TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 215/13 13.11.13
1.Electricity price increases cause reactions in
occupied Cyprus
2. Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriots make peace
process difficult
3.Nami informed Turkish Cypriot trade unions on the
latest developments of the Cyprus problem
4. Environmental organizations warnings: Pentadaktylos
to be down to four fingers
5. Othello castle and Arsenal Bastion in Famagusta are
collapsing
6. Turkey, Azerbaijan confirm political solidarity,
energy cooperation
7. Parties go on culture war with mixed-gender housing
debate
8. Turkish envoy summoned to Egyptian Foreign Ministry
9. ECHR finds Turkey guilty of violating convention in
village bombing
1. Electricity price increases cause reactions in
occupied Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily Afrika newspaper (13.11.13) reports that self-styled minister of food,
agriculture and energy, OnderSennaroglu announced yesterday new electricity
price increases up to 30% in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, as a
part of a project that allegedly aimed the achieving the sustainability of the
so-called electricity authority (KIB-TEK). Speaking at a press conference
yesterday, Sennaroglu said that “KIB-TEK” is facing “a serious crisis” and that
problems are experienced in collecting its receivable debts from
“institutions”, organizations and “legal and natural entities”.
According to
Sennaroglu, they established that “KIB-TEK” sells electricity in prices under
the cost and argued that the situation is derived from the fact that the former
“governments” took no measures in the past two years in front of the increase
of the fuel oil prices and dollar’s exchange rate. He said also that the debts
of the “public institutions and organizations” as well as of the
“municipalities” will be rearranged.
According to the
paper, Sennaroglu said that a price increase of 18.42% is considered for
consumption of 250 kilowatts per hour (KW/h), but the increase in the
electricity bill will be 13.63%. For consumption over 250 kW/h, the price will
be increased by 25%, 28.85% and 29.23% respectively. According to the new rates the price per one
KW/h will be 19.2 Turkish liras (TL). The new prices will come into effect as
of Monday 18 November 2013.
The paper calls
on the people not to pay the bills, noting that “state institutions” do not
pay, “municipalities” do not pay, luxury hotels do not pay, “universities” do
not pay and those who are “influential” do not pay.
Turkish Cypriot daily
HalkinSesi newspaper (13.11.13) reports that self-styled prime minister,
OzkanYorgancioglu stated that they had no other alternative and asked from the
people to show “understanding”. “If there was no increase, the production would
stop”, he said.
The paper writes
that the increase was like a “cold shower” for the people. Noting that the
reaction of the community was very strong, the paper writes that many
organizations made a call for “civil disobedience” and asked from the people
not to pay the bills.
Referring to the
issue, Huseyin Ozgurgun, chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP), said that
the increase was an “injustice and unacceptable”. He argued that “governing
means producing solutions to the problems” and not forcing the people to pay the
price.
Dev-Is trade
union issued a statement noting that the “government” disappointed the workers
and the laborers and asking for the withdrawal of the decision. Describing the
increase as “irrational”, the union protested against the Republican Turkish
Party – Democratic Party (CTP-DP) “government”, noting that it is a “complete
substitute” of the former UBP “government”.
The trade union
of “KIB-TEK’s” employees (EL-SEN) also issued a statement noting that the
solution to the problem is not making increases in the price of electricity,
but collecting the debts from those who owe to “KIB-TEK”.
The chairman of
the United Cyprus Party (BKP), IzzetIzcan protested against the CTP-DP
“government” and said that with the increases, the process of privatizing
“KIB-TEK” has started.
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis newspaper (13.11.13) reports that Ali Cirali and HurremTulga,
chairmen of the Chambers of Industry and Tradesmen and Craftsmen respectively,
also reacted against the increase.
Cirali said that
the industrialists continue “fighting for their existence” and drew attention
to the fact that electricity is an important input for industry. Noting that
the price increases are very high, Cirali argued that with these increases they
cannot compete with Turkey anymore.
Turlga said that
the “government” did something “outrageous” and pushed both the tradesmen and
the people to poverty.
