TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 136/13 20-22/07/2013
1. Atalay: Gas feud may
raise Cyprus partition option; Eroglu reiterated that there are “two states” in
Cyprus
2. Support to “TRNC” from
foreign delegations
3. Eroglu: Natural wealth
belongs to both communities; Erk: We haven’t lost our hopes for Cyprus
settlement
4. Gul and Erdogan sent
messages for the celebrations of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus
5. Cicek describes the economic
crisis in the government-controlled area of Cyprus as opportunity in favor of
the breakaway regime
6. CHP leader: Turkey gained
prestige with the 1974 invasion to Cyprus
7. Siber: “The only thing
that Turkish Cypriots want is to become a recognized country in the
international law”
8. Demonstration against
Turkish occupation in the occupied area of Cyprus
9. Atalay says Turkey
expects stability in occupied Cyprus after the “elections” and repetition of
the “momentum” achieved in 2010-2011
10. A cooperation protocol
signed between TRT-“BRT”
11. Environmentalists
protested for the oil leak in occupied Gastria
12. Quran lessons are given
at the collapsing church of occupied Mousoulita
13. Opinion polls show that
AKP’s support drop after Gezi rallies
1. Atalay: Gas feud may raise Cyprus partition option;
Eroglu reiterated that there are “two states” in Cyprus
Under the title “Turkish deputy
PM: Gas feud may raise Cyprus partition option”, Turkish daily Today’s Zaman
(online, 20.07.13) reported that Turkey's deputy Prime Minister has said
Cyprus' formal partition may come up as an option in renewed talks to reunify
the ethnically divided island if Greek Cypriots don't share newfound gas
deposits with Turkish Cypriots.
Beşir Atalay was speaking
Saturday at celebrations marking Turkey's 1974 invasion of Cyprus that followed
a coup by supporters of union with Greece.
On the same issue, news portal
World Bulletin (online, 20.07.13) reported that Atalay, speaking at the 39th
anniversary of Turkey’s invasion to Cyprus, said “Turkey and TRNC [editor’s
note: breakaway regime in the occupied part of Cyprus] have put effort
sincerely for just and sustainable peace on the island until now. To believe
that Turks would accept living in minority status, is a vain hope.”
Claiming that the solution
would be reached within the scope of the reportedly realities of the island,
Atalay added that, therefore nobody should expect Turkish Cypriots to give up
their political equality.
Atalay alleged that it was the
Greek Cypriot side's negative position which stalled the Cyprus talks, adding
that inaction of Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades has vanished hopes for
solution.
“Greek Cypriot side should
focus on negotiations, instead of leaving the table,” said Atalay, and
continued, “If they insist on using the sources in the south unilaterally,
two-state solution may also prevail.”
Eroglu, speaking also at the
celebrations, called on the Greek Cypriots to be aware of the realities and sit
on the negotiation table. He claimed: “There are two different states with two
religions, languages and nations,” and declared that Turkish Cypriots would go
on administrating themselves after a solution was found.
Eroglu said “nobody had the
right to bring restrictions to one another's air and sea ports, right to travel
with its state's passport or identity, and blamed the UN and EU of not having
adequate will to solve the problem”.
2. Support to “TRNC” from foreign delegations
Turkish Cypriot press
(20.07.13) reported on the contacts that a number of foreign delegations and
dignitaries carrying out in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus within
the framework of the “celebrations” of the 39th anniversary of
Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus.
Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis
Eroglu, the self-styled speaker of the assembly Hasan Bozer, self-styled prime
minister Sibel Siber had separate meetings with foreign delegations.
According to Turkish Cypriot
daily Volkan (20.07.13), Eroglu met yesterday with former US congressman
Michael McMohan and Jasn Epstein, supporter of the Turkish community in the
USA. McMohan and Epstein said that it is their honour to be in the “TRNC”.
Later Eroglu had a meeting with
a group of foreign representatives headed by Lord Magginis from the British
House of Lords. The delegation also included representatives from Azerbaijan,
Pakistan and “Kosovo”.
Turkish Cypriot daily Star
Kibris (20.07.13) reported that Lord Maginnis,
during his meeting with Siber, said that it was a high time a settlement
is reached in Cyprus and that they were ready to support all efforts. He also stressed that they are in the island
as persons, who support the “TRNC” and that they wish, after 40 years, to see
the “TRNC” be recognized by the international community.
