TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
CONTENTS
1.
Eroglu assesses Rasmussen’s statement on Cyprus
2.
Kucuk will depart for the USA next Sunday
3.
The natural resources of Cyprus is included on Erdogan’s agenda during his forthcoming
visit to the USA
4.
Davutoglu discusses Syrian issue and Kerry's contacts in Russia with US
counterpart on phone
5.
Gul stated that France prevented the opening of chapters for Turkey by hiding behind the Cyprus problem
6.
Turkish EU Minister Bagis: "The chapter of 'social policy and employment'
should be opened"
7.
Ozgurgun met with ministers and officials on the sidelines of Turkish
International Defense Industry Fair
8.
Turkey and Azerbaijan signed an agreement on 5th generation war craft F-35
9.
PKK begins withdrawing from Turkey as part of settlement process
10.
Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief president seeks at least $1
billion from Israel for Mavi Marmara
victims
11.
New director of EVKAF foundation was reportedly appointed upon Erdogan’s
instructions
12.
Discomfort exists for involvement of settlers’ associations in the distribution
of the regime’s “citizenship”
13.
The occupation regime to carry out restoration works at the ancient port of
occupied Keryneia
14.
Asil Nadir renounced his British citizenship in order to return to Turkey
15.
Busy day in the UBP; Early “elections” are out of the question
16.
GATAA held its first meeting in the occupied area of Cyprus; KITSAB signed an
agreement with MATTA
1. Eroglu
assesses Rasmussen’s statement on Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.05.13)
reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu has described as
“important” the fact that the General Secretary of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen
had expressed his view on Cyprus.Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriot side,
which allegedly exerts efforts to join NATO, should evaluate this kind of
statements.
Asked yesterday to comment on President Anastasiades’s
reaction to the statement by Rasmussen that the Cyprus problem must be solved
in order for the problems in the cooperation between the EU and NATO to be
solved and that Cyprus’s natural gas could be extracted after a solution to the
Cyprus problem is found, Eroglu argued that these statements were said as a
wish. He noted that various comments are made on this issue and alleged:
“Of course a problem exists and in case this problem
is not solved, various proposals will come out from various countries from time
to time and I think that the side which has not exhibited a will for the
solution until today should have to digest this”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Kucuk
will depart for the USA next Sunday
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.05.13)
reports that the self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of Cyprus, Irsen Kucuk will depart for the USA next Sunday where
he will stay for a week.
In statements yesterday Kucuk said that he will hold
contacts in Washington and New York and added that he briefed the “deputies”,
the “administrative committee” and the “council” of his party on this issue
yesterday.
Kucuk noted that he will participate in the
traditional Turkish Day Parade, which will be held in New York on 19 May. Kucuk
added that the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan will also visit the USA and
participate in the same parade, after meeting with President Obama on 16 May.
(I/Ts.)
3.The
natural resources of Cyprus is included on Erdogan’s agenda during his
forthcoming visit to the USA
Under the title: “He is going with 5
files”, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (09.05.13) reports on the official visit
of the Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Washington that will take place
between May 15-17 and writes that Erdogan travels to the USA with 5 different
files in his agenda.
According to the paper, the basic files
that Erdogan will put in his suitcase during his visit to Washington and the messages
he is expected to send are the following:
·
“The
flushing in Syria cannot continue anymore. The only red line is that there
should not be chemical weapons. Hundred thousand people died. What are we
expecting?
·
We
are expecting you to use you effect towards the Israeli government for the
peace in the region. We should together take action for the unity in Palestine.
Hamas’ transformation should start as soon as possible. We expect from you to
encourage Abbas.
·
The denominationalism
in Iran region becomes deeper. The nuclear talks dialogue should not be
abandoned.
·
On
Iraq, we expect that you will stop the support of Maliki to Iran. The first
contacts took place, now; it is Bagdad’s turn to take steps.
·
It
is unacceptable for the Greek Cypriot side to market the natural resources of
the island to Russia. If this is overlooked, then the Turkish side will
undertake his own steps. And the UN process will be unnecessary”.