Under the title
“KIB-TEK is being privatized”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper
(13.11.13) cites information according to which, last week a delegation from
Turkish Petroleum Company (TPIC), which meets the needs of KIB-TEK in fuel oil
since 2009, had visited the administrators of the organization and Sennaroglu
last week. According to the paper, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister BulentArinc’s
son, AhmetMucahitArinc was also participating in the TPIC’s delegation of
experts. The paper writes that in his statements after the departure of the
delegation, Sennaroglu “has created the picture” of KIB-TEK’s privatization.
(I/Ts.)
2. Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriots make
peace process difficult
Turkish Cypriot
daily Vatan (13.11.13) reported that the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu
said that the Greek Cypriot side asked for a joint declaration before the
resumption of the Cyprus reunification talks, however, he argued that they
rejected the joint text prepared by the UN and they are making this process
difficult by constantly bringing up new proposals.
In statements on
the Cyprus problem during a meeting with a delegation from Turkey’s Hotel
Restaurant and Entertainment Workers Trade Union (TOLEYIS), Eroglu alleged that
Greek Cypriot side's unwillingness to come to the negotiation table creates
suspicion that it doesn’t want an agreement. Eroglu claimed that it is not
possible to say that the Greek Cypriot side wants a solution because they have
allegedly rejected all the UN agreement texts until today.
In statements
during a meeting with a delegation from Turkey’s Hotel Restaurant and
Entertainment Workers Trade Union (TOLEYIS), Eroglu, referring to the Cyprus
problem, alleged that Greek Cypriot side unwillingness to come to the
negotiation table creates suspicion that doesn’t want an agreement. Eroglu
claimed that it is not possible the Greek Cypriot side to say that they want a
solution because they have allegedly rejected all the UN until today.
Eroglu
reiterated that they want to conclude the negotiations by April and to take the
agreement to referenda.
The Chairman of
TOLEYIS, CemalBakindi, for his part, said that they will remain in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus for 3 days for the seminars. He added that they
have been trying to create a bridge between Turkey and “North Cyprus”, adding
that they have decided to carry out the seminars in the occupation area of
Cyprus. He also argued that they want “TRNC” (Transl. note: breakaway regime in
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) to be recognize by the whole world
as an independent, adding that they full support Eroglu’s policy.
Eroglu claimed
that although they are under “embargoes”, Turkish Cypriots have reached this
point with the support of their motherland Turkey, which she is the only one
recognizing them, claiming that one day the world would see that these “embargoes”
are inhuman.
3. Nami informed Turkish Cypriot trade unions on
the latest developments of the Cyprus problem
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.11.13) reports that the self-styled minister
of foreign affairs OzdilNami informed representatives of trade union
organizations in occupied Cyprus on the latest developments of the Cyprus
problem. Representatives of Turk-Sen, Dev-Is, BES, KOOP-Sen and Hur-Is
participated in the meeting.
Nami
stated that he exchanged views on the recent developments with the trade unions
adding that the people’s support will be needed in a solution; therefore the
society must be informed on the developments.
On his
part, chairman of Turk-Sen trade union ArsanBicakli stated that this is the
first time they are informed on the issue by the “foreign ministry”, adding
that in the past they were informed by the “presidency”.
4. Environmental organizations warnings:
Pentadaktylos to be down to four fingers
Turkish
Cypriot midweek Cyprus Today newspaper (13.11.13) reports that Pentadaktylos
(Five Fingers Mountain) will soon ne down to four fingers if unregulated
quarrying is allowed to continue.
OrhanAydeniz,
chairman of the “Cyprus Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion for Reforestation
and the Protection of Natural Habitats”, stated that the situation is critical
if action is not taken soon.
“There
are currently 17 stones quarries operating across the Five Fingers mountains in
an unorganized and unsystematic manner. Mountains and foothills are
disappearing and it is impossible to rehabilitate”, he said adding that we can
continuity talking for the next 20 years over the issue, but soon no mountains
will be left. “There will not be five or four fingers left in the mountain.
There will be nothing”, he stated.
