TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 214/13 12.11.13
1.
Eroglu’s respond to Anastasiades
2. Talat sees no light of hope in the Cyprus problem;
He argues that membership to the CFA is not good, but cannot be rejected
3. Discussions of breakaway regime’s budget begin
today
4. KTOS says that the lack of teachers due to Turkey’s
refusal to send money to the breakaway regime
5.
Ozyigit the only candidate for the Social Democracy Party leadership
6. Panic due to pseudo fowl pest disease in the
occupied area of Cyprus
7.
Swedish Ambassador: Achieving progress in Cyprus talks will boost the
Turkish-EU accession process.
8. Davutoglu to visit Washington on November 18
9.
Energy still an obstacle in Turkish-Iraqi normalization
10.
Turkish court lifts headscarf ban for attorneys
11. Record visits to Ataturk Mausoleum on November 10
1. Eroglu’s
respond to Anastasiades
According to
illegal Bayrak television (11.11.13), Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu, in a
written statement, responding to criticisms by the Cyprus President Nikos
Anastasiades against him, said that as “the president of the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus [Editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus] he is aware of his constitutional duty and he is doing
what is necessary to defend the rights and interests of his people”.
Eroglu added: “I
do not ascribe Anastasiades to call me as arrogant. I was considering
Anastasiades as a gentleman politician”.
Claiming that he
always paid attention to be respectful to the Greek Cypriots’ sensitivities and
personalities, Eroglu said it is interesting that the Greek Cypriot leader made
these accusations against him following his visit to the EOKA House.
“It seems that
Mr Anastasiades is not pleased with my insistence on our sovereignty and the
continuation of Turkey’s active and effective guarantee. It is obvious that
Anastasiades is continuing to evaluate the EOKA ideology even today, and also
he dreams about taking us back to the pre 1974 conditions”, Eroglu argued.
Eroglu also
called on Anastasiades to assume an attitude after correctly understanding the
reportedly realities in Cyprus and warned him that he will be deceived if he
thinks he would convince the Turkish Cypriots and bring them under the Greek
Cypriot sovereignty.
Noting that the
Turkish Cypriot side is ready to sit at the negotiations table without
preconditions and finalize the Cyprus problem with a federation which will be
based on bi-zonality and political equality, Eroglu said: “We will never
sacrifice our political equality and equal status of the founding states”.
Moreover, “BRT”
(online, 11.11.13) broadcast that Eroglu, in an exclusive statement to “BRT”,
complained that the Greek Cypriot leadership reportedly resorts to various
tricks to delay the process, the latest example being the joint statement.
Pointing out
that all chapters will be negotiated once the talks re-commence, Eroglu said
that the Greek Cypriot leader rejected all convergences reached to this day.
Responding to a
question as to whether or not Anastasiades’ stance towards the Cyprus problem
will toughen, Eroglu reminded that DISI’s extreme right wing coalition partner
DIKO will be holding its general congress in December, adding: “Anastasiades
wants current DIKO President Karoyan to win the elections. He doesn’t want to
be accused of being flexible at the negotiating table. This is the kind of
games they are playing”.
Claiming that
Anastasiades had lost his popularity because of the economy, Eroglu argued that
Anastasiades was trying to regain his public’s support by using the issue of
Varosha or the joint statement.
“We have been
waiting for him for the past 9 months. He set up his government, introduced
austerity measures. But his continuing delaying tactics are leading us to
question his sincerity”, Eroglu noted.
Responding to a
question regarding the mutual cross visits of the Special Representatives which
have not been realized yet, Eroglu said that the proposal came originally from
Greece and the Greek Cypriot side.
“It seems that
the Greek Prime Minister is not looking too warmly on this issue and is
delaying the visits. It seems that the Greek Cypriot side has changed its mind
regarding these visits. They fear my special representative’s visit could set
an example for other countries”, Eroglu claimed.
2. Talat sees no light of hope in the Cyprus
problem; He argues that membership to the CFA is not good, but cannot be
rejected
Turkish Cypriot
daily Star Kibris newspaper (12.11.13) reports that former Turkish Cypriot
leader Mehmet Ali Talat has said that he sees no light of hope in the Cyprus
problem. In statements yesterday to Ada TV, Talat noted that the Cyprus problem
is the most important fact that influences everyday economic life, social
position and psychological situation of the people. Pointing out that a
deadlock exists today, he added: “I could not know how long it will last. What
kind of hope is there? I cannot see such hope. My biggest hope is to see hope
in the Cyprus problem, but there is not any…”
Referring to the
issue of the joint statement, he said that he had agreed on 3-4 texts with
former President Christofias and added: “The parameters of the solution are
known. The text they call joint text will be actually something in which the
parameters of the solution of the problem will be expressed…”
Talat described
as “very risky” President Anastasiades’ stance and alleged that he is trying to
exert pressure on the Turkish Cypriots by using the fact that the Republic of
Cyprus is internationally recognized.
