TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 111/13 17-15/06/13
1.
Written statement by Turkey’s MFA
on the Republic of Cyprus’ drilling activities on parcel 12
2.
AKP party held two rallies in Istanbul and Ankara; Erdogan sent strong messages
in his speeches
3.
Clashes in Istanbul and Ankara continued
over the week-end
4.
Bar Association announced that 400 people detained in Istanbul clashes;
Istanbul’s governor denied allegation for doctors being detained
5.
One-day nationwide strike by trade unions in Turkey
6.
Taksim Solidarity Platform to "keep
their demands" and continue struggle
7.
Bagis claims Gezi protests planned six months ago
8.
Survey reveals growing public apprehension in Turkey over democratic process
–AKP’s support has come down 11%
9.
How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the incidents in Turkey during this
weekend
10.
How the Turkish press covers the Gezi park protests
11.
CHP’s Deputy Chairman to hold
talks in Washington over the Gezi Park protests; Kilicdaroglu is expected to
visit the USA as well
12.
Undersecretary of Turkey’s MFFA to discuss the latest developments in Syria in
a visit to Moscow
13. So-called interim
“cabinet” conveyed for the first time
14.
New “foreign minister” once said that the breakaway regime is an obstacle for
the solution of the Cyprus problem
15.
Denktas: a strong “state” is the key for a just and lasting solution
16. A Greek Cypriot
fisherman is arrested by the occupation regime
17.
International Famagusta Art and Culture Festival begins today
18.
Soli ruins under danger due to a fire in the region
19.
Radio Havadis started to broadcast in occupied Cyprus
1.
Written statement by Turkey’s MFA
on the Republic of Cyprus’ drilling activities on parcel 12
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency
(15.06.13) Turkey has warned “Greek Cyprus”, as the Republic of Cyprus is
called, against its recent unilateral move to extract natural gas and oil
reserves off of Cyprus, saying the move disregards the rights of Turkish
Cypriots, who have their “own state” in the north of the island.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a
statement on Friday: “It is understood that the Greek Cypriot government has
recently started second drilling activities to search for hydrocarbon reserves
in its so-called exclusive economic zone known as Parcel 12. This activity is
the continuation of Greek Cyprus' irresponsible, provocative and unilateral
moves in the region in disregarding the rights of North Cypriot Turks on these
reserves.”
The statement added that the Greek
Cypriot's unilateral moves to extract reserves show that the Greek side cannot
work in collaboration with the Cypriot Turks. “We can no longer let the
50-year-old Cyprus problem continue,” it said.
(…)
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also
referred to a statement they published on March 23, 2013 regarding the energy
row, saying a two-state solution was possible if the Greek side did not want to
cooperate with the Turkish Cypriots in the north. “If the Greek Cypriots are to
act unilaterally regarding the natural resources to the south of the island,
and if they do not desire a partnership with the Turkish Cypriots, it could
also be ready for the negotiation of a two-state solution,” the Foreign Ministry
suggested in the earlier statement.
Turkey insists that the only acceptable
solution to the dispute over Cyprus' hydrocarbon reserves is through a proposal
earlier set out by the Turkish Cypriot government. The proposal, offered twice
by the Turkish Cypriots -- once in 2011 and again 2012 -- calls for the
establishment of a committee of representatives from Turkish and Greek Cyprus,
as well as the United Nations, to determine how the hydrocarbon reserves of the
island should be used.
2.
AKP party held two rallies in Istanbul and Ankara; Erdogan sent strong
messages in his speeches
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency
(16.06.13) Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed on Sunday
millions at the Justice and Development (AK) Party rally under the theme:
"Let's spoil the big game and write history" in Istanbul. Erdogan
said: "If international media want a picture of Turkey, the picture is
here," at the opening of his party's rally.
He noted that the international media,
CNN, Reuters, BBC should hide this
picture too and underlined, "Hundreds of thousands here are not like the
vandalists with petrol-bombs in their hands."
"International media is alone with
their lies", Erdogan declared and reminded: "Even though the court
may make a decision against us, we will still hold a plebiscite for Taksim Gezi
Park".
He said: "They cheer us from the
ships in Bosporus, saying we are by your side not only at Gezi but
everywhere", and warned that they will identify social media provocateurs
one by one, asking the people: "What are the foreigners coming from
various places of the world doing in Taksim?"
