TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 11/15 18-20.01.14
1. Talat describes as unacceptable the agreement
signed between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the British
Bases
2. Turkish Cypriot reactions to the agreement signed
between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the British Bases
3. Eroglu: Downer started losing his impartiality
4. Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem
5. Belgian Ambassador to Turkey: The Belgium model is
not for Cyprus
6. TDP is in favour of the return of occupied Varosha
to its legal owners
7. Compensation Committee: 5,704 applications between
2006-2013
8. They plan to build a hotel at the area Turkey
landed its occupation troops in Cyprus in 1974
9. Educational flights by the Turkish General Staff
were conducted illegally in the occupied area of Cyprus
10. The first water in the occupied area of Cyprus
from Turkey by the end of 2014
11. More on the Islam “invasion” in the occupied area
of Cyprus
12. FOG TV television station closed down
13. Turkey says ready to discuss judicial row with EU
14. Turkish state fund seizes assets of CHP Istanbul
candidate Mustafa Sarigul
15. Turkish police break up protest against law
curbing Internet
1. Talat describes as unacceptable the agreement
signed between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the British
bases
Turkish Cypriot
daily YeniDuzen newspaper (20.01.14) reports that the former Turkish Cypriot
leader, Mehmet Ali Talathas described as
unacceptable the agreement signed recently by the Republic of Cyprus and the
United Kingdom as regards the British Bases on the island and alleged that “it is not suitable at all” for the UK to
jointly state with President Anastasiades “expressions which create problem in
the joint declaration”.
In statements
during a television program, Talat assessed many issues. He alleged that former
President Christofias had also visited Britain after his election and added
that during that visit Britain and Cyprus had also signed a joint declaration,
which included many elements that satisfied the Greek Cypriots.
Arguing that the
same stance is followed today by President Anastasiades, Talat alleged that President Anastasiades is trying to strengthen his
position by postponing the resumption of the negotiations and Britain “opened
the door to him again as it seemed in the latest example”. “Britain always does
this”, he claimed and alleged, inter alia, the following:
“While Britain does not even pay the rent
for the bases with the pretext that the Turkish element does not participate in
the Republic of Cyprus, it is unacceptable to conclude an agreement with the
Greek Cypriot side which is possible to reach a dimension that could change the
status of the bases. Furthermore, it
has not been appropriate at all to state together with Anastasiades
expressions, which does not concern Britain at all and create problem in the
joint declaration, even though I do not agree with this. I have not
examined the issue yet, but I believe
that after our competent authorities and lawyers examine the issue, the necessary reaction should be shown.
Moreover, according to the news in the Greek Cypriot press, the Guardian (translator’s
note: the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Cyprus) will be
responsible for the Turkish Cypriot properties, which are in the bases, because
the laws of the Republic of Cyprus will be valid. That is, the British seem to have presented as a gift the Turkish properties in
the bases to the Greek Cypriots. However, finding out the details and
carrying out a legal study is absolutely necessary”.
Referring to the
issue of the joint declaration, Talat
argued that the Turkish side should make a call on President Anastasiades for a
meeting and claimed that the “joint text” could be prepared within two hours.
Asked whether
establishing a federation like a “catholic marriage” would be correct, Talat
said that the Turkish side “is not included in the international law” and “it
is treated like a community”. Starting such discussions before joining the
international system would “spoil the image” of the Turkish Cypriot “people”,
he argued.
(I/Ts.)
2. Turkish Cypriot reactions to the agreement
signed between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the British
bases
Under the title
“New fait accompli”, Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi
newspaper (18.01.14) published reactions to the agreement signed recently in
London between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the
properties which are in the British bases on the island.
The paper
reports that KudretOzersay, former
special representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader in the negotiations for
finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, has
said that the importance of the agreement for using and developing these
properties should not be ignored and
within this framework, the Turkish Cypriot side should undertake an initiative
without delay towards the guarantor powers in Cyprus and the United Nations.
In statements during a television program, Ozersay argued that if they do not undertake the necessary
initiative on this issue, the medium-term and long-term interests of the
Turkish Cypriots as a community would be endangered.
Ozersay said that the agreement is a positive step as
regards the human rights of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots (or others), who possess
immovable property in the area of the bases, but this kind of agreement could create problems “because it does not
include the will of all sides concerned”.
He claimed,
inter alia, the following: “From the moment we accept the thought that the 1960
Agreements could change without our consent, damage will be caused to the
spirit of the negotiations for finding an overall solution. Therefore, I think
that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey should undertake diplomatic initiative
on this issue”.