Referring to the
Greek Cypriot press, Talat alleged: “Do not follow the Greek Cypriot press, you
will be deceived… The Greek Cypriot press generally prevents the solution of
the Cyprus problem. The Turkish Cypriot press is not like this. The Turkish
Cypriot press supports the solution…”
Commenting on
the stance of the Turkish Cypriots towards the developments in Turkey, Talat
said: “I am tired of the mimicry. Whatever happens in Turkey, the same thing is
discussed here. An issue regarding the student residences came up, which even I
have not understood from where, and it is discussed in the press all day. The
trade unions issue statements… Do I come from Turkey? I am sorry, but do I come
from Turkey? Something happens in Germany, in Greece, in Iran, something
happens in America and they do not shout. When something happens in Turkey,
everyone plays the role of a person coming from Turkey. Then we say that we are
independent. Then why do you interfere in his (Turkish) affairs? …”
Meanwhile,
according to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (12.11.13), on his Twitter
account Talat referred to the agreement signed recently between the Turkish
Cypriot so-called football federation, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA or
KOP), FIFA and UEFA in Zurich as regards the future of football in Cyprus.
Talat argued that the membership of their so-called federation to the CFA is
not a good development, but it could not be rejected after this stage. He said
that they should try to minimize the negative points of the agreement and work
for a better one without being viewed as rejectionists.
(I/Ts.)
3. Discussions of breakaway regime’s budget begin
today
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (12.11.13) reports that the discussions of the breakaway
regime’s “budget” for 2014 are beginning today at the so-called parliamentary
committee on economy, finance, budget and planning. The meetings of the
“committee” on the “budget”, which reaches three billion 774 million and 945
thousand Turkish liras, are expected to continue until 29 November. The
“committee” will complete these discussions in ten meetings. Afterwards the
“budget” will be discussed at the “general assembly” of the “parliament”. If it
is approved, it will be valid as of 1 January 2014.
(I/Ts.)
4. KTOS says that the lack of teachers due to
Turkey’s refusal to send money to the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis newspaper (12.11.13) reports that Turkish Cypriot Primary
Teachers' Trade Union (KTOS) stated that the lack of teachers in primary
schools in the occupied area of Cyprus continues two months after the launching
of the new school year.
The general
secretary of KTOS SenerElcil stated that the “ministry of economy” which is on
the Republican Turkish Party’s hands, continues to refuse the demands for more
teachers following instructions by the “Turkish embassy to Lefkosia” which says
that there is no money.
5. Ozyigit the only candidate for the Social
Democracy Party leadership
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (12.11.13) reports that CemalOzyigit will be
the only candidate for the leadership position of the Social Democracy Party
(TDP).This development came after the current TDP leader Mehmet Cakici
announced that he will not run for the position.
The 4th
election congress of TDP will take place on November 18th.
6. Panic due to pseudo fowl pest disease in the
occupied area of Cyprus
Under the title
“Panic for pseudo fowl pest disease”, Turkish Cypriot daily HalkinSesi
newspaper (12.11.13) reports that “pseudo fowl” pest disease has occurred on
poultry and started to spread all over the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus. When collective deaths of poultry happened in many areas, people
started to worry, writes HalkinSesi.
In spite of the
fact that no specific numbers are given, adds the paper, it is said that
hundreds of hens have been destroyed.
Experts have
conducted the necessary tests as soon as they were informed and advised the
producers to separate the infected poultries from the healthy ones.
The director of
the so-called veterinary department, Ramadan Goksan said that this epidemic
disease is temporary and added that there is no risk for infecting the people.
He noted that they contacted all the integrated installations and found no sick
animalsfrom the disease.
In statements to
HalkinSesi, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot physicians’ union, FilizBesim
said that the disease will not cause any serious problem on the people, but in
case of contact with the infected poultry, inflammation in the eyes and around
the eyes and erythema in the area (of the body) that came in contact with these
animals might be occurred.
(I/Ts.)
7. Swedish Ambassador: Achieving progress in Cyprus
talks will boost the Turkish-EU accession process.
According to
Ankara Anatolia news agency (11.11.13), Turkey's Minister for EU Affairs EgemenBagis
has blamed the Christian Democrats (EPP), the largest political group in the
EU, for breaking its promise to upgrade Turkey's ruling Justice and Development
(AKP) Party's observer status to full membership.
The AKP has left
the EPP and joined the Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists (AECR)
following a long period as an “observer” within the EPP.
Receiving
Swedish Ambassador Lars Wahlund in Ankara on Monday, Bagis told the press that
the EPP did not even ask member parties for their approval to grant the AKP
full membership.
Meanwhile the Swedish
Ambassador expressed support for Turkey's EU accession bid. “We are very happy,
we have opened Chapter 22 on regional polices in Turkey's EU negotiations. We
hope that we can open chapters 23 and 24,” he said, referring to the chapters
on "judiciary and fundamental rights" and "justice, freedom and
security," respectively.
