TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 42/14 01-03.03.14
1. Positive ground exists for DP-UBP
cooperation in the “municipality elections”; CTP is annoyed by its “coalition
partner’s” stance
2. Nami: In a sense, isolations imposed
on the Turkish Cypriots have been overcome with the OIC
3. Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem
4. Ozersay: these visits could be
perceived as preparations for a larger meeting to be attended by all parties
concerned
5. Mavroyiannis and Ozersay will
participate in a conference in Brussels
6. MUSIAD to open representation office
in the occupied area of Cyprus
7. Nami: “We should get ready for the
EU”
8. Delegations from the self-styled
assembly will follow EU Parliament’s sessions
9. CTP participated at the
deliberations of the Party of European Socialists’ conference
10. CTP “deputy” addresses a conference
at the Italian Parliament
11. Denktas sees a policy to cut off
the Turkish Cypriots from Turkey during the past ten years
12. New elements provide ground for
optimism for Cyprus deal
13. The breakaway regime in the middle
of a new economic scandal in Turkey
14. Brucellosis reappears in 60 farms
in occupied Cyprus; They have no money to deal with the problem
15.
The occupancy rate of hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus
16. Turkish Parliament adopts
‘democracy package’
17. Brussels offered to hold a working
group meeting with Ankara on Chapter 23
18. Davutoglu and Bahceli warn over
partition of Ukraine
1. Positive ground exists for DP-UBP cooperation in
the “municipality elections”; CTP is annoyed by its “coalition partner’s”
stance
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (03.03.14) reported that the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG) and the National Unity
Party (UBP) have announced that positive ground exists for cooperation between
the two parties in the “municipality elections” which will be held in June 2014
in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. Delegations from the two
parties headed by their chairmen met on Sunday and discussed their cooperation
in the above-mentioned “elections”.
In statements
after the meeting, Huseyin Ozgurgun,
chairman of the UBP, said that a
positive ground is being created for an alliance between them in the “municipality
elections” and added that “something will come up by the end of the week”.
He went on and noted: “28 municipalities exist and we see what kind of
cooperation we will have. We saw that the ground is positive, but we have to
work on it”.
In his
statements, SerdarDenktas, chairman
of the DP-UG, said that there is a
ground for meetings with the UBP, that some work should be done at the
competent committees of the parties and that their target is to reach a result
within this week. He noted that during this meeting they discussed only the
issue of the “municipal elections” and that the DP-UG is still a “coalition
partner” in the “government”. He expressed the view that being in the
“government” with the Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) does
not mean that they could not be opponents in the “municipal elections” and added thatthey are continuing their work
being committed to their “coalition protocol” with the CTP-BG.
Commenting on
the possibility of his son, RaufDenktas, becoming a “candidate” in the
“municipal elections”, SerdarDenktas said that these are speculations and added
that if he had not been his son, they might have nominated him. “However, I
have no right to put obstacles in front of him because he is my son. I was also
son of RaufDenktas”, he added.
Meanwhile,
Kibris (04.03.14) reports that the
possible cooperation of DP-UG with the main “opposition” UBP in the “municipal
elections” caused great annoyance in the CTP-BG and anger within CTP-BG members.
OzkanYorgancioglu,
chairman of the CTP, said that the
cooperation of “coalition partner” DP-UG with the main “opposition” UBP in the
“municipal elections” is an “unacceptable approach”. He noted that as the
press reported, the two parties will cooperate in order for taking away from
the CTP-BG its current “municipalities” and this is not “ethical”. Yorgancioglu
announced that the council of the CTP-BG will convene tonight and, among other
issues, will evaluate the cooperation between DP and UBP in the “municipal
elections”.
In statements to
Kibris, CTP’s general secretary, KutlayErk
said that this situation is “a way of behaviour which could be debated from an
ethical point of view”, but in spite of this such an alliance does not cause
problems for his party. He noted that if their party council says that this
behaviour causes a crisis in the “government”, they will evaluate the situation
that will come up. He said that it is
possible the coalition between the right wing parties to be turned into a
collation for the “presidential elections”.
