TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 49/14 13.03.14
1. Eroglu: The Greek Cypriot proposals on territory
“do not sound good”
2. Akca: The water from Turkey will start flowing on
20 July
3. Nami’s meetings with Congressmen, World Bank
officials and the Deputy UN Secretary-General
4. Caglar called on PACE to support the creation of a
United Federal Cyprus
5. CTP’s decision on the “government”
6. Atalay continues his contacts in Geneva
7. A team from the Estonian State Television to shoot
a film in the occupied area of Cyprus
8. A British MP invited the occupation regime’s
representative in the UK to attend an event
9. “Detay” will be the sixteenth daily Turkish Cypriot
newspaper as of 17 March
10. Turkey’s MFA claims that the EP Resolution was
biased on the Cyprus issue
11. Thousands bid farewell to Gezi victim Berkin with
anti-Erdogan slogans
12. Gul approved the closure of private preparatory
schools
13. Netanyahu seeks to improve relations with Turkey
1. Eroglu: The Greek Cypriot proposals on territory
“do not sound good”
Turkish Cypriot
daily Realist newspaper (13.03.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu has said that the issues of
property and territory are being discussed now at the negotiations for finding
a solution to the Cyprus problem. “It
could not be said that the proposals put forward by the Greek Cypriots sound
good”, argued Eroglu yesterday
addressing the opening ceremony of a fire brigade station at occupied Trikomo
village.
Eroglu claimed
that during the negotiations, which started in 1968, some solution plans that
were satisfying the Turkish Cypriots came up, but no solution could be reached
because of the stance of the Greek Cypriot side.
Eroglu went on and alleged that the important thing is
to defend the “TRNC state”, as he described the
breakaway regime established as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion and
occupation of the northern part of Cyprus. He claimed that every nail driven in the occupied northern part of Cyprus “shows the
permanency of the Turkish Cypriots on these lands and their rightfulness”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Akca: The water from Turkey will start flowing
on 20 July
Turkish Cypriot
daily Realist newspaper (13.03.14) reports that the Turkish self-styled
ambassador to the occupied part of Nicosia, Halil Ibrahim Akca has said that if no surprise happens, the water from
Turkey will start flowing into the occupied area of Nicosia on 20 July
[Translator’s note: The anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of
Cyprus]. Addressing the opening ceremony
of a fire brigade station in occupied Trikomo village, Akca noted that the project for transferring water with
pipelines from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus is a “strategic project”
and has “an aspect which could influence the negotiations” for finding a
solution to the Cyprus problem.
“Its primary aim
is to provide quality water to the Turkish Cypriot people and to secure that
this is sold in reasonable prices”, he argued adding that the plan is for this
water to be filtered after its use in order to be used again in the
agricultural production, but some problems exist on this issue. He noted that
one of the problems is the necessary sewage water network for gathering the
waste and leakage water and the fact that half of this installation has not
been built yet. He said that these issues should be settled before the water
from Turkey comes to the island.
Akca noted that according to the prices of electricity
in the occupied area of Cyprus, this water could not be used in the
agriculture, as the cost is “very serious”. He said
that the cost of the agricultural water in the occupied area of Cyprus is twice
as high comparing to the prices in Turkey due to the difference in the
electricity unit prices. Akca added that
one solution of this problem would be to bring electricity from Turkey with
cables to the occupied area of Cyprus, but “this is a naïve view”. He noted
that it could be possible to solve the problem with “more complicate, more
developed projects” produced by Turkey, the “TRNC”, the civilian organizations
and the private sector. Otherwise, the water that will come will be a “little
bit loss”, he argued.
(I/Ts.)
3. Nami’s meetings with Congressmen, World Bank
officials and the Deputy UN Secretary-General
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (12.03.14) reports that OzdilNami, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has argued that during his contacts in the United States of America
(USA) the “will of the Turkish Cypriot people for a solution in Cyprus was
appreciated”.
Within the
framework of his contacts, Nami met
yesterday at the US Congress with high ranking officials of the Democratic
Party. Expressing satisfaction with his contacts, Nami said: “In our
meetings it was clearly said that the efforts for a solution are closely
followed and that America will support the solution with all its possibilities.
It was important that they stated that their close interest will continue from
now on as well”.
According to the
paper, Nami said that he has evaluated
his contacts in the USA over a telephone conversation with the Turkish Foreign
Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu and that they are in “close coordination with the
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs”. Nami noted that Davutoglu wanted to
be informed about their meetings in Washington. He added: “We informed him in depth about our contacts. We mutually consulted on
his contacts in New York. As Turkish side, we are working as a team in a sense
that we support each other”.