He also
expressed optimism over visa-free travel for Turkish citizens to European
countries by saying “We are hopeful that we can open up visa
liberalization."
Wahlund said
achieving progress in Cyprus talks will boost the Turkish-EU accession process.
He also called
on Turkish business people to invest in Sweden by saying that the visit of
Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan with a delegation of 200 businessmen
on November 7 accelerated the economic ties between Turkey and Sweden.
8. Davutoglu to visit Washington on November 18
Turkish
daily Hurriyet newspaper (12.10.13) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu will visit Washington on November 18.
According
to the paper, Davutoglu who is currently visiting Iraq will make an effort to
repair Turkish-American relations which have started to get colder recently due
to the Middle East developments.
9. Energy still an obstacle in Turkish-Iraqi
normalization
SerkanDemirtas,
writing in Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 11.11.13), reported that
although Turkey and Iraq have agreed to push for a fresh start after nearly
two-and-half years of stalemate in ties and to begin technical talks for
cooperation on trade, economy and transportation; the energy issue will likely
stand as one of the most important hurdles before full normalization of
bilateral relations.
Foreign Minister
AhmetDavutoflu held two important meetings on Nov. 10, one with Iraqi Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the other with Foreign Minister HoshyarZebari
which produced some concrete results in the rapprochement process.
Firstly, the two
countries have decided to reactivate the political dialogue mechanism at the
level of foreign ministry undersecretaries but this time, with the
participation of high-level officials from other key ministries. The first of
this kind of enlarged mechanism will take place in Ankara on Dec. 6 and 7. This
meeting is considered to be preparatory for the planned high-level strategic
partnership meeting in Turkey which will be held in either late December or in
early 2014 under the co-leadership of Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan and
al-Maliki.
In the meantime,
the two countries’ ministers for transport, trade and economy are expected to
conduct visits to each other’s country to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in
these said fields. Establishing new railways between the two countries, opening
new border gates and increasing a $12 billion trade volume are among the common
goals of the two countries.
Al-Maliki’s
visit is expected to be a milestone in ties between the two countries after
nearly two-and-half years of coldness. Erdogan and Maliki harshly criticized
each other during this period but it seems conditions necessitated both sides
to take steps towards each other.
While al-Maliki
is trying to enter a pre-election campaign in a much more comfortable position
after mending ties with Turkey, he is also having tough times at home due to
growing terror waves that kill nearly 1,000 each month. Erdogan on the other
hand is trying to revisit his old alliance with Maliki in the face of his
troubled foreign policy in the Middle East especially in the Syrian theatre.
Whatever the
reasons are for rapprochement, an improved relation between Turkey and Iraq is
always necessary for a stable Middle East, according to many diplomats.
But there is a
major stake before full normalized relations between the two countries. This is
Turkey’s efforts to sign broad agreements with the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional
Government (KRG) although the autonomous region’s government and central
government could not yet agree on how they will share the revenues of the oil
and natural gas resources.
Iraq is against
third countries’ signing contracts with northern Iraq but for Ankara these
agreements are not in violation of the Iraqi Constitution. Ankara underlines
that this was an issue between central and regional government and assures that
it will abide by 83-17% deal between Baghdad and Arbil. Iraqi jurisdiction
stipulates that oil revenues will be divided between the north and central
government on percentages of 17 and 83.
Iraq continues
to express its uneasiness with regard to Turkey’s unilateral deals with the
north but it did not loudly express this criticism during Davutoglu’s trip.
Both sides will talk on the matter at both technical and political level and
will try to resolve the long-standing issue before al-Maliki’s upcoming trip.
10. Turkish court lifts headscarf ban for attorneys
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 11.11.13) reported that the Council of State has
approved the removal of the headscarf ban for lawyers, allowing them to
register at the Bar Association with a picture showing them wearing a
headscarf.
Upon a lawyer’s
complaint, the Council of State’s 8th Department halted the execution of the
Turkey Bar Association’s (TBB) legal profession act, which stated that lawyers
had to provide a picture of themselves without a headscarf in order to register
at the Bar Association.
The 8th Department
said in its justification that the rights granted by the Constitution and
international conventions should not be limited in a way that contradicts the
spirit of the Constitution.
11. Record visits to Ataturk Mausoleum on
Novevember 10
Turkish daily
Hurriyet newspaper (12.11.13) reports that the number of visitors at theAnitkabir
mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk hit a record. According to a statement
issued at the website of the Turkish General Staff 1,089,615 persons visited
the mausoleum on Novemeber 10 which is the anniversary of Ataturk’s death.
In the previous
years, the Anıtkabir was open until 5:00 p.m. during the Nov. 10
commemorations. However, this year the ceremonies were prolonged until 9:00
p.m. as it was the 60th anniversary of bringing Ataturk’s body from the Ethnography
Museum to the Anitkabir.
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