TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 16/14 24.01.14
1. The decision of the Council of Ministers to
facilitate the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP elections is
described as “historic”
2. Reactions to the decision of the Council of
Ministers to facilitate the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP
elections
3. Turkish Cypriots are allegedly annoyed by Downer
4. Eroglu conveyed to Kidd his annoyance about the
agreement signed with the Republic of Cyprus on the properties in the British
Bases
5. Eroglu reiterated that there are two “peoples” in
Cyprus
6. Self-styled minister: The water supply project will
be completed by the end of this year
7. The political crisis in Turkey created problems in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on the exchange rate
8. The breakaway regime confiscated 86 pieces of
antiquities
9. EU Parliament Committee approves the EU-Turkey
readmission agreement
10. Europeans: PM's explanations on corruption cases
were not convincing
11. TUSIAD: Bill restructuring judicial body potential
cause of concern for foreign investors
1. The decision of the Council of Ministers to
facilitate the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP elections is
described as “historic”
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (24.01.14) reports that the government of the Republic of Cyprus has sent to the House of
Representatives a draft-law prepared for facilitating the participation of the
Turkish Cypriots in the forthcoming European Parliament (EP) elections.
Under the title “The pre-registration pre-condition will be abolished”, the
paper writes that the Council of Ministers approved yesterday an amendment to the law that will secure the
automatic registration in the voter lists for all citizens who have identity
card of the Republic of Cyprus.
The paper notes
that the Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides said yesterday that the
amendment concerns the EP elections and that with its approval by the House of
Representatives the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus who live in the occupied
area of the island will automatically be registered in the voter lists. Noting
that this decision was taken to
facilitate the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP elections of 25
May, he underlined that the aim of
the law is to give to all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus the opportunity to
equally participate in the EP elections.
Turkish Cypriot
daily Ortam newspaper (24.01.14) covers the issue on its front page under
the title “historical decision” and notes that the Council of Ministers
took yesterday “an important decision
that concerns the Turkish Cypriots”. The paper notes that the decision “will be debated a lot”
and it is “an important step by the
Greek Cypriot side for the participation of the Turkish Cypriots at the EP”.
Under the title
“All Turkish Cypriots are voters in the south”, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (24.01.14) reports that according to what it is said,
the Turkish Cypriots could vote in ballot boxes which will be put at the
crossing points. In its daily “Letter from Afrika” column, the paper writes
that the decision is important and
that the candidatures could be submitted until 2 May for the election of six
members of the European Parliament (MEP). The paper goes on and notes: “30
thousand votes are needed in order for a candidate to be elected. That is, if all Turkish Cypriot voters participate
in these elections and support two Turkish candidates, it is possible to take
these two seats at the parliament in this manner. However, it seems that
for now there is no one willing for this. Who will abandon the separate
election and especially the TRNC? Is it possible?”
Other Turkish
Cypriot daily newspapers also refer to the decision. YeniDuzen (24.01.14) covers
the issue under the title “Historical draft-law in the south”, while Havadis (24.01.14) refers to “EP election game from the Greek Cypriot government”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Reactions to the decision of the Council of
Ministers to facilitate the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP
elections
Turkish Cypriot
daily KibrisPostasi newspaper (24.01.14) reports that “officials” in the “TRNC” [Translator’s note: the breakaway regime
in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus] are not pleased with the decision ofthe government of the Republic of
Cyprus to send to the House of Representatives a draft-law prepared for
facilitating the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the forthcoming
European Parliament (EP) electionsand support that the Turkish Cypriots should
hold a separate election in the occupied area of the island.
Under the title
“We will elect, but…”, the paper writes that a source from the so-called president of the “republic’s” office said
that even in the 1960 system the communities were electing their
representatives in separate elections and argued that “we should elect our own
representatives”. The source claimed
that the action of the government of the Republic of Cyprus aims at
“institutionally rejecting the TRNC and dragging the individuals under the roof
of the Republic of Cyprus”. The source alleged that “the Greek Cypriots try
to be cleared of responsibility before the EU” and that “no one speaks about the issue of being elected”.
