TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 03/14 04-07.01.14
1.
UN sources: Ban Ki-moon will invite the community leaders to New York if no
agreement is reached on the joint declaration
2.
Eroglu: If there is a will, we can solve the problem within 3-5 months
3.
Nami: The UN might invite the sides to start negotiations without a joint
declaration
4.
Iron barrier placed at Ledras Street barricade removed after Yorgancioglu’s
interference
5.
Self-styled deputies to visit Brussels trying to bring the Cyprus problem into
the agenda
6.
Ozyigit: AKP continues its attacks to redesign the Turkish Cypriot identity;
Elcil: Akca is a missionary of the Gulen Community
7.
Ali Erel: Turkey is not ready for a permanent solution in Cyprus
8.
Unregulated quarrying continues to put Pentadaktylos mountain range in danger
9.
New rift among the “coalition government” on the “temporary public sector
employees”
10.
Champagne to be a candidate for FIFA’s presidency
11.
Church in occupied Syrianochori is being restored
12.
Erdogan 'favours' the retrial of coup cases; General Staff filed formal request
for investigation; Basbug’s plea for release rejected
13.
CHP: Turkish government's motivations for retrials not convincing
14.
Turkish businessman financed prosecutor Oz's holiday
1. UN sources: Ban Ki-moon will invite the
community leaders to New York if no agreement is reached on the joint
declaration
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (07.01.14) reports that sources close to the United Nations (UN) have said that the possibility
forthe UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon to invite the Cypriot sides to New
York in case the process of agreeing on a joint declaration fails is on the
agenda.
In statements to
Kibris, the sources noted that the developments in January will be decisive for
the joint declaration, which is expected to launch the direct negotiations
between President Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu.
The sources said
that some developments might be experienced during the [Republic of Cyprus’]
National Council’s meeting on 8 January 2014 and the UN Secretary – General’s
special adviser on CyprusAlexander Downer’s forthcoming visit to the island.
They added that the Secretary-General waits to see what will happen before
addressing the invitation. “If the sides
could not agree, what else could the Secretary-General do? He will invite Mr
Eroglu and Mr Anastasiades to New York and they will write the joint
declaration together”, the sources
said pointing out that the invitation to New York had been put onto the
table before and should be perceived as “the last option in case the sides
could not agree”.
Meanwhile, in
statements to Kibris, Osman Ertug,
special representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader, replied to the
information published in the Greek Cypriot press that “the UN is preparing a
short joint declaration” that will launch the direct negotiations in Cyprus.
“This train has gone since a long time”, argued Ertug adding that he does not
think that the UN would bring onto the table a formula which had been tried and
failed.
Ertug noted that
in the beginning of the process they conveyed to the Greek Cypriot side a short
text with the contribution of the self-styled foreign minister, OzdilNami, but
this written exercise which started with a few lines reached a two-page text.
Ertug alleged
that “these are policies of delaying tactics implemented by the Greek
Cypriots”. He noted that the last
proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side is still on the table and the “most valid”
option for them outside this proposal is to “sit at the table without
preconditions”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Eroglu: If there is a will, we can solve the
problem within 3-5 months
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (07.01.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu has said that the Greek
Cypriot side rejected the latest proposal submitted by the Turkish Cypriot
side, which allegedly made this proposal with “self-sacrifice” and “abandoning
some of its views”, in order for an agreement to be reached on the issue of the
joint declaration.
In statements
yesterday during a meeting with the victims’ families and disabled veterans’
association, Eroglu alleged that they want the beginning of the negotiations
the soonest and added that foreign states are worried because of the prolongation
of the process.
“If the Greek Cypriot side has a will, we could sit at
the table and solve the problem within 3-5 months”,
he alleged and claimed that they could not see such a will in the Greek Cypriot
side.
(I/Ts.)
