TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 57/14 27.03.14
1. Incidents during Talat’s speech in Limassol; Talat: We must create
culture of peace
2. Nami: Federal solution is not far ahead
3. Eroğlu: "A new appointment for the position of
Downer can cause time loss”
4. Serdar: It seems that Morphou will be one of the
areas that will be given
5. Toros: Backstage efforts on the “Direct Trade Regulation” will continue;
Varosha could open under Turkish Cypriot adminisrtation before the
comprehensive solution
6. KTÖS: "If the solution is near, postpone local
elections"
7. Kasif continues his contacts in the Netherlands
8. Ozgurgun: UBP-DP may be merged under another name
9. Foreigners in the occupied area of Cyprus can
possess up to three properties
10. The 6th
international model airplanes F3J Championship will take place in the breakaway
regime
11. Erdogan: Local elections are a pointer towards the
general election.
12. Turkish court orders lifting of Twitter ban
13. Report: 1 in 5 live below poverty line in Turkey
1. Incidents during Talat’s speech in Limassol; Talat: We must create
culture of peace
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper and the majority of the Turkish Cypriot press today (27.03.14)
refer on their front page to the incidents caused by ultra nationalist ELAM
movement last night in Limassol during a speech by the former Turkish Cypriot
leader, Mehmet Ali Talat. The paper reports that the violent incidents
occurred when 50-60 persons, members of ELAM, attacked the room in which
Talat’s conference was taking place. The police of the Republic of Cyprus tried
to calm down the protestors. Two members
of the police were injured during the clashes and one Turkish Cypriot
participant in the event was saved from the attack with some scratches. Three
protestors were taken under custody.
In his statements afterwards, Talatsaid
that the culture of peace must be constructed on the island in order for the solution
in Cyprus to be lasting and for such “extreme elements” to be isolated.
Talat described ELAM’s reaction as “a little extremist” and added that the police behaved very
tolerantly to the protestors. Talat recalled that he had recently given a
similar conference in Pafos, where there had also been protests, but the Pafos
Police had taken more effective measures compared to the police in Limassol.
Talat said that we must
face the extreme activities and help in isolating these extremists in order for
the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots to have sustainable peace in a
united Cyprus. He noted that if we do not achieve
this, no solution could be reached.
The paper writes that
President Anastasiades called Talat by the end of the conference, apologized
and promised that the necessary measures will be taken. Moreover, some Greek
Cypriots who spoke at the conference also apologized to the Turkish Cypriots.
After the conference, the 35-member Turkish Cypriot group, which
participated in the conference, returned to Nicosia escorted by police.
According to Kibris, the
attack was condemned by the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, KudretOzersay, who said
that “with this mentality we could reach nowhere in the 21st century”.
In a statement through the social media, Ozersay noted that “a very serious
struggle should be given against this” mentality.
The attack was condemned
also by the general secretary of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), Mehmet
Harmanci, who in a statement though the social media, called on the officials
of the Republic of Cyprus to declare ELAM as an illegal organization, as a
confidence building measure.
Meanwhile, Kibris’ columnist,
HasanHasturer, who was participating in the conference, reports in his
column today that it is not possible to
underestimate the incident, but it would be wrong to overestimate it. He
says that ELAM is a threat to both the
Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots and points out that the behaviour
of the Greek Cypriots who were in the conference room was very positive. He
goes on and notes: “No one left the
room. The Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots who were there exhibited a
silent resistance. The conference was not left half-finished. This would be
tantamount to surrendering to the fascists… After the conference, when the
preparation for the departure was continuing, the President of the Republic of Cyprus Anastasiades called and
expressed his sorrow to Mehmet Ali Talat for what had happened. The important
thing was that Anastasiades said that the insufficient police measures and the
passive behaviour of the police would be investigated and that what was
necessary would be done…”
Furthermore, according to daily KibrisPostasi newspaper (27.03.14,
online), the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu
issued a written statement condemning ELAM’s behaviour and arguing that “the
animosity, which some parts of the Greek Cypriot community still feel towards
the Turkish Cypriots and reaches the point of violence, is regrettable and
unacceptable”.
Eroglu described as “saddening and thought
provoking” the fact that the police did not take the necessary measures. He
went on and described as “worrying” the
fact that “such violent incidents happen especially in a period during which
the negotiations reached a critical point and measures which will overcome the
lack of confidence between the two sides are on the agenda”. He said that
he was expecting from the Greek Cypriot side to take the necessary measures so
that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
(I/Ts.)
2. Nami: Federal solution is not far ahead
Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi newspaper
(26.03.14) reported that the self-styled foreign minister OzdilNami said the
Cyprus negotiations should be given a chance by the international community.