Moreover, OzdilNami, self-styled minister of
foreign affairs, told KibrisPostasi that the
self-styled government of the “TRNC” could not make a discrimination between
its “citizens” who have identity card of the Republic of Cyprus and those who
do not have. He alleged that the
decision taken by the government of the Republic of Cyprus aimed at “deceiving”
some Deputies within the EU. Nami noted that the ballot boxes could not be placed in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus because the acquis of the EU is suspended in these
territories. He alleged that placing the
ballot boxes in the government-controlled area of the island would be “totally
contrary to the democratic principles”, because one of the requirements of
democracy is that the ballot boxes should be “brought to the voters’ doorstep”.
Moreover, Huseyin Ozgurgun, the chairman of the
National Unity Party (UBP) told the paper that the Greek Cypriots were forced
to make such amendment because of what he described as “pressure by the EP” and
alleged that the persons who will
represent the Turkish Cypriots at the EP should be “citizens” of the “TRNC” and
be elected by the “citizens” of the “TRNC”.
Finally, CemalOzyigit, chairman of the Social
Democracy Party (TDP) said that their
wish as a party is definitely not in this direction [Translator’s note:
that is, the Turkish Cypriots to vote in elections held in the government
–controlled area of Cyprus] and added that during their recent contacts in
Brussels EU officials told them that they want two seats at the EP to be filled
up by Turkish Cypriots who will be elected by Turkish Cypriots. He argued that placing ballot boxes in the
government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus and the participation of
the Turkish Cypriots in such elections would “not be appropriate politically or
democratically”. He claimed that this
is also contrary to the principles of the Republic of Cyprus of 1960.
(I/Ts.)
3. Turkish Cypriots are allegedly annoyed by Downer
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (24.01.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot side has not welcomed the fact that during the briefing
of the UN Security Council on the peace process in Cyprus, Alexander Downer,
UN Secretary-General’s special adviser for Cyprus, had expressed his disappointment because there was no result in the
efforts of agreeing on a joint declaration. A source, who wished to remain anonymous, told Kibris that Downer held both sides responsible for this failure
and argued that this is “far from objectivity”.
The source said
that the Turkish Cypriot side was
annoyed about this and described the situation as “murdering the realities”.
The source alleged that it was unfair to present the Turkish Cypriot side as
one of those responsible of the situation, in spite of the fact that it had
accepted all three proposals submitted by the UN and stated that it was ready
to resume negotiations without pre-conditions.
According to the
paper, diplomatic circles predicted that now the negotiating process could
continue if President Anastasiades accepts the Turkish Cypriot proposal or
without a joint declaration.
Referring to Downer’s future in the Cyprus talks, the source noted that the Australian diplomat has not yet signed
his contract, which was extended for another six months. In the light of the developments, the appointment of Downer as
Australia’s High Commissioner to London will be soon announced, the source
argued.
(I/Ts.)
4. Eroglu conveyed to Kidd his annoyance about the
agreement signed with the Republic of Cyprus on the properties in the British
Bases
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (24.01.14) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu met yesterday with the British High
Commissioner to Nicosia, Mathew Kidd and conveyed to him the annoyance of the
Turkish Cypriot side about the agreement signed between the United Kingdom and
the Republic of Cyprus as regards the development of properties within the
British Bases of the island.
No statement was
issued after the two-hour meeting, but according to paper’s sources, during the
meeting Eroglu told the High Commissioner that the Turkish Cypriot side is
“very annoyed” about the agreement and that the timing of the agreement is
“thought provoking”.
“This agreement will influence negatively
the negotiations”, the source alleged adding that the agreement changed the status of the bases and caused “disappointment
from the point of view of its content and timing”. The source claimed that
two of the sides which had signed the treaties of establishment, alliance and
guarantee of the Republic of Cyprus have not signed the above-mentioned
agreement and alleged that “the Turkish Cypriot community was ignored”.
The source said
that the “TRNC” will consult with Turkey on what they could do and added that
the fate of the Turkish Cypriot properties near the villages in the areas of
Dhekelia and Arkotiri is unknown. ‘We are seriously worried that they will be
transferred to the Custodian”, (Translator’s note: The Ministry of the Interior
of the Republic of Cyprus) the source noted.
(I/Ts.)