Moreover,
Turkish Cypriot daily Realist newspaper (04.03.14) reports that “deputies” of the CTP-BG have strongly
reacted to the meetings between the DP-UG and the UBP and expressed the view
that “the architect of this process” is the Turkish Cypriot leader,
DervisEroglu. They argued that this
alliance has been constructed in order to deal a blow to the solution process
and gather the opponents of the solution of the Cyprus problem under the same
roof. According to the paper, the CTP “deputies” do not think that this
cooperation will be ethical and most of
them share the view that from now on “no life for the government is left” and
it should be broken down.
(I/Ts.)
2. Nami: In a sense, isolations imposed on the
Turkish Cypriots have been overcome with the OIC
According to
illegal Bayrak television (03.03.14), the so-called foreign ministry of the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus together with the Islam Centre
for Development of Trade organized a workshop titled “Export Incentives in line
with globalization and Investment Strategies” at the “Near East University”
(YDU).
The workshop aims to develop existing relations
between the “TRNC” and member countries of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC).
Delivering an
opening address at the workshop self-styled foreign minister OzdilNami said he
was honoured to host such a workshop in the “TRNC”, adding that the workshop
will have positive repercussions for the business industry. He invited foreign businessmen to invest in
the “TRNC”.
Making
evaluations regarding the latest phase reached on the Cyprus negotiations
process, Nami said that with the
approval of the joint statement a new phase had begun at the Cyprus
negotiations process and claimed that the Turkish Cypriots after a very long
time have found the opportunity to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Claiming that if
both sides of the island show the necessary will then a solution to the half
century old problem can be found, Nami said that the island can become an
island of peace.
Pointing to the
importance of holding this meeting in the “TRNC”, Nami said that “with this meeting the isolations on northern Cyprus had
been somewhat overcome”.
Noting the
strategic importance of Cyprus, Nami said Cyprus is a bridge between East and
West and added that it will continue to fulfil its existing responsibilities.
According to the
website (28.02.14) of the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs, Nami pointed out to the importance of organizing
workshops of OIC in the “TRNC”, and added: “In a sense, isolations imposed on
the Turkish Cypriots have been overcome through this organization.”
According to
statistical information, OIC member countries realized 35.2 million dollars
export to “North Cyprus” and “TRNC” realized 40.2 million dollars export to OIC
member states via Turkey. Pointing out that this rate has increased 12.5% in
the last 3 years,Nami said that they aim to reach 100 million dollars of
business transactions.
3. Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem
Turkish daily
Star (02.03.14) published an interview by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu, commenting on the Cyprus problem among other.
Asked to comment
on what they are expecting from the Cyprus issue, Davutoglu said: “Our
Undersecretary FeridunSinirlioglu spoke with the negotiator of the South Cyprus
Greek Sector [editor’s note: Greek Cypriot negotiator]. The Greek
undersecretary and the TRNC [editor’s note: Turkish Cypriot negotiator]
negotiator also spoke. This is a very
important development. For the first time, a Turkish official
listened to a representative of the Greek Administration of South Cyprus (GKRY)
[editor’s note: as he refers to the Government of Republic of Cyprus], and they
to us. We said: ‘Let us go to the
island together and meet with the South and the North.’ We wanted to meet at the level of the
political leaders. We want to take every
step that will bring about peace on the island.
My Greek friend Foreign Minister Evengelos Venizelos also wants this. A situation needs to be brought about in the
Eastern Mediterranean in which everyone can speak with everyone. A negotiating text has emerged. This text could be the main draft of a
40-year negotiations process. What was
lacking was political will, and this has also taken shape. The only worrisome development has been the
coalition rift in the GKRY.”
4. Ozersay: these visits could be perceived as
preparations for a larger meeting to be attended by all parties concerned
According to illegal
Bayrak television (online, 01.03.14), Turkish Cypriot negotiator KudretOzersay, speaking at the occupied
airport of Tymbou upon his return from Athens where he met with the General
Secretary of the Greek Foreign Ministry AnastassisMitsialis, has announced that parallel visits of the
negotiators to Ankara and Athens, similar to the ones held on Thursday, will
continue in the future. He added: “The door of a new dialogue had been opened”.