Nami who is continuing his contacts in Germany met
with businessmen at the Turkish-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in
Berlin and spoke about the latest developments regarding the negotiations. Speaking about Turkey-EU relations Namiargued that the situation has
changed dramatically in the last ten years. The economic crisis which hit the “Greek
Cypriot” and Greek economies were also on Nami’s agenda who claimed that Turkey
became `the shining star` of the region and “TRNC” stood strong with its
banking and other sectors and continued to be a functioning “democracy”. In his speech Nami also praised the “Turkey-North
Cyprus” water project and added there would also bea chance to bring
electricity from Turkey.
“Greek Cypriot
expectations from EU were not met and their attempts to use EU as a trump
against Turkey have been completely defeated”, said Nami.
Emphasizing the
importance of the hydrocarbon reserves found in the region Nami proposed that the most practical way of
transferring the gas in Israel, Lebanon, Egypt and Cyprus to the EU is through
Turkey. “For this to happen, a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem is
necessary” said Nami.
In his speech
Nami said the future of NATO-EU relations were also affected by the Cyprus problem.
“Turkey would not accept Cyprus Republic if its solely under the control of
Greek Cypriots and the fact that Turkey is a NATO member and Cyprus is an EU
member brings complications regarding NATO-EU relations. Therefore a settlement
is also necessary in this regard too” Nami alleged.
Namialso said that
the EU should take further steps to support the solution. ''Greek Cypriots
entered the EU after a 10 year preparation period but these preparations
excluded the TRNC. Considering this gap, EU’s responsibility to get Turkish
Cypriots prepared and be ready to be part of the EU. These steps will
contribute to the solution" said Nami.
“There are no
remaining issues which are not already negotiated on and the joint declaration
signed by the two leaders clearly outlines the main features of the solution.
As the Turkish Cypriot side we are ready and we are intensely working towards a
solution. We are also very grateful for Turkey’s support in this process.”
Nami ended his
speech by urging Turkish and German businessmen to invest in the occupied area
of Cyprus and spoke about the investment opportunities for foreign investors.
According to the
paper, German Ambassadorto Lefkosia, Gabriela Guellilspeaking at the event said
that the dynamism of the negotiations would create many opportunities and that
everyone should support the process.
3. Eroğlu: "A new appointment for the position
of Downer can cause time loss”
Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi newspaper
(26.03.14) reported that the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu stated that
the mission of another UN representative has come to an end but the Cyprus
problem is still on the table waiting for a solution. “A new appointment for
the position of Downer can cause time loss”, he said.
In statements
after his meeting with Alexander Downer, the UN Secretary General’s Special
Adviser on Cyprus, who is on the island for a farewell visit, Eroglu stated: “If
give and take does not start, negotiations can continue 40 more years. Exchange
of papers goes on. We can only move forward to a solution only by give and take”.
4. Serdar: It seems that Morphou will be one of the
areas that will be given
Turkish Cypriot
daily Bakis (27.03.14) reports that the leader of the Democrat Party and
self-styled deputy prime minister SerdarDenktas said that it seems in the new
plan, which will emerge as the improved aspect of the Annan plan, the occupied
area of Morphou will be among the places that will be given again, using plain
logic.
Speaking during
a meeting in occupied Morphou yesterday, SerdarDenktas expressed his view that
the more investment is made in the area, the harder it will be to give it away
in the event of a settlement.
5. Toros: Backstage efforts on the “Direct Trade Regulation” will continue;
Varosha could open under Turkish Cypriot adminisrtation before the
comprehensive solution
Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi newspaper (27.03.14)reports thatthe newly elected chairman of the Turkish
Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC), FikriToros has explained to the paper the
road map which the Chamber will follow under his leadership. Toros
expressed the view that Turkey could
enter into a customs union agreement with the occupied area of Cyprus during
the “preparation period” before the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Toros described the situation of the businessmen in the occupied
area of Cyprus as “an athlete who tries to run 100 meters with his hands tight
on his back”.
Toros said that they will
continue their backstage activities regarding the “Direct Trade Regulation” with
the EU. He noted that these backstage efforts will be accelerated now due
to the on-going solution process and wished for a result to be reached. He noted also that they will exert efforts
to make the “Green Line Regulation” more functional.
Toros expressed also his view on the issue of the return of the
occupied closed city of Varosha to its legal Greek Cypriot owners. He argued: “If Varosha will be opened before the
comprehensive solution, it must definitely be opened under Turkish Cypriot
administration.Opening should be tantamount to returning it to its legal
owners. Otherwise, I think that it must be a part of the exchange of land
in the comprehensive solution. If
Varosha will be opened under our administration and it will be perceived as a
confidence building measure that will contribute to the solution as it is said,
together with this, our seaports and airports need definitely to be opened
simultaneously...”
Toros said that they will try to protect
the interest of their members, the number of which reaches 3.500.