In statements to
KibrisPostasi, Mustafa Yektaoglu,
former “MP” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has alleged thatthe agreement is contrary to the 1960 Treaty of
Establishment, Guarantee and Alliance. “The agreement is clearly tantamount
to violating [the Turkish Cypriot] communal rights”, he alleged claiming that transferring 78% of the territory of the
British bases to the Republic of Cyprus through an agreement is “contrary to
the international law and one-sided in favour of the Greek Cypriots”.
Referring to the
same issue, international relations professor, Mehmet Hasgulerargued that the agreement was a surprise for the
Greek Cypriot elite and an effort to
create the image that if Britain gives back territory why the Turks should not
give as well. Noting that this agreement does not mean that Britain
abandons its sovereign military bases in Cyprus, Hasguler described the development as “first official change of the
status quo in Cyprus after 1974”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Eroglu: Downer started losing his
impartiality
Turkish Cypriot
daily Star Kibris newspaper (19.01.14) reported that Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu has said that Alexander
Downer, UN Secretary-General’s special adviser on Cyprus, started losing his
impartiality. In statements to Anatolia news agency, Eroglu noted that he had said this to Downer during their recent
meeting.
Eroglu alleged thatthe Greek Cypriot side “has put
Downer under its influence” by continuously accusing him. Eroglu argued that he could easily say that Downer acts in favour
of the Greek Cypriots with his effort to behave impartially, but “we made no
such comment until today”. Eroglu alleged that they did not say anything
because they allegedly want an agreement. “Therefore,
I have also actually warned him during our last meeting that ‘I’ve begun
thinking that he started losing his impartiality”, he added.
Referring to the report expected to be submitted by
Downer to the UN Security Council on the issue of
the joint declaration, Eroglu said:
“We are expecting him to write a report
in our favour, because the Greek Cypriots are the side which rejects it, but I
do not know whether such a report will come up. You know that there is
Russia, China and France which strongly support the Greek Cypriots in the
Security Council”.
(I/Ts.)
4. Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem
Ankara Anatolia
news agency (19.01.14) reported that Turkish
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon discussed on Sunday the situation in Syria and the Cyprus problem over
phone. According to AA on Cyprus, they expressed their “common views” for
the beginning of the negotiations between the two sides in the island.
In addition,
Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi newspaper (19.01.14) reported that Davutoglu stated that the solution of the
Cyprus problem will be the first step for a comprehensive solution in Eastern
Mediterranean. Davutoglu, who was speaking at the 6th annual Ambassadors'
Conference held between January 13 and 19 in Turkey, also said that they
discussed the latest developments on Cyprus with the Turkish Cypriot leader
DervisEroglu, during the latter’s current visit to Ankara and added that no
one can question the positive attitude of the Turkish side. He also accused the
Greek Cypriot side of not having the will for the solution. He also said that ten years ago the “TRNC”
was not the same and added that strengthening the economy, the position of the
Turkish side at the negotiations is becoming stronger.
5. Belgian Ambassador to Turkey: The Belgium model
is not for Cyprus
According to
Cihan news agency (18.01.14), Belgian Ambassador to Ankara Marc Trenteseau said
that he cannot dare to say that a solution in the Cyprus issue will be like in
Belgium, because in the first place, the structure and the joint past is
different. There were not bloody clashes between the Flemings and Walloons in
Belgium, he noted, adding that the two communities in Cyprus, like in Europe,
should leave the past behind regardless how much bloody was and should be able
to look the future.
In an interview
to Cihan news agency, the Belgian Ambassador also said that Belgium supports
Turkey’s accession into the EU, describing Turkey’s Prime Minister
RecepTayyipErdogan’s visit to Brussels as very positive. He said that Belgium
supports the opening of the chapters 23 and 24, however, he added the chapters
should comply with the Copenhagen criteria.
6. TDP is in favour of the return of occupied
Varosha to its legal owners
Turkish Cypriot
daily Afrika newspaper (19.01.14) reported that CemalOzyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), has said that “a specific article” is
included in the 1979 High Level Agreement saying that the issue of the occupied
closed city of Varosha could be solved outside the comprehensive solution of
the Cyprus problem.
