TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 244/13 28-30.12.13
1. Eroglu: the crisis in Turkey will not influence the
negotiating process in Cyprus
2. Eroglu: if there is no solution in Cyprus until
April, we will make new assessment and ask Turkey to support our decision
3. Tension escalates within the CTP-DP “coalition
government”
4. DP and UBP have reportedly agreed to cooperate, if
the CTP-DP “coalition government” collapsed
5. Talat: Single sovereignty and single citizenship
have been already accepted by Turkish Cypriots
6. Ozyigit: the UN parameters should be taken into
consideration in the solution of the Cyprus problem
7. The minimum wage of the breakaway regime is 1.560
TL
8. Erdogan: We’re not done yet; Main opposition says
Erdogan is a “gang leader”
9. Cavusoglu raps Fule for remarks on graft scandal
10. Davutoglu calls on Gulen Movement for
dialogue
11. Gold at centre of corruption, money laundering
allegations hitting Turkish gov't
1. Eroglu: the crisis in Turkey will not influence
the negotiating process in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (29.12.13) reported that the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu has alleged thatthe recent
crisis in Turkey will not influence the negotiating process in Cyprus. In
statements to Turkish Cihan news agency, Eroglu said that they will not accept
any “excessive demands” that will be possibly submitted by the Greek Cypriots
due to their encouragement by Turkey’s internal problems.
“Turkey has
transferred these problems to justice. I think that this internal problem will
soon be solved through the government in Turkey giving a chance to justice’s
neutrality”, he argued claiming that “the Cyprus problem has not been
influenced by the recent developments experienced in Turkey”.
Eroglu said that
the UN Secretary-General will submit a report on Cyprus to the Security Council
in January and added that during a telephone conversation he had held with Ban
Ki-moon, he asked him to be objective in this report. He alleged that usually the UN Secretary-General is not objective in
his reports on Cyprus and tries to keep the balances because “they are
afraid of facing the Russian veto” at the Security Council.
Eroglu reiterated the allegation thatno joint declaration
is needed for the resumption of the Cyprus talks
and noted that when he was “elected” he
sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General expressing the commitment to continue
the negotiations from the point they had been left. “Instead of giving this
commitment, the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades
has brought up the joint declaration drollery. This issue has been turned into
a drollery now. The UN should exert pressure on the Greek Cypriots to put an
end to this drollery”, he alleged.
When he was reminded
of the complaint submitted last week to the UN by the Republic of Cyprus on the
grounds that the Turkish Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha vessel was holding seismic
explorations in the Mediterranean violating Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, Eroglu confirmed that the vessel held
seismic explorations and argued: “Turkey
continues holding seismic exploration in the Mediterranean. This issue is not a
secret”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Eroglu: If there is no solution in Cyprus until
April, we will make new assessment and ask Turkey to support our decision
Turkish Cypriot
daily Diyalog newspaper (30.12.13) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu has argued that 2013 was not a
good year for the Turkish Cypriots, that the expectations of the “people” from
the “government” have not been materialized and that they are entering into
2014 disappointed.
In statements to
Diyalog’s general publishing director, ResatAkar, Eroglu argued that in order for the “coalition government” to
continue its existence, the big “partner” should take into consideration the
small “partner”. Referring to the issue of the temporary employees in the
“government” who have become a point of disagreement between the “coalition
partners”, Eroglu said: “The people who
were employed have committed no crime. If we are looking for someone who has
committed a crime, we have to put emphasis on those who employed them”.
Eroglu argued that it is the Republican Turkish Party’s (CTP) “great duty” to
continue the life of the “government”.
Referring to the
Cyprus problem, Eroglu alleged that their first target for 2014 is a referendum
regarding the solution of the problem and added that this should be held in
March or April. “If this is not
realized, we have to make a new evaluation and take some decisions. Afterwards
we will go and ask Turkey’s support”, he said.
Eroglu noted
that intensive contacts will continue during the forthcoming days and “if the
Greek Cypriot side sits at the table with us, we will do whatever we can for
materializing the solution”.
Eroglu criticized those who relate the solution of the
economic problems with the solution of the Cyprus problem and argued: “I do not think that this is right. South Cyprus
[Translator’s note: this is how he describes the government-controlled area of
the Republic of Cyprus], Greece, Spain and many other countries are facing
economic problems in spite of the fact that they are EU members. It is not correct to say that the economic
problems will cease to exist if there is a solution”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Tension escalates within the CTP-DP “coalition
government”
Under the title
“Tense day”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (30.12.13) reports that
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) reacted to a statement made yesterday by the chairman of the Democratic Party –
National Forces (DP-UG) and self-styled deputy prime minister, SerdarDenktaswho said that he might end the “coalition
government”, if the 366 temporary employees hired during the National Unity
Party’s (UBP) period were fired.