Meanwhile, the paper underlines that the
Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu who is in Bosnia Herzegovina, held
yesterday a phone conversation with the USA Foreign Minister Kerry with whom he
discussed Erdogan’s visit to the USA. (...)
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4. Davutoglu
discusses Syrian issue and Kerry's contacts in Russia with US counterpart on
phone
Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.05.13) reports that
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who is currently in Bosnia and
Herzegovina to attend the Turkey-Bosnia Herzegovina-Serbia Foreign Ministers
Trilateral Consultation Meeting, held a telephone conversation with US
Secretary of State John Kerry late on Wednesday, according to diplomatic
sources.
Kerry gave information in regards to his talks with
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov,
as well as his thoughts about the Syrian issue.
Davutoglu and Kerry both stated that Syrian issue
would be handled thoroughly in light of the current developments during Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Washington visit.
5. Gul
stated that France prevented the opening of chapters for Turkey by hiding behind the Cyprus problem
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (09.05.13) reports
that the Turkish President Abdullah Gul made statements regarding Turkey’s EU
bid and answered questions regarding Ankara’s next steps on Cyprus.
Gul was asked how the constitutional and other
developments would affect the country’s relations with the EU, and what might
be the next steps in the Cyprus problem and other subjects. Gul replied as
follows:
“The suspension of the EU process, or the negotiation
process, is not because of Turkey, but the EU countries. EU countries are
mainly responsible for that. Some developed countries, especially France,
prevented the opening of some chapters by hiding behind the Cyprus issue. It
stems from the lack of strategy within the EU countries. Of course we see the
economic crisis in the EU but it has nothing to do with the blockage of the
negotiation process.
Also, the negotiation process does not bring full
membership, it only would result in a referendum, and political decisions will
be made with regard to it. We are telling our counterparts not to block the
process since it is not good for them, either. The country which completes the
negotiations is the one which validates all the EU criteria in itself. Such a
country does not suggest anything to be afraid of, instead, it should evoke
feelings of joy. We are asking the French whether their companies would
function better in a country where EU criteria are practiced or not. We tell
them that they are actually harming themselves.
Of course there is a lack of motivation for us. When
they did not open some chapters for inhibiting reasons, this is a prohibitive
attitude. I think we would help our country if we behave as if we open or close
the chapters by ourselves. The initiation of the negotiation process has made
great contributions to the point Turkish economy has reached. Implementing the
Maastricht and Copenhagen Criteria has made Turkey stronger. We
will revive the process”.
6. Turkish
EU Minister Bagis: "The chapter of 'social policy and employment' should
be opened"
Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.05.13) reports that
Turkish Minister of EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis, conveyed his
expectation to Laszlo Andor, EU commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and
Inclusion that the chapter of "social policy and employment" should
be opened to negotiations.
Bagis alleged that "technical blockage" in
addition to "political blockage" was experienced in Turkeys'
negotiations process with EU and he added that Turkey forged ahead with the
chapter of "social policy and employment", which should be assessed
by EU, thus the chapter should be opened. "Opening this chapter would
encourage Turkey to go on with its performance in this area," said Bagis.
Andor also talked about the chapters negotiated with
EU by Turkey and said, "Chapters were set out by Council of Europe, and
could not be changed. However, I am very happy about the performance and
development put forward by Turkey." Andor said that he will meet Turkish
Labour and Social Security Minister Faruk Celik about fulfilling the technical
criterions.
"We will assess together with Minister Celik how
to extend to further steps in this area," also said Andor.
7. Ozgurgun
met with ministers and officials on the sidelines of Turkish International
Defense Industry Fair
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (09.05.13)
reports that according to a statement issued by the “foreign ministry”, the
self-styled foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun who attended the IDEF-2013
11th International Defense Industry Fair
which took place at the Istanbul Tüyap Fair and Congress Center, had the chance
to talk with many ministers and high ranking officials while participating in a
cocktail hosted by the Turkish National Defense Minister at the Ciragan Palace.