On his
part, “Greek Action Group” chairman DoganSahir, stated that stone quarry
activities should stop immediately and action must be taken soon.
5. Othello castle and Arsenal Bastion in Famagusta
are collapsing
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (13.11.13), reports that the “Famagusta Initiative”
organization warns the “officials” in the breakaway regime that the Othello
castle, the Arsenal Bastion and the monuments which are the area, are in a very
bad condition.
According to the
chairman of the “Famagusta Initiative” OkanDagli, the monuments need
restoration urgently and added that the abandonment and neglecting of old
monuments of Famagusta is continuing despite the warnings made.
6. Turkey, Azerbaijan confirm political solidarity,
energy cooperation
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 12.11.13) reported that
Turkey and Azerbaijan underlined solidarity as regional allies and
reviewed energy cooperation as the Presidents of the two countries sat down for
talks during a visit by Azerbaijani President IlhamAliyev to Ankara, the first
trip abroad since he was re-elected to his post for a third time last
month.
Speaking at a
joint news conference with Aliyev on Tuesday, President Abdullah Gul confirmed
Turkey's support for Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying
Azerbaijan's territorial integrity is a “national issue” for Turkey as well.
“We reviewed big
economic projects, [cooperation in the fields of] gas, energy and transportation.
We also discussed the issue of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and
liberation of Azerbaijan's occupied territories, which is a national issue for
Azerbaijan and which we also view as a national issue,” Gul told the press
conference. “I believe this [liberation of Azerbaijani territories] will be
realized eventually,” Gul also said, adding that such a resolution in the
long-standing conflict should come through diplomacy.
“Turkey is
always by our side on this matter; it is on the side of justice. Azerbaijan's
lands have been under Armenian occupation for many years,” Aliyev said for his
part. He said Azerbaijani people in the occupied lands were subject to ethnic
cleansing. “It is not possible to make peace with such injustice,” he said.
Aliyev said he
and Gul discussed massive energy and transportation projects that connect the
two countries, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline,
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway.
Aliyev is due to
have talks with Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan on Wednesday. Cabinet
ministers from the two countries will also attend a High-Level Strategic
Cooperation Council meeting, which takes place as a joint meeting of the
cabinets of the two countries.
7. Parties go on culture war with mixed-gender
housing debate
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 12.11.13) reported that recent discussions about
mixed-gender apartments shared by female and male students dominated speeches
by Turkey’s government and opposition parties on Tuesday.
Opposition
parties criticized Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan for threatening
liberal people’s lifestyles, while the Prime Minister defended his stance.
Erdogan on
Tuesday reiterated his opposition to mixed-gender houses shared by university students
and said his government has the responsibility of preserving the values held by
Turkish society. Speaking at his Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party)
parliamentary group meeting, Erdogan said he was not going to afford any
opportunities to those who are lying in wait to see a rift in the AK Party.
On the other
hand, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu
has called on parents to “ignore what the dictator says,” referring to recent
remarks by PM Erdogan targeting young men and women living together in
mixed-gender student homes. Kilicdaroglu spoke at his party’s parliamentary
group meeting on Tuesday, criticizing Erdogan’s recent anger at male and female
university students renting apartments together.
Similarly, the
leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) also called on Erdogan to
apologize to university students and their families for his recent remarks
implying that male and female students who share the same house are committing
an immoral act. “The prime minister must definitely apologize to our innocent
students and their families,” DevletBahceli said at an MHP parliamentary group
meeting on Tuesday.
Meanwhile,
Today’s Zaman (online, 12.11.13) reported that as reverberations continue from
the government's plan to take action against mixed-gender student cohabitation,
the Interior Minister emphasized that a right to privacy is guaranteed by law,
saying that no one (police) can enter a house without a court ruling.
Speaking during
a program aired on the private NTV channel late on Monday, Interior Minister
MuammerGuler waded into the controversial issue in what seems to have been an
attempt to clarify the government's position -- one which even caused a rift
within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) -- and he refuted
allegations of state intrusion into private lives.
