TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 25/14 06.02.14
1. Eroglu: There is no agreement on the joint
declaration, the process continues
2. Nami: We are close to reach an agreement on the
joint statement
3. Davutoglu and Kerry discuss Cyprus in Munich
4. British High Commissioner visits ΚΤΤΟ
5. Cavusoglu wants Germany and France to exert
pressure on Cyprus for the opening of chapters in Turkey’s accession
negotiations
5. Cavusoglu wants Germany and France to exert pressure
on Cyprus for the opening of chapters in Turkey’s accession negotiations
6. BKP to attend the European Left meeting
7. Turkish Cypriot building contractor withdraws
lawsuit against Ankara in Larnaka District Court
8. Akca: In the absence of proper planning, possible
negative effects could emerge after the transfer of water from Turkey to the
“TRNC”
9. Nami: Graduate students from high schools in the
government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus will be able to apply for
scholarships
10. Controversial Internet bill passed by Parliament
raises concerns over freedom
11. Romanian and Italian Presidents support Turkey’s
membership to the EU
12. Obama to skip Turkey in upcoming visit to the
region
13. Davutoglu cancels visit to Bulgaria, creates tense
relations
1. Eroglu: There is no agreement on the joint
declaration, the process continues
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (06.02.14) reports that
the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu issued a written statement last night
noting that there is no agreement on the joint declaration which will lead to
the recommencement of the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus
problem. “The news in some media and internet sites that an agreement was
reached with the Greek Cypriot side on the issue of the joint declaration does
not reflect reality”, said Eroglu’s statement.
The statement
went on and added: “As Turkish Cypriot side we are committed to our proposal
which was submitted on 14 December 2013 during the visit of Motherland Turkey’s
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ahmet Davutoglu, with the approval of all sides
concerned and by taking the views of the government’s coalition parties and the
main opposition party. We are continuing our contacts regarding the issue in
accordance to this position. In case any proposal is submitted to our side, it
will be evaluated and the necessary stance will be determined in the direction
of the Turkish Cypriot people’s rights and interests and in case an agreement
is reached it will be announced without delay”.
Meanwhile, citing sources from Eroglu’s office, the
paper writes that minor but important differences exist in the papers submitted
by the two sides on the issue of the joint declaration and negotiations are
being held for overcoming these differences.
Moreover,
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen newspaper (06.02.14) reports that international
diplomatic sources confirm the “text of the agreement” for launching the
negotiations aiming at a “United Cyprus”. The text will be submitted to the
Turkish Cypriot leadership today and a meeting between the leaders is targeted
for Monday. Referring to Eroglu’s statement after the text was published on
YeniDuzen’swebsite, the paper wonders whether Eroglu “reins back” the
process.
(I/Ts.)
2. Nami: We are close to reach an agreement on the
joint statement
According to
illegal Bayrak television (online, 05.02.14), self-styled minster of foreign
affairs of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus
OzdilNami said that the two sides in
Cyprus are close to reaching an agreement on the joint statement. The two
sides will have an opportunity to focus on tangible issues instead of accusing
each other on the joint statement’ Nami said. He added that efforts on the
joint declaration have reached a final stage which showed that there is a political will on both sides to
a certain extent.
Speaking at a
program broadcast on “BRT”, Nami made statements on the Cyprus problem.
Asked to
evaluate the US diplomat Victoria Nuland’s visit to Cyprus, Nami said that the US Envoy’s visit was a
sign that the US believed there was a chance of a success for the Cyprus talks.
He noted: “She wouldn’t have come if they (the US) did not believe there is
a chance. She held important contacts, two meetings with the Greek Cypriot
leader and issued a written statement expressing her contentment with the two
side’s determination. We, as the foreign ministry, did what we could to assist
her”.
Responding to
another question on the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus
Alexander Downer, Nami claimed: “Downer has an important duty in Cyprus. It is
the proof of the UN Secretary General’s interest on the issue. This should not
be wasted. Downer has no difficulties
with us. We have always been constructive”.
Also expressing
the hope that Downer will resume his duties, Nami warned that if Downer leaves
before accomplishing his goals, this will be a waste of precious time.
3. Davutoglu and Kerry discuss Cyprus in Munich
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (06.02.14) reports that
the US Secretary of State, John Kerry has said that they are silently working
on the Cyprus problem and no one knows this. On Saturday, Kerry met with the Turkish Foreign
Minister Davutoglu in Munich, which they both visited for a Security
Conference.
