21/8/13

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW



TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW


C O N T E N T S


No.157/13                                                                                                       21/08/2013

1. CTP-BG and DP-UG discussions for establishing a “government” are reportedly going well
2. Izcan: the efforts for a “coalition government” are a trick; AKP is administrating from the backstage
3. Cakici and other TDP officials resign
4. Basarir: An investigation on the tender for the privatization of the illegal airport of Tymvou is being carried out
5. Elcil says his appointment in the English School’s board is “honourable duty”
6. Egorov paid a farewell visit in the occupied part of Cyprus
7. The term of duty of the deputy commander of the Turkish occupied forces in the occupied area of Cyprus has ended
8. The number of offshore banks in the occupied area of Cyprus increased
9. Israel behind coup to oust Morsi, Turkish PM Erdoğan says
10. Turkey to ask EU’s bid to keep Arab Spring alive

1. CTP-BG and DP-UG discussions for establishing a “government” are reportedly going well
Under the title “Rough bargaining”, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (21.08.13) reports that intensive discussions between the Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) and the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG) started yesterday within the framework of the efforts for establishing a “coalition government” in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Delegations under the general secretaries of the two parties met twice yesterday, in the morning and in the evening. According to the paper, during the five-hour discussions, the sides first put onto the table their principles and afterwards launched a “rough bargain” on the issue of the distribution of “ministries”. Citing information obtained by reliable sources, Halkin Sesi reports that the plans is for CTP-BG to take six “ministries” and DP-UG four in a possible “coalition government”. The problem which exists, notes the paper, is that the DP definitely wants to take one of the “ministries” of finance or internal affairs, while the CTP-BG wants both of these “ministries”.

Today the sides are expected to meet at presidential level.

In statements to Halkin Sesi, CTP-BG’s general secretary Asim Akansoy said that their efforts went well and added that their target is to overcome the differences and achieve progress. “We see that the other side has a constructive stance”, he noted.

Meanwhile, under the title “Behold the bargaining”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (21.08.13) reports that the two parties have not been able to overcome their differences on the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. According to the paper, the CTP supports the struggle for a federal Cyprus and the continuation of the negotiations, while the DP says that “there should be no insistence for a new process, if the existing process collapses”. Havadis reports that the DP has put onto the table the alternative of holding a referendum for re-determining their policy on the Cyprus problem.

Furthermore, Havadis writes that the National Unity Party (UBP), which had submitted in writing its positions to the CTP-BG as regards a possible “coalition government”, is “ready for everything”. The UBP noted that it is ready to pursue policies, which are in harmony with the CTP on all fundamental issues, including the Cyprus problem. In spite of this, the CTP hesitates due to reactions from its members to a possible “coalition” with the UBP and intents to push until the end for a “coalition” with the DP, which had cooperated with it in the past.       

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (21.08.13) reports that according to some allegations, Ankara exerts pressure for the establishment of a “coalition government” between CTP and UBP. The paper writes that according to the same allegations, the Turkish self-styled ambassador to Nicosia, Halil Ibrahim Akca “has made suggestions in this direction”. Afrika reports that the contacts held in Ankara by Huseyin Ozgurgun, who is the only candidate for the presidency in UBP’s congress of 31st of August, are kept secret. According to Afrika, Ozgurgun could not secure a meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan and met with Besir Atalay, Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)

2. Izcan: the efforts for a “coalition government” are a trick; AKP is administrating from the backstage
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (21.08.13) reports that Izzet Izcan, chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) has said that the ongoing efforts for establishing a “coalition government” in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus are administrated by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) from the backstage. In a written statement issued yesterday, Izcan noted that all possible “coalition” models “will have as a target deceiving the people” and implement the economic and political views imposed by the AKP.

Izcan argued that all four political parties represented in the “assembly” of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus are collaborators of the AKP government and had given assurances that they would implement its “catastrophic economic package” and its political impositions.