Erdogan said: "We know very well
who sent 30 thousand food boxes to Taksim". Turkey is not a nation that
will be punished by a parliament incapable of recognizing Turkey",
referring to EP's decision, Erdogan highlighted.
He asked the question, "those who
seek destroying public order are called "Capulcu" (Chapuller means
plunderers) Aren't they capulcu, then?" and declared: "Those who
terrorized for 18 days will pay the price within the boundaries of law".
Erdogan also added the following:
"Firstly they attacked the building of AK Party in Ankara, then killed 53
in Reyhanli town, now they appeared in Gezi Park".
Erdogan reminded that bus stations in
Ankara were destroyed and more than 200 cars were burned during the protests
and added, "This country is not just an ordinary land. You cannot hold a
rally wherever you wish. You can, where it is allowed", Erdogan said
explaining that clearing Gezi Park is "my duty as Prime Minister".
"I said, clear off here otherwise
we will do it, whatever the price, despite the terrorist organizations" he
warned and reminded that Gezi Park has been emptied now, "Taksim and Gezi
Park were submitted to the nation".
Erdogan underlined also that the
"Turkish nation made price paid for May 27 and February 28 at the ballot
box", adding that no dirty scenario can hurt the Turkish nation and that
Turkey is not a country that international media can play games on.
He appealed to the local and foreign
press to be honest and ethical, and explained the plans about Gezi Park:
"We will construct a city museum at Taksim, 500 trees will stand there,
while the others will decorate the site".
Erdogan said in Istanbul that those who
can't absorb Turkey's development, started destabilizing by using excuse of
environment and that they will never succeed and noted: "we came to power
by 50% of votes but represent 100% and
reminded that in this country, minority cannot dominate majority. “We also do not
say ‘YES’ to the domination of majority over minority”, he added.
He told the crowd: "I want you to
display the flag of Turkey at your balconies. This is a flag campaign. You will
give the best response to them".
Meanwhile, according to Ankara Anatolia
news agency (15.06.13) Prime Minister Erdogan gave a speech at the “Respect to
National Will” rally held in Ankara.
Referring to Turkey's turbulent
political history of coups, Erdogan stated, "Have no worries. We have
embarked on this path in our funerary shroud."
During his speech, he expressed
solidarity towards those around the world supportive of democratic efforts in
Turkey by stating: “I thank my friends in Europe and US, who share this
excitement with us." He also expressed gratitude toward the opposition
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)
for demonstrating their support for the will of the Turkish people.
"Those who want to hear the voice
of silent people, pay attention to Ankara," Erdogan asserted. "The
people of Turkey protect their government. The people of Turkey protect their
democracy and willpower".
Erdogan emphasized the need for Turkey
to stand together and not be susceptible to manipulation. “You saw the game
played against our nation, you felt the trap, you understood the real target of
the attacks,” he said. He urged the need to be united, adding: "We will
not allow Turkey’s split city by city, village by village, region by region,
and turn against each other."
“Quite different calculations, games and
traps are at stake,” he cautioned.
In his speech, Erdogan also addressed the twin
bombings in the town of Reyhanli.
His speech also included a condemnation
of the international media’s presentation of the events, denouncing how
"International media showed every kind of insincerity."
Erdogan emphasized the role of the
government to its people in his speech saying: “You gave us a deposit. That
deposit is holy to us. We will not let it down. No one can scare us.”
Once again taking aim at interest
lobbies and special interest groups, he told the people: “No capital holding
group or interest rate lobby can scare us, can lead us to take steps
backwards."
3.
Clashes in Istanbul and Ankara
continued over the week-end
According to Ankara Anatolia news
ageyncy (16.06.13) police and protesters briefly clashed on Elmada Street near
Taksim Square. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a crowd
trying to enter Gezi Park. At least one protester was injured and hospitalized.
Riot police completely shut down all
avenues leading to Taksim Square. Taksim metro station has been closed. A group
of protesters who crossed the Bosporus Bridge to march towards Taksim Square
briefly clashed with riot police in Harbiye near Taksim Square.
Directorate of Parks and Gardens staff
of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality planted new species of flowers instead of
the removed ones during the protests around Taksim Square and Republic
Monument. The protesters damaged the trees and flowers in Harbiye, Istanbul
during the demonstrations.
The cleaning teams also wiped off the
graffiti by painting the walls.
