Cypriot side does not accept this. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs refers
to a four-party meeting in its letter. It is not in favor of Britain being at
the table. Our proposal is for a five-party meeting. Our proposal is the most
appropriate method, but we have not come to that point yet.
Christofias has also said openly that we have rights
on the natural gas. If you still refer to the Republic of Cyprus, it means you
accept that I also have rights from the gas. When they planned to print and
sell bonds for the natural gas, which has not been extracted yet, I said that
they could not do this…”
(I/Ts.)
2. Ozgiyit criticizes Davutoglu for his latest
statement “either division of solution”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (03.04.13) reports that Cemal Ozyigit, general
secretary of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) has stated that while in the
occupied area of Cyprus they discuss the forthcoming “elections” for the
“municipality” of occupied Lefkosia, in the “north”, as he described the free
area of the Republic of Cyprus, they discuss the economic crisis and the
measures to be taken, and thus, as he said, some people who want the
continuation of the current status quo in Cyprus find the opportunity to act
provocatively.
Referring
to Davutoglu’s latest statement “Either Taksim [Tranlsator’s note: means
“Division”] or solution”, Ozgiyit said that the slogan during 1950s was “either
taksim or death” while the slogan for 2013 is “either taksim or solution”.
Ozgiyit
stated further that Davutoglu’s recent statement is totally groundless and
said: “Mr. Davutoglu express with this statements want his wants”. Ozgiyit
continued and wondered whether Davutoglu is informed about the context of
Treaty of Alliance and Treaty of Guarantee which was signed in 1959 from
Turkish officials as well, and added: “In that case, this is a big gaffe. Mr.
Davutoglu should certainly read this agreement and must understand the reason
for the present of Turkey in Cyprus. Because, this agreement, prohibited the
Enosis and Taksim”, as he said.
(…)
(AK)
3. Turkish PM Erdogan set to embark on US visit on May
16
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.04.13) with the above title, reports that
diplomatic sources confirm that PM Erdogan will finally conduct a long-awaited
trip to Washington to meet President Obama on May 16 for critical discussions
on an array of regional issues
Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s long-expected meeting with U.S. President
Barack Obama will take place on May 16, the Hurriyet Daily News has learned
from official sources. An invitation letter to Erdogan was extended to the
Turkish Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The Ministry and the office of the Prime
Minister have now started to work on the program of Erdogan, who is expected to
depart for the U.S. one or two days before his scheduled meeting.
The
intention for a Prime Ministerial visit to Washington was brought to the
attention of the Obama administration after the presidential elections in the
U.S., but disagreements over a number of issues and Turkey’s ongoing dispute
with Israel, nixed Ankara’s plans. The visit could only be possible after
Israeli apologized to Turkey and Turkey accepted this apology, under the
mediation of Obama, who played a crucial role in the process. “The visit of
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Washington was fixed in a phone
conversation on the day Israel apologized to Turkey,” diplomatic sources said.
Erdogan and Obama had a phone conversation on March 22, after Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu read the apology statement on the phone.
The
agenda of Erdogan’s meeting with Obama will be fully-loaded, ranging from
Turkey’s current peace process to the turmoil in Syria, from the developments
in Cyprus to Ankara’s ambitious energy deals with northern Iraq. Along with
these cases, one of the most important issues will be the Turkish-Israeli
normalization process. In a demonstration of the importance attached to this
normalization process, Washington is continuing to closely monitor the steps
taken and those that will be taken. This monitoring process is accompanied by
urgings to both sides not to break this positive climate.
4. US Secretary of State John Kerry to visit Turkey
this weekend
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.04.13) reports that according to
diplomatic sources, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to visit
Turkey this weekend.
The
visit comes as it was revealed that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s
long-expected meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama will take place on May
16.
Turkish
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and his U.S. counterpart discussed the fragile
situations in Iraq and Syria during a telephone call March 30. The top U.S.
diplomat visited Turkey in late February and met with President Abdullah Gul,
Erdogan and Davutoglu.
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.04.13), Kerry is expected to meet with
Davutoglu on Sunday in Istanbul. The meeting will focus on Middle East peace
process, Turkey-Israel relations, and recent developments in Syria, Iraq and
Cyprus.
5. Yildiz: Anatolia only feasible gas route for Israel
and Cyprus
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.04.13), Turkey awaits
normalization with Israel to discuss energy projects, as Israel’s energy plans
would only be reasonable if Turkey was involved, Turkish Energy Minister Taner
Yildiz has said at his opening speech of the Diplomacy of Energy titled panel,
organized by the Institute of Strategic Thinking in Ankara on Tuesday.
“Turkey
is not indifferent towards Israel’s energy projects for transferring the
Eastern Mediterranean natural gas and oil to the international markets, since
the resources would not be feasible unless they were transferred through
Turkey”, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said.
“It
is the same for Greek Cyprus [Trans. Note: Republic of Cyprus],” Yildiz told
reporters yesterday. “It will have no benefit to your people if you say ‘I will
do it even if it is expensive.’ I’m telling this both for Israel and Greek
Cyprus,” he said, adding that the projects would be meaningful only if the right
move is made.