He said that
such visits will continue in the future with the aim of making concrete
contributions to the negotiations process.
Repeating his
view that the parallel visits should not be perceived as negotiations, Ozersay
said: “these visits could be perceived
as preparations for a larger meeting to be attended by all parties concerned”.
Stating that he
had spoken with the Greek Cypriot Negotiator Andreas Mavroyannis over the
phone, Ozersay said that he had received the impression that Mavroyannis was
happy with the results of his meeting in Ankara. “It is my belief that if all
parties concerned are happy with the results such meetings will continue in the
future. Perhaps in different forms” he added.
On the same
issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.03.14), under the title
“Historical opportunity shouldn’t be missed, Turkish Cypriot negotiator says”,
reported that the historical opportunity
which has occurred with the recent reunification Cyprus talks should not be
missed, according to Turkish Cypriot negotiator KudretOzersay, who visited
the Greek Foreign Ministry’s secretary-general in Athens last week.
“There is a natural calendar for these talks, and this
calendar gives us the opportunity to turn this psychologically positive
atmosphere into a solid solution. We shouldn’t miss this opportunity,” Ozersay
told daily Hurriyet in a recent interview.
“We believe we
can finish this problem by following a policy of ‘give and take’ as much as
possible. The most important thing to do now is put a political will and
leadership forward. [We should also] try to find a middle way for the solution
by knowing that we cannot take 100% of what we want,” he said.
But the recent
resignation of Cyprus’ Cabinet is expected to have a negative impact on the
ongoing negotiations, and Ozersay said
that political instabilities and crisis in the region present the risk that
both sides would fail to achieve a comprehensive solution.
Ozersay said the
meeting in Athens lasted five hours, noting that this was positive beyond
expectations. “We talked about all aspects of the Cyprus problem, so we are
glad about that. One of the main issues of the talks is equality, which means
the talks that were carried out by the Greek Cypriots in Ankara and the talks
that we carried out in Athens were described as talks equal to each other.
These talks don’t create the result for Greece to recognize the TRNC, and they
don’t create the result for Turkey to recognize the Greek Cypriot state,”
Ozersay said.
The Turkish
Cypriot negotiator said it was not possible to predict when political, social
or economic instability might occur in the eastern Mediterranean region,
meaning the talks should be concluded as soon as possible.
Ozersay also
said he talked on the phone with Mavroyiannis, noting that the latter was also
happy about his own talks in Ankara. “Like us, the Greek Cypriots also see it
as a positive step to continue this dialogue process. So if both sides want
this, I expect this dialogue to continue on the base of equality,” he said.
Ozersay said
that if the talks continue, there would probably be a deeper discussion of the
issues regarding the Cyprus problem. “Maybe the negotiator for the Turkish
Cypriots and the negotiator for the Greek Cypriots might visit the guarantor
powers together if both sides agree upon this. We believe a solution that
might be found would bring stability both to the island and to the region as a
whole,” he said.
5. Mavroyiannis and Ozersay will participate in a
conference in Brussels
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (02.03.14) reported that the Greek Cypriot negotiator
Andreas Mavroyiannis and the Turkish Cypriot negotiator KudretOzersay will
participate in a conference in Brussels which will be held between 6-7 of
March.
The conference
is organized by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and has the following
subject: "Cyprus' Peace Dividend: A Productivity and Sectorial
Approach".
6. MUSIAD to open representation office in the
occupied area of Cyprus
According to
illegal Bayrak television (online, 28.02.14), the Independent Industrialists
and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD), which is currently paying a series of visits
to self-styled state and government officials, is preparing to open a representation office in the occupied area of
Cyprus, which will be the association’s 150th office.
Within the
framework of the visits, a MUSIAD delegation paid a visit to self-styled
assembly speakerSibelSiber, self-styled prime ministerOzkanYorgancioglu and
Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu.
Speaking during
the visits, the chairman of MUSIAD Nail Olpak said that the aim of their visit
is to sow the first seeds of their association on the island. He said that they
will be hosting a series of international meetings in the “TRNC” once they set
up their representation office.