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes
(20.07.13) reported that during a meeting with Bozer, Azeri Deputy Ceyhun
Osmali said that they follow very close the developments on the natural gas and
oil.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot
daily Star Kibris (20.07.13) reported that self-styled minister of economy and
energy Atay Ahmet Rasit met with “Kosovos’” deputy minister of industry and
trade” Cuneyd Ustaibo and “deputy minister of local administrations” Rifat
Krasnic. Ustaibo said that they want to continue the trade relations between
“Kosovo” and the breakaway regime.
Turkish Cypriot daily Star
Kibris (21.07.13) reported that Eroglu met with Mustafa Abdulcemil Kirimoglu,
Chairman of the Crimean Tatar assembly and a member of the Ukrainian
Parliament.
During the meeting, Kirimoglu
said that “TRNC” is an important part of the Turkish world, adding that the
fights of the Turkish Cypriot for freedom are similar to the fights of Crimean
Turks.
3. Eroglu: Natural wealth belongs to both communities;
Erk: We haven’t lost our hopes for Cyprus settlement
According to illegal Bayrak
television (online, 19.07.13), a conference titled “Cyprus in terms of
strategic resources” organized jointly by the illegal Near East University
(YDU) and the Turkish Journalists’ Association was held on Friday.
Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis
Eroglu, addressing the conference, drew attention to the importance of
discussing the issues of water and energy resources on the eve of the 39th
anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus.
Pointing out that he had dreamt
of bringing water to Cyprus from motherland Turkey since his first day in
politics, Eroğlu said that this dream will come true in the March of 2014.
Noting that the water to arrive from Turkey will be just as important for the
Greek Cypriots as it will be for the Turkish Cypriots, he added: “This water
could be shared with South Cyprus [editor’s note: government controlled area of
the Republic of Cyprus.”]
Touching upon the importance of
hydrocarbons discovered in the Mediterranean, Eroğlu said that any resources to
be discovered in the area belonged to both the Turkish Cypriots and Greek
Cypriots. He added that the Turkish side had made two proposals regarding the
natural gas, the first for all revenues to be collected in a fund to be used as
and when a solution is reached and for the gas to be discovered to be
transported to Europe via Turkey. Eroglu said that the Greek Cypriot side had
rejected both proposals due to Greek Cypriot reportedly fears of becoming
dependent on Turkey.
Meanwhile, “BRT” (online, 19.07.13)
broadcast that self-styled foreign minister Kutlay Erk briefed foreign
journalists and politicians who are in the occupied areas of the Republic of
Cyprus to attend the “celebrations” of the 20th of July Turkey’s
invasion to Cyprus.
Erk said that the Cyprus
Turkish side supported a federal settlement in Cyprus on the basis of UN
parameters. Briefing the foreign journalists and politicians, Erk claimed that
the Cyprus problem was a 50 year old dispute where efforts to reach a solution
were still continuing.
Pointing out that the Cyprus
problem had gone through numerous phases since 1963, Erk said that the current
negotiations were aimed at reaching a just and lasting solution that will
create an island of peace.
Claiming that despite the
Cyprus Turkish side’s will in favour of a settlement, the Cyprus talks had yet
to yield a positive result, Erk said: “Nevertheless we still haven’t lost our
hope for a settlement. It is our greatest hope that negotiations between Eroğlu
and Anastasiades will commence as soon as possible.”
4. Gul and Erdogan
sent messages for the celebrations of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper
(21.07.13) reports that Turkish President Abdullah Gul and the Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent messages for the celebrations of the 39th
anniversary of the Turkish Invasion to Cyprus.
In his
message, Gul said that the solution to Cyprus problem will increase
cooperation, security and prosperity in the whole Mediterranean region, adding
that “motherland” Turkey will be at the Turkish Cypriots’ side under any
conditions. He went on and said that the Turkish Cypriots must not be withdrawn
from their “legitimized rights” and that Turkey’s support for the efforts of
Turkish Cypriot side for a solution to Cyprus problem, will continue. He went
on and alleged that Turkey’s “effective and active guarantees” in Cyprus will
be an essential element for safeguarding peace and stability.
On his
part, Erdogan stated that Turkey will remain committed to doing its part with
determination, for the prosperity and the peace of the Turkish Cypriots. He
also said that Turkey will continue to support the development and
strengthening of the breakaway regime in the framework of Turkey’s “effective
and active guarantees” in Cyprus, as he alleged.