Izcan said, inter alia, the following: “The debates for a coalition which have been held for days are a trick. Whichever parties participate in the coalition will make no difference, because the economic and political program, which will be implemented by all of them, is a program imposed by the AKP”. 

Izcan noted that the economic program imposed by the AKP provides for the privatization of all institutions which belong to the Turkish Cypriots and mainly the electricity “authority”, the telephone “department” and the ports as well as for the non-solution of the Cyprus problem. He said that this program will annihilate the Turkish Cypriots as a community.    
(I/Ts.)

3. Cakici and other TDP officials resign
Under the title “New era in the TDP”, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (21.08.13) reports that Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), and all the members of the party’s central administrative committee, including Cemal Ozyigit, TDP’s general secretary, submitted their resignation to the council of the party last night. 

After accepting the resignations, the council decided that the regular congress of the TDP will be held in November. The council asked from Cakici and the members of the committee to remain at their posts until the congress.

In statements to Halkin Sesi after his resignation, Cakici said he had resigned because TDP “did not achieve any progress” in the “parliamentary elections” held on 28 July and added that the delay of his resignation derives from his health problems. “I am behind my promise.  I had promised that I would have resigned and I did it”, he noted. Asked whether he would run as candidate at the congress, Cakici replied that it was very early to respond to this question and added that his priority now was his health.

Cakici noted: “The TDP showed no decrease during my term of duty, it did not regress. In the recent elections it showed a slight increase, but we have not met our expectations. I had stated that I would have resigned, if expectations were not materialized. I have made my evaluation and submitted my resignation”.
(I/Ts.)

4. Basarir: An investigation on the tender for the privatization of the illegal airport of Tymvou is being carried out
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 20.08.13), self-styled minister of public works and communications İsmail Başarır, speaking on a program broadcast on “BRT”, has criticized sections of the contract regarding the privatization of the illegal airport of Tymvou and said an investigation into the tender in question was continuing.

Başarır pointed out that a comprehensive investigation was being conducted on the tender for the privatization of the illegal airport of Tymvou which was finalized with a comprehensive agreement.

“An article in the agreement which prevents the establishment and operation of another airport for 25 years is wrong. Who knows what will happen in the country in 25 years. Perhaps we will solve the Cyprus problem. It is possible to open the Geçitkale airport [editor’s note: the illegal airport of occupied Lefkonoiko] as a second alternative once necessary measures are taken, but the agreement prevents that from happening”, he complained. He noted that the tender also fails to set up a calendar for the construction of the “new airport facility”.

He also commented on the negligence at the illegal ports of Famagusta and Keyrneia, as he stressed the need for creating an additional fund in the budget in order to meet the shortages. He concluded by saying that ticket prices needed to be lowered to ease air and sea transportation to and from the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

5. Elcil says his appointment in the English School’s board is “honourable duty”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (21.08.13) reports that Sener Elcil, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot primary school teachers’ trade union (KTOS), has been appointed to the board of management of the English School in the government-controlled area of Cyprus as of 8 August, 2013. In statements to Kibrisli, Elcil said that this appointment is “honourable” and added that all Turkish Cypriots have the right to be appointed to this position.

Noting that the British colonial administration of Cyprus had transferred the school to the Republic of Cyprus in the 1960’s, Elcil argued that 50% of the English School belongs to Evkaf foundation and added that the school has an independent board. He argued that just like the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriots have also the right to participate in this board and recalled that Izzet Izcan and other Turkish Cypriots had been members of this board before himself.

The paper writes that an educational organization in the government-controlled area of Cyprus named “Nea Pnoi” [New Breath] reacted against the appointment of Elcil, noting that he was the person who organized the Education International Europe’s (ETUCE) conference in the occupied area of Cyprus. According to the paper, Nea Pnoi criticized the Cyprus Government for the appointment and the Greek Cypriot educational organizations for saying nothing on the issue.
(I/Ts.)