Noting that
contrary to the other Turkish Cypriot parties, TDP does not relate the issue of
“the ghost city of Varosha” to the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem,
Afrika writes that, in a statement after meeting with the Initiative for
Famagusta, Ozyigit noted that they
demand the return of Varosha to its legal owners under the control of the UN
and, in return for this, the opening of the port of Famagusta to free trade and
of the illegal Tymvou airport to direct flights.
Ozyigit said
that even if no step could be taken for
the port of Famagusta and the illegal airport, at least Varosha should open for
the benefit of the economy. “Both communities will gain from this”, he pointed
out.
According to the
paper, TDP is expected to visit Brussels within the forthcoming days and hold
contacts with EU officials. The TDP delegation is expected to put on the table
its demands as regards Varosha.
Ozyigit said
that they want the UN Secretary – General to undertake an active initiative
towards the resumption of the negotiations and reiterated that they support a
bi-communal, bi-zonal federal solution based on political equality within the
framework of the UN parameters, with a single sovereignty, single international
identity and single citizenship
(I/Ts.)
7. Compensation Committee: 5,704 applications
between 2006-2013
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (20.01.14) reported that
the Compensation Committee set up by Turkey in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus announced that 5.704 applications were made by Greek
Cypriots to the Committee between 2006-2013, and only 584 of them were completed.
Ii was also announced that 143 million sterling pounds
were paid as compensation for the 584 completed cases.
8. They plan to build a hotel at the
area Turkey landed its invasion troops in 1974
Turkish daily
Hurriyet newspaper (19.01.14) reported that Turkish AltinbasHolding has leased for 49 years the area of “PenteMili”
beach in occupied Keryneia, which the Turks call “Beach of the Landing”, as it
is the place on which Turkey landed its occupation troops during the 1974
invasion of Cyprus. According to the paper, Altinbas Holding is planning to constructat the area, known also as
“Escape Beach”, the most luxurious hotel
of the occupied area investing 100 million dollars.
The paper writes
that the Turkish Holding leased an area
of 20 donums of land [Translator’s note: a land measure around 1,000 square
meters] from Evkaf religious foundation and plans to start building the hotel next year.
With this
purchase, notes Hurriyet, the group,
which had invested in the field of
jewellery, the banking sector (with
Creditwest bank) and energy (with the Alpet gas stations) in the occupied area
of Cyprus, has entered into the business of tourism.
The president of the administrative board of Altinbas
Holding, VakkasAltinbas has told the Economist magazine that they had “purchased”
this place two weeks ago and they would construct
the most luxurious hotel of the occupied area at the above-mentioned beach,
five kilometres away from the centre of Keryneia.
Turkish Cypriot
daily YeniDuzen newspaper (20.01.14) refers to the issue and reports that
VakkasAltinbas stated to the paper, inter alia, the following: “We have agreed with the operator to
overtake the beach. We have
submitted an application to the Evkaf Foundation’s Administration. Our
discussions with the Altinkaya Restaurant, which is located there, continue. If we agree, we will apply for a hotel also”.
According to the
paper, the self-styled minister of
interior, TeberrukenUlucay said thatAltinbas Holding has applied to Evkaf
for leasing the above-mentioned area, but the
issue had not come onto the agenda of Evkaf’s board yet.
The chairman of
Evkaf’s board, HuseyinInan told YeniDuzen that “there might be an intention”
for doing this, but for such
long-lasting leasing, the approval of the administrative board is needed first
and then the “permission” of the “council of ministers”.
(I/Ts.)
9. Educational flights by the Turkish General Staff
were conducted illegally in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily HaberalKibrisli newspaper (18.01.14) reported that the persons living in occupied Lapithos and
Karpass area were concerned because of low flights conducted by warplanes
during the last few days.
The paper writes
that self-styled officials of the breakaway regime did not comment on the issue
but the Turkish General Staff reported
on its website on January 16 that educational flights were conducted in the
area.
10. The first water in the occupied area of Cyprus
from Turkey by the end of 2014
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis (20.01.14) publishes a feature on the “water supply project”
between Turkey and “TRNC” (translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) by EsraAygin. The paper reports that
the first water from Turkey is expected to arrive in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus by the end of 2014, instead of the beginning of March as it
was estimated at first.
Project Manager
of Turkey's State Water Affairs Department (DSI) BirolCinar, speaking to the
paper, said that until now 2 km of pipelines have already been put in the sea.
He added that if the weather conditions are good, they plan to put one more km
of pipeline in the sea within a week.