Before the AKP rally, a thousand riot
police officers were deployed to Istanbul from Diyarbakır, Sırnak, Siirt,
Elazıg and Ankara. The riot police, which arrived at Istanbul's Atatürk airport
Sunday morning, were deployed to several districts in the city with 14 buses.
Authorities say at least 350 police on
duty in the airport were also deployed to central İstanbul.
Also, the Turkish police have used tear
gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators in Ankara on Sunday. The
protesters blocked the Ataturk and GKM boulevards near central Kızılay Square
in the capital.
The clashes followed a spat between
protesters and police, who refused to let the demonstrators hold a ceremony to
commemorate Ethem Sarısuluk, a 26-year-old protester who died in Ankara last
week after remaining on life support for nearly two weeks.
Security forces intervened in the
protesters with water cannons and tear gas as they drove protesters out of
Istanbul's Taksim Square.
Meanwhile, issuing a statement on the
incidents in Istanbul, Istanbul Governorship said that security forces
intervened in the protesters with water cannons and tear gas as they drove
protesters out of Istanbul's Taksim Square.
The incidents left 46 injured including
2 policemen.
"Tonight, in the incidents that
occurred after the intervention of police, 44 citizens have been injured so
far. Two security forces were also injured by shooting", said a statement,
adding that security forces warned the protestors about the clearing out at
Taksim Gezi Park before the tear gas and water cannon intervention.
Police warned the demonstrators as:
"Please clear the Gezi Park. We do not want anybody to get hurt. It is an
illegal rally. Please clear the park" during the intervention.
Some injured protestors were sent to the
hospital while the others were intervened in the ambulances.
Protests for Taksim Gezi Park took also
place in Ankara, Izmir, Denizli, Manisa and Adana.
4.
Bar association announced that 400 people detained in Istanbul clashes;
Istanbul’s governor denied allegation for doctors being detained
Ankara Anatolia news agency (17/06.13)
reported that an official at the city's bar association said on Monday that the
Turkish police detained 441 people in connection with clashes in Istanbul on
Sunday between police and demonstrators protesting against the government.
Throughout Sunday, police in Turkey's
largest city fired water cannon and tear gas at thousands of anti-government
demonstrators seeking to enter Istanbul's central Taksim Square. An official
from the Ankara bar association said 56 people were detained in the capital.
Meanwhile, according to Ankara Anatolia
news agency (17.06.13) Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu said, in response
to allegations that 3 doctors were arrested for treating the protesters,
"they are not doctors, but people with 7 robbery crimes wearing doctor
uniforms".
Mutlu announced from his twitter account
that the news about detainment of 3 doctors who treated the wounded people took
place on several media organs, and said: "They wear doctor uniforms, but
have nothing to do with being doctor and health sector."
Turkish Bar Association calls on int'l
institutions to take action over police treatment in Turkey.
Also, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(16.06.13) reported that the Turkish Bar Association’s administrative body has
called on the Council of Europe head to request an explanation from the Turkish
government on the role of the security forces during the ongoing protests
around the country, as a result of an emergency meeting June 16.
The association called on the Secretary
General of the Council of Europe to take action about "statements made by
the Turkish government that raise tensions and escalate violence and the bad
treatment of people by the authorities and the security forces.”
The demand was based on Article 52 of
the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,
which permits the Secretary General of the Council of Europe the right to
request Turkey to "furnish an explanation of the manner in which its
internal law ensures the effective implementation of any of the provisions of
the Convention."
The Bar Association also said it would
be applying to a number of other international institutions.
The Bar Association has also decided to
launch judicial and administrative investigations into officials who had opened
a preliminary inquiry into the health care teams helping injured protesters
during the clashes.
Meanwhile, administrative and judicial
applications will be made by the association regarding public emergency medical
teams who “neglected their duty” by not building emergency medical centres in
the areas during the events, according to the statement.
The Bar Association also vowed to
continue an active dialogue with the bar heads and to take further steps, if
deemed necessary.
5.
One-day nationwide strike by trade unions in Turkey
Ankara Anatolia news agency (17.06.13)
reported that two Turkish union federations said on Sunday that they would
stage a one-day nationwide strike on Monday, in protest at the forced eviction
by riot police of hundreds of anti-government demonstrators from an Istanbul
park.
The Confederation of Public Workers'
Unions (KESK), which has some 240,000 members in 11 unions, and the
Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions (DİSK) announced the strike in a
joint statement. Three other groups representing doctors, engineers and dentists
will also join the action, the statement said.
6.
