TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 43/14 05.03.14
1.
Ozersay: We discussed in depth the substance of some issues
2.
The Turkish Cypriots want more help from the EU “in order for not being
seriously shocked” in case of an agreement in Cyprus
3.
Statement by Eroglu on the 50th anniversary of the UN Security Council
4.
The US Ambassador to Cyprus met with Eroglu and Nami
5.
CTP steps out on DP efforts to form “local elections alliance” with UBP
6.
Turkish Cypriot left parties may form a “Union of forces”
7.
Hizmet-Sen trade union called Atalay to be removed from his post
8.
Turkey's EU Minister calls for a ‘constructive’ report
9.
Gul orders auditors to assess capacity to fight corruption
10.
Erdogan tells Putin: Crisis must be solved by the Ukrainians
11.
Pro-Erdogan newspaper argues that AKP will win comfortably in local elections
1. Ozersay: We discussed in depth the substance of
some issues
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (05.03.14) reports that KudretOzersay, the Turkish
Cypriot negotiator in the Cyprus talks, has said that the sides understand each other better on
some issues and a picture has started becoming very clear. In statements yesterday after his three and a half–hour meeting with
the Greek Cypriot negotiator, Andreas Mavroyiannis, Ozersay said: “I can say that a very in-depth debate was
held regarding the substance of the issues. I think that on some issues we
understand each other better. A picture started becoming very clear”.
Ozersay noted
that the sides must be aware of the fact that they could not get a hundred per
cent of what they want at the negotiating table and added: “The sides are
coming to the table knowing this. If our approach is in this direction, it is
possible to find a solution”.
Pointing out
that differences on principles exist on
some issues between the sides, he argued that on some issues, however, there
are no differences either on principle or from the point of view of the
understanding, but “different models exist regarding the solution of the
problem”. “If the aim here is to
establish a viable, functional new federal partnership, I think that there is
no reason for not finding a way out”, he added.
Ozersay said that the issues of property, the
administration and the power sharing were discussed during the meeting
yesterday. He expressed the view that the process
will not be easy, but “the picture as to what kind of solution the sides are
generally anticipating has started to become evident”. Especially the position
of the Greek Cypriot side “has been understood better”, he argued.
Ozersay said
that three core issues were discussed in
detail. He added: “The first is the issue of the election of the executive power. We listened to the views of
the Greek Cypriot side on issues such as how the federal executive power will
be elected, what its composition will be and how it will be taking decisions
and we once again recalled our position. We
discussed the issue of the federal powers. You know that on this issue
there is a convergences paper already. However, disagreement existed between
the sides regarding some powers. Today, the Greek Cypriot side brought a
statement with a little bit different point of view [on these powers]. We will
evaluate this and in the next meeting we will evaluate whether or not it could
be matched up with the list of powers and convergence paper which we have. The third issue we discussed is the
property. We had the opportunity as Turkish Cypriot side to explain our
expectations on the property and our proposal which is on the table, but we
will continue doing this in a next meeting. The Greek Cypriot side conveyed to
us some general views on the property. When the Greek Cypriot side explains its
stance regarding the property, it shares also its view regarding the territory
in relation with this. We as Turkish
Cypriot side are not essentially against the discussion of the territory. It is
also one of the six chapters, but because it is out of the question to
negotiate it at this stage, as Turkish Cypriot side we shared our criteria in
general on the territory issue. In a next meeting we will explain it in a
little bit more detail”.
Ozersay went on
and said that the sides should behave
according to the UN parameters. He argued that this is valid for issues such as the political equality, bi-zonality
and bi-communality and added that these “criteria”, which are included in the
joint statement, could not be ignored and could not be temporary. He noted
that their meeting yesterday was extremely useful from the point of view of
clarifying all these and clarifying the sides’ proposals which are on the
table.
(I/Ts.)
2. The Turkish Cypriots want more help from the EU
“in order for not being seriously shocked” in case of an agreement in
Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (05.03.14) reports that ErhanErcin, “undersecretary”
at the self-styled foreign ministry of the breakaway regime and former
coordinator of its so-called EU coordination centre, has said that the
Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu and President Anastasiades have decided
that the federal, bi-zonal, bi-communal agreement in Cyprus will be established
with a structure based on the “equal partnership of two founding states”.
In statements to
Kibris TV, Ercinnoted thatboth sides
confirmed that this structure will be established according to the EU
principles. He argued that the joint
statement and the developments within this framework signalled that “a process
without return has started”.
Ercin claimed
that starting from this point, the EU
has a duty to help in order for the Turkish Cypriots not to experience a
serious shock in case of a possible agreement. Alleging that due to Greek
Cypriot pressures, the EU has not helped the Turkish Cypriots to the desirable
extent, he claimed that the aid towards
the “TRNC” should be increased rapidly in a manner which will form the status
that is included in the joint statement because of the common goal.
(I/Ts.)
3. Statement by Eroglu on the 50th
anniversary of the UN Security Council
According to
illegal Bayrak television (online, 04.03.14), Turkish Cypriot leader
DervisEroglu has issued a statement in line with the 50th anniversary of the UN
Security Council Resolution which paved the way for the establishment of the
United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP). In his statement,
Eroglu evaluated the half a century history of the UNFICYP and the role it has
played.