Nami went on and
said that during their contacts in Washington they had the feeling that
“special importance” was attached to them and added that the importance of the
process in Cyprus was shown with their visit to USA.
Nami stated that tomorrow afternoon he will meet with
the Deputy UN Secretary-General in New York.
Meanwhile,
according to Kibris, the self-styled prime minister of the regime, OzkanYorgancioglu referred yesterday to
Nami’s contacts in Washington and argued that “activity” is seen in other
countries regarding the Cyprus problem. He claimed that during Nami’s
contacts the “will of the Turkish Cypriot side for a solution was appreciated”.
Yorgancioglu said that Nami will meet also with
officials from the World Bank. Asked about the
agenda of this meeting, Yorgancioglu noted that the main issue will be the financing of those who will make investments
in “the country” in a possible solution.Yorgancioglu pointed out that
Nami’s meeting with President Obama’s advisor at the White House had not been
in the former’s program. Yorgancioglu argued that Nami’s meetings are an
indication that the self-styled government works towards a solution to the
Cyprus problem.
(I/Ts.)
4. Caglar called on PACE to support the creation of
a United Federal Cyprus.
According to
illegal Bayrak television (online, 12.03.14), the self-styled deputy of the
Republican Turkish Party United Forces (CTP-BG) Mehmet Caglar, who is heading
the delegation at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) meeting
in Paris, attended the meeting of the Culture, Science, Education and Media
Committee of PACE.
During the
meeting, Caglar touched upon the Cyprus issue by saying that a positive
atmosphere had been created once the two leaders of the multi-cultural island
of Cyprus signed the joint agreement.
Pointing to the
importance of finding a bicommunal, bizonal solution with “two founding states”
in Cyprus, Caglar said: “Alongside the two communities on the island, a joint
statement that was supported by the guarantor countries and the UN is an
important step towards progressing a federal solution on the island.”
Emphasizing the
significance of not wasting the positive atmosphere and opportunity that has
arisen by the joint statement, Caglar called on PACE to provide support for
Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to create a United Federal Cyprus.
Claiming that
the Turkish Cypriots have for nearly 50 years not taken place on the
international platform, the CTP-UB “deputy” expressed the belief that if a
solution is found to the Cyprus problem, the Turkish Cypriots will gain their
rightful place in the international arena.
On the same
issue, Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen (13.03.14) reports that Caglar, during
the meeting, made a complaint to PACE that the Republic of Cyprus passed a law,
where only the Greek place names should be used in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus. He also said that the Turkish language is still not an
official language in the EU. He added, however, that he will not touch other
problems in order not to spoil the positive atmosphere on the Cyprus talks.
5. CTP’s decision on the “government”
According to
illegal Bayrak television (12.03.14), self-styled prime
ministerOzkanYorgancioglu, in statements regarding the Republican Turkish Party
United Forces Party (CTP-BG) Assembly meeting last night, said that although the party assembly has some
concerns, the solution of the Cyprus problem and the reforms process that are
included in the government program,are priority.
Pointing to the
need to reach a point where the “government” can better serve the people,
Yorgancioglu said that they would bargain with the Democrat Party National
Forces (DP-UG) to establish a timeframe where changes can be made to some laws
and the constitution.
“DP-UG and UBP
collaboration is a concern for us and it could have negative repercussions on
the Cyprus issue. All parties should understand that they cannot stand against
us during local elections and their actions prove that they do not have faith
in their own candidates”, said Yorgancioglu.
Explaining that
it is natural to have some problems within the “government”, Yorgancioglu said
that what is important is to find ways to overcome these problems.
Moreover,
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen (13.03.14) reports that the CTP party assembly
has decided to stay in the “coalition government” under four conditions. First,
the “government” should make reforms in “laws” and in the “constitution” within
a timeframe. Second, the Cyprus problem should be based on the “government
programme”. Third, the amendments of the “constitution” should be submitted for
referendum. Fourth, the “laws” regarding the political parties, the referendum
and the “elections” should be edited again.
On the same
issue, Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi (12.03.14) reported that CTP General
Secretary KutlayErk, speaking after the Central Executive Board meeting which
lasted till early hours of morning, said they decided to stay in the
“government”, despite the union of right wing parties.
Erk said: “We
made promises to our voter base before 28 July elections and we want to change
the constitution. We will put pressure on our coalition partner and we will
make the reforms. We will push for a referendum for the elections and the ballot
measures. We want to keep our promises.”
6. Atalay continues his contacts in Geneva
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 12.03.14), the self-styled head of the department of religious affairs
of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus,
TalipAtalay, is holding a series of contacts in Geneva, Switzerland.