Taksim Solidarity Platform to
"keep their demands" and continue struggle
Ankara Anatolia news agency (15.06.13)
reported that the Taksim Solidarity Platform in a written statement said that
they would continue to be a close follower of their demands related to the Gezi
Park protests.
Pointing out that the protests which
started in reaction to a construction project in Taksim, Istanbul turned into
nation-wide demonstrations, the platform said: "This is just the
beginning, we continue to struggle."
"We are continuing our struggle to
protect the whole living creatures, our park, city and our freedom on the 18th
day of the protests. We will continue to be a close follower of our demands.
Our platform is more powerful, organized and hopeful now" said the
platform.
7.
Bagis claims Gezi protests planned six months ago
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency
(16.06.13), Turkey's Minister of European Union Affairs and Chief Negotiator
Egemen Bagis, speaking to a private television channel on Sunday said that the
Gezi Park protests were planned six months ago, adding “In fact, this (the
protests) is an effort to trigger a move which will be concluded as regime
change in Turkey. The protests were planned six months ago.”
Bagis also stated that everyone was in a
struggle for soothing the protests that were started in reaction to a
construction project in Taksim, Istanbul but which turned into nation-wide
demonstrations.
Pointing out that there was a game played
against Turkish nation, Bagis emphasized: “The demonstrations occurred in the
most successful period of Turkey.”
Meanwhile, Turkish daily Milliyet
(17.06.13) reports that Bagis, in the same television programme, called all the
citizens who support the Gezi Park protests to return to their homes. He added
that they will have to connect any person, who remains at the Gezi Park after
this hour, with a terrorist organization.
8.
Survey reveals growing public apprehension in Turkey over democratic process
–AKP’s support has come down 11%
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper
(16.06.13) reports that a recent survey conducted by the MetroPOLL Strategic
and Social Research Centre reveals that the Turkish public is increasingly
concerned about the government encroachment into democratic space with a
perception concerning lifestyle interference gaining in strength.
The poll was conducted from June 3-12 by
telephone among a random national sampling of 2,818 adults residing in cities,
towns and villages. The margin of error for the overall poll is 2 percentage
points, and the confidence level is 95 percent.
In the nationwide survey, the government
scored low on democratic credentials as almost half of respondents (49.9
percent) said the government is moving towards an authoritarian and repressive
style of governance, while 36 percent said the government is progressing on
further democratization; 14.2 percent did not respond or said they do not have
any opinion on that issue.
People who thought the government is
interfering into their lifestyle constituted a majority with 54.4 percent
against those who think otherwise with 40.4 percent. In addition, 49.7 percent
of respondents said they have no concerns about revealing their political
views, while 46.7 percent said they are worried about expressing their views.
The poll also seemed to suggest that the
public's support for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has
come down some 11 percent in June 2013 compared to the same month a year ago,
while the popularity of Erdoğan took a blow with a 7 percent drop in his
popularity in just a month. Most people see Erdoğan's tone as harsh and
confrontational. The government's Syrian policy remains unpopular as well.
Yet the AK Party is still the most
popular party among the electorate, and if elections were held tomorrow, it
would still lead the polls.
When asked to identify the reason for
the start and later escalation of the protests, 20.1 percent of respondents in
the MetroPOLL survey said the government was to be blamed for that followed by
Erdoğan whom 16.9 percent of those polled identified as the cause.
Since Erdoğan also represents the
government as the prime minister, the survey concludes that the public believes
the government mishandled the protests and let it escalate into nationwide
protests.
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the
main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP),
was named as the third reason for the cause of protests by 9.5 percent of
respondents. The CHP has not
officially endorsed the protests and tried to put distance between itself and
demonstrations that turned into violence and vandalism later. However, various
statements by Kılıçdaroğlu and other CHP
leaders have clearly indicated the party's support for protests albeit unofficially.
Government claims that external forces,
terror groups, provocateurs and social media actually instigated protests were
not found to be credible by most respondents. Only 3.2 percent of respondents
said unidentified external or internal powers were behind the protests, while
1.8 percent said provocateurs and instigators provoked the protests. Those who
believe media or social media were behind the incidents ranked lowest in the
survey with 0.6 percent.
The MetroPOLL survey indicated that most
people found Erdoğan's tone and remarks about the Gezi Park protests to be
“confrontational and provocative” (with 49.6 percent), while a significant
percentage (31.4 percent) said it was “conciliatory and soothing.” The
remainder (19 percent) either did not respond to the question or said they had
no opinion on that.
