TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No.174/13 13/9/2013
1. Eroglu opposes to Downer’s conveying the proposal on
occupied Varosha to Ankara
2. Yorgancioglu says they will discuss with Eroglu the
“government’s” role in the Cyprus negotiations; He knows nothing about TOMA
3. How Turkish Cypriot politicians, organizations and
academicians react to the return of occupied fenced Varosha to its legal owners
4. Turkish Cypriot businessmen hold contacts in the Dutch
Parliament
5.
Bagis said that the EU should persuade
Cyprus so that chapters 23 and 24 are opened; he appeals France to remove
political blocks
6. Erdogan: I am all
with Syrian opposition
7.
Erdogan compares the Gezi Park protests to the events that lead Turkey’s first
military coup in May 27 1960
8.
Erdogan refutes charge of intervention in lifestyles through alcohol
restrictions
9.
Education in Kurdish and the reopening of Halki seminary not on government's
agenda
10.
Protest rolls into third day in Istanbul
1. Eroglu opposes to Downer’s conveying the proposal
on occupied Varosha to Ankara
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(13.09.13) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu has said that
they strongly oppose to UN Secretary-General’s special adviser on Cyprus,
Alexander Downer conveying the issue of the occupied fenced city of Varosha to
Ankara.
In statements last night during a
reception to the newly “elected” “MPs” in the occupied area of Cyprus, Eroglu
said that he is the interlocutor of President Anastasiades added: “If
Anastasiades has a proposal, he will bring it to the negotiating table and we
will discuss it. In fact, I was saddened by the fact that he behaved as if he
has no interlocutor here, he used Downer as a postman and Downer accepted
this”.
Eroglu noted that they have a common
view with their motherland Turkey on the issue of Varosha. He added that there
has not been any form of action outside of this view until today and expressed
the opinion that there will not be such action in the future as well.
Eroglu said he feels that the Cyprus
talks have entered into a critical stage and argued that “reference to foreign
interferences has started”.
Addressing the “MPs”, Eroglu noted that
the Cyprus problem must concern all of them” and that he will not be alone in
carrying out the negotiations. He said that it is natural for him to hold a
sincere dialogue with the “assembly” and the political parties, because the
“assembly” will have to approve an agreement which might be achieved during the
negotiations. Eroglu argued that the Cyprus problem could be solved if they
acted in unity and solidarity.
(I/Ts.)
2. Yorgancioglu says they will discuss with Eroglu the
“government’s” role in the Cyprus negotiations; He knows nothing about TOMA
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(13.09.13) reports that OzkanYorgancioglu, self-styled prime minister of the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that
the “coalition government” between the Republican Turkish Party – United Forces
(CTP-BG) and the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG) wants to undertake
a more active role than the previous self-styled government in the negotiating process
towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, which is planned to begin in
October.
In statements yesterday before the
meeting of the “council of ministers”, Yorgancioglu said that they will discuss
with the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu the issue of whether a
representative of the “government” will be participating in the Turkish Cypriot
negotiating team.
Asked whether a representative of the
“government” will be participating in the above-mentioned team, Yorgancioglu
noted that Eroglu will brief him, the self-styled deputy prime minister and the
so-called foreign minister today, and added that they will evaluate all these
issues. He said that today they will be briefed on the issue of the occupied
fenced city of Varosha as well.
Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot
daily Afrika newspaper (13.09.13), asked as to whether a “Vehicle of
Interfering into Social Incidents”, known as TOMA, will be received by the
breakaway regime in September, Yorgancioglu said he was not informed on this
issue, but even if such vehicle is received, it will not be used against the
people. The paper wonders for what purpose this vehicle will be used and
recalls that such vehicles have been used in Turkey against the protestors
during the Gezi Park incidents in Istanbul and are still being used against
protestors all over the country.
(I/Ts.)
3. How Turkish Cypriot politicians, organizations and
academicians react to the return of occupied fenced Varosha to its legal owners
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen
newspaper (13.09.13) reports that the issue of the occupied fenced city of
Varosha has come onto the agenda again after the statement made by the UN
Secretary-General’s special adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer that he will
raise the issue in Ankara. According to the paper, “MPs” from the occupied area
of Famagusta agreed that the opening of Varosha will benefit the area and the
whole country in general and pointed out to the importance of returning not
only Varosha to its legal owners, but also the opening of the port of Famagusta
and the beginning of direct flights to the occupied area of Cyprus.