5. Cicek describes the economic crisis in
the government-controlled area of Cyprus as opportunity in favor of the
breakaway regime
Turkish
Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (21.07.13) reports that Cemil Cicek, Speaker
of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), has compared the Cyprus problem
to football and alleged that the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied area
of Cyprus, has been given the opportunity of a “penalty” in this period during
which “south Cyprus”, as he described the government-controlled area of the
Republic of Cyprus, is facing economic problems. Cicek said that the breakaway
regime should turn this “penalty” into a goal.
Cicek
visited the occupied area of Cyprus within the framework of the celebrations
for the 39th anniversary from the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
In
statements during his meeting with Hasan Bozer, self-styled speaker of the
regime’s “assembly”, Cicek wished for the “parliamentary elections” which will
be held in the occupied area of Cyprus on 28 July to bring tranquillity and
stability “to the country and the Turkish Cypriot people”. Turkey’s self-styled
ambassador to Nicosia, Halil Ibrahim Akca and the chairman of TGNA’s Friendship
Group with the “TRNC”, Faruk Oz accompanied Cicek during this visit.
Cicek
argued that the “TRNC was not gained very easily” and alleged that it is the
biggest gain of this 39 years. He claimed that now it functions very well with
all its organs and the issue is to make this “state” function more actively and
effectively.
Cicek
said: “Elections will be held next week. We wish for these elections to bring
peace and tranquillity to our brothers. It is an important opportunity. While
the south is dealing with its own problems, a penalty is given in favor of the
TRNC. It should not been kicked outside. The responsibility for this belongs to
us, the politicians. Both in Turkey and here the legal framework of many
efforts should be drawn. Primarily, issues regarding the Immovable Property
Commission exist, other reforms exist. The Cyprus issue exists…”
Referring
to the importance of Cyprus in the area and to the hydrocarbon resources, Cicek
argued: “The importance of Cyprus is increasing every day that passes, because
of the political developments which happen in the area. There is underground
and above the ground wealth around Cyprus. The Turkish side will never accept a
fait accompli on this issue. Everybody has a right on whatever exists here. The
north has also a right. Whatever happens should be within the framework of
justice. Turkey is already holding the necessary contacts and efforts and it is
showing the necessary reaction”.
Arguing
that Turks want a lasting peace in Cyprus, Cicek alleged: “…It is clear how
lasting peace will be. The Turks are not a minority here. These issues should
be continued in equality. Two separate states, two separate peoples and two
separate democracies exist and peace will be lasting if it is established upon
these foundations… Our brothers here will not return once more to the pre-1974
period, this is not right. It is also not in harmony to justice. However, while
the negotiations continue, we should continue our way together here. We are the
ones that will do our job, no one else… We must use time well…”
(I/Ts.)
6. CHP leader: Turkey gained prestige with
the 1974 invasion to Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (21.07.13) reports that Kemal Kilicdaroglu,
the chairman of the main opposition party in Turkey, the Republican People’s
Party (CTP) stated that Turkey gained prestige with the invasion in Cyprus in
1974.
Kilicdaroglu
who issued this message to CHP’s MPs Murat Karayalcin and Sakine Oz who
represented the party in the celebrations in the breakaway regime, alleged that
“Turkey’s invasion was the most eminent sample of how and when Turkey’s power
was used”. He also alleged that with the invasion Turkey gained prestige and
also protected the Turkish Cypriots.
On his
part, Murat Karayalcin, stated that the will for solution has been reduced
between the Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus.
Karayalcin who illegally visited occupied Cyprus representing CHP in the
invasion celebrations, made these statements in a meeting he held with Turkish
Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. He stated that is Turkey’s duty to increase the
interest regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem.
7. Siber: “The only thing that Turkish
Cypriots want is to become a recognized country in the international law”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (21.07.13) reports that Sibel Siber,
self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus, has alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are living freely now
and that the only thing they want is to “become a recognized country by the
international law”.
In
statements on Saturday during a meeting with Cemil Cicek, Speaker of the
Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Siber said that “Turkey, which as the
only country that recognizes the TRNC and is in the position of being the only
bridge of the Turks of Cyprus with the world, supports the Turks of Cyprus
financially and morally”.
She
alleged that Turkey’s military intervention held in 1974, as a result of
allegedly Turkey using its right as guarantor power, guaranteed the properties,
freedom and future of the Turkish Cypriots.
She
argued: “The Turks of Cyprus, who live freely now, want only one thing: To
become a recognized country in the international law. To be represented with
their institutional existence in sports and cultural activities. We believe
that this is a right of the Turks of Cyprus”.