For her part, Siber said that it was important for
businesspeople to give positive messages regarding the “TRNC”.
7. Nami: “We should get ready for the EU”
According to the
website (28.02.14) of the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs of the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, a briefing on
the ‘2014-16 Programme for Alignment with the EU Acquis’, which includes 16
chapters was held in the Conference Hall of the “TRNC ministry of foreign
affairs” on Friday.
In the briefing,
the importance and objectives of the program have been explained. It was also
stated that in accordance with the program, a total of 83 legislations mainly
the Public Reform are planned to be put into practice and 30 of these
legislations have been prepared in the last 3 months.
Self-styled
foreign minister OzdilNami expressed that the program came up as the result of
EU’s technical assistance and cooperation and the legal amendments should be
approved by the “assembly” and put into force.
Nami indicated that these studies are parallel to the
studies for finding a federal solution to the Cyprus problem and he stressed
that it is necessary to get ready for the EU without delay.
Recording that
they welcomed the start of negotiations, Nami said that the EU vision in the
joint statement should be well examined and he added that the road and standard
was clear.
Stating that they made a call to the EU authorities to
support putting the EU Acquis into practice by the Turkish Cypriots with
stronger programs, Nami expressed that they got
positive replies. Nami said: “A difficult and rewarding period is awaiting us”
On the same
issue, illegal Bayrak television (28.02.14) broadcast that self-styled foreign
ministry’s undersecretary ErhanErcin,
delivering the opening speech at the press conference, noted that the harmonization program will not only increase the
“TRNC’s” trading capacity but will also serve to prepare the Turkish Cypriot
side for a possible solution. He added that the chapters regarding the free
movement of goods, the right to set up a business and the freedom to provide
services, financial control and laws relating to intellectual property rights
were added to the harmonization program.
8. Delegations from the self-styled assembly will
follow EU Parliament’s sessions
According to illegal
Bayrak television (online, 03.03.14), the self-styled assembly of the breakaway
regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus will follow the workings
of the European Parliament and the Inter-parliamentary Union meeting.
The Democrat
Party – National Forces (DP) “MP” HasanTacoy and the National Unity Party (UBP)
“MP” HamzaErsan Saner will follow the European Union meetings which began on
Sunday and will continue until the 6th of March.
Meanwhile,
another “parliamentary delegation”, which will be headed by the Speaker of the
Parliament SibelSiber, will follow the Inter-parliamentary Union meeting which
will be held in Geneva between 15th and 19th of March.
9. CTP participated at the deliberations of the Party of European Socialists’ conference
Turkish Cypriot
daily Vatan newspaper (04.03.14) reports that the Republican Turkish Party
(CTP) participated at the deliberations of the Party of European Socialists
(PES) conference which was held in Rome on March 1.
The paper writes
that the general secretary of CTP KutlayErk who participated at the leader’s
meeting held on February 28 met with the President of the European Parliament
Martin Schulz.
Apart of Erk, a
CTP”s “MP” and member of the party’s women organization also participated in
the conference.
10. CTP “deputy” addresses a conference at the
Italian Parliament
Turkish Cypriot
daily Vatan newspaper (03.03.14) reported that ArmaganCandan, “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party – United
Forces (CTP-BG) has addressed a conference at the Italian Parliament under the
title “Is solution possible in Cyprus ten years after the referendum?”
The conference
was held on 28 February upon an initiative of the breakaway regime’s
“representation office” in Rome. The “representative” of the regime in Rome,
NovberFeritVechi and the Turkish Ambassador HakkiAkil also addressed the
conference.
In his
statements Candan said that a positive
climate has been created now in both sides of Cyprus, that an opportunity
exists and should not be wasted and that the solution in Cyprus will be in
the benefit of “both peoples” of Cyprus and of the area.
In his address, Paolo Amato, former Italian Senator, who has also been granted the ‘citizenship”
of the regime, said that he had become a “TRNC citizen” in order to protest for
what he called as injustice against the Turkish Cypriots. He noted that they are exerting efforts to
develop the trade relations between Italy and the “TRNC” and alleged that if
the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem fail again, it would be
inevitable for the EU to accept the occupied northern part of Cyprus as its
member and as “separate country”.
