TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 55/14 22-24.03.14
1. Nami spoke to Voice of America
2. Statements by Ozersay to the Voice of America
3. The general assembly of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce was held
4. Eroglu: The Greek Cypriots should understand that the existing realities
cannot turn back
5. Denktas: It would be wrong to sign an agreement for the sake of the
hydrocarbon resources
6. Yorgancioglu: Eroglu and I have different view on
the Cyprus settlement
7. UBP reportedly
blackmails Sertoglu for his “Lefkosia municipality” candidacy
8. New alliance between Turkish Cypriot parties
announced its principles
9. The restriction on Twitter affected also the
occupied area of Cyprus
10. Ban on Twitter in Turkey criticized around the
world
11. Turkish military shoots down Syrian aircraft near
Turkey border
12. Turkey and EU to re-examine Customs Union
agreement
1. Nami spoke to Voice of America
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper
(24.03.14) reports that self-styled Turkish Cypriot foreign minister Ozdil Nami
spoke to Voice of America's Turkish Edition during his visit to Washington DC.
Below is the
interview VOA published on their website:
"My visit
to the United States started with the meeting with Bill Burns, Deputy Secretary
of State. Then we met with officials at the State Department. Yesterday we met
with the officials from the National
Security Council at the White House. Today, we're at the Congress. We are discussing about the latest
developments in Cyprus with effective members of the Congress. As you know the
Cyprus issue continues since 1964. Cyprus is in
UN Security Council's agenda for 50 years. This should definitely end.
Turkish Cypriots have been isolated from the rest of the world
and they don't deserve to. We always support a federal solution to end
this problem. In this regard, of course, the role of the US is very important,
we think.
A joint
statement was issued last month by the two leaders. This is a very important
statement. US's role was important in
the creation of the joint statement which is the basis of further steps. We
expressed our wish for this support to continue. […] When we look at the
negotiations on the Cyprus issue we know that it is the international factors
that determine both sides' steps. Therefore, decisions taken by Washington influence the decision of the parties there.
For example, a significant amount of hydrocarbon deposits found off the coast
of the island. Extracting them to be delivered to the international market
require cooperation with big companies. At this point, the role of big American
companies comes into play. On the other hand Israel found hydrocarbon gas in amounts that are much more
than their own needs. They also need Europe to export that. We are in that region
of the world where we believe Cyprus, Israel,
Europe, Tukey can collaborate with each other and United States can help with
creation of this collaboration atmosphere”.
2. Statements by Ozersay to the Voice of America
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (24.03.14) reports that the
Turkish Cypriot negotiator, Kudret
Ozersay has argued that it is important for the two sides on the island to get
into action in “concrete fields of cooperation” without waiting for the final
solution.
In statements to the Voice of America radio, Ozersay expressed the view that the number of people in the Greek
Cypriot side, who realize that the status quo on the island is not sustainable,
is continuously increasing and added that time will show to what extent this
will be reflected on the Greek Cypriot political leadership. “I think that,
especially the pessimism created by the economic crisis, the haircut in the
bank deposits, and the serious increase in the unemployment rate, have somewhat
started causing a change in the Greek Cypriot communityin comparison with
2004”, he argued.
Ozersay claimed that with his 12-year long experience he could
assure everyone that if the sides in Cyprus
are left alone to negotiate, like in the past, this process might continue for
another 50 years. “Therefore, I
think that the third parties have the responsibility to exert any effort they
can for encouraging, for directing in a manner that will not harm the will of
the sides at a certain level, if they are sincere in wanting a comprehensive
solution in Cyprus”, he argued explaining that this reference concerns not
only the USA but also the UN itself. He claimed that if the duty of the UN is
the solution of the “Cyprus dispute” through negotiations, the UN institutions, including the UN Secretary-General must undertake an
initiative.
Ozersay alleged that someone should explain to him why the Greek
Cypriot side will want a solution, if the international players ignore what he
called as its “unilateral efforts” to exploit and sell the energy resources in
the Mediterranean in the international markets. Therefore, the international
players should take some “rational steps” on many issues, including the energy,
he claimed alleging that if the sides are prevented from avoiding cooperate and
they face problems when they try to do this, they will start cooperating for a
solution.
(I/Ts.)
3. The general assembly of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce was held
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (23.03.14) reports that the 51st General Assembly of the
Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) was held on Saturday. Addressing
the meeting, the chairman of the Chamber, Gunay
Cerkez said that a new system is needed in Cyprus together with the solution of
the Cyprus problem, noting that cooperation between the Greek Cypriots and the
Turkish Cypriots, who are part of this process, is needed.
Cerkez noted that the world is being turned into a single market with
the developments in the field of communication and transport and added: “A new
system in harmony with this is needed now. The basis of this system is
cooperation. And the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots are part of this
process”.
The Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, the Turkish self-styled
ambassador Halil Ibrahim Akca and a nine-member delegation from the Cyprus
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) were among the participants in the
opening ceremony of the General Assembly of TCCC.