5. Eroglu reiterated that there are two “peoples”
in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily HalkinSesi (24.01.14) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu,
attending a reception on Wednesday night hosted by the Society of Cyprus
Turkish Journalists on the occasion of its 52nd anniversary of
establishment, reiterated that there are two “peoples” in Cyprus, who are
seeking a solution. He added that the solution should be permanent and viable
without experiencing again the things that they lived in the past.
Eroglu noted:
“Our essential aim is to reach a solution in the light of today’s realities and
without ignoring the past”.
Alleging that
the Turkish Cypriot draft proposal on the joint statement, which was submitted
to the UN on the 14th of December 2013, was approved by the USA, Great
Britain, some EU countries and the UN representative in Cyprus, Eroglusaid that
the Greek Cypriot contravened them with another draft proposal for the joint
statement.
6. Self-styled minister: The water supply project
will be completed by the end of this year
According to
illegal Bayrak television (online, 23.01.14), self-styled minister for
environment and natural resources HamitBakırcı, who is carrying out contacts in
the Turkish city of Mersin, inspected work that is taking place within the
framework of the water transfer project that foresees water being transferred
via underwater pipelines from Turkey to the “TRNC” (editor’s note: the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus).
Within the
framework of his contacts, he first visited and carried out inspections at the
Alakopru Dam where the project began. Claiming that he always perceived the
water coming from Turkey as the water of peace, Bakirci argued that “if the Greek Cypriot side displays a conciliatory
stance and requests water assistance then discussions for this to be realized
can take place”.
“The water
coming to the TRNC will give a great message to the world. This message is that
motherland Turkey will always support the Turkish Cypriot people”, Bakırcı
claimed.
On the same
issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (24.01.14) reports that Bakirci, in statements at the Alakopru Dam, said that the project will be completed by the end of the year and then
the water will start flowing to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
7. The political crisis in Turkey created problems
in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on the exchange rate
Turkish Cypriot
daily Diyalog (24.01.14) reports that due
to the current political instability in Turkey, the exchange continues to
climb. The Turkish lira sank to yet another record low against the euro on Jan.
24, the day after the Turkish central bank decided against hiking interest
rates to prop up the currency.
The lira, which
has shed 10% of its value since a political crisis erupted, last month, was
trading at 3.0652 to the euro from 3.0583 at Tuesday's close and at 2.307 on
Friday to the dollar from 2.28 late on Thursday. The British sterling was
raised to 3.8188 to the Turkish Lira (TL).
According to the
paper, those who were paying an instalment of 5,600 TL in relation to a loan of
2 thousands sterling, since yesterday they have to start to pay an instalment
of 7,600 TL.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen (24.01.14) reports that economist Mehmet
Saydam, evaluating the situation to the paper, said that the exchange rate will
be at these same levels until March.
8. The breakaway regime confiscated 86 pieces of
antiquities
Turkish Cypriot
daily Start Kibris (24.01.14) reports that seven people and 86 pieces of
antiquities were confiscated in an operation by the occupation regime at the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the
paper, the suspects extracted the antiquities pieces from excavations that they
have conducted near the occupied villages of Platani and Makrasyka. It is also
reported that the suspects were planning to smuggle the antiquities in the
government control area of the Republic of Cyprus.
9. EU Parliament Committee approves the EU-Turkey
readmission agreement
According to
Ankara Anatolia news agency (23.01.14), an
agreement allowing EU countries to send illegal migrants who enter Europe via
Turkey back to Turkey, when it comes into force in three years’ time, has
been approved by the European Parliament's civil liberties committee.
The repatriation of illegal migrants is what Turkey
has agreed to as part of a larger agreement which will also allow Turkish
citizens to travel visa-free to EU countries. The
agreement stipulates that Turkey will get financial and technical help from the
EU to build up its border police and install border surveillance equipment.
"The
readmission agreement will benefit Turkey as well as the European Union,"
said Rapporteur Renate Sommer. "Now
it is up to Turkey to fulfil its obligations to implement the agreement in
full."
Sommer added
that the agreement would make a significant contribution to curbing illegal
immigration into the EU via Turkey and help combat cross-border crime.
To come into force, the agreement still has to be
approved by the European Parliament and then formally ratified by the EU and by
Turkey. The committee endorsed the agreement by 34
votes to 7 with one abstention.