HuseyinAngolemli, “MP” with the Social
Democracy Party (TDP) told the paper that the return of Varosha to its legal
owners should definitely be discussed, together with the opening of the port of
occupied Famagusta and the illegal airport in Tymvou, separately from the
comprehensive solution, and that a result should be taken on these issues. “If
we can achieve this, there will be a positive influence both on Famagusta and
the entire Cyprus”, he said adding that an agreement on Varosha will give
acceleration to the comprehensive solution on the island.
ErkutSahali, “MP” with the Republican
Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) said that moves such as the return of
Varosha to its legal owners, the opening of the port of Famagusta for free
trade and the opening of Tymvou airport to international flights are necessary.
He noted, however, that the solution of the Cyprus problem will eliminate the
problem of both the inhabitants of Varosha and the entire Cyprus. He argued
that the reason of putting forward the issue of Varosha is the city’s economic
potential and expressed the view that the solution’s economic potential will be
much bigger. He claimed that the return
of Varosha to its legal owners before or after the solution would be a big move
and alleged that this could lead as away from the solution and that the target
of finding a comprehensive solution might be postponed.
Dr.ArifAlbayrak, “MP” with the CTP-BG,
described Varosha as a “vital” issue for occupied Famagusta as well as the
opening of Famagusta port is “vital” for the occupied northern part of Cyprus.
“Varosha’s palliative solution is a plus for Famagusta and Cyprus”, he said
adding that the solution of the Cyprus problem will bring “much better things”.
He noted that if it is considered that “palliative measures” will make the
community relax, they must be discussed exhaustively.
FikriAtaoglu, “MP” with the Democratic
Party – National Forces (DP-UG), said that the issue of Varosha should be
solved the soonest and expressed the view that an invitation should be made to
Varosha’s legal owners to return. Although he did not specify under whose
administration Varosha’s legal owners should return, Ataoglu argued that if
they do not return within the determined period, their places should be leased
and the area should be reconstructed by local firms.
Dr.ErdalOzcenk, “MP” with the National
Unity Party (UBP), expressed the view that the issue of Varosha is a part of
the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem and underlined that his party
does not agree that Varosha should be returned to its legal owners and the port
of Famagusta should be opened separately from the comprehensive solution.
OkanDagli, representative of the
Initiative for Famagusta expressed the view that with the opening of Varosha
under the control of the UN and the opening of the port of Famagusta to
international trade, both their area and entire Cyprus will be benefited.
Dr.AhmetSozen, professor of political
science and international relations at illegal Eastern Mediterranean University
(DAU) said that his view on Varosha is different than the official Turkish
position which argues that this issue should be a part of the comprehensive
solution. He noted that confidence building measures which could create
positive change should be implemented and that a package of confidence building
measures should be discussed while the negotiations are held. He said that the
opening of Famagusta port together with the opening of Varosha will greatly
contribute to direct trade.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
newspaper (13.09.13) reports that the so-called National Existence Council -
National Forces held a conference yesterday on the issue of Varosha. During the
conference it was alleged that the area of Varosha is mainly a Turkish property
and that its return to its “pre-1974 owners”, as the area’s Greek Cypriot legal
owners were described, would make difficult the solution of the Cyprus problem.
(I/Ts.)
4. Turkish Cypriot businessmen hold contacts in the
Dutch Parliament
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(13.09.13) reports that a delegation from the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen
Council (KTIAK) has visited the Dutch Parliament and met with the deputy of the
Dutch Labour Party, SelcukOzturk, who is of Turkish origin.
The chairman of KTIAK IlkerZugurt
explained to Ozturk the difficulties experienced by the businessmen and asked
him to refer to the problems of the Turkish Cypriots at the Dutch Parliament.
He also asked him to “explain the realities” not only in the parliament but at
other platforms as well.
In statements during the meeting, Ozturk
argued that the Dutch people were alienated from “south Cyprus”, as he
described the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus, and do not
prefer it as tourism destination, because of what he called as relations with
the Russian mafia, the “money laundering” by Russians and the economic
crisis.
He argued that the Turkish Cypriots have
also been influenced by the “bad image” created by the Greek Cypriots and
alleged that even though “two separate states” exist on the island, “the image of
being a single state is influential” for people seeing Cyprus from abroad.
Ozturk said that the Dutch people know the Cyprus problem, “but in spite of
this”, the view of “a single country” predominates.
“Because the TRNC is not recognized and
Cyprus is seen as a single country, the northern part of the island is not
preferred for tourism” he claimed, alleging that “the TRNC”, which had
allegedly serious problems because of the non-recognition and the so- called
embargoes, now is influenced by the “mistakes of the Greek Cypriots”.
Ozturk alleged that he and some other
parliamentarians explain the so-called realities to the Dutch people and added
that he would exert efforts so that the Turkish Cypriots are not unjustly
treated from now on. He said it is not easy for the so-called embargoes to be
lifted soon and added that he could offer the necessary help to the businessmen
on the issue of opening doors in the Netherlands during their bilateral
contacts and on the issue of holding trade.