OzkanYorgancioglu, self-styled prime minister, issued a written statement yesterday noting that the solution to the problem would be for
these temporary employees to take an exam together with other candidates and to
be hired if they pass. “Any other practice except this will help neither in
easing the public conscience nor in increasing productivity in the public
sector”, he argued.
Yorgancioglu
said that “breaking out in noisy arguments” regarding some employments which
“have not positive influence on the necessity of the public sector to offer
services” is tantamount to “political exploitation”.
Meanwhile, the
general secretary of the CTP, KutlayErk
stated yesterday that the contracts of these 366 persons will not be renewed
when they end. “The decision announced by the prime minister on this issue
will be implemented. We will not make a step backwards”.
DP-UG’s general secretary, Bangu Sonya said yesterday that the employments were “legal” and referring to
Denkrtas noted that the party has taken
no decision in the direction of leaving the “coalition government” because of
these employments.
(I/Ts.)
4. DP and UBP have reportedly agreed to cooperate,
if the CTP-DP “coalition government” collapses
Under the title
“5+5”, Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi newspaper (30.12.13) reports that if the “government” crisis is not over by today,
theNational Unity Party (UBP) and the Democratic Party – National Forces
(DP-UG) self-styled coalition government is almost ready.
According to the
paper, the DP-UG and UBP agreed on principle to share the “ministries” by
taking five each, in case the DP- Republican Turkish Party (CTP) “coalition
government” collapses, because of the issue of the 366 temporary employees
hired during the UBP period.
Citing reliable
sources, the paper writes that the meetings
between DP and UBP have been held since Thursday and during these meetings
the two parties discussed the issue of holding the “prime minister’s office” in
rotation of two years each.
The biggest support to a possible UBP-DP “coalition”
is reportedly being offered by their so-called mayors, who believe that such
cooperation will facilitate their “re-election”.
The two parties
reach the number of 26 “MPs” together, as DP-UG has 14 “seats” at the
“assembly” and the UBP 12. However, as 26 is considered to be “critical
number”, they are reportedly thinking of transferring an “MP” from another
party in order to reach 27 “seats”.
DP’s chairman SerdarDenktasis
expected to meet with CTP’s chairman Yorgancioglu today.
(I/Ts.)
5. Talat: Single sovereignty and single citizenship
have been already accepted by the Turkish Cypriots
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris (30.12.13) reports that former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali
Talat, in an interview to a TV programme, asked to comment on the relations
between Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu and self-styled minister of foreign
affairs OzdilNami, said that there are no doubts for Nami’s intention for
solution, however, Eroglu’s stance creates doubts.
Noting that normally the “foreign minister” don’t take
part in the negotiation process of the Cyprus problem, Talat claimed that Nami
is a special situation and with his experience on the Cyprus talks, with his
vision for solution, his participation at the negotiation process will create a
highly positive impact in internal and external affairs.
Referring to the
joint statement, Talat said that the
issue of a single sovereignty and a single citizenship, which was included in
the Annan plan, was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots. He added that in case
that this was said by the first day, there would not be any problem for the
joint statement.
6. Ozyigit: The UN parameters should be
taken into consideration in the solution of the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot
daily Ortam newspaper (30.12.13) reports that CemalOzyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy party (TDP), has said
that his party wants the UN parameters to be taken into consideration in the
solution of the Cyprus problem. In an interview with illegal TAK news
agency, Ozyigit, noted that a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation should be
established in Cyprus and argued:
“Recently we are
seeing that the dominant mentality on both sides is trying to impose on the
other what it has in the back of its mind. We think that sincerity is needed. Our wish is the realization of the
principles of a single sovereignty, a single international identity and a single
citizenship and the powers which are
not determined and transferred to be sovereignly used by the founding states.
In our view, in the structure to be established both sides should have autonomous structures. The security forces
should be established depended on the central authority in a manner by which
they could carry out control and supervision. With arrangements made after the
establishment of the federal structure, no permission should be given to the
separatists creating a basis to be organized. It should be guaranteed that the structure to be established is not
divided”.
Referring to the issue of the joint declaration, Ozyigit said that the TDP
does not support the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu, but it supports the document submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side to the
Greek Cypriot side through the UN.