6. Egorov paid a farewell visit in the occupied part of Cyprus
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 20.08.13), Political Affairs Officer and Special Assistant to the Third Member of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, Oleg Egorov is retiring.

Egorov, who has been serving in the Committee for four and a half years, paid a visit to the “society of martyrs families and disabled war veterans” on Tuesday morning.

Welcoming Egorov, the chairman of the society Ertan Ersan said they worked with Egorov in harmony over the past four and a half years. Noting that some of the 502 missing persons have yet to be found, Ersan said that the Committee on Missing Persons needed financial support in order to carry out its work.

The Turkish member of the Missing Persons Committee Gülden Plümer Küçük, who also accompanied Egorov, said that there are missing persons who have been identified but still waiting to be buried.

Noting that the Committee is still continuing its work with 9 teams, Küçük said the remains, which have been found during excavation works in the occupied village of Livera, will be identified following DNA tests.

Also speaking, Egorov said it was not enough to be a good UN diplomat to work for the missing persons and that one needed to commit oneself to the issue.

7. The term of duty of the deputy commander of the Turkish occupied forces in the occupied area of Cyprus has ended
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 20.08.13), self-styled prime minister Sibel Siber had a meeting with the deputy commander of the Turkish occupied forces   Brigadier General Mehmet Soğancı, whose term of duty ends on the 30th of August.

Soganci paid a courtesy visit to Siber on Tuesday morning as part of his farewell visits to “state and government officials”.

Speaking during the visit, Siber thanked Brigadier General Mehmet Soğancı for his services and then presented him with a shield as a token of appreciation.

8. The number of offshore banks in the occupied area of Cyprus increased
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (21.08.13) reports that the number of offshore banks in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus has increased. The paper writes that this number was 40 in 2010 and increased to 62 in 2011. This year this number reached 78, notes the paper adding that these banks are called “international companies” and are holding money transfers.

The paper writes also that the number of the offshore companies in the government-controlled area of the island decreased from 2.300 to 2.166 due to the economic crisis and the measures imposed by Troika.
(I/Ts.)

9. Israel behind coup to oust Morsi, Turkish PM Erdoğan says
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 20.08.13) with the above title reported that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan went back on the warpath Aug.20, accusing one of Ankara’s most prominent bogeymen, Israel, of complicity in overthrowing Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi while telling critics to find dictatorship not in Turkey, but in today’s Egypt.

“Who is behind [the coup]? There is Israel,” Erdoğan told a meeting of party leaders. “We have document in our hands,” he said, citing an open session between a Jewish intellectual from France and an Israeli justice minister before the first free elections in Egypt held in March 2011.

As he was delivering multi-layered messages concerning both foreign and domestic policy at the meeting, Erdoğan furthermore maintained that those, who have been accusing the government of autocratic governance in Turkey, should actually look at Egypt, where the coup rulers have been acting dictatorially. “If you want to see a dictator, go ahead, go to Egypt,” he said.

In an apparent reference to moves to topple his government at the time, Erdoğan recalled that Turkey had experienced coup attempts and undemocratic practices. “Here, at this moment, there are those who want to float again the West’s understanding which says ‘Democracy is not the ballot box,’ or ‘Democracy is not only the ballot box.’ But we say that democracy’s path passes through the ballot box and the ballot box itself is the people’s will. At the moment, this is what is being implemented in Egypt.”

“What do they say in Egypt? They say that ‘Democracy is not the ballot box.’”

Erdoğan refers to Bernard-Henri Levy: Claim
A source later told the Associated Press that the evidence on Israel that Erdoğan was referring to was a video “available on the Internet” of a press conference by Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and French philosopher and author Bernard-Henri Levy.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that as far as he knew, that was the only evidence of the claim. A video of the two, dating back to 2011, shows Levy saying: “If the Muslim Brotherhood arrives in Egypt, I will not say democracy wants it, so let democracy progress. Democracy is not only elections, it is also values.”