The survey also made clear that the
public overwhelmingly disapproves of government plans to rebuild an old
military barracks in Taksim Square and adjacent Gezi Park area, with 62.9
percent of respondents saying they want to see the green space remain intact,
while 23.3 percent support the restoration of the old barracks. Interestingly
enough, a majority of those who said they voted for the ruling AK Party were
against the building plans; 41.6 percent of people who voted for the AK Party
in the June 2011 elections said they opposed the government plans, while 38.3
of AK Party supporters said they favor the plans.
The public divided almost evenly on the
legitimacy of the protest movement that turned into nationwide demonstrations;
44.4 percent said they found the people's reactions were justified, while 45.5
percent disagreed with that. The same pattern was also recorded on responses to
a question on whether the police had used excessive force against protestors.
But a majority (51.2 percent) said those who are responsible for using
excessive force must resign.
Most polled (51.7 percent) said the
protests will impact how they vote in upcoming local elections, set for March
2014.
Overall, 62.1 percent of respondents
said the media did not cover events fairly. The AK Party blamed the media for
exaggerating events or providing biased reporting against the government, while
the CHP accused the media of
censorship. The majority of those surveyed also said they believe the press is
not free in Turkey, with 53.3 percent versus 41.1 percent.
A majority of people in Turkey did not
approve of the government's policy with regard to Syria, with 54.2 percent
saying that they oppose the Syrian policy, while only 27.4 percent favor the
government position.
Among other questions posed to
respondents was a query about a possible switch to a presidential system.
Almost 43 percent said Turkey should not switch to a presidential system, with
30.9 percent declaring their support for a presidential system. In April
polling data by MetroPOLL, support for a presidential system was 35.2 percent.
The public overwhelmingly supports
naming the third bridge to be built over the Bosporus in İstanbul after Yavuz
Sultan Selim, an Ottoman sultan, with 63.5 percent approving and 26.9 percent
disapproving.
MetroPOLL also questioned respondents on
ongoing efforts to draft a new constitution. A full 59.8 percent said they
would not approve of the AK Party cooperating with the pro-Kurdish Peace and
Democracy Movement (BDP) on the new constitution. Only 29.6 percent said they
would approve of such cooperation. Moreover, 41.7 percent said Turkey needs a
new political party, while 52.8 percent said they disagree with that.
Pollsters also questioned respondents
about their voting preferences. Asked which political party they would vote for
if general elections were held this Sunday, 35.3 percent said they would vote
for the AK Party. According to the poll, the CHP
would receive 22.7 percent of the vote. The MHP
would receive 14.5 percent of the vote, while the BDP would get 6.2 percent. In
addition, 7.6 percent said they are undecided, while 5.9 percent did not
respond. MetroPOLL said splitting the undecided votes at the ballot box would
provide additional support for the political parties.
According to the survey, 72.5 percent of the
respondents said they like President Abdullah Gül most among existing political
figures. Gül was followed by Erdoğan with 53.5 percent, Kılıçdaroğlu 26.7
percent and Devlet Bahçeli 29.3 percent. Erdoğan lost almost 7 percentage
points from the April poll conducted by MetroPOLL.
9.
How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the incidents in Turkey during this
weekend
The Turkish Cypriot press gives extensive
coverage to the developments that took place in Turkey during this weekend.
Under the title “Incidents did not
stop”, daily Kibris newspaper
(17.06.13) reports that after the police intervention at Gezi Park in Istanbul,
protests were organized in many areas of Turkey all day long yesterday.
According to the paper, many persons were injured because of the pressured
water and the gas bombs used by the police.
Kibris writes that addressing a rally
with the participation of tens of thousands of his supporters in Istanbul’s
Zeytinburnu area, Prime Minister Erdogan argued that the recent developments
showed that the Gezi Park incidents were not a simple protest regarding the
protection of the environment and alleged that all these are “a game of those
who cannot tolerate Turkey’s growing and developing”. Erdogan said that he
would call some people to account.
According to Kibris, after the police
intervention at Gezi Park the night before yesterday, some organizations in the
occupied area of Cyprus marched to the Turkish so-called embassy in occupied
Lefkosia and held a “sitting demonstration” until morning in support of the
protestors in Turkey. Last night they also marched towards the “embassy”, but
they came face to face with self-styled police’s barricades. The demonstrators
sat down in the street and continued their protest.
