TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No.177/13 18/09/2013
1. A project for the restoration of Apostolos Andreas Monastery is
signed
2. Denktas: we should not care as to whether the Greek Cypriots want
to share anything with us
3.
British MP Christopher Mark Field carries out contacts in the occupied Cyprus
4. Trabzonspor football team is coming to Cyprus today
5.
European IACBE conference at “GAU”
6.
The occupation regime is candidate to host “EERA 2017 conference”
7.
Secondary schools open in the occupied part of Cyprus
8.
Turkey expects no retaliation after shooting Syrian helicopter
9.
Turkey and Pakistan signed 13 protocols
10.
Finnish MFA’s visit to Ankara; Cyprus problem is also in the agenda
11.
Joint committee to work on Turkey-US trade
12.
International press body concerned over anti-press rhetoric of Turkish
authorities
1. A project for the restoration of Apostolos Andreas Monastery
is signed
Under the title “5-million Euro project”,
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (18.09.13) reports that the EVKAF
religious foundation signed yesterday a protocol with the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP-PFF) on the issue of restoring the occupied monastery
of Apostolos (Saint) Andreas in occupiedKarpasia peninsula. According to the
paper, the 5-million Euro project was prepared by the Greek University of
Patras and will be materialized within the framework of the rules of Technical
Committee on the Cultural Heritage.
In statements after signing the protocol,
TizianaZennaro, representative of UNDP-PFF said that they will try to cooperate
for protecting Cyprus’ cultural heritage.
On his part, the director of EVKAF, Ibrahim
Benter thanked everyone who contributed in this project and noted that they are
proud of being a part of the restoration of Apostolos Andreas Monastery, which
he described as a part of Cyprus’ culture. He argued that they are in favour of
the continuation of such projects.
(I/Ts.)
2. Denktas: we should not care as to whether the Greek Cypriots
want to share anything with us
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(18.09.13) reports that SerdarDenktas, self-styled deputy prime minister and
“minister” of economy, tourism, culture and sports of the breakaway regime in
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has argued that the Turks of
Cyprus gave their lives in order to turn these lands into their homeland, but
they could not keep the so-called state standing on its own feet.
In statements in Kutahya, which he visits
upon an invitation by the Anatolia Development and Cooperation Association
(AKIDER), Denktas said that the negotiations for finding a solution to the
Cyprus problem will resume in October and argued that they discuss this problem
for half a century without being able to reach a solution. Denktas claimed:
“They say that this time we will reach. We shall see. We shall see all together
if the Greek Cypriot side will share anything with us this time. We should not
be at the position of waiting for others to get into the mood. We should not
care too much as to whether the Greek Cypriots want to share with us…”
Denktas referred to the so-called embargoes
allegedly implemented on the Turkish Cypriots and claimed:
“They implement embargo on us. Will we not
be able to stand on our own feet? There is only one way. Let us understand this
at last. We have been saying for years ‘for goodness sake let us not offend the
UN, and the EU should not say anything against us’, and we have been continuing
the negotiations with the Greek Cypriots, who do not accept an agreement with
us. On the other hand, since 1996 we have not been able to establish economic
integration with Turkey. We managed to die together in order to be able to turn
these lands into our homeland, but we did not manage to keep standing on its
own feet the state established on these lands…”
Denktas alleged that the “TRNC” is the
second Turkish state in the world after Turkey and added that the relations
between the Turkic states under the leadership of Turkey will revive the
Turkish Cypriots from cultural, economic and political point of view.
(I/Ts.)
3. British
MP Christopher Mark Field carries out contacts in the occupied Cyprus
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 18.09.13), British Conservative MP Christopher Mark Field, who carries
out contacts in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus, met on Tuesday
with self-styled prime minister OzkanYorgancioglu.
Mark Field later came together with
self-styled minister of foreign affairs OzdilNami.
No statement was issued before or after the
meetings.
4. Trabzonspor football team is coming to Cyprus today
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper
(18.09.13) reports that the football team of Trabzonspor is coming to the
government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus today in order to play
tomorrow with Apollon Limassol football club, within the framework of UEFA
Europa League.