Former Italian Ambassador to Ankara, Carlo Marsilli also alleged
that the accession of Cyprus into the EU was a mistake and added that this
is admitted by the EU leaders as well.
(I/Ts.)
11. Denktas sees a policy to cut off the Turkish
Cypriots from Turkey during the past ten years
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (04.03.14) reports that SerdarDenktas, chairman of the Democratic Party – National Forces
(DP-UG) and self-styled deputy prime minister of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has
alleged that during the past ten years a policy is followed in order for
cutting the “TRNC”, the breakaway regime, from Turkey. Addressing a meeting
of his party yesterday, Denktas claimed, inter alia, the following: “We are
part of a big game and if we are not careful in this big game, if we do not
stand upright when the day comes, if we do not raise our voice when the day
comes, the future of our children is in danger”.
Denktas argued
that the reason of the recent activity in the Cyprus problem is the
interference of foreign powers. He said that they should be careful and added:
“If a text of an agreement which
eliminates our rights comes in front of us, we must be ready to explain in
cooperation the dangers to our children. Because if, thinking that one day our
children will be saved from the problems we have experienced, we vote yes to a
plan which will slyly eliminate our fundamental rights, if the Greek Cypriot
side also says yes, you must know mothers and we must know that after a while
our children will be obliged to keep guard in emplacements. When we go to
referendum this time,… let us know that we will say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and be
prepared for the consequence of both of them…”
Denktas went on
and claimed: “…Four countries which are
concerned with the Cyprus issue the TRNC, south Cyprus, Turkey and Greece, are all with problems and have
responsibilities. This is not a
coincidence at all. During the past
ten years a policy is followed in order to cut us off from motherland Turkey.
All these are not coincidence…”
(I/Ts.)
12. New elements provide ground for optimism for
Cyprus deal
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.03.14) with the above title published an
interview of regional specialist Hugh Pope with HDN’s journalist BarcinYinanc.
Pope said that
there is a will among both Turkish and Greek Cypriots to find a solution for
the divided island, adding that Israel’s urgent need to export gas from the
eastern Mediterranean influences players such as the United States, driving
them to press the opposing sides toward a deal.
Greek Cypriots
are finally starting to come around to agreeing to a solution in which Turkish
Cyprus would have total control over the north of the island, according to
regional specialist Hugh Pope of the International Crisis Group.
However, as the
old paradigm based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation has worn thin, the
sides should not stick to the old paradigm, but rather explore all other
options, according to Pope.
Replying to
whether there are any reasons to be optimistic about the new round of talks,
Pope said: “There are some new elements providing grounds for some optimism.
One is that the Prime Minister of Turkey has clearly signalled the green light
that he wants a settlement; he wants a revitalization of the EU process.
According to
Pope, Erdogan has changed his mind for domestic political reasons, because he
feels there is the need to get voters’ support. He is also trying to rebuild
Turkey’s international reputation, which is under attack at the moment. A
Cyprus settlement would be great news. What’s great about it is that it matches
with an existing wish in the [Turkish] Foreign Ministry to get it done; they
really want to get it done. You can see it. Foreign Minister [Ahmet] Davutoglu
really pushed and the Foreign Ministry is also really pushing. He went to the
island to ensure these talks started again. He took a direct part in making
sure that this all happened; that means getting everybody lined up, not just in
Turkey but also on the Turkish Cypriot side to start talks again.
Referring to the
joint statement, Pope said: “A Greek Cypriot leader has now said if you go back
it will be under Turkish Cypriot jurisdiction and authority; obviously, there
will be individual rights, et cetera, but the day-to-day administration will
have nothing to do with Greek Cypriot context. It is a substantive joint
declaration and most sides are happy about it, even if it took a long time to
agree on it. It is one of the most substantive joint declarations in the last
40 years.”
Pope argued that
the Israelis are in a hurry, they have finally understood that they cannot have
a pipeline if there is no settlement on Cyprus. Because the owners of the
Leviathan field in Israel are in a hurry, they need to take a decision in the
next several months. What they can do which is more expensive for them is build
a floating natural gas platform. They will make less money. Israeli operators
of that gas field need to take a decision soon. That is putting some pressure
on the players to do something.