Within the
framework of his contacts, Atalay will be attending a panel on peace organized
by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
The event, which
will take place on Thursday at the UN headquarters in Geneva, will be attended
by the religious leaders in Cyprus, including a representative from the Greek
Cypriot Orthodox Church.
Speaking to
“BRT”, Atalay said that there will be opportunities to hold contacts at the UN
headquarters ahead of the panel discussion.
Pointing out
that the panel carried great importance in symbolic terms; Atalay said that it
will be the first time the issue will be taken up amongst the Turkish Cypriot
and Greek Cypriot religious leaders.
Stating that
religious leaders should stay away from politics and that the language of
religion should be used for reconciliation, Atalay said: “We must create a safe
environment where people from all walks of life can come together”.
Meanwhile as
part of his contacts Atalay, who visited Turkey’s consulate in Geneva, met with
the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of Religious or Belief HeinerBielefeldt.
7. A team
from the Estonian State Television to shoot a film in the occupied area of
Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper
(13.03.14) reports on several decisions approved by the “ministerial council”
and published in the “official gazette” of the occupation regime and writes
that among these, the so-called council of ministers has approved a decision
envisaging that the so-called ministry of economy, tourism, culture and sports
will cover the expenses for a 3-person team and the programmer called Tiina
Park of the Estonia State Television, to shoot a film in the “TRNC”.
As the paper writes, the so-called
ministry will meet the expenses from the “Development and Promotion fund” of
“2014 annual budget”, with the aim to develop the “country’s tourism”.
(AK)
8. A
British MP invited the occupation regime’s representative in the UK to attend
an event
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (13.03.14)
reports that Andrew Rosindell, Member of Parliamentfor Romford at the House of
Commons, member of the Conservative Party and of the friendship group of the
“TRNC” in the UK’s Parliament, has organized an event for the celebrations for
the “Commonwealth” day.
As the paper writes, the “representative” of the occupation
regime in the UK, OyaTuncali and her husband and the “3rd secretaries of the
TRNC representation” MujdeInancoglu and TahirTahir attended the event after an
invitation sent by Mr.Rosindell.
(AK)
9. “Detay” will be the sixteenth daily Turkish
Cypriot newspaper as of 17 March
Turkish Cypriot
daily KibrisPostasi newspaper (13.03.14) reports that a newspaper named “Detay” will become the sixteenth daily newspaper
issued in the occupied area of Cyprus as of 17 March, 2014. The paper’s
publisher will be “DetayKibris Graphic Printing and Publishing Limited”. The general publishing director of the
paper will be OshanSabirli, its editor-in-chief will be OyaGurel and the
chairman of its administrative board and general director will be TanerUlutas.
The paper’s
slogan is that “realities are hidden in the details” [Translator’s note: The
English translation of “Detay” is “detail”]. Detay will consist of 32
pages.
According to OshanSabirli,
“Detay is determined to be a beautiful
example of peace journalism”. “We will defend the rights of women, men,
young people, old people, children, homosexuals and migrants”, he noted.
(I/Ts.)
10. Turkey’s MFA claims that the EP Resolution was
biased on the Cyprus issue
Turkey’s
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (website, 12.03.14) issued a press release
regarding the European Parliament Resolution on the European Commission's 2013
Progress Report on Turkey, which was adopted on 12 March 2014 at the EP Plenary
Session.
According to the
press release, “the Ministry welcomes that the EP Resolution on Turkey,
prepared this year again by Dutch Christian Democrat MEP RiaOomen-Ruijten,
confirms that Turkey, with its economy, strategic location and important regional
role, is a strategic partner of the EU and has a significant role for EU’s
economic competitiveness, as noted in the EU Commission 2013 Enlargement
Strategy.
The Resolution
indicates that significant reforms had been accomplished since last year. It
welcomes the opening of Chapter 22 -Regional Policy and Coordination of
Structural Instruments, as well as the initiation of the process pertaining to
visa-free travel of Turkish citizens to Schengen countries and the signing of
the Readmission Agreement on 16 December 2013. Referring – as Turkey does – to
the importance of Chapters 23-Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and 24-Justice,
Freedom and Security for the reform process, it is stated that the transmission
of the opening criteria regarding these chapters would provide a roadmap.
It is
noteworthy that the Resolution calls upon considering the opening of Chapter
15-Energy in the context of Turkey’s importance on this matter.
We welcome the above mentioned points as they
show the importance given by the EU side to Turkey’s accession process and
support our view that an impetus must be provided to the negotiations through
opening new chapters.