Referring to the number of
the Greek Cypriot delegation, Cerkez said that “we consider the fact that they
participated for the first time with such a big team as indication of the
importance they attach to the process”.
Cerkez expressed the view that the solution process in Cyprus offers
them big opportunities. “Therefore focusing on the opportunities without
ignoring the threats, evaluating the new process with the opportunities it
offers will help us in seeing the big picture”, he said.
Arguing that the Turkish Cypriots have a privileged role in the
area, Cerkez alleged that they should benefit from Turkey’s power when the area
is reshaped and use its [Turkey’s] proximity to both the Western and the Islamic
world for creating a model in Cyprus in which different cultures could live in
harmony.
According to the paper, the 50-member
Board of Chamber was elected during the general assembly. The Board is expected
to determine the new chairman and the administrative council of the Chamber.
(I/Ts.)
4. Eroglu: The Greek Cypriots should understand that the existing realities
cannot turn back
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (23.03.14) reports that the
Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu has alleged that their wish is to find a
solution in Cyprus the soonest, establish an environment of peace and jointly
use all the possibilities of the island for the benefit of “our peoples” and
the world.
Addressing the 51st General Assembly of the Turkish
Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) on Saturday, Eroglu argued that their target is to “integrate the Turkish Cypriot
people in the international system” by protecting their rights.
“No one has the right to victimize us any
more”, he claimed and alleged: “We
believe that if the expressions in the joint statement are interpreted with a
good will and constructively, we can reach an agreement. As long as our Greek
Cypriot neighbours understand that it is not possible to turn back the existing
realities in Cyprus…We are under the roof of a state today and we are
exerting efforts to further advance in our country with the great support of
our motherland Turkey…”
(I/Ts.)
5. Denktas: It would be wrong to sign an agreement for the sake of the
hydrocarbon resources
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (23.03.14) reports that the
self-styled deputy prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area
of the Republic of Cyprus, Serdar
Denktas has argued thatthe Turkish Cypriots should prepare well for a possible
solution [to the Cyprus problem] and claimed that it would be wrong to sign an
agreement for the sake of benefiting from the hydrocarbon resources of the
island.
Addressing the 51st General Assembly of the Turkish
Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) on Saturday, Denktas made a call on the European Union to launch an accession
process with the Turkish Cypriots by leaving aside the political
recognition.
Denktas said that the economy of the Turkish Cypriots was not ready
for a solution in 2004 and it is also not ready now. He expressed the belief that an agreement will be signed in Cyprus,
claiming that “most probably an
agreement will be signed with pressures coming from outside”.
Denktas noted that they expect support from the Chamber of Commerce on the issue of what
kind of derogations could be demanded from the EUin case of a solution taking
into consideration the “deficiencies of the country’s economy”.
(I/Ts.)
6. Yorgancioglu: Eroglu and I have different view
on the Cyprus settlement
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis (23.03.14) published an interview with the self-styled prime
minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu on the Cyprus problem and internal affairs.
Yorgancioglu
said that he is meeting in a lunch every week the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis
Eroglu, where they discuss different issues.
Referring to the
Cyprus problem, Yorgancioglu said that it is known that they have different
views regarding the solution formula of the Cyprus problem. He said that he
wants a Cyprus settlement as it is defined within the framework of the
top-level agreements and in the period
of Talat-Christofias, adding that this is also the aim of Nami. However, he
continued, there is a joint declaration, and the Cyprus talks should be
continued within the framework of this joint declaration. Of course, there is the contribution of the “government” at some
points of the joint declaration and Nami discusses with him first, all of his
works, Yorgancioglu added.
Commenting on the trip of Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay
in the USA, Yorgancioglu said that it was unnecessary. He noted that he also
shared this with Eroglu that it was not a correct method, adding that as far as
he knows, Ozersay follows Eroglu’s instructions. He noted that Ozersay’s duty
is to meet with his reciprocal interlocutor
7. UBP reportedly
blackmails Sertoglu for his “Lefkosia municipality” candidacy
Turkish Cypriot daily
Realist newspaper (24.03.14) writes that the National Unity Party (UBP) asked
from Hasan Sertoglu, who was nominated by UBP and by Democratic Party (DP) as
their candidate for “Lefkosia municipality”, to either withdraw his signature from
the Provisional Agreement signed between the Turkish Cypriot "football
federation" and the Cyprus Football Association, or to withdraw from his
candidacy.
Sertoglu is the chairman of Turkish Cypriot
"football federation".
The paper argues that a meeting was held
between UBP and Sertoglu in which Sertoglu was given four days to decide
whether he will withdraw the signature
he put on the Provisional Agreement. The paper also argues that Turkish Cypriot
leader Dervis Eroglu is behind this initiative.
(TR. Note: UBP and DP formed in March a political
alliance for the “municipal elections” to be held in June).
8. New alliance between Turkish Cypriot parties
announced its principles
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (24.03.14)
reports that the New Cyprus Party (YKP), the Revolutionist Communist Union
(DKB), ÇAG-SEN Trade Union and independent unionists and activists formed an
alliance for the upcoming local elections which will take place in June 2014.