3. Nami: The UN might invite the sides to start
negotiations without a joint declaration
Turkish Cypriot
daily YeniDuzen newspaper (07.01.14) reports that OzdilNami, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has alleged that the debate on the joint declaration which “locked” the
process for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem is “limited to a
difference of 3-4 words”. In statements during a visit to YeniDuzen’s
headquarters, Nami argued: “There is a
serious convergence. The problem could easily be overcome with the will of both
sides”.
Nami noted that
the problem in the joint declaration exists in expressions such as “absolutely
no one of the constituent states could claim authority or power over the other”
and that “no one of the constituent states could claim sovereignty”. He argued
that this problem could be overcome and added that the principles of “single sovereignty, single international identity
and single citizenship” have been indisputably accepted by both sides. He
argued that the difficulties as regards
the “internal citizenship” and the “residual powers” had been overcome and
added that “no return back would be right after coming to this point”.
Nami said that
the UN Secretary – General’s special adviser for Cyprus,Alexander Downer will
hold meetings with the aim of overcoming this deadlock during his visit to the
island on 12 January.
Nami argued that in case the disagreement between the
Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot sides on the issue of the joint
declaration continues, the UN might submit an “interim formula” and added that
it is possible for the UN to send a letter inviting the sides to launch
negotiations without a joint statement.
Nami said that
the direct negotiations will be held
more easily in case an agreement is reached on a joint declaration and
noted that even now there is agreement on very important core issues.
(I/Ts.)
4. Iron barrier placed at Ledras Street barricade
removed after Yorgancioglu’s interference
Turkish
Cypriot daily YeniDuzen newspaper (06.01.14) reported that a barrier made of iron which was placed at the Ledra Street barricade
by the so-called security forces of the breakaway regime was removed shortly
after it was placed.
The paper writes
that the barrier was removed after the
interference of the so-called prime ministerOzkanYorgancioglu and “foreign
minister” OzdilNami.
5. Self-styled deputies to visit Brussels trying to
bring the Cyprus problem into the agenda
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (04.01.14) reports that
initiatives are taking place so that the Cyprus problem will come into the
agenda at the first general 2014 meeting of the European Parliament.
The paper writes
that ArmaganCandan, “deputy” of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and member
of the party’s EU harmonization committee, stated that a delegation of “deputies” will visit Strasbourg between 13-16 of
January. According to Candan, the delegation will inform EP deputies about
the Cyprus problem and the latest developments regarding the negotiations and
will convey their thoughts about the EU Turkey report.
6. Ozyigit: AKP continues its attacks to redesign
the Turkish Cypriot identity; Elicil: Akca is a missionary of Gulen
Community
Turkish Cypriot
daily Ortam newspaper (07.01.14) reports that SenerElcil, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot primary school
teachers’ trade union (KTOS), has accused
the Turkish so-called ambassador to the occupied part of Nicosia, Halil Ibrahim
Akca, of acting as a “governor of a province” in the occupied area of Cyprus
and of supporting the activities of FethullahGulen’s Community and of being a
missionary of this Community in occupied Cyprus.
In a written
statement issued yesterday, Elcil noted that on the one hand the Turkish
Cypriot community is becoming poorer with the economic packages imposed by
Turkey and on the other the activities
of the religious orders in the occupied area of the island are financed by the
“embassy” of Turkey. “The stance of
Mr Halil Ibrahim Akca openly serves Fethullah Community”, he noted.
Elcil said that
a group of teachers, who are employed at the “embassy” under the title of “adviser
on education” and act under the name of “religion and ethics teachers”, carry
out the propaganda of the above mentioned community. He added that groups
organized under the name of “foundations” aim at opening Fethullah schools
under the name “private schools”. As if this was not enough, he said,
propaganda is conducted in some private lessons saying that the education in
the “Theological College” is free of charge, that it is the same with the other
colleges and that financial aid is granted to the students. Elcil noted that
they will carry Akca’s activities to the international platform.