Under the title “General strike for
solidarity”, daily Halkin Sesi
newspaper (17.06.13) reports that while the incidents at Gezi Park continue,
Turkish Cypriot “civil servants’” trade union (KTAMS), decided to go on strike
today between 09.00 and 12.00 in the morning in order to express its solidarity
with the people of Turkey. According to
the paper, Istanbul reminded of a battlefield as of last night and many people
were injured as a result of police’s intervention. Halkin Sesi reports that
Erdogan described the protestors as “terrorists” during the rally of his party
last night under the name of “Respect the National Will”. Erdogan said that he
had given to the police the order to clean up the Taksim Square and Gezi Park.
“I will call to account the hotels which distributed food to the demonstrators
and helped them”, he said adding that “we will investigate those who had made
provocations in the social media”.
Under the title “Rehearsal for crime”,
daily Afrika newspaper (17.06.13)
reports that after the suppression of the resistance at Gezi Park, a “witches
hunting” started in Turkey and even doctors wearing white smock who tried to
help the wounded were detained. According to the paper, “Erdogan, who showed
his power with the support of the army, has put an end to democracy”. Comparing the crowds gathered at Erdogan’s
rallies with the crowds that had gathered once for Hitler in Germany, Afrika
wonders whether the Turkish people is going mad, like the German people did
during Hitler’s period.
Afrika reports also that the Alevites’
Cultural Association in the occupied area of Cyprus protested to the use of gas
bombs and dangerous chemicals against the people in Turkey.
According to Afrika (16.06.13), after
the incidents on Saturday, the European Union is expected to interrupt Turkey’s
accession negotiations and the Council of Europe to expel Turkey.
Under the title “Cyprus message to
Taksim”, daily Yeni Duzen publishes
on its front page two big pictures from the demonstrations in the occupied area
of Cyprus.
Under the title “Istanbul aroused”,
daily Ortam (17.06.13) reports that
the protest at Gezi Park blazed up again on the 19th day of the
first incidents at Gezi Park as a result of police’s intervention.
Under the title “Tension continues”,
daily Vatan (17.06.13) reports that
demonstrations continued until this morning in many Turkish big cities, such as
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana and Konya. Protestors were shouting slogans such
as “We will take Taksim back”, “AKP resign” and “We are the soldiers of Mustafa
Kemal”.
Daily
Gunes (17.06.13) publishes a big picture of
Erdogan’s rally in Istanbul under the title “Tremendous crowd”. The paper
reports also that the association of the Turkish settlers, who came to the
occupied area of Cyprus from Turkey’s Hatay region, issued a statement
supporting Prime Minister Erdogan and his government. The settlers said that
the ‘TRNC” is saddened due to the incidents in Istanbul and they state that
they are not “plunderers”. “We are taking a side, we support the government of
the Republic of Turkey and its Prime Minister”, the statement said.
(I/Ts.)
10.
How the Turkish press cover the Gezi park protests
The main issues covered at today’s
Turkish dailies (17.06.13) are the speech by Turkish Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdoganh at “Respect to National Will” rally in Kazlicesme, Istanbul, as
well as the clashes between the Gezi Park protesters and the security forces in
Istanbul and in Ankara.
HURRIYET
daily, under the title “Dangerous obstinacy”, reports that the incidents in
Istanbul started in the police with the police intervening to those who wanted
to go to Taksim square. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to those
who gathered at Istiklal road. The paper also reports that at the same time,
Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at the rally, criticized
harshly the Gezi Park protesters by saying “We’ll identify one by one and we’ll
call them to account”.
SABAH
daily, under the title “The target of these games is Turkey”, reports that it
was the biggest rally in the history of the Republic of Turkey and citing
Erdogan as saying “We know very well who sent 30 thousand food boxes to Taksim,
sheltered the terrorists in their hotels and the provocateurs of the social
media”.
On Sunday the Turkish dailies mainly
covered Erdogan’s speech at Sincan and the call by the Taksim Solidarity
Platform to continue the protests.
RADIKAL
daily, under the title “A new era at Gezi”, reported that the Taksim Solidarity
Platform decided to continue to struggle for Gezi Park. The paper, under the
title “Empty Taksim”, reported that Erdogan threatened the protesters at Gezi
Park by saying “If you don’t empty Taksim square by tomorrow, then the security
forces will do what they should do”.