For instance, it
is one reason Americans are interested. There is another reason why they are
interested [and that is] possibly thanks to the fact that Turkey told them that
it wants a settlement; the U.S. wants to see good relations between Turkey and
Israel as the pipeline would cement that.
Also, there is
this whole strategic idea of Israel, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus being a
strategic anchor in this turbulent part of the world. But, in general, the
Americans have seen this as an opportunity to do a deal.
According to Pope,
the three-quarters of the Greek Cypriots are against the elements of a
bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.
Meanwhile,
columnist Yinanc, in HDN (online, 04.03.14), under the title “Second track
diplomacy is urgently needed in Cyprus”, writes: “Therefore, now that the talks
have started between the leaders of the two communities; we urgently need
second track diplomacy and confidence building measures. But forget about the
opening of Varosha or the Ercan airport (editor’s note: the occupied airport of
Tymvou) to international traffic. We need measures that would increase dialogue
between all relevant sides. We need an
exchange of students, academics, journalists, businessmen, NGO’s, especially
between “Greek Cyprus” and Turkey.
The
international players including Washington, which seem to have seen an
opportunity for a deal, should leave aside red tape and facilitate these
contacts.”
13. The breakaway regime in the middle of a new
economic scandal in Turkey
Turkish daily
Taraf newspaper (03.04.14) reported that thousands of fake bank accounts are
said to be opened by the Ziraat Bank, which is one of the three state banks in
Turkey.
According to the
paper, around 500 million Turkish Lira were stolen during the last two years
using 4.541 credit cards which were issued by Ziraat bank. The paper cites
information according to which these credit cards were reserved by bureaucrat
families which are close to the Turkish government.
Taraf argues
that the limit for each credit card was 50 thousand Turkish Lira and adds that most of the cards were issued
by the branch office of Ziraat Bank in the breakaway regime.
In addition,
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (04.02.14) writes that Ziraat Bank denied the
report.
14. Brucellosis reappears in 60 farms in occupied
Cyprus; They have no money to deal with the problem
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibrisli newspaper (04.03.14) reports that the disease of brucellosis has been established in 60 farms in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and that the disease is spreading
because there is no money in the “budget” for fighting against it.
The chairman of the union of livestock producers,
Mustafa Naimoglulari confirmed that the brucellosis microbe was established in
60 farms and criticized the “state” for not
launching a fight against the disease. He said that blood should have been
taken from the animals for analysis in order to establish which of them are
contaminated.
In statements to
the paper, the self-styled minister of agriculture, OnderSennaroglu said that they have taken money from UNOPS to deal with
the issue, but they could not eliminate brucellosis. He noted that he knows that money could not
be an excuse, but the cost of this issue is very high. “…I have to say that resources are needed and we have no resources at the
moment”, he admitted adding that they have applied to the EU for money.
(I/Ts.)
15. The
occupancy rate of hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus
According to
Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi (online, 03.03.14), the occupancy rate for
hotels, in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, in February was 47% for
five star hotels and 22% for other establishments. According to the numbers
given by the “North Cyprus Hoteliers Association”, the occupancy rate for 5
star hotels has increased by 7% from January and reached the same percentage as
February 2013.
Other touristic
establishments occupancy rate has decreased by 15% compared to January, and
decreased by 29% from last year's rates.
When last three
years occupancy rates are evaluated, 16% increase is observed for the period of
2012-2014, but compared to last year's results, a 16% decrease is observed. In
addition, during February 2014, 31 venues were declared as out of business.
16. Turkish Parliament adopts ‘democracy package’
According to
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 02.03.14), Turkish Parliament
finalized a heavy-scheduled plenary on Saturday before going to recess ahead of
the local polls, adopting a “democratization package” that introduces the right
to political campaigning in languages other than Turkish. The bill was first
submitted to Parliament early December.
Parliament has
gone to recess until March 26 due to the looming local elections on March
30.