Noting that the
UN resolution had stated that the UN decision was designed to prevent the
recurrence of fighting and contribute to the normalization of the situation in
Cyprus, Eroglu said that in the past 50 years the mission of UNFICYP has
changed.
Eroglu claimed
that the UN Security Council since the decision it has taken in 1964 continues
to make one mistake and that is referring to the Cyprus Government, alleging
that the bi-communal 1960 Republic was diminished as a result of the Turkish
Cypriots being forced out of the Republic by force of arms in 1963. He also
claimed that as a result of this there is no government or state that
represents the two “peoples” on the island or the whole of Cyprus, alleging:
“Therefore the Cyprus Government which the UN Security Council is referring to
is only an institution that is established by the Greek Cypriot Administration
and this institution does not represent the Turkish Cypriots or the whole of
the island”.
He also claimed
that the reason why the Cyprus issue has not been solved for 50 years is due to
the Greek Cypriot Administration being treated as the Cyprus Government.
Eroglu also
expressed the hope that the 50 year old mission of UNFICYP will be completed as
a result of a speedy comprehensive solution to be found to the Cyprus problem
and that the Peacekeeping forces will direct its operations to a more needy
area of the world.
4. The US Ambassador to Cyprus met with Eroglu and
Nami
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis (05.03.14) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu met
yesterday with USA’s Ambassador to Cyprus John M. Koenig. The meeting took
place at Eroglu’s office and it lasted for an hour.
No statement was
made prior to the meeting. Eroglu’s undersecretary HasanGungor and spokesman
Osman Ertug were present at the meeting.
Meanwhile,
self-styled minister of foreign affairs OzdilNami had also a separate meeting
yesterday with Koenig.
During the
meeting which took place at Nami’s office, Koenig and Nami evaluated the recent
developments regarding the Cyprus problem.
5. CTP steps out on DP efforts to form “local
elections alliance” with UBP
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (05.03.14)
reports that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) assembly conveyed yesterday and
expressed its uneasiness for the efforts of the Democratic Party (DP), which is
its partner at the “coalition government”, for the latter ’s efforts to form a
“local elections alliance” with the National Unity Party (UBP).
The assembly
also expressed its uneasiness for the behaviour of DP as regards the Cyprus
problem and its reluctance for the reforms that the “government” wants to
persuade and gave to CTP’s leader, OzkanYorgancioglu permission to hold talks
with DP on these issues. The party also expressed discomfort over the political
behaviour of the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu on the issue.
6. Turkish Cypriot left parties may form a “Union
of forces”
Turkish Cypriot
daily KibrisPostasi Daily News (online, 04.03.14) reported that the leader of United Cyprus Party (BKP)
IzzetIzcan said the alliance between UBP-DP/UG is 'Eroglu's mega project',
adding that TDP, YKP and BKP are meeting about forming a “Union of Forces” not
only for “local elections” but for all “elections”.
Izcan also said:
“As BKP we always wanted union of the left front. We always said 'the ones who
call themselves 'left', if they are truly are: if they are democrats; they
should meet on least common denominators’. But they did not listen. I truly
find CemalOzyigit a lot more genuine and willing than before. We hope for a
wider union with YKP, Baraka etc...”
Meanwhile,
illegal Bayrak television (online, 04.03.14) broadcast that the leader of the
Social Democratic Party (TDP) CemalOzyigit has announced that the TDP Party
Assembly authorized the party’s central executive board to search for common
ground with left parties and civil society organizations prior to the local
elections. “We are planning meetings towards this direction. I mean these
meetings will be realized in the coming days to see whether or not it is
possible to create a common ground” Ozyigit said.
7.
Hizmet-Sen trade union called Atalay to be removed from his post
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen
newspaper (05.03.14) reports that Hizmet-Sen trade union chairman, Mehmet
Kurumanastirli in a written statement yesterday, stressed the need for the "head
of religious affairs department” TalipAtalay to be removed from his post,
since, as he said, he is very well known for his close relations with
FethullahGulen’s movement in Turkey.
Kurumanastirli
went on and said that a commission should be established in order to
investigate Atalay’s actions during his three years term in post.
Kurumanastirli wondered with what
sources has Atalay bought as soon as he undertook duties, two Mercedes valuing
110.000 TL each and three BMW’s.
Kurumanastirli said: “Certainly, we do
not want the appointment of an imported mufti. An imported mufti will set our
people quarreling; an imported
mufti will be an insult for the TRNC and our people”.
Meanwhile, replying to
Kurumanastirli’ statements, the “head of religious affairs department”
TalipAtalay, in a written statement yesterday, disclaimed the allegations of
Hizmet- Sen.
Atalay, inter alia, described as coordinated attacks the
efforts exerted to end the unity and harmony in the “country” and the
coordination efforts between the “presidency, the prime ministry, the foreign
ministry and the religious affairs department” to support peace in Cyprus.