In a statement issued by Trabzonspor on its
official webpage, the team’s fans are warned that they are not allowed to carry
with them to the stadium and open a flag of the “TRNC” or any banner containing
political messages. The club notes that UEFA will impose “important sanctions’
on them, if such incidents happen and points out that legal action will be
taken against persons who will do such things.
The paper writes that the team is expected
to fly to Cyprus through the island of Rhodes and arrive in Larnaka after a
trip of 3.5-4 hours. This is the third time that Trabzonspor plays with a
Cypriot team, as it had faced Anorthosis Famagusta FC and Apoel Nicosia FC in
the past.
(I/Ts.)
5. European
IACBE conference at “GAU”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (18.09.13)
reports that after the “faculty of business and economy” of the illegal Girne
American University (“GAU”) has been accredited by the International Assembly
for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), it is announced that the European
IACBE conference will be held at “GAU” between 24-25 October, 2013.
According to the paper, the conference will
host hundreds of academicians.
6. The
occupation regime is candidate to host “EERA 2017 conference”
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
(18.09.13), the “Cyprus Educational Science Association” (“KEB-DER”)
participated in the Emerging Researchers' Conference 2013 of the European
Educational Research Association (EERA), which was held between 10 - 13
September, at Bahcesehir University, Istanbul.
Prof.Dr.HuseyinUzunboylu - chairman of
“KEB-DER” and academic staff of the illegal Near East University (“YDU”) – in a
written statement, said that the occupation regime is also a candidate to host
the conference 2017 of EERA in the occupied part of Lefkosia.
7. Secondary
schools open in the occupied part of Cyprus
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
(18.09.13), about 19 thousands students and 2,200 teachers commenced the
academic term for secondary schools on September 17 in the occupied part of the
Republic of Cyprus.
8. Turkey
expects no retaliation after shooting Syrian helicopter
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online,
17.09.13) with the above title reported that Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu, speaking in an interview with A Haber television channel, declared
his country’s readiness in case of a new threat against its security and
national interests.
Turkey is ready for any possibility,
Davutoglu replied when asked whether they expected any retaliation from Syria.
“Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces are
both instructed and prepared in such a way as to be capable of responding in an
instant to all kinds of violations against the security of our country and
borders. In that regard, in order to protect our security and national interests,
we are prepared for all kinds of developments that may take place from now on.However,
we are not expecting any retaliation,” Davutoglu added.
The Turkish minister was reminded of the
Syrian army’s statement in which it blamed the Turkish side for showing “a
hasty reaction.”
“A comment such as ‘hastiness’ is actually
an acknowledgement of the crime,” Davutoglu said, reiterating that such a
statement itself exposed that the Syrian side committed a border violation.
Moreover, HDN (online, 17.09.13) under the
title “Army downed Syrian helicopter 'according to rules of engagement,”
reported that Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan, commenting the military’s
downing of a Syrian helicopter on Monday during a joint press conference in
Ankara with visiting Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, said that the
government has provided the Turkish army with the authority to act according to
the rules of engagement in the event of any border violation.
“We had stated before that the rules of
engagement would be implemented. There was a border violation of up to two
kilometres,” Erdogan said, emphasizing that the Syrian pilots had not changed
the helicopter’s course despite repeated warnings.
“When the warnings were not heeded, the
Turkish Armed Forces executed the rules of engagement,” he said.
9. Turkey
and Pakistan signed 13 protocols
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency
(18.09.13), Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, who met on Tuesday with his
Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Ankara, held a joint press conference
following their bilateral meeting which was closed to the press.
Thirteen protocols have been signed between
the two countries in various fields including education, environment,
transportation, security, municipality services, cultural projects, trade,
finance, and energy.
Stating that the protocols will improve
relations between two countries, Erdogan pointed to the growing strategically
partnership between the countries.
"The visit is a clear indicator of the
strategically relation between two countries," he noted, reminding that
Sharif has chosen Turkey as the second official destination for his foreign
visit since he formed the government in June.