According to
ABHaber news portal, a high ranking
official from the US State Department said that a series of issues, including
the Cyprus problem, had been discussed during the Kerry-Davutoglu meeting.
The official noted that “USA supports the negotiating process within the
framework of the UN’s good offices mission aiming at the reunification of the
island with a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation”.
(I/Ts.)
4. British High Commissioner visits ΚΤΤΟ
Turkish Cypriot
daily Vatan (06.02.14) reports that the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom
to Cyprus Mathew Kidd paid a visit yesterday morning to the Turkish Cypriot
Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), in the occupied part of Lefkosia.
According to the
newspaper, the British High Commissioner and his accompanying delegation met
with the KTTO Chairman GunayCerkez and members of the administrative
council.
During the
meeting, the representatives of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber stressed the importance
of the role of the High Commissioner in Cyprus and expressed their support to
the solution process of the Cyprus problem.
(EA)
5. Cavusoglu wants Germany and France to exert
pressure on Cyprus for the opening of chapters in Turkey’s accession
negotiations
Under the title
“Message to Germany and France”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper
(06.02.14) reports that MevlutCavusoglu,
Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator, has recalled that chapters 23 and 24
in Turkey’s accession negotiations with the EU are blocked by the Republic of
Cyprus and alleged that the “duty of lifting the blockade of the Greek Cypriot
administration”, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, “falls over our
European friends, that is, France and Germany”.
In statements
yesterday during a meeting with some trade unions, Cavusoglu argued that they
wish for this year to pass very productively from the point of view of their
relations with the EU and underlined that Turkey should do its duty in the best
manner during this process and continue the reforms.
Replying to a question as regards Prime Minister
Erdogan’s recent visit to Germany,Cavusoglu noted thatthe opening of chapters
23 and 24 was discussed during this visit and added that “we saw determination
as regards the opening of these chapters in the leaders with whom we met during
this visit”. He alleged that in order for concrete steps to be taken, the blockade of the Republic
of Cyprus should be lifted.
(I/Ts.)
6. BKP to attend the European Left meeting
Turkish Cypriot
daily Vatan (06.02.14) reports that the United Cyprus Party (BKP) will
participate in the first meeting of the Executive Board of the European Left
Party to be held in Rome, between February 8 and 9.
According to a
BKP written statement, the Turkish Cypriot party will be represented by its
general secretary Abdullah Korkmazhan. As it is reported, Kormazhan will hold
group meetings where he will exchange BKP’s views and proposals.
(EA)
7. Turkish Cypriot building contractor withdraws
lawsuit against Ankara in Larnaka District Court
Turkish Cypriot
daily HalkinSesi newspaper (06.02.14) reports that businessman CaferGurcafer, who had filed a lawsuit against Turkey in
Larnaka District Court in 2012, has decided to withdraw this lawsuit. The
paper recalls that Gurcafer applied to the Court against Ankara holding her
responsible of the fact that occupied Mimoza Hotel in Famagusta, which is a
Greek Cypriot property, had been “sold” to him by the breakaway regime’s
authorities and afterwards was “expropriated”.
Gurcafer told Milliyet that his aim was not to accuse
Turkey, but he took that step because he had been unjustly treated by the
breakaway regime’s authorities. “I have given instructions to my lawyer and
we are withdrawing the lawsuit”, he said.
The paper
recalls that Gurcafer had moved to the government-controlled area of Cyprus
because he received threats after the filing of the lawsuit. After the change
in the regime’s self-styled government, he returned to the occupied area of the
island.
Explaining why
he had filed the lawsuit, Gurcafer said that he did this because the then
“government” of the regime “pledged allegiance to Ankara”. He added: “I
believed that Ankara should not remain silent before the injustices that were
made. After thinking about the issue now I am acting more reasonably. If I
wanted, I could have condemned Turkey. The result would cause repercussions.
However, I will never do this. My problem is with the TRNC officials, not with
Turkey”.
(I/Ts.)