Reporting on the same issue, illegal Bayrak (09.05.13)
broadcast that Ozgurgun stated that “a powerful defense system was essential
for peace to be secured in a country”. “If your defenses are weak then peace is
not possible”, he stated.
8. Turkey
and Azerbaijan signed an agreement on 5th generation war craft F-35
Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.05.13) reports that an
agreement was signed on Wednesday in the 11th International Defence Industry
Fair in Istanbul, between Turkey and Azerbaijan on fifth generation warcraft
F-35
According to the deal, signed by Turkish
Undersecretary of Defense Industry Murad Bayar and Minister of Defense Industry
of Azerbaijan Yavar Jamalov, MKE will produce Mp5-K machine gun, ROKETSAN
107-122 millimeter multiple rocket launcher and OTOKAR will be responsible for
cobra production.
Stating that Turkey and Azerbaijan are one nation and
two states, Turkish Minister of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz said, "Both
our economic and political relations are getting better. The deal that was
signed today is a declaration of a step to improve our already good
relations".
Yilmaz emphasized that the relations will be made
better with the production of Otokar, Roketsan and Machine and Chemical Industry
(MKE). His Azerbaijani counterpart Safar Abiyev said that it is a step for
closer relations in the future between two countries.
9. PKK
begins withdrawing from Turkey as part of settlement process
Turkish daily Zaman newspaper (09.05.13) report the
following on the issue of PKK’s withdrawal:
“All eyes on were on the Kurdistan Workers' Party
(PKK) on Wednesday as it reportedly began withdrawing its militants from the
country as a part of a settlement process launched by the Turkish government in
a bid to resolve the country's long-standing Kurdish problem.
At a news conference in the Kandil Mountains, a PKK
stronghold, in late April, the chief of the PKK's armed wing, Murat Karayılan,
and several of his deputies officially declared the withdrawal of their members
from Turkey would begin on May 8, adding that the PKK would keep its pledge
about the withdrawal with no hesitation.
Selahattin Demirtaş, co-chairperson of pro-Kurdish
Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), told Agence France-Presse on Wednesday that
the militants had "started moving." He earlier said the full
withdrawal of forces could take three to four months.
According to reports, militants were expected to take
shelter in the PKK camps in Zap, Avaşin and Metina in northern Iraq. […] It was
not immediately clear on Wednesday whether the PKK terrorists left the country
after laying down their weapons.
Commenting on the reported withdrawal of the PKK
terrorists, Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç said on Wednesday that the
important thing for the government was to see the end of the PKK's violence and
its withdrawal from the country, adding that the process is being closely
monitored by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT).
“What we had expected from this [settlement] process
was the PKK ceasing its violence and leaving the country by laying down its
weapons. The first has happened, now its withdrawal is in question. Kandil may
have its own calendar [for withdrawal]. We are certainly following whether this
[the PKK's withdrawal] has taken place via MİT. But we don't have any
information for the time being to show that the withdrawal has begun and say,
here are the images. The important thing for us was to see a result. We are
getting closer to a result,” he said.
A PKK statement, carried by the pro-PKK Fırat News
agency on Tuesday, confirmed that "a first group" of fighters will
leave Turkey on Wednesday and be settled in bases in northern Iraq within a
week. The group said it was pressing ahead with its decision to withdraw
despite what it called "provocative" acts by Turkey, including the
construction of military border posts, reconnaissance flights by unmanned
drones and the mobilization of troops in Turkey's Southeast. The statement did
not say how many militants would start withdrawing on Wednesday or when the
pullout would be completed. […]
In addition, Turkish daily Hürriyet Daily News
(09.05.13) reports that Jean-Maurice Ripert, the EU’s top envoy to Turkey, says
the Union is ready to assist if Turkey asks help in economic and social issues.
“We are ready to assist if we are asked to, including
the IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) that could be used in
financing some projects for the social, economic and cultural development of
the Southeast,” Jean-Maurice Ripert, the EU’s top envoy to Turkey told Ankara
bureau chiefs in a meeting, just a day before Europe Day on May 9.