MILLIYET
daily, under the title “We will call them to
account at the ballot box”, reported that Erdogan, during the rally “Respect
for the national will” at Sincan, reacted at the Gezi Park protesters by saying
that they will present to the nation this network of treachery.
HURRIYET
daily, under the title “Empty”, reports that the Taksim Solidarity Platform
decided yesterday to continue the “struggle”, adding that only three hours
later from the warning of Erdogan that if they don’t empty the Gezi Park, they
will empty, police forces entered the Gezi Park. The paper also reports the
statement by Erdogan that in case they don’t empty the Park, then the security
forces of Turkey know how to empty a place.
SABAH
daily, under the title “A secret coalition at
Gezi”, reported on Erdogan’s statement that there is a network of
treachery.
TARAF
on Sunday came out with a front page that
included photos of penguins. The newspaper said it is launching a new poll in
social media and asking its readers to decide if the newspaper should continue
publishing stories related to MİT. The newspaper said it will continue
publishing stories about penguins in case of negative result as a result of the
polling, calling it “plebiscite,” in a reference to a recent controversial
government decision to hold a plebiscite to decide on the fate of an
Ottoman-era barracks in Taksim's Gezi Park, flashpoint and origin of 20-day
protests and clashes across Turkey.
11.
CHP’s Deputy Chairman to hold talks in Washington over the Gezi Park
protests; Kilicdaroglu is expected to visit the USA as well
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet
Daily News (17.06.13) a Republican People’s Party (CHP)
delegation headed by the Party’s Deputy Head Faruk Logoglu, will pay a visit to
Washington in July, before Party leader Kemal Kılıcdaroglu’s visit to the
United States, as the party hardly criticizes the government about its stance
over the Gezi protests.
Logoglu, a former Ambassador to the
U.S., will have talks in Washington next month about many issues, including the
Gezi Park protests, Kılıcdaroglu told the Hurriyet Daily News on June 15, at a
tete-a-tete meeting about the ongoing protests in the country. Kılıcdaroğlu
said the details of the meeting were still being discussed.
Kılıcdaroglu is planning to hold a visit
to the United States at an undecided date and the details of this visit will be
also discussed during the CHP
delegation’s talks in July, Logoglu told the Daily News on June 15. The CHP delegation headed by Logoglu will have talks
with the U.S. Congress, State Department and some NGOs, Logoglu said. Various
issues such as terror, the Gezi Park protests and Syria are expected to be on
the agenda during Logoglu’s meetings.
“The CHP
is making the visit upon invitation, but the official invitation has not
reached them yet”, he added.
Meanwhile, Kılıcdaroglu said in a
written statement yesterday on his party’s website that Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan intended to claim Turkey’s for himself, due to his unstoppable
personal ambition and dictatorial understanding. He also said that following
the orders of the Prime Minister, was a crime in terms of international norms,
as “the prime minister does not hesitate in dragging the country into a civil
war for his own interests.”
Speaking to members of the foreign media
on June 15 in Istanbul, Kılıçdaroğlu said his party would call anyone who uses
pressure on their citizens a “dictator,” regardless of the country.
12.
Undersecretary of Turkey’s MFFA to discuss the latest developments in Syria in
a visit to Moscow
Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.06.13)
reported that the undersecretary of Turkish Foreign Ministry Feridun
Sinirlioglu, will travel to Moscow on Monday to discuss the latest situation in
Syria and regional developments.
A written statement issued by the
Ministry said that Sinirlioglu will visit Russia's capital Moscow on 17-18 of
June, upon the invitation of Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mikhail
Bogdanov.
The latest situation of the Syrian
crisis and regional developments will be at the top of the agenda in the meeting.
13.
So-called interim “cabinet” conveyed for the first time
According to illegal Bayrak television
(15.06.13) the so-called prime minister Sibel Siber’s interim cabinet which
convened for the first time yesterday, took a series of striking decisions
regarding domestic issues.
Among the decisions taken was the
cancellation of the leasing of the old Zeyko olive oil factory and the
stripping of famous Turkish TV star’s Necati Sasmaz’s title as honorary
“Cultural Attaché” of the “TRNC”.
Necati Sasmaz a popular television
series actor who plays the lead role in the ‘Valley of the Wolves’, a Turkish
series, had been promoted to his post by ex-so-called prime minister, İrsen
Kucuk.
In addition, the “council of ministers”
announced that it lifted an obligation for “citizens” travelling abroad to use
the “TRNC” or Turkish passports.