She also
reiterated the Turkish allegation that the international community has not
fulfilled many promises given to the Turkish Cypriots.
(I/Ts.)
8. Demonstration against Turkish occupation
in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (21.07.13) reports that a demonstration against
the coup carried out in Cyprus on 15 July 1974 and the Turkish invasion and
occupation of the island on the 20th of July of the same year was
organized on Saturday in the occupied part of Nicosia by the Communist Labor
Movement. The protestors marched holding torches. The protest ended outside the
self-styled embassy of Turkey to the occupied area of Nicosia. In a statement
read out during the protest, they asked “occupier state of the Republic Turkey
to go away from Cyprus”. According to the paper, this is the first time that
such a demonstration is organized in the occupied area of Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
9. Atalay says Turkey expects stability in
occupied Cyprus after the “elections” and repetition of the “momentum” achieved
in 2010-2011
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (21.07.13) reports that Besir Atalay,
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cyprus, has argued that the
breakaway regime had developed with the economic program implemented for the
past three years and added that “the TRNC developed economically from every
aspect”, in a period during which “the economic crisis which influenced some
European countries mortgaged the future of these countries”.
In
statements during his illegal visit to the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus within the framework of the celebrations for the 39th
anniversary from the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, Atalay said that the
private sector is strengthened and investments increase in occupied Cyprus. He
added that the businessmen dealing with the tourism sector are also pleased and
the number of students in education increased by eight thousands.
He
noted, inter alia, the following: “Unfortunately, during the last year
political developments, which we did not wish, happened and delayed actions
which should have been done. Our expectation is for the repetition of the
momentum reached in 2010-2011 after the elections”.
Turkish
Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (22.07.13) reports that referring to the
above-mentioned statement made by Atalay, Irsen Kucuk, chairman of the National
Unity Party (UBP), argued yesterday that 2010 and 2011 are years during which
his party was “ruling” and added: “Therefore he has also recognized our
successes and noted that they want them to continue”. He said that UBP is the
political organization of the TMT [Translator’s note: terrorist “Turkish
Resistance Organization” established in the 1950’] and alleged that “people”
should vote for the UBP in order to continue its struggle and the good
relations with the “motherland”.
(I/Ts.)
10. A cooperation protocol signed between TRT-“BRT”
According to illegal Bayrak
television (online, 20.07.13), a protocol has been signed between illegal
Bayrak Radio Television Corporation and the Turkish Radio and Television
Corporation TRT. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay, the General
Director of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation İbrahim Şahin and
“BRTK director” Mete Tümerkan put their signatures on the protocol which
foresees important developments taking place at “Bayrak radio television
corporation”.
Making a statement before the
signing protocol the Tümerkan noted the importance of the protocol for the
corporation and said that he was proud to say that with the signing of this
protocol the “BRT” will be changed 100% and will reach the place it deserves.
The General Director of the TRT
Ibrahim Şahin also made a short speech by noting the importance of a new studio
for the corporation. He said that the “Turkish embassy” in the occupied part of
Lefkosia will be financing the building of the new studio for the “BRT” while
refurbishing another. He also gave the news that “BRT employees” will be able
to receive training at the TRT in Turkey.
In line with the protocol, the
“Turkish embassy” in the occupied part of Lefkosia will provide 2 million Euros
to the “BRT” to build a 300 square meters studio which will contain the latest
technology including 6 cameras and an area for audiences. As part of the
protocol, the “BRTK 2” studio will be renewed and working conditions of
employees will be improved. The TRT will also provide information to the
“corporation”, on the job training for its employees and support on issues
pertaining to royalties.
The Turkish Deputy Prime
Minister Beşir Atalay for his part expressed the hope that the protocol will be
beneficial to all and added that Turkey was very proud of the TRT.
11. Environmentalists protested for the oil
leak in occupied Gastria
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (22.07.13) reports that so-called North Cyprus
Environment Platform protested yesterday against AKSA Energy Company for the
environmental disaster happened because of the recent leak of oil in the area
of occupied Gastria village. Around 400 protesters held their
two-hour-demonstration at occupied Gastria’s coast.
The
self-styled minister of tourism, environment and culture, Mehmet Harmanci
visited the protesters in order to listen to their demands. He said that the
quantity of oil leaked into the sea will be established with “sensitive
measurements”. He noted that the damage was big and that after the first
reports “penal procedures” will be launched.
(I/Ts.)