The democratization
package that was first announced by Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan on Sept.
30, 2013 was seen as an attempt to recover the tarnished image of the
government due to the Gezi Park protests. Here are some of the most important
aspects of the adopted bill:
- Political
parties and candidates will be able to use any language or dialect in all forms
of campaigning, thus legalizing material in Kurdish. Bans on Kurdish names for
settlement places are also being lifted.
- Political
parties will be able to implement a co-leadership system, on the condition of
having such a system in their party statute and having no more than two
co-leaders.
- Political
parties that receive more than 3% of the total number of valid votes cast in a
general parliamentary election will receive treasury funds. The fund will be no
less than 1 million Turkish Liras. This arrangement will enable the Peace and
Democracy Party (BDP) to receive a treasury fund.
- Preventing the
announcement of religious beliefs, opinions and convictions either by force or
by other illegal acts will be sentenced with jail terms from one to three
years. The same sentences will apply to those who intervene in a person’s
choices about lifestyle based on his belief, opinion or convictions.
- The punishment
for the hate and discrimination of different languages, religions, races,
nationalities, political understandings and sects will be increased to between
one and three years in prison. Religious lifestyles will be protected through
constitutional amendments that increase the punishment for those who abuse the
rights of people for praying and participating in religious ceremonies.
17. Brussels offered to hold a working group
meeting with Ankara on Chapter 23
Under the title
“Turkish government unveils blueprint to boost rights, freedoms”, Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 04.03.14) reports that the Turkish Government has
issued a Human Rights Action Plan, in a step considered as a prerequisite for
the opening of Chapter 23 of the EU accession process, which covers the
judiciary and fundamental rights.
The action plan, which was
published in the Official Gazette after its approval by the Justice Ministry, is set to harmonize Turkish legislation
with the framework defined by European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
jurisprudence.
It contains 46
objectives under 14 headings, aimed at preventing ill-treatment and arbitrary
detentions, resolving the legal and structural problems that cause lengthy
trials, and limiting restrictions on freedom of assembly. The plan was prepared
by the Justice Ministry’s Human Rights Department after a workshop organized
with the participation of experts from the ECHR and the European Council.
The plan comes
at a time when the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is under heavy
fire for recent legal arrangements on the Internet, the judiciary and the
national intelligence agency, which have been pushed amid corruption and graft
allegations since December.
Although reluctant to open new chapters in the
accession process, Brussels instead offered to hold a working group meeting
with Ankara on Chapter 23, mirroring the
methodology used for Chapter 22, which was delayed following last summer’s Gezi
Park protests. The action plan focuses on critical violations regarding law
enforcement, which were particularly seen during the Gezi protests. These
violations include the harmonization of detention and arrest orders with
European standards, as well as ensuring transparent internal investigations in
the event of crimes committed by security personnel.
The plan also
intends to enhance the rights of defendants, including during the interrogation
process. It stresses that interrogation methods such as searches, asset
seizures and wiretapping conform to ECHR standards. The plan also partially responds to one of the main calls from Brussels
regarding freedom of assembly by implementing “alternative measures instead of
bans” for unannounced demonstrations. It also envisages judges, prosecutors
and law enforcement officers being briefed and informed about European
standards.
18. Davutoglu and Bahceli warn over partition of
Ukraine
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (03.03.14) reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu stated that a possible partition of Ukraine will also affect Georgia,
Moldova and Belarus.
Davutoglu held a
telephone-conference March 1 with EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton,
along with other foreign ministers from the U.S., France, Germany, Japan,
Poland, Italy and the U.K. The ministers discussed possible solutions to the
rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, according to diplomatic sources. On
the same day, the Foreign Minister met top Ukrainian officials in Kyiv and
emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s unity, stability and well-balanced
healthy relations. He also underlined the importance of Crimea and Crimean
Tatars for Turkey.
In addition,
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.03.14) reports that the chairman of
the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) DevletBahceli also stated that he is
against the partition of Ukraine. Bahceli issued a written statement noting
that MHP is objected to the partition and the division of Ukraine and its
enslavement by Moscow. He also expressed his solidarity for the Crimean Tatars.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