The alliance announced its principles during a press conference.
Faika Deniz Pasa,
Executive Board member of YKP stated during the conference: “We aim to cooperate on social issues, the Cyprus
problem and local elections and form the widest opposition block possible”.
9. The restriction on Twitter affected also the
occupied area of Cyprus
According to
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (23.03.14), the restriction on Twitter, the
social media website, by Turkey, has affected also the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. No internet user could reach the
Twitter account on Saturday.
However, the
self-styled director of the information and communications technologies
authority Kadri Buruncuk, in statements to the paper, said that they have
already informed the Turkish officials regarding this problem and they verified
them that “north Cyprus will not be affected by this restriction”.
10. Ban on Twitter in Turkey criticized around the
world
Turkish daily Today's Zaman newspaper (21.03.14)
reported that ban on Twitter in Turkey was criticized around the world.
The European Commissioner for Digital Agenda Neelie
Kroes tweeted that the move to block Twitter in Turkey is “groundless,
pointless [and] cowardly”.
Commissioner for Enlargement and European
Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule also issued a statement on Friday, saying that
“the ban on the social platform Twitter.com in Turkey raises grave concerns and
casts doubt on Turkey's stated commitment to European values and standards”.
The Member of European Parliament (MEP) Marietje
Schaake tweeted on her account, mentioning
Erdogan's own remarks right after former president of Egypt Hosni Mubarek cut
all access to the Internet in Egypt in 2011, when the Turkish prime minister
said “No government can survive against the will of its people.” European
Parliament (EP) President Martin Schulz said on Friday that Erdogan is waging a
campaign against media that he cannot directly influence or control.
The US also expressed deep concern over the blocking
of Twitter in Turkey.
Statement by the Press Secretary on blocking of
Twitter in Turkey was as follows: “The United
States is deeply concerned that the Turkish government has blocked its
citizens’ access to basic communication tools. We oppose this restriction on
the Turkish people’s access to information, which undermines their ability to
exercise freedoms of expression and association and runs contrary to the
principles of open governance that are critical to democratic governance and
the universal rights that the United States stands for around the world. […]”
The Council of Europe's (CoE) Director of
Communications Daniel Holtgen wrote in a twitter
message: “Twitter blanket ban in Turkey is contrary to ECHR [European
Convention on Human Rights] freedom of expression. CoE examining legal basis.”
Ria Oomen-Ruijten, Rapporteur on Turkey for the EP, strongly criticized Turkey for blocking access to Twitter and
expressed great concern about the issue, condemning the recent ban by saying in
a statement that “blocking social media is unacceptable in a functioning
democracy and rule of law”.
The vice-chairman of the Liberal Group in the EP,
German MEP Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, called for the suspension of accession
talks following the Twitter ban. Lambsdorff, who is
also his group's shadow rapporteur on Turkey, said that negotiation with
Erdogan is no longer necessary.
Hannes Swoboda, leader of the Progressive Alliance of
Socialists and Democrats in the EP, commented on the
issue in a press release issued on the group's website. “Mr Erdogan has lost
all sense of direction and balance”.
Hélène Flautre, co-chair
of the EU-Turkey joint parliamentary committee, called the ban “an absurd
attack on fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey”.
"What we
are hearing from Turkey does not comply with what we in Germany understand as
free communication," German
Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesperson Christiane Wirtz said. “It doesn't
fit with our idea of freedom of expression to forbid or block any form of
communication.”
The British Foreign Office made a statement on Friday, saying “The UK urges the authorities in
Turkey to reconsider any ban on access to social media. Freedom of speech and
expression is a fundamental right for all.”
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said in a tweet on Friday that “Turkish PM Erdogan is not only
damaging himself, but his entire nation by his latest threats against Twitter.”
11. Turkish military shoots down Syrian aircraft
near Turkey border
Turkish daily Today's Zaman newspaper (23.03.14)
reported that Turkish military shot down a Syrian aircraft after it violated
Turkish airspace on Turkey-Syria border near Yayladagi, a district of the
southern Hatay province, on Sunday.
Speaking on
Sunday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkish F-16 fighter jets shot
down a Syrian aircraft which crossed Turkey's border.Speaking at a rally in
north- western Turkey ahead of local elections on March 30, Erdogan congratulated the Turkish military
for protecting the border. "If you violate our border, our slap will be
hard," he said.
The incident
came as the Turkish government was mulling options to briefly intervene in
Syria to protect the tomb of SuleymanSah, the grandfather of the founder of the
Ottoman Empire, whose security is provided by the Turkish troops as part of an
agreement with the Syrian authorities.
12. Turkey and EU to re-examine Customs Union
agreement
Ankara Anatolia news agency (23.03.14) reported that
Turkey is to start re-negotiations of the Customs Union Agreement with the EU
by June, Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said on Sunday.
Speaking in
Burdur province, Zeybekci said that he discussed the agreement with his EU
counterparts in a recent meeting and convinced them to re-negotiate it no later
than June. "We will put it on the
table once again," he said.
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