TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 45/14 07.03.14
1. Davutoglu: The peace process will bring stability
in Cyprus
2. Cavusoglu: A lasting solution will be found this
year in Cyprus
3. Eroglu: The guarantees will be discussed at a
meeting with the guarantors; the leaders will meet in the end of March or in
April
4. Nami: Cyprus is state policy for Turkey
5. Self-styled deputies evaluated their contacts in
Brussels
6. The cost of living in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus for February was increased by 2.29%
7. The EPBF to organize a European Championship in
occupied Keryneia
8. Turkish court rules on jailing of Basbug
9. Special courts abolished as Turkish President Gul
signs law
10. Erdogan might shut down Facebook and YouTube
11. Social media users and bloggers may face fines
over alcoholic drink photos
12. Green co-chair Ozdemir: Media censorship might
drive Turkey apart from EU
13. Ankara stands by Ukraine’s integrity
14. Sonar survey: Support for AKP slipped by 15%
1. Davutoglu: The peace process will bring
stability in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (07.03.14) reports that the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu has argued that an
agreement might come up from the economic crises in Cyprus and added that “the
peace process will bring stability to the island”.
Davutoglu met
yesterday in Italy with his Greek counterpart, Evangelos Venizelos at the
side-lines of an international conference on Libya. Asked by a Turkish
journalist how the government crisis, which allegedly exists in the Republic of
Cyprus, will influence the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus
problem, Davutoglu replied:
“As you know, the cross visits were our common suggestion.
We had decided this in New York in September. Both of us expressed our satisfaction with the realisation of these
[visits]. And the developments are
positive now. A government crisis is in question in south Cyprus
[Translator’s note: the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus].
In any case, when taking difficult decisions is needed, some political crises
need also to be taken into consideration. In this sense, we believe that a peace process will bring stability and not crisis in
south Cyprus and in the TRNC. We
think that all these could be overcome without a crisis. In our meeting the
political issue in south Cyprus did not come onto the agenda. We mostly
discussed the negotiations”.
Asked to comment on the information that US ships are
heading towards the Black Sea, Davutoglu recalled the Montreux Convention
regarding the regime of the straits of Bosporus, noting that the principles for ships
passing from the straits are clear and Turkey implements these principles
literally. “Everyone saw this in the war in Georgia”, he argued claiming
that “we have always respected the international law and especially when the
issue is the straits and Turkey’s sovereignty, we, on the one hand, do not give
concessions from these and on the other, we implement the agreements which
concern us and act on the basis of these agreements”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Cavusoglu: A lasting solution will be found this
year in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (07.03.14) reports that the Turkish EU Minister and
Chief Negotiator, MevlutCavusoglu has
said that a lasting solution will be found to the Cyprus problemthis year and
this will speed up Turkey’s accession process into the European Union.
Cavusoglu met
yesterday at lunch organized by the Union ofChambers and Commodity Exchanges of
Turkey (TOBB) with the Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce
(ICC).
In his
statements Cavusoglu alleged thatTurkey
“has done more than its bit” in Cyprus. He also said that when a lasting peace comes to Cyprus, both political
stability will come up and very important opportunities from the point of view
of economic growth. “And this will be in the benefit of everyone”, he noted
adding that “developments which will influence the Middle East countries and
all countries around the Mediterranean will happen…”
(I/Ts.)
3. Eroglu: The guarantees will be discussed at a
meeting with the guarantors; The leaders will meet in the end of March or in
April
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (07.03.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu said yesterday that the only issue which has not been discussed
at the negotiating table in the Cyprus talks is the guarantees and added that
this issue will be discussed in a meeting in which the guarantor powers will
also participate.
Eroglu held
separate meetings with delegations from the “Nicosia Friends’ Association” and
the “Culture and Solidarity Association” representing the settlers from
Gaziantep.
In his
statements, Eroglu noted that the chapters in the negotiations are known and
have been discussed ever since. He argued that they will exert every effort to
speedily examine all chapters except for the guarantees, and reach an agreement
which will be satisfying to the Turkish Cypriot “people”.
He argued that
both sides must show will for an agreement at the negotiating table and lead
the problem to a solution. He reiterated
the allegation that negotiations on the Cyprus problem are held since 1968,
thatsome texts for an agreement came up, but the Greek Cypriots rejected them
and therefore this is the last chance.