Meanwhile, Ortam
(06.01.14) reported that CemalOzyigit,
leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), has called on the self-styled
government to give explanations on the opening of a school constructed by
Adabilim Foundation and has the same name with schools in Turkey which offer
religious education and Koran lessons. He noted that they have fears that
the school in the occupied area of Cyprus will offer the same education because
it has the same name.
Ozyigit noted that the Turkish capital supported by
the Justice and Development Party (AKP) continues its attacks in the direction
of redesigning the identity of the Turkish Cypriots,
who are face to face with “economic packages” imposed by Turkey or either with
the choice of emigrating.
(I/Ts.)
7. Ali Erel: Turkey is not ready for a permanent
solution in Cyprus.
Turkish
Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi newspaper (06.01.14) reported that Ali Erel, former chairman of the Cyprus-EU
Association, stated that Turkey is not ready for a permanent solution in
Cyprus.
In statements
to the paper, Erelsaid that there is
lack of political desire for the solution and added that the technical details
are ready and theoretically the Cyprus problem could be solved in a very short
time. “The reason for the non-solution is that Turkey is not ready for such
a solution”, he stated.
He
went on and added that Turkey strategically needs Cyprus. He also said that solution means for Turkey to abandon its
sovereignty on soil at Cyprus’ northern part and Turkey is not ready for this.
8. Unregulated quarrying continues to put
Pentadaktylos mountain range in danger
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (07.01.14) reports that unregulated quarrying continues to take place at Pentadaktylos mountain range, putting it in
danger and notes that solution on the issue must be found the soonest possible.
The paper writes that the Republic of Cyprus is bringing the issue to the EU
agenda.
According
to the paper, the firms which operate the stone quarries in the mountain range,
claim that they use modern technics and implement world practises that do not
put nature in danger. However, the chairman of the Environmental Engineering
Chamber NildenBektas stated that the stone quarries that operate for many years
at occupiedPentadaktylos mountain range, now create serious environmental
problems in the occupied area Cyprus.
9. New rift among the “coalition government” on the
“temporary public sector employees”
Turkish Cypriot
daily Halkinsesi (07.01.14), in its front page under the headline “A rift in
the government”, reports that the proposals regarding the “temporary public
sector employees”, which were brought up in the “parliament” by the Democratic
Party – National Forces (DP-UG) yesterday without the knowledge of the
Republican Turkish Party (CTP), raised the tension among the self-styled
coalition government.
According to the
paper, the DP-UG submitted to
self-styled assembly two proposals regarding the “temporary public sector
employees”. The first one is to bring an
end to the practice of employing temporary employees to the “public sector”
and the second “bill draft” is the “current
temporary public sector employees” to maintain their current rights and to keep
their jobs.
Despite CTP’s
objection to the proposals, the DP-UG,
the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP) and the opposition Social
Democratic Party (TDP) voted in favour of the proposals to be taken up
urgently in the “parliament”.
OzkanYorgancioglu,
self-styled prime minister, addressing the so-called parliament, said that the
proposals were clearly against the “law governing public servants”, DP-UG
“deputy” HasanTacoy argued that “the proposals had been prepared in line with
the spirit of a reform law aimed at addressing areas of need”. He added that
“the ultimate aim is to bring an end to the practice of hiring temporary staff
to the public sector once and for all”.
10. Champagne to be a candidate for FIFA’s
presidency
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (07.02.13) reports that Jerome Champagne, former general secretary of FIFA, who signed a
protocol for cooperation with the so-called Turkish Cypriot football federation
(KTFF) of the breakaway regime will announce that he will be a candidate for
FIFA’s presidency.
According
to the paper, Champagne will announce officially his candidacy during a press
conference in London, on January 20. The
paper notes that Champagne invited two members of the so-called Turkish Cypriot
football federation in the ceremony, KTFF chairman HasanSertoglu and the member
of the federation OrcunKamali.