8. Akca: In the absence of proper planning,
possible negative effects could emerge after the transfer of water from Turkey
to the “TRNC”
According to
illegal Bayrak television (online, 05.02.14), self-styled Turkish ambassador to
the occupied part of LefkosiaHalil Ibrahim Aksa warned of possible negative effects
that could emerge after the transfer of water from Turkey to the “TRNC”
(editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus) in the absence of proper planning. Speaking during a meeting with
self-styled mayor of occupied village of GeunyeliAhmetBenli yesterday, Akca
made statements on the water transfer project.
Noting that some
preparatory projects are in line within the framework of the water transfer
project, Akca said this work is not enough to complete the water transfer
project. He also added that the details of the preparatory projects will come
out in the coming days.
“It is not
enough to bring the water to the Panagra Dam. It is necessary to plan and to
work out on its effects. If there is no plan or project, negative effects could
emerge after the transfer of the water. Projects are underway to prevent this
from happening. The committees that were established in the two countries are
working on it”, Akca concluded.
9. Nami: Graduate students from high schools in the
government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus will be able to apply for
scholarships
Turkish Cypriot
daily Afrika (06.02.14) reports that self-styled minster of foreign affairs of
the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and
self-styled spokesman of the “council of ministers” OzdilNami
announcedyesterdaythatthe “council of ministers” made some amendments on the
“regulation for scholarships”. Nami explained that the students, who will
graduate from high schools in the government controlled area of the Republic of
Cyprus until the end of 2017, as well as “civil servants”, who are studying for
a doctorate degree without grants, would be able to apply for scholarships.
10. Controversial Internet bill passed by Parliament
raises concerns over freedom
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 05.02.14) reported that a controversial law on the regulation of Internet news portals and
websites was accepted by a majority of the votes in Parliament in a session
held late on Wednesday, leading to concerns over Internet freedom and people's
right of access to information.
According to the
changes, the Transportation, Maritime
Affairs and Communications Minister will be able to block websites without
first obtaining a court order.
In addition, the TIB [Turkey's Telecommunications
Directorate] head will be authorized to block access to a web page by his
initiative in the event there is a request concerning the violation of the
right to privacy.
The Turkish
Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) said the right to privacy
is protected under existing laws and that introducing a new law which will
allow blocking access to Internet content for the protection of privacy may
result in problems in terms of preserving human rights.
The amendment
specifies that web pages and online video footage that violates the privacy of
individuals over the Internet could be blocked within four hours when TİB
receives a complaint, while the courts are expected to announce a verdict on
such issues within 48 hours. The move is
seen by many people as an attempt to control Internet tools in order to prevent
dissidents and citizen journalists from sharing video footage or other
information regarding any social or political activity.
The bill also includes a measure that allows for the
recording of Internet users’ browsing histories and saving them for two years. The move has raised concerns over the government’s increasing
encroachment into people’s private lives as well as into the different mediums
through which people can express their social and political opinions.
TUSIAD further
argued that the Internet bill may negatively affect investors in the Internet
sector at a time when private capital and investments in the telecommunications
sector are being urged.
Turkey
tightening its grip on the Internet has drawn reactions from numerous domestic
and foreign organizations. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Internet Advocacy Coordinator Geoffrey King told Today’sZaman that protection
of the freedom of expression in Turkey has already been terrible, as it is the
world’s leading jailer of journalists, but the new Internet law will seriously
worsen it.
King called on the government to avoid treating
reporters as criminals. “Given the seriousness of
the allegations about possible corruption within the Turkish government, it is
all the more vital that the press have breathing room to do its job of
reporting truthful information to the people of Turkey,” he added.
11. Romanian and Italian Presidents support
Turkey’s membership to the EU
Under the title
“Romanian President pledges support to Turkey for opening of new chapters”,
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(online, 05.02.14) reported that Romania
“resolutely” supports Turkey’s EU bid, Romanian President TraianBasescu has
said, stressing that Ankara’s membership negotiations with Brussels should be
“accelerated.”
“In 2013,
Romania openly gave support to Turkey for the opening of all chapters and for
the acceleration of negotiations. These negotiations should be finalized,”
Basescu said on Feb. 5, speaking at a joint press conference with President
Abdullah Gul in Ankara.
“It’s time to
speed up negotiations and the process,” he added. Turkey’s membership of the EU
is in Romania’s interests too, Basescu said during his two-day official visit
to Turkey, adding that his country wanted EU membership for as many countries
in the Balkans and the Black Sea region as possible.