(I/Ts.)
6. KTÖS: "If the solution is near, postpone
local elections"
Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi newspaper
(26.03.14) reported that KTÖS (Cyprus Turkish Teachers’ Trade Union) issued a
statement and called for the postponing of the local “elections” which are scheduled for 29 June in the occupied area of
Cyprus.
In the statement
signed by the General Secretary of KTÖS ŞenerElcil it is stated that anti-peace groups were
handing maps designed to provoke people
against the solution.“Our leadership gives the impression that we are so close
to the solution and it claims that any
delay would be due to the Greek Cypriots’ attitude, then we invite you to prove
your sincerity by postponing the local elections, as they will not mean
anything according to the maps you are distributing”, it is noted in the
statement.
7. Kasif continues his contacts in the Netherlands
According to
illegal BRT television (online, 26.03.14), the
self-styled minister of public works and communications AhmetKasif, who
is currently in the Netherlands for a series of contacts, visited the GATSO
Company which produces Speed Cameras.
During the
visit, Kaşif carried out inspections and received information about traffic
security. As part of his contacts, Kasif will visit the Traffic Technologies
Fair which opened on Tuesday and will also attend a conference on traffic.
8. Ozgurgun: UBP-DP may be merged under another
name
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis (27.03.14), under the title “The door for integration is open”,
publishes an interview of the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP)
HuseyinOzgurgun.
Noting that for
the first time there is ground for cooperation with the Democrat Party –
National Forces (DP-UG),Ozgurgun said that the alliance can form the basis for
the unification with DP.
Ozgurgun also
said that Eroglu has been for years the leader of UBP and has been elected
Turkish Cypriot leader as the candidate of the UBP. For this reason, in case he
is candidate again, they will support him.
9. Foreigners in the occupied area of Cyprus can
possess up to three properties
According to the
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (27.03.14), the self-styled assembly of the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus has amended the
“law regarding real estate property and the long-term land lease (foreigners)”.
The paper reports that the foreigners in the occupied area of Cyprus will be
able to lease or purchase up to three pieces of property. Until recently,
foreigners could only possess one piece of either house, plot or apartment.
10. The 6th
international model airplanes F3J Championship will take place in the breakaway
regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper
(27.03.14) reports that the “6th international model airplanes F3J
Championship” is taking place in the breakaway regime, between 29-30 March.
The paper writes that persons from the
following countries will participate in the championship: Turkey, Switzerland,
Germany, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, UK, New Zealand, Slovakia, Norway, Czech
Republic.
11. Erdogan: Local elections is a pointer towards
the general election
Ankara Anatolia news agency (26.03.14) reported that
the Turkish Prime Minister TayyipErdogan stated that the upcoming municipal
elections to be held on Sunday should not be considered simply as local
elections, but as a pointer towards the general election.
Erdoganargued that the elections were like the independence
struggle of the nation, because they were struggling against an alliance
against his party - including that of the opposition parties, self-interest
lobbyists, media groups, businessmen, the US-based scholar FethulahGulen's
movement and some terrorist organizations plotting against the government.
12. Turkish court orders lifting of Twitter ban
Ankara Anatolia news agency (26.03.14) reported that a
Turkish court ordered on Wednesday the lifting of the ban on Twitter that was
imposed last week.
Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey BulentArinc said the government
would obey the order. "We may or may not like a court decision, but we
certainly abide by it," Arinc said.
Turkey blocked
access to the social networking site late Thursday after a court issued an
order demanding that the website remove tweets containing certain links. On
Tuesday, Turkey's leading legal association appealed to the courts to have the
blockage lifted. On Wednesday, the 15th Administrative Court in Ankara decided
by a majority vote to issue a temporary injunction ordering Turkey's official
internet body to lift the block.
13. Report: 1 in 5 live below poverty line in
Turkey
Turkish daily Today's Zaman(26.03.14) reported that a
recent analysis in Turkey argues that the country is suffering from a serious
problem with poverty.
An editorial analysis published on the blogging site
Econoscale.com this week argues that nearly 20% of the Turkish population lives
at or below the poverty line as defined by official household income
statistics. Citing the Turkish Statistics
Institute's (TurkStat) figures and definition of the poverty line, the analysis
claims that more than 70% of Turkish households live on less than $1,000 a
month. It also claims that over 30% live on less than $500 a month, emphasizing
that this means an entire household surviving on less than $16 per day. The
monthly minimum wage in Turkey currently stands at $383.5.
The analysis
says that only 10% of households earn above $34,000 per year. Describing this
reality as “the middle class illusion,” the analysis says: “A majority of the
population have seen only modest gains in incomes -- around 40% over a period
of 10 years. That's about 4% each year. This
is nothing to celebrate, given where Turkey stands today and not enough to
create a middle class.”
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