Erdogan also stated the trading volume
between two countries was not enough and said the aim was to reach 2 billion
dollars.
Nawaz Sharif, on the other hand, stressed
that Turkey and Pakistan would be leaders to promote peace and stability in the
region as being two strong democracies.
Turkish Premier plans a visit Pakistan in
the first half of November, which he said would contribute to strengthening the
relations.
Earlier today, “Republic Order” was
received by Nawaz Sharif from Turkish President Abdullah Gul in recognition of
close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
10. Finnish
MFA’s visit to Ankara; Cyprus problem is also in the agenda
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency
(18.09.13), Finnish Foreign Minister ErkkiTuomioja is going to visit Ankara on
Wednesday to meet with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu.
The two Foreign Ministers are going to
discuss bilateral relations between Turkey and Finland, Turkey's EU membership
process, the current economic crisis in Europe, and the Cyprus problem,
exchanging ideas about current regional and international issues.
Finnish Foreign Minister is also expected
to be received by President Abdullah Gul, Speaker of Parliament CemilCicek and
Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan.
Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily
News (online, 18.09.13), under the title “Free media, right to assembly key
values for EU, says Finland’s FM”, published, inter alia, the following written
interview of Finnish Foreign Minister ErkkiTuomioja with SerkanDemirtas:
“Q: It’s been more than 50 years since Turkey began talks with the EU
for joining the club. What is Finland’s view regarding Turkey’s accession
process?
A: Finland is and has always been firmly committed to Turkish EU
membership. Turkey’s future is in Europe, and Finland looks forward to further
progress with its accession negotiations and opening of new negotiating
chapters. Turkey plays a crucial role in the region and globally, and Turkey’s
accession would contribute to European stability and prosperity as a whole. We
see the talks as a win-win process.
The perspective of EU membership is a
powerful stimulus for positive reform and transformation process in Turkey and
can inspire also other countries in the neighbourhood. At the same time, Turkey
can play a constructive role in foreign policy and we see a lot of potential
for developing cooperation and coordination between the Union and Turkey in
this field.
Turkey has significant economic potential.
Europe is facing huge economic challenges and trade with Turkey offers
opportunities for businesses and investments on both sides. It is noteworthy
that the EU is still the main source of investments to Turkey.
I am hopeful as regards the recent efforts
of the European Commission and Turkey to agree on the path toward visa
liberalization, linked to broader cooperation on migration. Promoting
people-to-people contacts is one of the priorities of our foreign policy. It is
crucial that businessmen, students, tourists and other Turkish citizens can
move freely in Europe. We very much hope that the EU and Turkey can take
concrete steps forward also in this area.
Q: Turkish officials blame the EU countries for implementing
double-standards when it comes to Turkish accession process, citing unilateral
blockage on the opening of chapters by some member countries. What is Finland’s
point of view with regard to the Cyprus government’s attempts to hijack
Turkey’s accession process?
A: It is true that not all EU countries have always treated Turkey
fairly. This said, the Cyprus question is fundamental. As we see it, it would
be in the interest of all parties to solve the Cyprus problem before the status
quo becomes permanent.
Finland has a historical interest in the
solution process. My father, SakariTuomioja, served as a U.N. mediator for
Cyprus in 1963. During the Finnish presidency in the EU in 2006, we worked hard
on the solution. It is our sincere hope that now time would be ripe for a new
reunification effort. In the current situation, it is substantial that all
involved parties show political will and readiness to compromise.
Perhaps the natural resources in the
Eastern Mediterranean could be utilized as a positive incentive to the process
– just as coal served to unify European countries when the European Coal and
Steel Community was founded?
Q: There are growing concerns on the state of freedom of expression in
Turkey as dozens of journalists have been either fired or prosecuted for their
critical pieces. How does Finland evaluate these concerns?
A: The freedom of expression as well as the right to assembly are
defined liberties by the European Convention on Human Rights. Turkey, as a
candidate country for EU accession, needs to aspire to the highest democratic
standards and practices which include the freedom of all media. These questions
are always a key part of accession discussions with the candidate countries.