For his part,
President Gul welcomed Romania’s support for Turkey’s EU bid. Citing the
current total trade volume of nearly $5 billion between the two countries, Gul
said they both aim to increase this to $10 billion.
Meanwhile,
Ankara Anatolia news agency (05.02.14) reported that Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano said he supports Turkey’s reminder
to EU leaders that ‘’agreements must be kept’’, regarding negotiations on
Turkey’s accession to the EU.
In a two-day
visit to the EU parliament, Napolitano voiced support for Turkey’s comment to
EU leaders that included the words ‘pactasuntservanda’ - Latin for ‘agreements
must be kept’.
Napolitano
reiterated Turkey’s sentiments, saying that the agreements must be respected.
12. Obama to skip Turkey in upcoming visit to the
region
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 05.02.14)
reported that US President Barack Obama, who included Turkey in his first
overseas visit to the region in 2009, is skipping the US's “strategic ally” and
“model partner” Turkey in his visit to Europe and Saudi Arabia in March in
another sign of deteriorating relations between the two countries.
Some experts in Washington,
speaking with Today's Zaman on condition of anonymity, said that Obama skipping Turkey in his regional visit is no surprise,
given the fact that the US administration doesn't want to give the impression
that the relationship between Turkey and the US is “business as usual.”
“It is possible that the Obama
administration wants to show Turkey that the US is disturbed by internal
developments in Turkey, such as democratic rights, the problems of the
independence of the judiciary and separation of powers, as well as the
corruption investigations. This could be a message,” said the Deputy chairman
of the Republican People's Party (CHP) FarukLogoglu, speaking to Today's Zaman
on Wednesday.
“Secondly, it could be a sign that the US
need of Turkey in the region has decreased. If Obama has not included Saudi
Arabia in his visit, there is no problem there. But if you say that Saudi
Arabia is your strategic ally and you add it to your trip, then on the way to
Saudi Arabia or back home, Obama could have visited Turkey,” he added.
“The postponing
of US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's visit to Turkey was one of the first
visible signs of the US displeasure,” one source said, alluding to events
following the unveiling of a graft probe on Dec. 17, including the restructure
of the judicial system.
Today's Zaman
has learned that the White House told Hagel at the last minute to postpone his
visit to Turkey, which had been scheduled to take place in late January, even
though Hagel's meetings with Turkish officials were already arranged.
“Secretary Hagel hopes to visit Turkey soon and we [the Department of Defence]
will continue to look for opportunities. It was under discussion as a possible
option for his upcoming trip to Europe, but scheduling issues precluded us from
being able to make it work,” a US Embassy official in Ankara told Today's
Zaman.
13. Davutoglu cancels visit to Bulgaria, creates
tense relations
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 04.02.14) reported that in a move that puts a strain on
Turkey's relations with Bulgaria, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who
has a foreign policy of “zero problems with neighbours,” has cancelled his
visit to Sofia only a couple days before it was scheduled to take place because
no appointment was granted with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev.
Davutoglu's
two-day visit was scheduled to take place on Feb. 6-7. Talking to diplomatic
sources, Today's Zaman learned that Davutoglu decided to cancel his visit when
he learned that he would not be able to meet with Plevneliev due to tight
scheduling.
The decision has
seemed to create a bit of disappointment and is perceived as “arrogant” by the
Bulgarian authorities, according to sources who spoke to Today's Zaman. The
regular procedure for a Foreign Minister is to meet only with his or her
counterpart.
“Foreign
Minister Davutoglu’s visit was postponed reciprocally. A new date will be
determined,” Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman TanjuBilgic told Today'sZaman
on Tuesday. When told that postponing Davutoglu's visit just a couple days
before the planned date seems strange, Bilgic responded that these days, the
speed of communications technology often leads to last-minute schedule changes.
The visit was
going to take place upon the invitation of Vigenin, Today's Zaman learned. The
main topics of the talks were going to be extending bilateral cooperation on
economy, security and politics and regional cooperation, “…as two neighbours,
allies and friends in the region," another source, speaking under the
condition of anonymity told Today's Zaman on Tuesday.
Although the
diplomatic sources and Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman have not raised this
issue as a possible reason for the postponement of Davutoglu's visit, Turkey's
trade to Europe has recently been experiencing hard times amid a worsening
crisis over clearance certificates (dozvola), which allow trucks carrying goods
to pass through Bulgaria.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