10. Human
Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief president seeks at least $1 billion
from Israel for Mavi Marmara victims
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (09.05.13)
reports that Turkey should demand a biting sum of $1 billion from Israel as
compensation for its deadly raid on a Gaza-bound Turkish aid flotilla ship in
2010, according to the chairman of the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms
and Humanitarian Relief (İHH).
“Not only the martyrs, but also all of us, all
participants [in the flotilla] including the injured and heavily injured will
receive compensation. But we will receive a biting [sum of] compensation. A
state sent its warships towards us in front of the whole world. The amount of
compensation that should be given is not $1.5 million, but at least $1
billion,” Bülent Yıldırım, whose İHH led the 2010 humanitarian convoy, said while
speaking at a conference organized by Muş Alparslan University on Wednesday.
Yıldırım's statements come as Turkish and Israeli
officials are holding negotiations on the issue of how much Israel should pay
the families of the Mavi Marmara victims.
The chairman also criticized Turkey for opening
negotiations with Israel on the issue before the latter agreed to comply with
Ankara's original demand to lift the blockade of Gaza. Yıldırım said that the
lifting of the blockade has been put on the backburner due to pressure on
Turkey from the US for a quick normalization of ties with Israel.
“Yes, Israel has apologized, but it should also lift
the blockade; it has not lifted it. Instead Israel is offering small-scale
compensation,” he remarked.
11. New
director of EVKAF foundation was reportedly appointed upon Erdogan’s
instructions
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.05.13)
reports that Ibrahim Benter has been appointed to the post of the general
director of EVKAF religious foundation. The decision was taken yesterday by
EVKAF’s administrative council. Professor Benter will substitute Mustafa
Kaykamzade, who retired.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper
(09.05.13) reports that EVKAF’s new director is being brought from Kuwait upon
instructions by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The paper
argues that Benter was chosen by Turkey’s Religious Affairs Department and was
approved by Erdogan. The only job remained for the breakaway regime’s “council
of ministers” is to sign the decision, reports Afrika.
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Benter is of Cypriot origin, lives
in Kuwait and works at the Pharmaceutical Department of the University of
Kuwait’s Faculty of Medicine.
(I/Ts.)
12. Discomfort
exists for involvement of settlers’ associations in the distribution of the
regime’s “citizenship”
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (09.05.13)
reports that the Mesut Ayar, chairman of the Cultural and Solidarity
Association of the illegal Turkish settlers who had come to the occupied area
of Cyprus from Gaziantep, has expressed his discomfort for the fact that the
names of some associations of Turkish settlers “are mentioned in the
procedures” of distributing the “citizenship” of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of Cyprus.
In a written statement issued yesterday, Ayar said
that “the names of the associations that the people coming from Anatolia have
established with the aim of maintaining the culture of the area from which they
had come” should not be mentioned with the issue of the “citizenship” of the
breakaway regime.
He noted that the demands of some associations in the
direction of the “citizenship” procedures to be carried out through them cause
wearing of all associations in the Turkish Cypriot community. “Especially the
fact that some associations are referred with money or donation on the issue of
the citizenship is extremely thought provoking and meaningful”, he said and
added that there is no need for any association to mediate on the issue of the
“citizenship”, as the people who fulfill the necessary criteria become
“citizens” of the regime.
(I/Ts.)
13.The
occupation regime to carry out restoration works at the ancient port of
occupied Keryneia
Under the front-page title: “New face
for the ancient port of Keryneia”, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (09.05.13)
reports that the so-called ministry of tourism in the occupied area of Cyprus,
has signed yesterday together with Telsim (Vodafone mobile Operations LTD),
[Translator’s note: a company that provide mobile telecommunication services in
the occupied area of Cyprus], a preliminary protocol which envisages the
recreation of the ancient port of occupied Keryneia.
The protocol was signed by the so-called
minister of tourism, environment and culture, Unal Ustel and the general
director of Vodafone Mobile Operations Ltd, Rasim Karas.