Q: The Turkish government was fiercely criticized because of the
security forces’ use of disproportionate force on activists in June during the
Gezi Park demonstrations. Do the scenes broadcast by the media fit a country
aspiring to join the EU?
A: As I have stated before, democracy requires dialogue and debate to
reach out to all segments of society. Regarding recent protests, this is an
important moment for Turkey. We expect the cases of disproportionate use of
force as well as violence to be investigated within the Turkish law in a
transparent way and those responsible brought to account. Turkey’s commitment
to the European values is of vital importance for the accession process.
Enhancing respect for fundamental rights is a continuous process not only in
Turkey. More and more emphasis is put on reinforcing democratic accountability
in the EU-countries, as well. Recently, Turkey has made some very important
steps forward. I highly appreciate the Turkish Government’s efforts to build up
new trust through the Kurdish peace process. This process is a big challenge
and historical opportunity. The new constitution of Turkey is expected to be
the next crucial reform when prepared in a conciliatory way. (…)”
11. Joint
committee to work on Turkey-US trade
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily
News (online, 18.09.13) Turkish Economy Minister ZaferCaglayan has said Turkey
and the United States have agreed on the creation of a High Level Business
Committee that would work on a Turkey-U.S. free trade formula that wouldn’t
exclude Turkey from the EU-U.S. alliance, during his visit to Washington.
Caglayan stated yesterday that they had
held the first meeting for the committee with the U.S. Minister of Trade, Penny
Pritzker, and they had officially agreed to establish it. “Today is a
historical day for Turkey-U.S. trade,” he said, noting that infrastructure
works for a free trade deal between the two countries would begin and
assessment and impact analysis would be formed.
He recalled that Prime Minister RecepTayyip
Erdogan and the U.S. President Barack Obama touched upon the creation of the
business committee during his visit to the U.S. in May.
Caglayan stated that during his meeting
with Pritzker, he said that the U.S. trade measures against Turkish products,
three anti-dumping and two compensatory taxes, were the main reasons for the
trade gap between the two countries.
The Minister said the technical teams’ work
would accelerate the process of the Turkey-U.S. free trade deal, which was a
formula for avoiding Turkey being excluded from the Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership (TTIP) signed between the European Union and the U.S.
that began negotiations in July.
A transatlantic free deal trade currently
being negotiated between the EU and the United States could cause the Turkish
economy to lose $20 billion if Turkey is left out of a final agreement, an
analysis prepared by the Brookings Institute and the Turkish Industry and
Business Association (TUSIAD) showed.
Turkey has exported around $5.6 billion
worth of goods to the U.S. while importing $14 billion in 2012 over the last
two years, according to official figures.
12. International
press body concerned over anti-press rhetoric of Turkish authorities
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online,
18.09.13) with the above title reported that the Committee to Protect
Journalists (CPJ), an international press freedom advocacy group, has sent a
letter to Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan voicing concerns over the
“continued press freedom crisis” in Turkey.
The heated anti-press rhetoric coming from
the top echelons of power causes media owners to clear their newsrooms of
independent voices, read the CPJ letter, addressed to Erdogan and sent on Sept.
17.
The letter also highlighted the ongoing criminal
prosecutions of journalists in retaliation for their work, and slammed the
government’s promoting of self-censorship.
The media environment in Turkey is
“extremely difficult,” with new concerns appearing throughout last year, the
letter stated, adding that the CPJ was particularly concerned about the
continued jailing of journalists and the linkage of reporting that challenges
government policies with terrorism.
The letter also slams the government’s
threats to restrict social media.
The CPJ asks for the immediate release of
all Turkish journalists held in pre-trial detention, and calls on the
government to cease using journalism as evidence of criminal activity.
“Stop the pressure being applied to the
Turkish media to tone down their coverage or get rid of critics,” the letter
read, asking the government to reform all “laws routinely used against the
media.”
Five of the 11 journalists detained in
January on charges of participating to a banned terrorist organization remain
in prison today, while several of those detained have reported being beaten in
police custody, the CPJ letter claimed, based on its own research into the
matter.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
/X.Chr.