Ozyigit said
that since 1974 the “administrators” in
the occupied area of Cyprus are used to establishing good relations with Turkey
and to getting instructions, instead of “trying to get hold of the
administration”. He added that they have transferred the will of the Turkish
Cypriot community to the governments in Ankara and succumbed to the impositions
coming from there. He argued that in case the TDP comes to “power”, it will
reject the economic packages [which come from Ankara].
However, he went
on saying that the TDP attaches
importance to their relations with Turkey. “TRNC and Turkey have inseparable ties, but these relations should be
reshaped at an equal level on the basis of mutual respect”, he argued. He
alleged that the “TRNC” should prepare its own views and proposals for a
socioeconomic structure that could stand on its own feed and, if needed, it
should be ready to discuss with Turkey, the EU, the UN or other international
organizations the program it has prepared.
(I/Ts.)
7. The minimum wage in the breakaway regime is
1.560 TL
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris (28.12.13) reported that self-styled minister of labour and social
security Aziz Gurpinar announced that the minimum wage in “TRNC” (transl. note:
the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) has
increased from 1.415 TL to 1.560 TL. The decision will take effect as of 1st
of January 2014. (1 euro equals 2.944 TL)
8. Erdogan: We’re not done yet; Main opposition
says Erdogan is a “gang leader”
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 29.12.13) reported that Prime Minister RecepTayyip
Erdogan has amped up the volume of his vitriolic attacks amid a graft scandal
that has rocked the government firing more salvos at a prosecutor who was
controversially removed from duty for carrying out a new corruption case.
“We will expose them if they cause this country’s
division by abusing their power. How is this, prosecutor? Hold on, we are not
done yet. You distribute statements in front of the courtroom. What prosecutor
comes out onto the street to distribute statements?” Erdogan rhetorically asked
prosecutor MuammerAkkas during a mass opening
ceremony in Manisa’sAkhisar district on Dec. 29.
Akkas denounced
“pressures” on the judiciary last week after police refused to carry out arrest
orders against 41 suspects prior to his removal from the case by the head of
Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation he was working on was reportedly
bigger than the first graft probe that has shaken the government and included
many prominent businessmen, including the executives of companies that form
part of the consortium that won the tender to build Istanbul’s controversial
third airport.
Erdogan also said the ruling Justice and Development
Party (AKP) would not permit any corruption. “Even
if it’s our father’s son or our child, we will not give any room to
corruption.”
Meanwhile,
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 29.12.13), under the title “Main
opposition leader says Erdogan is a ‘gang leader’”, reported that main
opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu on Sunday
continued to criticize the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government
due to its alleged involvement in corruption, saying Prime Minister Erdogan's
Cabinet is a “criminal gang.”
“Just as he said ‘there are gangs within the state,' I
told him to convene the Cabinet and see the gang. If you look in the mirror you
will see the gang leader,” Kilicdaroglu told Erdogan. He also said if there is a gang within the state as Erdogan claims,
he wonders why the Prime Minister has not taken any action against it over the
past 11 years when it was in power.
Kilicdaroglu
said that for the first time in the history of the Turkish Republic, a Prime
Minister is defending those involved in corruption and it is impossible to call
someone who defends “thieves” as the prime minister.
Moreover, the
leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)
has accused Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan of trying to cover up a recent
graft probe in which four government Ministers are also involved.
Maintaining that
Erdogan is extremely afraid that Ministers and bureaucrats will be tried in
court for corruption, MHP leader DevletBahceli
said at a party meeting on Sunday that
“those in power are disrupting a fair trial [of those accused of
corruption]."
Bahceli lashed
out at Erdogan, saying, “He is putting obstacles before prosecutors
[investigating the corruption probe], preventing the police from carrying out
their duty.”
According to the
MHP leader, Erdogan was trying to cover up the corruption in government when he
recently said, in relation to the graft probe, that the government was now
leading a war of independence against some foreign powers. “How in the world
could covering up corruption be presented as a war of independence?” the MHP
leader demanded to know. “The prime minister claimed, without shame, that there
is no corruption and bribery [within the government], but that claims voiced by
representatives of the ‘interest rate lobby' and ‘gangs' are just slander aimed
at stopping Turkey from getting stronger,” Bahceli added.
9. Cavusoglu raps Fule for remarks on graft scandal
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 29.12.13) reported that newly appointed Turkish Minister
responsible for European Union affairs MevlutCavusoglu
has criticized EU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule for his recent
comments regarding the highly publicized corruption case.