The Turkish Cypriot delegation met also
with the vice president of the Netherland’s Young Businessmen Federation
(HOGIAF), VecihiEr. Zugurt explained to Er the aim of their visit to the
Netherlands and conveyed to him their demands, asking him to undertake
initiatives for the Turkish Cypriots.
In his statements, Er said that they
will try for the Turkish Cypriots to benefit from the Netherlands’ big
potential and that they will secure opportunities to Turkish Cypriot
businessmen to hold contacts with Dutch investors.
The Turkish Cypriot delegation visited
also the “Gassan Diamonds” factory and a factory where dairy products are
produced.
(I/Ts.)
5.Bagis
said that the EU should persuade Cyprus so that chapters 23 and 24 are opened;
he appeals France to remove political blocks
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (13.09.13)
reported that EU Affairs Minister and Chief Negotiator EgemenBagis said that
the EU should persuade the Greek Cypriot administrations, as he refers to the
Republic of Cyprus, to lift obstacles standing in the way of opening
negotiation chapters so that chapters 23 and 24 are opened as part of Turkey’s
EU accession talks. Bagis, evaluating to Turkish journalists his first visit to
Lithuania after Lithuania took over the EU Presidency in July, also said that
if they do not lift them, then EU has a credibility problem.
Bagis said that during his meetings in
Lithuania, he had the opportunity to share Turkey’s concerns regarding the
opening of new chapters. Bagis called on the EU to take a more just stand on
the Cyprus issue.
He also repeated the Turkish demand that
the EU exerts more efforts in order to bring an end to the bloodshed and to
actively intervene in Syria and Egypt.
Replying to a question whether Turkey’s
accession talks will resume or not after the opening of EU chapter 22, Bagis
said: “EU has taken a decision. Chapters 23 and 24 include topics such as the
judiciary, fundamental rights, freedom, security and justice and we, as Turkey,
see that the 95% of EU’s criticisms on Turkey are related to these subjects…
Although Turkey has opened 14 chapters until today, the opening of these two
chapters, however, cannot happen due to an objection by a single country. Due
to the solitary veto of the South Cyprus Greek administration (Trans. Note: as
he refers to the Republic of Cyprus), we cannot open these two chapters.
However, we see that in light of efforts by our Ministries of Interior and
Justice, Turkey meets at the present the criteria of opening of these two
chapters.”
Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency
(13.09.13) reports that Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator EgemenBagis
called on France to remove political blocks imposed by former President Nicolas
Sarkozy, who opposed the entrance of Ankara in the union.
Upon returning from Lithuania, Bagis met with
France President Francois Hollande's special envoy Thierry Repentin in Istanbul
to discuss Turkey's long-stalled EU membership talks and bilateral relations on
Thursday evening, according to officials.
Bagis said Turkey is pleased with Hollande's
step to remove opposition on 22nd chapter - regional policy and coordination-
in membership talks but stated it is not sufficient.
Bagis urged Paris to pull aside its opposition
on remaining chapters in order to gather momentum in bilateral relations and
Turkey's EU membership.
Socialist President Hollande, in contrast to
Sarkozy, is not against Turkey's membership into European Union and declared
his intention to open "a white page" with Ankara. Brussels opened
negotiation talks last July on the 22nd chapter after Paris removed its
objection. However, France is still blocking four chapters, Cyprus another six,
and the EU has ruled that eight cannot be opened because of Turkish policies
regarding Cyprus.
In response, French Minister of EU Affairs
Repentin told Hollande's intention to pay a visit to Turkey in near future and
stated their support on Turkey's EU membership. He stated France's intention to
increase ties between countries. French minister noted Bagis' call for removal
on chapters and said will deliver the message. Bagis and Repentin also
discussed latest developments in Syria and Egypt and visa exemption process.
6. Erdogan: I am
all with Syrian opposition
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(online, 12.09.13) reports that Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan has once
again thrown his backing behind the Syrian opposition while criticizing the
main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) for siding with the Bashar
al-Assad regime.
Responding to criticisms that the
government was taking a warmongering stance on Syria, the Prime Minister lashed
out at the CHP. “Where were you when 110,000 people were killed in Syria? Where
were you at when 7 million people were displaced? Historical artifacts,
mosques, sanctuaries, tombs have been destroyed, where were you? Kids, women,
mothers, fathers have been massacred, where were you?” Erdogan asked
emotionally.