“The protection
of private life, the privacy of property and the home and individual rights are
guaranteed by law. Those rights are protected by the Constitution, the
universal norms and the state institutions that are responsible for the
implementation of the law,” Guler said in attempt to placate critics and defuse
lingering tension over the issue.
8. Turkish envoy summoned to Egyptian Foreign
Ministry
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 12.11.13) reported that Turkish Ambassador to Egypt
HuseyinAvniBotsalı was summoned to Egypt's Foreign Ministry on Sunday over
Cairo's discomfort about statements made by Turkish officials on Egypt.
Egyptian Foreign
Ministry officials expressed their discomfort about remarks made by some top
Turkish officials about the Cairo administration to Botsali, according to the
information the Anadolu news agency received from sources at the Turkish
Embassy in Cairo.
Sources said
Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister HatemSeif el Nasr, who talked with Botsali at
the Foreign Ministry, told the Turkish envoy that statements made by Turkish
officials on Egypt amounted to “interfering in Egypt's internal affairs”. It
was not clear which remarks by Turkish officials the Egyptian officials were
referring to.
Turkey recently
called for a fair trial for ousted President Mohammed Morsi, who stood trial on
Nov. 4 on charges of inciting murder during clashes last December outside the
presidential palace that left at least 10 dead. In an address on Nov. 3,
Erdogan talked about the events in Egypt, saying, “We witness brother killing
brother.” He added that the Rabaa sign, which has become a symbol of the
anti-coup protesters' defiance, has become a sign that says “stop” to injustice
in every corner of the world. “It is a sign to say stop to massacres and
coups,” Erdogan said.
Botsali was
recalled to Ankara in late August for consultation but then returned to Egypt
in early September.
Sending Botsali
back to Egypt had been interpreted by observers as a change in Ankara's Egypt
policy and possibly an attempt to revive diplomatic ties between the two
countries.
Although the
Turkish envoy was sent back to Cairo with Turkish Foreign Ministry officials
saying that they had completed “consultations” with Botsali, the Egyptian envoy
to Turkey, Abderahman Salah El-Din, will not return to Ankara in the short
term. Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy had stated that Egypt expects
Turkey to change its strong position on Morsi's removal before it will send its
ambassador back to his post.
“The narrow
party vision of Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan will push relations
to a course Egypt was keen to avoid with the aim of preserving historical relations
between the two countries,” Egypt's Presidential Spokesman IhabBadawi said on
Nov. 7. He added that his country was now “reassessing” it relations with
Turkey in light of recent “contradictory” messages from Turkish officials.
9. ECHR finds Turkey guilty of violating convention
in village bombing
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 12.11.13) reported that the European Court of Human
Rights (ECHR) on Wednesday found that Turkey had violated various articles of
the European Convention on Human Rights in a case regarding allegations the
residents of two villages made against the Turkish state over a bombing of the
villages in 1994.
The court
ordered Turkey to pay more than 2 million euros in total in fines to the
applicants.
The judgment was
announced on Tuesday, the first day of a three-day visit by Justice Minister
SadullahErgin to the European court in Strasbourg.
The judgment is
significant because the case is similar to the Uludere bombing, in which 34
Kurdish villagers were killed in an airstrike by Turkish military jets in
December 2011.
The ECHR on
Wednesday announced its ruling in the case Benzer and Others v. Turkey,
launched after the applicants alleged that Turkish jets bombed two villages in
southeast Turkey in March 1994, killing more than 30 of the applicants' close
relatives, injuring some of the applicants themselves and destroying most of
their property and livestock. The court said although judgment was not final,
it found Turkey guilty of violating Article 2 (right to life), Article 3
(prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment) of the European Convention on
Human Rights and a failure to comply with Article 38 (obligation to provide all
necessary facilities for the examination of the case).
The court said
Turkey should carry out further investigative steps into the incident to
identify and punish those who gave the orders for the bombings.
The court ruled
Turkey to pay the 38 applicants a total of 2,305,000 euros in non-pecuniary
damages, and 5,700 euros to cover the trial costs and expenses. The two
villages, Kuskonar and Kocagi, are in the southeastern province of Sirnak.
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