However, the Resolution shows that the EP continues
its biased approach on the Cyprus issue. Indeed, the understanding reflected in
the Resolution is a sign that the EP is unfortunately far from comprehending
and supporting the vision that will lead to the prevailing of peace and
cooperation in Cyprus and in the region in an
environment where the UN negotiation process restarted with the efforts of the
Turkish Cypriot side and the active support of Turkey and at a time when hopes
and efforts towards settlement have intensified.”
11. Thousands bid farewell to Gezi victim Berkin
with anti-Erdogan slogans
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (12.03.14) reported that thousands of demonstrators took to the
streets on Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the country to protest the death of
Berkin Elvan, a 15-year-old boy who died on Tuesday after being in a coma for
nine months after being hit on the head by a tear gas canister during last
summer's Gezi Park protests, as Turkey bid a heart-breaking farewell to its
youngest Gezi victim.
Hundreds of
demonstrators, who mostly chanted slogans against Prime Minister RecepTayyip
Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AK Party), were taken into
custody during the protests.
In the interim,
a resident was killed by gunfire in a clash between anti-government protesters
and residents in Okmeydanı neighbourhood, where Berkin Elvan’s house is
located, the Hurriyet daily reported.
According to
police, BurakKaramanoglu, 22, was killed when protesters opened fire at
residents.
As the dramatic
day came closer to an end, the death toll rose to two as a police officer died
of heart attack in eastern Turkey due to excessive tear gas earlier in the
evening.
Meanwhile,
columnist BalcicekIlter has resigned from the pro-government Turkiye daily for
its coverage of the death of Elvan. The daily suggested on its front page on
Wednesday that the death of Elvan was just an excuse to terrorize the streets.
Ilter tendered her resignation in protest and wrote a farewell piece for
readers of the daily.
However, the
Türkiye daily did not publish her final column. “If we cannot even share our
pain and we cannot cry out after the loss of a child hand in hand, it is hard,
friends,” Ilter wrote in her unpublished piece, which was posted online by
several websites.
12. Gul approved the closure of private preparatory
schools
According to
news portal World Bulletin (online, 13.03.14), Turkish President Abdullah Gul
approved a law closing private preparatory schools, many of which are a source
of income and influence for an Islamic cleric accused by Prime Minister Tayyip
Erdogan of seeking to topple him.
Gul signed into
law a controversial government bill closing all private tutoring centres,
dershanes, by September 2015.
According to the
new law, dershanes will be allowed to operate until September 1, 2015, before
being converted into conventional private schools by June 2019.
Meanwhile,
Erdogan said that the state schools would provide extra tutoring to students
for free on weekends.
13. Netanyahu seeks to improve relations with
Turkey
Under the title
“Israel seeks closure in Mavi Marmara”, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 13.03.14)
reports that Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu has recently expressed Israel's desire to improve its
relations with Turkey, which were strained following the attack on the Mavi
Marmara flotilla.
In his
statements to the Anadolu Agency (AA), Netanyahu expressed his interest in
restoring relations with Turkey.
In an interview
with Daily Sabah, UfukUlutas, the director of foreign politics at the
Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), evaluated Netanyahu's
recent remarks and stated there seems to be a serious effort by the Israeli
side to improve their relations with Turkey, as they slowly fulfil the
conditions demanded by Turkey, evident by the official apology made by Prime
Minister Netanyahu to Erdogan. According
to Ulutas, the discovery of energy and natural gas resources in Cyprus and the
Eastern Mediterranean is a significant factor motivating Israel to improve its
relations with Turkey. "In particular, there is significant pressure on
the Israeli government by private corporations to find common ground and
cooperate with Turkey," said Ulutas, noting that diplomats involved in
natural gas resources are also interested in improving relations with Turkey.
Geopolitically,
Turkey currently plays an important role as there is no other alternative to
deliver the natural gas through a pipeline planned to be made through Turkey,
strengthening Turkey's position in the process. The dynamics brought about by
natural gas is also thought to play a major role in Turkey's involvement in the
resolution of the conflict in Cyprus, which has split the island between the
Turkish and Greek sides. On the other hand, Ulutas stated that Turkey is
willing to improve relations with Israel if the latter fulfils the three conditions
requested by Turkey and explained there are three ways the relations could
potentially be shaped between the two countries.
Natural gas
found in Cyprus is seen to be one of the defining factors of the issue and
experts claim the resolution of the conflict in Cyprus will not be sufficient
to provide a passageway through Turkey for the export of natural gas to Europe
and necessitates the normalization of relations between Turkey and Israel.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