But,
discussing energy deals before the restoration of ties between Turkey and
Israel has been finalized would be impossible, according to the Minister. “As
relations normalize in the future, then we can discuss if natural gas could be
transferred by a pipeline through Turkey,” the Minister said.
6. A protocol on the protection and inspection of the
Halloumi dairy product
According
to illegal Bayrak television (02.04.13), a cooperation protocol has been signed
between the so-called ministry of agriculture and natural resources and the
Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry (KTSO). The protocol envisages the
protection and inspection of the Halloumi (Hellim) product.
Speaking
before the signing of the protocol, the chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber
of Industry Ali Ciralı reminded that the geographical registration of the
Halloumi was made in Cyprus and in Turkey.
Adding
that the “Hellim (halloumi) Auditing Commission” was established following the
registration, he also announced that the auditing commission will start
inspections as early as next week.
Also
speaking, the minister of agriculture and natural resources Ali Cetin Amcaoglu
said an important protocol had been signed with the Chamber of Industry and
stressed that their cooperation will continue on other agricultural products.
Amcaoglu
also announced that a coordination committee will be established within the
framework of the protocol which will contain two members from the so-called
ministry and two from the chamber.
7. Efforts on the process to solve the Kurdish problem
Turkish
daily Today’s Zaman (online, 02.04.13), under the title “Opposition won’t be
able to damage settlement process, says PM”, reports, inter alia, the
following:
“(…)
Speaking
on Tuesday at his Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) Parliamentary
group meeting, PM Erdogan said the settlement process is the first step of the
government’s target of a stronger, more democratic and more peaceful Turkey.
‘Nobody should even attempt to provoke [the nation against the process].
Neither Bahceli nor Kilicdaroglu can provoke this as long as we continue with
the support of the nation, which is currently at 58%,’ Erdogan said. He was
referring to a recent poll conducted by his party showing his party's vote at
58%.
He
ripped apart Bahceli's referral to the settlement process as the ‘process of
betrayal’. Erdogan said: ‘If there is any betrayal in this country, it is
Bahceli and Kilicdaroglu who are doing that. Because they have not agreed to
come together to solve this problem.’
But
MHP leader Bahceli continued his criticism of the talks on Tuesday, saying
during his party's group meeting: ‘Prime Minister Erdogan should know that
dividing Turkey along ethnic regions and cracking our established system [of
government] is hostility and aggression.’
(...)
The
Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) also had a group meeting on Tuesday. Co-chair
Gultan Kisanak reiterated her party's demand of a ‘legal assurance’ that those
officials negotiating with the PKK will not get in trouble. ‘This Parliament
has produced many decisions for war and cross-border attacks. Everyone raised
their hands to kill and die. This once they should raise their hands for peace,
for a settlement.’
She
also criticized Erdogan for ‘his general “air” that creates the impression that
he is managing the settlement process alone’. She said the process should be a
multiple actor process with many sides. Kisanak also said the government should
include people who are respected in all segments of society in its ‘wise men
committee’; a group the government says will explain the settlement process to
the general public.
Kisanak
also criticized the MHP and its staunch opposition to the solution process.
Recalling earlier words from Bahceli implying that MHP supporters could
potentially rely on violent means to stop the process, Kisanak said: ‘A
provocative and irresponsible statement. It should be corrected immediately and
young people should be invited to calm down and to peace.’ (…)”
The
paper also reports that Erdogan will meet with the “wise men” group for the
first time on Thursday. The committee, dubbed “wise men,” is being formed to
liaise with the public while the government continues the talks.
The
wise men committee will comprise 49 members separated into groups of seven. The
members will be figures from the worlds of academia, business, civil society
and the media. They will endeavour to mediate between the Kurdish and Turkish
communities to improve the climate for peaceful relations in the country.
In a
related development, five deputies from the AK Party will be visiting the
country’s Southeast this weekend for a three-day trip. The deputies, from
western provinces, will visit three provinces -- Diyarbakır, Batman and Siirt
-- and 13 districts as part of the ongoing peace efforts to end terrorism in
the country. AK Party group deputy chairman Ahmet Aydin and other deputies will
explain the settlement process to locals and listen to their opinions. The
visit was reportedly initiated by Erdogan.
Moreover,
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.04.13), under the title “Turkish
President Gul warns of failure in new charter effort”, reports, inter alia, the
following:
“President
Abdullah Gul, speaking to a group of journalists that were accompanying him on
a visit to the Lettonia capital of Riga on the evening of April 1, commented on
fresh efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue.
(…)
Gul
said the main target on the issue should be completely eradicating the problem.
The process should not end with ‘people going outside Turkey and becoming a
power there,’ Gul said about the debate on the withdrawal of Kurdistan Workers’
Party (PKK) militants.
‘It
might be Syria, Iraq or Iran. The conjuncture is changing all the time. As long
as such a power remains there, some provocations from inside and divisions
would come up, and countries in a conflict of interest with Turkey may use
this, [causing] an ever-fragile situation to emerge’, Gul said.