Cinar said that
the pipeline will carry 75 milllioncubic meters water from Alakopru Dam to
“TRNC” and then a total length of 475 km pipes will distribute the half of the
supply drinking water to the occupied part of Nicosia, to the coastline of
occupied Kyreneia, and the occupied area between Famagusta, Trikomo and Rizokarpaso.
The rest half of
the water will be used for irrigation. The irrigation water will be transferred
through a 6 km tunnel to occupied Morphou. From there it will be divided into
two parts: for occupied Morphou and occupied Mesaoria.
Cinar noted that
the Alakopru dam in Turkey has been completed, only the installation of the
mechanic equipment is still continuing, adding that 80% of the 23 km pipeline
that will carry the water from Alakopru dam to the Anamur pumping station has
been completed, too. All the land works from the side of Turkey will be
completed by March 2014.
11. More on the Islam “invasion” in the occupied
area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (20.01.14) reports that 210 persons study currently at the first theological school operating
in the illegal Near East University (YDU).
In statements to
Kibris, Dr Ibrahim Capak, the dean of the Theological Faculty of YDU, stated
that the first graduates from the school
will complete their studies in 2015.
In addition
Afrika (18.01.14) reported that the Turkish
Cypriot Primary and Secondary School Teachers' Trade Unions, KTOS and KTOEOS
respectively, filed a case against the “ministry of education” for the
theological school which is constructed in occupied Mia Milia village.
The paper writes
that the trade unions react strongly against the Islamic education in the
occupied area of Cyprus.
12. FOG TV television station closed down
Turkish Cypriot
daily HaberalKibrisli newspaper (18.01.14) reported that FOG TV television
station, which was located in the occupied area of Cyprus but broadcast in the
breakaway regime and in Turkey as well, was closed down dueto financial reasons.
FOG TV was
established in May 2012 by Hitit Ben firm which was based in the UK.
13. Turkey says ready to discuss judicial row with
EU
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 19.01.14) reported that Turkish Foreign Minister
AhmetDavutoglu said on Jan. 19 the
country was ready to discuss all issues with the European Union at high-profile
talks this week, including a row over judicial independence that has
escalated the crisis engulfing the government.
Davutoglu said the judiciary issue and all others are
on the table in the EU talks, but defended the
embattled Erdogan government's response to the corruption scandal that sparked
the current political crisis.
Brussels has
urged the government to address the corruption allegations in a
"transparent" and "impartial" manner, and the Council of Europe
has warned that Turkish moves to "politicise" the judiciary would
weaken trust in the state and jeopardise democracy.
"Judicial
independence is a must," Davutoglu told reporters in the southern Turkish
province of Adana. "But the executive has the freedom to develop its own
policies," the Foreign Minister said.
"If there
is anything that is against the EU standards, we will listen to this, but we
will ask one by one how the situation is in Europe, in Spain, in France,"
he said.
He urged the EU to immediately open Chapters 23 and 24
in membership negotiations -- policy areas governing the rule of law and the
judiciary. "Let's negotiate them as soon as
possible," he said.
14. Turkish state fund seizes assets of CHP
Istanbul candidate Mustafa Sarigul
According to
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 17.01.14), the Savings Deposit
Insurance Fund of Turkey (TMSF) has seized the assets of main opposition
Republican People’s Party (CHP) Istanbul mayoral candidate Mustafa Sarigul,
less than three months ahead of the local elections.
The decision was
taken after the current mayor of Istanbul’s Sisli district failed to repay
loans worth $3.5 million taken out from Bank Ekspres in 1998, together with
nine other creditors, daily Hurriyet reported on Jan. 17.
In his first
remarks after the decision, Sarigul described the TMSF’s move as a
“provocation”.
15. Turkish police break up protest against law
curbing Internet
According to
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 19.01.14), riot police fired plastic bullets, tear gas and water cannons at
hundreds of people in Istanbul protesting a government plan to expand
controls over the public's use of the Internet on Jan. 18.
Police broke up
groups of protesters who gathered at
the city's main hub, Taksim, and along a main street to denounce the draft bill that would allow Turkey's telecommunications
authority to block websites or remove content accused of privacy violations
without a court decision, and force service providers to keep Internet users'
data for two years.
The bill that
includes the controversial law was approved by Parliament on Jan. 16 as many
groups, including Turkey’s top business association TUSIAD, slammed the government’s move as an attempt to curb individual
freedoms.
The European Court
of Human Rights has said that Turkey's existing Internet regulations were
against the freedom of expression.
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