“We expect our European friends not to make
pre-judgment statements when it comes to commenting about Turkey's domestic
politics," Cavusoglu said, according to
Turkish TV network NTV.
Cavusoglu also
added that Turkey firmly believes in the "rule of law," signalling that
the Turkish government will secure the independence of the judiciary during the
investigation period. He added that Turkey is sincerely committed to its
obligations arising from the EU acquis and the principle of the rule of law.
"I invite our European friends to avoid bias and
maintain equanimity when commenting on domestic developments in Turkey which
also have political dimensions," Cavusoglu said, adding that there should be no doubt that Turkey will overcome
this challenging process through the guidance of democracy and the fundamental
principles of law.
"On this
occasion, I would like to reiterate the
importance of opening Chapters 23 and 24 to negotiations without delay, as
indicated in the European Commission's 2013 Progress Report on Turkey," the
Minister stated.
10. Davutoglu calls on Gulen Movement for a dialogue
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 29.12.13) reported that Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu, delivering constructive messages to move away from political crisis
over the graft probe, has invited the FetullahGulen movement to engage in
“dialogue and a strategic look toward the horizon”.
“We should build
dialogue, instead of physical barriers,” Davutoglu said on Dec. 29 in a
televised interview, “There is a way out
of this crisis, let’s have dialogue... That is why Erdogan invited Gulen to
Turkey”.
Davutoglu
assured that his government was determined to be a strict follower of
allegations of corruption and bribery.
“The issue has turned into something other than
corruption and has taken a dimension of revenge as I see on the face of the
prosecutor that was delivering the statement,” the Minister noted referring to
the prosecutors of a recent graft probe, who are said to be close to the Gulen
Movement. “Reading a statement does not suit a
prosecutor,” he said, adding that the judicial system should be purified from
all sorts of feelings of revenge.
The recent political crisis between the government and
Gulen movement has reached a point which would “please those who are uncomfortable
with Turkey”, the Minister said.
In the
international arena, some circles conducted “psychological operations” during
the last two years, which were more intense over the past year, against him
with “demonizing” tactics launched to smear the government. Those circles tried
to paint him as a warmonger, because the government was against an “oppressor”
in Syria, Davutoglu said.
Some circles in
the international arena preferred Turkey’s “static” foreign policy of the 90’s,
which was “merely involved in nearby crises” such as Cyprus, he said, noting
that now the country had advanced its influence in the world.
11. Gold at centre of corruption, money laundering
allegations hitting Turkish gov't
Journalist
Mustafa Sonmez, writing in Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online,
28.12.13), with the above title, reported that corruption operations that
topped Turkey’s agenda and caused Ministers’ resignations are continuing with
focus on gold.
The operations, encompassing three different
investigations, including land planning frauds, the exploitation of public
assets and else, but for now the most striking allegations that horrified the
public are the ones including “gold,” briberies paid over it and Minister’s
sons accused of receiving those briberies...
Gold has become
the main subject of “money laundering” claims since recognizing Turkey’s
bullion gold trade’s boom since 2011. Turkey exported $1.5-billion worth of
gold, while importing $6.2-billion gold in 2011, but the export explosion came in 2012 and reached $13.3 billion in one
year. The country’s import was $7.6 billion that year. In 2013, import came
to the forefront again and reached $13 billion. What was happening, why did
gold trade burst?
Turkey could not
pay for the natural gas it buys from Iran in foreign exchange due to U.S.
sanctions on banks. So, how could it return the money? A way to bypass
sanctions was found: Iran was going to be paid in Turkish Liras and then the
country would use those liras to buy gold in Turkey, which would look like
Turkey is exporting gold to Iran. Since there are not billions of dollars’
worth of gold bullion in Turkey, it needed to be imported from Switzerland. An
intermediate station was also found to avoid the U.S.’ rage and that was the
United Arab Emirates (UAE). A part of the gold looked like it was exported from
Turkey to the UAE and was transferred to Iran’s accounts. In the same way, gold
was imported from the UAE.
Overall,
Turkey’s gold exports within the past four years, between 2010 and 2013, have
amounted to $27 billion and its imports have appeared to be $18 billion. Some
$8 billion of the exports seem to be exported to Iran, while exports to the UAE
also constitutes $6 billion, which can also be regarded as going to Iran.
Therefore, $15 billion of Iranian natural gas was paid for in this way. Most of
this gold was procured by Switzerland, while a small part has been brought by
Dubai.
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