Pressed further as to whether he would urge Egypt’s military to intervene against the Muslim Brotherhood, Levy said: “I will urge the prevention of them coming to power, but by all sorts of means.”

“‘The Muslim Brotherhood will not be in power even if they win the elections, because democracy is not the ballot box.’ This is what they said at that time,” Erdoğan said.

In Israel, the country’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Yigal Palmor, said Erdoğan’s comments did not merit a response. “This is a statement well worth not commenting on.” Turkey has been one of the fiercest international critics of what it has called an “unacceptable coup” after the military toppled Morsi last month, lashing out at the West and Arab nations for failing to condemn his ouster.

Touching on the run-up to the upcoming local elections in March 2014, Erdoğan firstly underlined the need for party executives at all level of branches to dedicate themselves to work for the upcoming local elections, instead of focusing on their own political career.

“Thirty metropolitan cities constitute 76%. With this aspect, we have to see how important are the votes we will get from these 30 metropolitan cities,” he said, referring to the fact that the number of metropolitan municipalities rose from 16 to 30 after a controversial law on restructuring municipalities was adopted in late 2012 despite strong objection from the opposition parties.

10. Turkey to ask EU’s bid to keep Arab Spring alive
Under the above title, Turkish daily Hürriyet Daily News (online, 21.08.13) reports that  with concerns that the Egyptian coup could reverse the Arab Spring movement that raised hopes for democracy in the Muslim world, Turkey is preparing to launch a fresh diplomatic move with its European partners aimed at protecting the achievements of the Arab Spring.

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu is scheduled to meet his Italian, German and British counterparts this week to discuss developments in Egypt and how to keep the hopes of the Arab Spring alive, the Hürriyet Daily News has learned.

So long as there are no last-minute changes, the Turkish Foreign Minister is expected to meet German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, British Foreign Minister William Hague and Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino on Aug. 22 and 23, just one day after the European Union is set to assess events in Egypt. Meetings have been decided on following recent phone conversations between Davutoğlu and the aforementioned Foreign Ministers.

The timing of Ankara’s move is critically important, as European countries have recently begun to toughen their positions vis-à-vis the interim government in the aftermath of brutal crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood protestors.

Davutoğlu’s talks with his European counterparts will focus on two areas. As an immediate urgency, restoring stability and ending the bloodshed in Egypt through the creation of an environment for political dialogue that would also include Mohamed Morsi and other political camps is likely to be at the top of Davutoğlu’s agenda. He will seek to discuss how to put further pressure on the interim government to announce inclusive elections as early as possible, as well as how to fully implement a road map for the normalization of the political climate in Egypt.

Alongside the immediate Egyptian case, Davutoğlu’s face to face talks with his counterparts will also pave the way for a broad discussion on how to secure the continuation of the Arab Spring movement across the Middle East.
Gül-Erdoğan summit focuses on Egypt

Davutoğlu’s diplomatic traffic will follow a series of internal high-level meetings with President Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s summit on Tuesday, just a day before the National Security Council (MGK) was set to convene. Accompanied by Davutoğlu, the Gül-Erdoğan meetings focused on the Egyptian crisis and Turkey’s position vis-à-vis developments in the northern African country. There was no statement following the meeting that lasted nearly two hours.

Hours before the meeting, Gül urged mobilization for the restoring of democracy in Egypt, saying there could be no “backward step from democracy,” especially since the Egyptian people are now familiar with the notion of democracy.

“Everybody should be mobilized to prevent more casualties,” he stressed.

“What must be done in Egypt is to create very quickly an environment in which nobody is excluded from elections, ensuring that representatives are elected by the free will of the people of Egypt and ending this blood-stained environment in Egypt, ending the arrests immediately. I think this is the way out of this deadlock,” Gül said, speaking at a joint press conference following talks with visiting Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič.

“It is a fact that Egypt has once recognized democracy. After a long authoritarian regime, it passed to a multi-party system, had elections, in which people voted. You cannot keep such a country outside of democracy for long,” Gül added.


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