‘Honestly,
If the people in the mountains do not drop their arms and finally go off to a
normal life, then these things will restart and things will get even worse,’ he
said.
Turkey
is dealing with such a large issue for the first time, Gul said, noting that
there was a positive approach across the country. ‘Thus, when there is such an
atmosphere, these things should be finalized.’
(…)
Turkey
has previously made the mistake of opposing citizens who say ‘I am not Turkish,
I am Kurdish, I am a citizen of this country. I am a person, child and citizen
of this soil,’ and telling them instead that ‘No, you are Turkish,’ he said.
Turkey
should also lift its dissenting opinion on the European Charter of Local
Self-Government, Gul said. ‘We have practically lifted that opinion in deed’.”
Turkish
daily Hurriyet newspaper (03.04.13) also refers to Gultan Kisanak’s statements
under the title “Our concerns are justified, but let them not stop up us”. The
paper writes that Kisanak referred to the Kurdish circles which have concerns
about the so-called solution process and said, inter alia, the following:
“What we actually wish to take from this process is a
social consensus. A legal basis should be created for such a work.
Responsibility falls on everyone. The parliament is the only authority on which
responsibility does not fall… There are concerns in different circles of the
Kurds. I find these concerns justified. We also have concerns. However, let our
concerns not prevent us, not stop us…”
8. Gul asked from Latvian President
to create a pro-Turkish lobby in the EU
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (03.04.13) reports that the Turkish President Abdullah Gul asked from his Latvian counterpart Andris Berzins to create a Latvian lobby in the EU in favor of Turkey’s EU accession.
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (03.04.13) reports that the Turkish President Abdullah Gul asked from his Latvian counterpart Andris Berzins to create a Latvian lobby in the EU in favor of Turkey’s EU accession.
Gul made these request in the framework of a
diplomatic visit to Latvia aiming to improve Turkish-Latvian relations. He is
accompanied by Turkish EU Minister Egemen Bagis.
Gul referring to the Soviet era said that “Turkey has
never recognized the occupation and annexation decisions of Latvia” and said
that they always supported Latvia to be a part of European and Atlantic
organizations. He also said that his visit will open a new page in the
relations between the two countries.
Gul added that he and Bagis had informed Latvia about
Turkey’s EU process and the current situation in relations with the EU. Latvia,
as an EU member, attends many meetings Turkey does not participate in Gul said,
adding that they want Latvia to express Turkey’s arguments in those meetings.
In addition, reporting on the same issue, Turkish
Hurriyet Daily News (03.04.13) writes that Berzins said his country supported
the accession of Turkey to the European Union.
“Latvia fully supports Turkey’s EU membership because
we think your country’s aim to become one of the world’s biggest 10 economies
is very important for Latvia as well as the EU,” he said.
The two countries signed a cooperation act in the
domains of transportation and logistics.
9. Babacan said that Turkey
shall not leave EU custom union
Turkish daily Milliyet newspaper (03.04.13) reports
that Turkish deputy Prime Minister, Ali Babacan reacted against the stance
adopted by some members of the Turkish cabinet that Turkey should go on
establishing a free trade agreement with USA and leave the EU custom union.
Noting that such a development is unlikely to take
place, Babcan said that this could harm Turkey’s exportations 38.7% of which
are directed to the European Union.
10. Caglayan in the U.S.; Direct flights
Houston-Turkey
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.04.13), Turkey’s Economy Minister Zafer
Caglayan, is visiting Houston, US for talks. Caglayan said that they pay
special attention to Houston since it was the heart of US economy, adding that he
talked about Turkey’s economy proudly at his meetings in Houston.
He
said that the beginning of Turkish Airlines flights to Houston would positively
affect the trade links within the US, noting they would consider Houston as a
logistics base.
Caglayan
reiterated that a possible free trade agreement among the US and the EU might
“turn to a disaster” for Turkey. He called on the US to take action to not
damage Turkey’s competition balance, on that issue.
He
said Turkey exports literally everywhere in the world, except two small
countries in Asia Pacific. He also said Turkey had been making large scale
investments on several fields, adding that they could not go anywhere their
foot in brake and he was in favour of increasing the speed.
11. Cigarette smuggling in the occupied area of
Cyprus; five people under arrest
Under
the title: “Wide-range operation”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(03.04.12) reports on the arrest of five people in the occupied area of Cyprus.
According to the paper, on January 15, a ship named Queen Elizabeth, having a
flag of Ukraine, got sailed from the occupied port of Famagusta having as a
destination Karabahk. The ship which was carrying cigarettes has disburdened
the cargo to another ship called Tianjin 1, as soon as he got sailed from the
occupation regimes “territorial waters”. As, soon as the above mentioned ship
returned to the occupied port of Famagusta, the so-called police arrested the
captain of the ship called Queen Elizabeth since he is accused for forgery. The
“police” have arrested also four crew members and have seized 10.000
cigarettes. The “police” continue the investigation.
(AK)
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