10. Europeans: PM's explanations on corruption
cases were not convincing
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 23.01.14) reported that the vice-chairman of the Liberal Group in the European
Parliament,Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, who represented his group in the
meeting with Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan on Tuesday, said he was not convinced by the arguments
put forward by the Turkish Prime Minister to explain the corruption cases which
erupted on Dec. 17 and the unfolding events afterwards.
The German politician, who
is also his group's shadow rapporteur on Turkey, said the Prime Minister's theories were not “proper arguments.”
Lambsdorff, who was
present at the heated debate with Erdogan in the European Parliament and posed
questions to the Turkish Prime Minister,
said in an interview with Today's Zaman that he was not convinced by his
arguments for basically two reasons.
Stating that
Erdogan had in length talked about the success of the Turkish economy and the
fact that the Turkish economy had quadrupled in the last decade was proof of
the lack of corruption, Lambsdorff said this was “unconvincing.” Erdogan's
argument that the removal of so many police officers and prosecutors was the
result of normal procedures was also not helpful, according to Lambsdorff.
“This gives the impression that there is interference in the judiciary. It does
not look normal,” he said, stressing
that they were “very concerned” about the independence of the judiciary, the
separation of powers and the rule of law and would closely monitor developments
regarding the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK).
The German
Liberal said Erdogan seemed very confident of himself and that he believed Erdogan
might not have an accurate analysis of the real situation in Turkey in terms of
the independence of the judiciary, press freedoms and Internet regulations,
just to name a few of the problems. Lambsdorff raised the question of why Erdogan
had to change almost half of his Cabinet if no corruption had taken place. “It
will be very surprising for a country like Turkey coming from a modest economic
background not to have corruption when it grows so fast. In such cases,
corruption does not get less, but on the contrary. It will be surprising if
there is no corruption at all. It is natural,” he said.
Lambsdorff also said they have tabled an amendment for
the Turkey progress report prepared by Dutch Christian Democrat
RiaOomen-Ruijten calling on the Hizmet movement to improve its transparency.
Meawhile, in
talks with Turkey's EU Affairs Minister, European Commissioner for Enlargement
and Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule said the draft bill on the HSYK should
respect the EU's judicial norms and practices. Fule underlined the need for Turkey and the EU to maintain close
contact on the issue in his meeting with EU Affairs Minister and Chief
Negotiator MevlutCavusoglu in Brussels on Wednesday, a day after Prime Minister
RecepTayyipErdogan's talks with top EU officials in the capital of the bloc.
According to the
Anadolu agency's report, during the Brussels visit Turkish officials urged
their EU counterparts to maintain the momentum that came with the opening of
Chapter 22 -- on regional policy and coordination of structural instruments --
and the newly signed visa liberalization and readmission agreements.
Marc Pierini,
the former head of the EU delegation to Turkey, agrees that negotiation process
needs to continue. Pierini also
underlined that the EU's problem with Turkey is not unwillingness to admit the
country, but meaningful concerns about democracy. “… A stable and
democratic Turkey is in everyone's interest, while a country that has crises
every six months is not,” he said.
11. TUSIAD: Bill restructuring judicial body
potential cause of concern for foreign investors
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 23.01.14) reported that a controversial judicial
bill increasing the executive’s control on the judiciary could “raise
questions” to foreign investors, the head of Turkey’s top business group has
said, expressing concerns about the government’s handling of the ongoing
corruption allegations.
“A picture that shows Turkey cannot deal with serious
graft claims through the law will raise questions over ‘which world does Turkey
belong to’ in countries investing here. Can you
accept this?” Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD) head
MuharremYilmaz said on Jan. 23.
Speaking during
TUSIAD’s general assembly meeting, Yilmaz
emphasized the efforts made to turn Turkey into a “prestigious country” were
being seriously undermined by the new set of government-led draft bills,
particularly citing the law that will reshape the Supreme Board of Judges and
Prosecutors (HSYK) and the one that will curb internet freedoms.
Yilmaz also described a fresh law on the Internet that
gives the head of Turkey’s Directorate of Telecommunication (TIB) enough
authority to directly limit access, pending a court ruling, as a “dark cloud”
that will engulf civil freedoms.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