As regards the sources used for buying luxury cars, Atalay
clarified that the money were obtained by official organs of the Republic of
Turkey on December 2010 when he undertook his duties.
(AK)
8. Turkey's EU Minister calls for a ‘constructive’
report
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 04.03.14) reported that Turkey’s EU Minister
MevlutCavusoglu has refrained from making any bold statements about a
resolution recently passed by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign
Affairs, simply saying that Turkey “deserves the acceleration of its EU
membership negotiations.”
In a resolution
passed on March 3, MEPs expressed deep concern at recent developments in Turkey
concerning allegations of high-level corruption and stressed that constitutional
reform must remain the top priority for modernization and democratization.
In response,
Cavusoglu told reporters on March 4 that the European Parliament’s assessments
on Turkey “should be balanced and constructive,” but welcomed the resolution’s
call for negotiation talks to be accelerated.
“Certainly there
are points [in the resolution] that we don’t agree on, but in general we find
it positive that the report stresses the opening of new negotiation chapters
and calls for talks to be accelerated. We always take notice of constructive
criticism,” he said.
The MEPs said in
the resolution that the Council should make efforts toward opening negotiation
chapters 23 and 24, on the judiciary and fundamental rights and on justice and
home affairs.
They also stated
their deep concern at the new Internet restriction laws, “which introduce
excessive controls and monitoring of Internet access, and the new judiciary
laws, which could lead Turkey away from meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU
accession.”
9. Gul orders auditors to assess capacity to fight
corruption
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 04.03.14) reported that Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul
ordered state auditors on Tuesday to assess Turkey's ability to combat
corruption, including the construction sector, amid a graft investigation that
has implicated senior elected officials.
According to a
statement on his website, Gul said he had instructed the State Audit
Institution (DDK) to examine regulations governing the wiretapping of
communications. "The President has given instructions ... to assess the
institutional and regulatory capacity regarding wiretapping in our nation and
to determine what measures need to be taken to comply with the law ... [and to]
research and inquire about the capacity to fight corruption," the
statement said. In one of the biggest challenges of his 11-year rule, Prime
Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan is battling a series of allegations that he,
members of his family and senior government officials took bribes and engaged in
other improprieties.
As head of
state, Gul has to tread a delicate line between remaining politically neutral
while supporting the rule of law and institutional stability in Turkey.
According to the statement, Gul's order also requires auditors to look at the
process by which judges and prosecutors are chosen and to assess rules
surrounding "state secrets."
10. Erdogan tells Putin: Crisis must be solved by
the Ukrainians
According to
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 05.03.14), Turkish Prime Minister
Tayyip Erdogan told Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 4 that it was
largely up to the Ukrainians to resolve their country's crisis, and said
instability in the Black Sea nation would have regional repercussions.
The leaders
spoke over the telephone about the situation in Ukraine and its southerly
Crimea region, which lie across the Black Sea from Turkey. Crimea has a large
Turkic speaking minority and is now under Moscow's control.
Erdogan told
Putin "that it is foremost the responsibility of Ukrainians to resolve the
country's crisis" and emphasised that "instability in (Ukraine) would
negatively affect the entire region," a statement from Erdogan’s office
said.
Tension still
exists in Crimea between Christian Slavs, including ethnic Russians, and
Crimean Tatars - Turkic speaking Muslims, who were exiled en masse by Soviet
dictator Josef Stalin and now make up about 12% of Crimea's population.
11. Pro-Erdogan newspaper argues that AKP will win
comfortably in local elections
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (05.03.14) writes that
according to several recent surveys, the ruling in Turkey Justice and
Development Party (AKP) will win comfortably in Istanbul and Ankara while the
opposition CHP's stronghold Izmir will feature a close race in local elections
on March 30.
Numerous public
opinion polls have been conducted about the March 30 local elections by Turkish
research institutions such as the Objective Research Centre (ORC), GENAR,
Andy-Ar, and ANAR. Although the predictions vary by a small margin, there are
consistent trends in major cities and districts, according to Sabah.
One of the most
recent polls was conducted by ORC in 12 major cities over a period of 22 days.
Istanbul, considered the most important metropolis for parties, is expected to
be led by AK Party candidate KadirTopbaş with 45.3 %, whereas CHP's Mustafa
Sarıgül is set to receive 38 %. Polls indicate that the AK Party and CHP will
be neck and neck in İzmir with 38.1 % and 42.3 %, respectively. While the main
districts of İzmir will experience a tight race between the two parties,
Karşıyaka is predicted to be led by CHP with 47.3 %. In Ankara, Mayor
MelihGökçek is expected to be re-elected with 47.6 %, whereas CHP's Mansur Yavaş
is expected to receive about 34.1 % of the vote.
GENAR's recent
polls suggest a similar trend where the AK Party is expected to receive 48.8 %
of the vote, followed by 28 % for CHP.
ANAR's results
also present a similar outlook on the upcoming election with the AK Party
predicted to receive over 48 % of votes, followed by CHP with 30 %. The surveys
present an overall view of public opinion on the upcoming local elections in
Turkey and were conducted based on face-to face and telephone interviews.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