12. Quran lessons are given at the
collapsing church of occupied Mousoulita
Under
the title “Quran lessons at the church!”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis
newspaper (22.07.13) reports that Quran lessons are given at the church of
occupied Mousoulita village which is almost collapsed.
According
to the paper, the lesson are given by teachers and Honjas from Turkey at the
church of the village since there is no mosque in Mousoulita.
The
paper writes that the children who follow the lessons are in danger because of
the church’s condition.
13. Opinion polls show that AKP’s support drop after Gezi
rallies
Under the title “Support to AKP
drops after Gezi rallies, say poll”, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online,
20.07.13) reported that the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) votes
have decreased 6% since 2012 while the opposition parties increased their
votes, according to a recent survey conducted after the Gezi Park protests.
The AKP would have 44.1% of
votes if elections were held today, according to Sonar Research Company’s
recent survey, which means that the party lost 6% of its support compared to
the same company’s survey taken in February 2012, which predicted 53.2% of
votes for the party.
The main opposition Republican
People’s Party (CHP) would get 28.2% of votes, while the opposition Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP) would receive 16.3% votes if elections were held today,
according to Sonar’s survey, conducted between July 8 and 16 with 3,000
respondents across the country.
The AKP got 49.8% votes in the
general elections June 12, 2011. Hakan Bayrakçı, CEO of SONAR, said the Gezi
Park protests across the country had an influence on the decrease of the ruling
party’s votes.
“It is safe to link the results
to the Gezi Park incident, which was like the straw that broke the camel’s
back. A great deal of the drifting support might be permanent. My assessment is
that they had come to AKP mainly from centre right or other right-wing parties
and are now going back. I can say the reaction is not against the AKP, but
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s stance regarding the Gezi protests in
particular. On the other hand, the Gezi protests further consolidated the
conservative voter support for the AKP,” Bayrakçı told the Hürriyet Daily News
on July 19.
The Peace and Democracy Party
(BDP) came in fourth with 6.4% of votes, while both the Felicity (Saadet) Party
and the Turkey Workers’ Party (TİP) got 2%.
Sonar surveys showed that the
CHP lost votes in 2012 but then regained its position this year. The MHP,
however, has been steadily increasing its share of the vote since 2010.
Sonar’s prediction of the 2011
general elections results was the most accurate one, as it predicted that the
AKP would receive 50.9% of the vote, and it actually got 49.8%.
Moreover, Turkish daily Today’s
Zaman (online, 19.07.13), under the title “Poll: Majority of Turks don't
approve of gov't stance on Gezi protests”, reported that a poll conducted by
the Konsensus Research and Consultancy Company has revealed that 61.4% of the
Turkish public do not approve of the government's stance on the Gezi protests,
which erupted in late May over a plan to demolish Gezi Park in İstanbul's famed
Taksim Square.
The poll was conducted to
determine the Turkish public's attitudes on certain domestic issues that have
topped the nation's agenda over the last few months.
Asked whether they support the
protests, 54% of respondents said “yes,” while the remaining 46% said they
don't support the protests. In response to another question -- “Why did the
Gezi Park protests turn violent?” -- 36.7% cited Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdoğan's tough rhetoric as the reason, while 22.1% cited disproportionate
force used by police to intervene in protests. A further 21.3% said the
protests turned violent because of marginal groups who provoked the
demonstrators. Opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's visit to Taksim and
protesters' violent acts were also cited as the main reason why the protests
turned violent.
In response to a question on
whether they approve of the government's stance on the Gezi Park incidents,
61.4% said they don't approve of it, while the remaining 38.6% said they do.
The use of tear gas during the protests has also been criticized severely by
many. The Konsensus poll revealed that 71.5% of respondents don't approve of
the use of tear gas in demonstrations.
Furthermore, Turkish daily
Milliyet (15.07.13) published an opinion poll summarizes voter preferences for
2014 local elections in Turkey. According to the paper, the results of a public
opinion poll conducted by the Objective Research Centre [ORC] in July 2013 on
the local elections [to be held in March 2014] have been released. The results
of the survey, which was conducted in 81 provinces, rank the AKP [Justice and
Development Party] first with 41.5% of the vote. The CHP [Republican People’s
Party] ranks second with 33.0% of the vote, followed by the MHP [Nationalist
Action Party] with 15.9% of the vote. The BDP [Peace and Democracy Party] is
ranked fourth with 5.6% of the vote. The survey was conducted with face to face
interviews with 63,750 respondents in 81 provinces. The margin of error in this
survey has been computed as plus or minus 1.5% with a confidence of level of
0.95.
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