“The ones, who did not speak against one
of the biggest tragedies of humanity, and even slapping al-Assad’s back, now
accuse us of warmongering, without shame. The main opposition sides with the
regime and we stand by the opposition, the oppressed and suffering. This is our
difference,” Erdogan told a meeting of the All Industrialist and Businessmen
Association (TÜMSİAD) yesterday in Istanbul.
Erdogan said the number of deaths in the
war-torn country had reached 110,000. “Death is death. It is not important
which weapon – chemical or not – was used. We should put all the weapons used
in Syria in the same category. The Syrian regime should pay the cost of these
atrocities to humanity,” Erdogan said, adding that the open door policy of
Turkey would continue.
The Prime Minister also said he doubted
whether President Bashar al-Assad would fulfil his pledge to put Syria’s
chemical weapons under international control, accusing him of buying time for
new “massacres.”
“The al-Assad regime has not lived up to
any of its pledges, it has won time for new massacres and continues to do so,”
Erdogan said. “We are doubtful whether the promises regarding chemical weapons
will be met.”
7.
Erdogan compares the Gezi Park protests to the events that lead Turkey’s
first military coup in May 27 1960
Under the title “Turkish PM accuses main
opposition of being behind the Gezi protests”, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily
News (online, 13.09.13) reports that Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan has
increased his rhetoric against the main opposition Republican People’s Party
(CHP), accusing it explicitly of being behind the Gezi protests, which erupted
in Istanbul late May and spread across Turkey.
“Those behind the Gezi protests are the
CHP and the CHP deputies. This is clear and obvious. Those who understand that
they can’t win at the ballot box, set their hopes on streets and avenues,”
Erdogan said Sept. 12.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the TUMEXPO
commercial fair in Istanbul on the 33rd anniversary of the 1980 coup
d’état, Erdogan also denounced CHP for still being supportive of the military
coup.
Erdogan said that the Gezi Park protests
were similar to the events that lead to Turkey’s first military coup in May 27
1960.
“I have recently researched about what
happened in those days. I have looked to the headlines of the newspapers and
columns. They are the same,” Erdogan said, adding that the Justice and
Development (AKP) government would not allow a coup to take place again.
“We won’t allow democracy to be
interrupted. Our youth will defend democracy and won’t allow a new Sept. 12
[coup],” Erdogan said.
8.
Erdogan refutes charge of intervention in lifestyles through alcohol
restrictions
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(online, 12.09.13) reported that Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan today
refuted claims that the government was interfering in people’s lifestyles with
the restrictions on the sale of alcohol that came into effect on Sept. 9.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of
TUMEXPO commercial fair in Istanbul, Erdogan blamed the alcohol consumption for
the high number of traffic accidents in Turkey.
“Those who claim we intervene in
people’s lifestyles should look at the regulations in the United States, in the
West,” Erdogan said, asserting that the government should even take further
measures on the issue.
Reiterating his government’s sensitivity
on the issue, Erdogan denied the alcohol restrictions were brought in with a
religious motive, claiming the main reason for this regulation was people’s
happiness and health. “Everyone can live
freely respecting his/her own faith,” Erdogan has said.
9.
Education in Kurdish and the reopening of Halki seminary not on government's
agenda
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online,
12.09.13) reported that as the settlement process to the Kurdish issue drags, a
leading government official said on Thursday that the introduction of legislation
to allow instruction in public schools in languages other than Turkish is not
on the government's agenda.
“There are some objections to [a
certain] mother tongue being [an official] language of instruction. The issue
is not on our agenda,” Deputy Prime Minister BulentArınc told NTV news channel.
A new package of democratic reforms the
government has been working on is expected to be finished on Friday. In the
coming days, Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan will inform the public about
the content of the package, which is expected to introduce greater freedoms for
Kurds as part of the settlement process. "Most probably next week, I will
announce the democratization package in a big press meeting, Erdogan said at
the opening of a fair in Istanbul on Thursday.
Regarding the reopening of the Halki
Seminary in Heybeliada (Princes’ islands), Istanbul, Arinc said that the
government's attitude depends on factors that he didn't specify. “There are
people who want the seminary to be opened. There are things, in the country and
abroad, that need to take place; then we would move [to reopen it],” Arinc
said.
10.
Protest rolls into third day in Istanbul
Under the title “Protesters gather to
denounce demonstrator’s death for straight third day in Istanbul”, Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 13.09.13) reports that police once again
resorted to tear gas and water cannon against protesters denouncing the death
of a demonstrator in Antakya for a third day on September 12.
Fresh demonstrations were staged in
Istanbul's Anatolian-side district of Kadikoy, which witnessed a severe
crackdown a day earlier. Police also intervened in demonstrations in the Asian
suburb of Sarigazi and in the European suburb of Gezi.
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