11. Church in occupied Syrianochori is being
restored
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibrisli (05.01.14) reported that the restoration of the historical
church in the occupied village of Syrianochori has started with the financial
aid of UNDP. The repair work will last for seven months, the paper reported.
12. Erdogan 'favours' the retrial of coup cases;
General Staff filed formal request for investigation; Basbug’s plea for release
rejected
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 05.01.14) reported that Prime Minister RecepTayyipErdogan said Jan. 5 he would favour
retrials for hundreds of military officers jailed for coup-plotting. "Our
position on a retrial is a favourable one," he told reporters in Istanbul
before taking off on a tour of Asia.
Erdogan's
statement comes after a weekend meeting with MetinFeyzioglu, head of the Union
of Bar Associations (TBB), who submitted proposals to clear the way for the
retrial of jailed officers.
On the same
issue, HDN (online, 06.01.14), under the title “Legal action on coup cases
launched after ‘plot’ claims, Turkish Armed Forces say”, reported that Turkey’s General Staff has officially
confirmed that it has filed a formal request for an investigation into claims
that convictions in recent coup-plot cases were a “conspiracy.”
The statement
referred implicitly to a political figure’s suggestion of a “plot” as the
trigger for the decision to launch legal action. “Accordingly with the
necessity of ‘being a state of law,’ the Turkish Armed Forces has avoided
comments that could influence the trials and investigations against some of its
members; it shared its thoughts with the competent institutions, made
proposals, awaited results and did not engage in any legal action during the
process for all these reasons as stated in a press statement on Dec. 27
[2013],” the General Staff said.
“However on the
same day, following statements by a political figure in the press, the public
has been informed through a written statement and a criminal complaint has been
filed at the Ankara Prosecutor’s Office,” the statement added.
Meanwhile,
Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.01.14) reported that a Turkish court rejected on Monday the request for release of former
Chief of General Staff General IlkerBasbugon the grounds that the
prosecution had concluded on August 5, 2013, and there was no need to issue
another decree about his imprisonment.
13. CHP: Turkish government's motivations for
retrials not convincing
According to
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 06.01.14), the government’s
expressed intention for the retrial of hundreds of military officers convicted
on coup plot charges is not convincing, main opposition Republican Peoples’
Party (CHP) Deputy Chair FarukLogoglu has said.
Logoglu suggested the move is an attempt to divert the
agenda from corruption and bribery claims. “We want
justice even if it is late. We are ready to give support,” Logoglu said on Jan.
6 at a press conference.
Logoglu said he did not regard the government’s
approach as a sincere attempt to secure justice, as it came too late. “Did your
conscience just realize?” If there is a need for retrial,
then all suspects should be released and should stand trial without arrest, the
CHP lawmaker stated.
14. Turkish businessman financed prosecutor Oz's
holiday
According to
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 06.01.14), Istanbul Prosecutor ZekeriyaOz, who is leading one branch of a
major ongoing corruption investigation, denied claims that he took a lavish vacation to Dubai with seven
of his friends that was allegedly paid for by a construction company.
The
pro-government Sabah daily ran a story
on Sunday describing Oz as a prosecutor who "launched the defamation
campaign against the government via a corruption investigation," and
alleged that the prosecutor went on an expensive vacation in Dubai with his
friends. According to the daily, a construction company paid the TL 77,000 bill
for the trip.
In a statement
he released on Monday, Oz vehemently
denied claims that the vacation bill was paid for by a construction firm.
Oz said he went to Dubai with his family and paid for the trip himself.
Ali Agaoglu, a well-known business tycoon who was
released pending trial in the major graft probe, however, claimed that his firm
hosted Oz in Dubai.
In a written
statement, published by the Hurriyet daily, Agaoglu, who is among the chief
suspects in the investigation on alleged bribery and tender rigging, said his
firm's Dubai regional representative received approval from company executives
to cover the cost of Oz's vacation.
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