The “interim cabinet” also introduced a
series of restrictions and limitations regarding the use of “state registered
vehicles”.
Speaking after yesterday’s cabinet
meeting, so-called prime minister Sibel Siber said that the new “government”
will abide by the principles of transparency and accountability.
Touching upon the decision to cancel a
lease issued by the previous government for the old Zeyko olive oil factory in
Karakum [occupied Karakoumi], she explained that the previous UBP government, two days after a “motion of no
confidence” had been filed against it, had unlawfully turned the factory into
“state property” and had it leased for 49 years.
On the issue of travel, she said that
requirement for “citizens” to use the “TRNC”or Turkish passports when
travelling abroad, for the exception of civil servants travelling on official
business, had been removed.
Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television
(14.06.13) broadcast the the so-called prime minister Sibel Siber and the
“members of her cabinet” started their duties today (on Friday) at their
“ministries”.
Siber arrived at the so-called prime
ministry where she took over the post while the outgoing so-called prime
minister and “ministers” from the National Unity Party, in act of protest, did
not attend the handover ceremonies.
Speaking to the press shortly after
arriving at the so-called prime ministry office, Sibel Siber said she has taken
on a very honourable duty and added: “I wish Mr. Kucuk would have been here
with us so that he could handover his duty, but I’m sure he has an important
excuse. I would like to express my highest respects to him”, Siber said.
14.
New “foreign minister” once said that the breakaway regime is an obstacle
for the solution of the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper
(17.06.13) reports that the following a statement made by the new “ministry of
foreign affairs” Kutlay Erk that he was forced to leave a room in 2003 during a
meeting of the “foreign ministry” on the thoughts he expressed on the Cyprus
problem, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, who was the “foreign minister” at the time, made
some statements on the issue.
According to the paper, Ertugruloglu,
stated that during a meeting Erk said the following: “According to me the TRNC
is the only obstacle in front of the solution of the Cyprus problem”.
Ertugruloglu on his part replied to Erk that he can tell him these kinds of
things in private, but he cannot talk in this manner for the “TRNC”. “I told
him get out and he went out”, Ertugruloglu said.
15.
Denktas: a strong “state” is the key for a just and lasting solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(17.06.13) reports that the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG) has held
the second of its coordination meetings for the “elections” of the 28th
of July. According to a written statement issued by the party, addressing the
meeting, the chairman of DP-UG, Serdar Denktas said that their cause was to
strengthen and exalt their “state”. He went on and said, inter alia, the
following:
“The march to power, which we have
started with this target, is a sacred road… Our road is the road of obtaining a
strong democratic structure of a state based on the rule of law which could
stand on its own feet. We will launch our march towards this target on 28 July.
This road will be the key for reaching a just and lasting solution to the
Cyprus problem. A north Cyprus which stands on its own feet, by taking Turkey’s
support, will sit at the negotiating table as a side which gives directions,
not a side which is directed...”
(I/Ts.)
16. A Greek
Cypriot fisherman is arrested by the occupation regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi
(17.06.13) reports that a 42 year-old Greek Cypriot fisherman, who was fishing
at the occupied area of Limnitis, was arrested by the occupation regime with
the “justification” that he violated a first degree military area.
17.
International Famagusta Art and Culture Festival begins today
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen
newspaper (17.06.13) reports that the 17th International Famagusta
Art and Culture Festival begins today and ends on 15 July, 2013. The paper
writes that well-known foreign performers will participate in the festival.
Today the French singer ZAZ will give a
concert at the Amphitheatre of ancient Salamis. Among the other foreigners
expected to participate in the festival are Goran Brogovic and Rojas and
Rodriguez flamenco group, who are expected to perform on 24 June and 4 July
respectively at the same amphitheater. Spanish singer Luz Casal and America
linger Natalie Maria Cole will also perform on 9 July and 15 July respectively.
(I/Ts.)
18.
Soli ruins under danger due to a fire in the region
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper
(17.06.13) reports that due to a fire broke out in occupied Lefka region, the
ancient Soli ruins were put under danger.
The paper writes that the fire came very
near the building and the ruins of the Soli area.
19.
Radio Havadis started to broadcast in occupied Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper
(16.06.13) reports that radio Havadis started to broadcast in occupied Cyprus
in the frequencies 107.8 fm.
The radio started its transmission on
June1. Baykan Gurses Ozdag is the director of the new radio.
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