In statements after the signing of the
protocol, the so-called minister Ustel said that they will are exerting efforts
to restore the appearance of the ancient port of Keryneia and added that in the
framework of the works to take place they will modernize the administration
building of the port, the infrastructure of the breakwaters, the gang board and
the dock e.t.c. Ustel went on and stated that the works for the renovation of
the ancient port of Keryneia are expected to be completed by the end of June
and said that when the works will be completed the port will be modernized.
AK
14. Asil
Nadir renounced his British citizenship in order to return to Turkey
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (09.05.13)
reports that Turkish Cypriot businessman Asil Nadir, who is currently in
Belmarsh Prison in the UK, has overcome another obstacle in his way to return
to Turkey by denouncing his British citizenship.
According to information published in Turkish Takvim
newspaper, the Turkish Minister of Justice, Sadullah Ergin asked from his
country’s Ambassador to London, Unal Cevikoz to launch an initiative in order
for Nadir to be taken away from Britain. Cevikoz filed an application and asked
from Nadir to abandon his British citizenship. Nadir renounced this citizenship
and handed over his British passport and identity card. Thus, the only obstacle
for Nadir’s returning to Turkey was lifted, according to the paper.
After these developments, the Turkish Consul in London
met with Nadir in prison. During the meeting Nadir told Demirok that he would
like to spend the rest of his sentence in Istanbul. Turkey’s demand is
currently before the British Minister of Justice.
(I/Ts.)
15. Busy
day in the UBP; Early “elections” are out of the question
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.05.13)
reports that the self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of Cyprus, Irsen Kucuk met yesterday withthe “deputies”, the
“administrative committee” and the “council” of his party.
In statements after these meetings, Kucuk said that
holding early “elections” in the occupied area of Cyprus is out of the
question. Recalling that the “elections” are planned for April 2014, Kucuk
noted that they have anyway entered into the year of the “elections”, because
even if they decide today to hold early “elections”, eleven months remained
until the [regular] “elections” and the restrictions for the “elections” will
start after nine months. “This means that we have already entered into the
election year… Early elections are out of the question”, he said.
Kucuk noted that they have reached an agreement on the
issue of becoming more active in the “parliament” in which more than 100
“draft-laws” are waiting to be discussed. He said that they will limit the summer
vacations to one month. Referring to the issue of the post of the general
secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), Kucuk pointed out that this issue
is still open and that no name was mentioned or discussed for this post.
The opponent of Kucuk for the post of the president of
the party during the recent congress, “deputy” in occupied Famagusta, Ahmet
Kasif offered his support to Kucuk’s statement that early “elections” will not
be held and pointed out to the economic problems which the breakaway regime is
facing. “With early elections these problems will increase”, he argued.
Referring to the allegations that are heard as regards
his supporters’ demands on the issue of the new general secretary of the UBP,
Kasif said that they have not suggested any name. He added, however, that they
expect the solution of this issue before Kucuk’s visit to the USA and they want
consensus to be reached on a name for this post until tomorrow. He noted that a
consensus could be reached just like it had happened during the previous
“election” or they could find two or three candidates.
(I/Ts.)
16.GATAA
held its first meeting in the occupied area of Cyprus; KITSAB signed an
agreement with MATTA
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper
(09.05.13) reports that the Global Alliance of Travel Agent Association
(GATAA), an association which was established in May last year in Vienna, held
its first administration board meeting in the occupied area of Cyprus. The
meeting took place between May 3-6.
Among the participants writes the paper,
were the general secretary of GATAA Ahmet Necati Ozkan who made the opening
speech. Also the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Travel Agent’s Union (KITSAB),
Orhan Tolun, the so-called minister of tourism, environment and culture Unal
Ustel were participated and delivered speeches. In his message during the
meeting, the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu pointed out to the importance
of the fact that the first meeting of the administration board of GATAA took
place in the occupation regime and stressed that this is a positive development
for the lifting of the “implemented isolations”.
Moreover, as the paper writes, during
the meeting, a cooperation protocol between KITSAB and the Malaysian
Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) was signed. This agreement
writes the paper paves the way for cooperation between travel agents in
Malaysia and travel agents in the occupation regime.
AK
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