Erogludescribed as “injustice” the world’s
dealing with the Cyprus problem, while so many other problems exist.
Eroglu said that
a meeting between the two community
leaders is planned in the end of March or in the beginning of April.
Finally, he
recalled that the negotiators are meeting every week and added that the demands
started coming gradually to the table.
(I/Ts.)
4. Nami: Cyprus is state policy for Turkey
Turkish daily Radikal newspaper (06.03.14) published
an interview with the self-styled foreign minister OzdilNami who referred to
the negotiations launching and the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Nami expressed
the hope the political crisis in Turkey will not affect the efforts for
solution. He said that Greece, Turkey and Britain have a very important role to
play and added that Cyprus is state
policy for Turkey. Referring to the cross meetings Nami said that during
the meetings the two sides got the chance to understand each other and no
negotiations were conducted.
Referring to the
negotiations, Nami said that the main differences between the two sides in
Cyprus are focused in property, territorial arrangement, guarantees and
security. He said that the two sides have strong opinion on these issues. “Very
difficult negotiations are expected to take place on these issues”, he stated.
Nami also said
that the EU supports the solution and added that there is great interest from
both the EU and USA for reaching a solution. He also said that according to a
survey conducted in the occupied area of Cyprus, 58% of the persons asked, say
“yes” to a solution. A similar survey was not conducted in the south, he
stated.
5. Self-styled deputies evaluated their contacts in
Brussels
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 06.03.14), the self-styled parliamentary delegation consisting of the
Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) “deputy” ArmaganCandan,
Democrat Party – National Forces (DP-UG) “deputy” HasanTacoy and the National
Unity Party (UBP) “deputy” HamzaErsan Saner completed their contacts in
Brussels. The “parliamentary delegation”
told European Parliament officials that if they provide some advantages to the
Turkish Cypriots then this would enable the Greek Cypriot side to come closer
to an agreement.
Evaluating their
contacts to the “BRT”, Tacoy said they held important contacts in Brussels.
Noting that the
European Parliament is focused on its upcoming elections in May, Tacoy said
those MPE’s who support the Turkish Cypriots, did not behave warmly in order
not to lose votes.
Saner, for his part, said that the Turkish Cypriot
side’s views on the joint declaration are welcomed by Brussels.
6. The cost
of living in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus for February was
increased by 2.29%
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper
(07.03.14) reports that the so-called state planning organization (DPO) has
announced figures related to the cost of living in the occupied area of Cyprus
for the month of February.
According to the “DPO” the cost of
living in the occupation regime for February was increased by 2.29% compared to
the last month.
The highest rise in the cost of
consumer spending comparing to the previous month was experienced in food and
non-alcohol drinks with 5.64% rise, followed by household utensils and home
maintenance services by 2.74, transportation 2.63%, health sector 1.71%
education 1.11% and e.t.c.
According to the “DPO” the cost of
living compared to last December has increased by 4.43% and to the same month
of last year by 14.58%.
(AK)
7. The EPBF
to organize a European Championship in occupied Keryneia
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen
(07.03.14) reports in its sport-pages that the
European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) is to organize from March 30th
–April 9th in Hotel Acapulco in occupied Keryneia a championship
called “European Championships for Men, Women and Wheelchair Athletes”.
As the paper writes more than 250
athletes from 33 different countries are expected to participate in the
championship.
The paper writes that in spite of the
fact the “south Cyprus”, as the Republic of Cyprus is called by the paper, is
an official member of the EPBF, it has not registered yet to participate in the
championship, as a type of a protest.
Translator’s note: More about the event
can be seen at the EPBF’ website: http://epbf.com/european-championships/dynamic-billard-european-championships-forecast/
(AK)
8. Turkish court rules on jailing of Basbug
According to
Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.03.14), the
Turkish Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that the imprisonment of the
former head of the Turkish military, IlkerBasbug constitutes a violation of his
legal rights.
Basbug's
attorney filed a complaint to the Constitutional Court regarding the 'trial of
Basbug's in a local court and his ongoing two-year imprisonment' but the appeal
was rejected without being examined, according to Basbug's attorney.
The
Constitutional Court said Basbug could not appeal to the highest appeal court
(Yargitay) as the local court failed to complete legal procedure. So the
decision is now with the local court which could decide on his release.
9. Special courts abolished as Turkish President
Gul signs law
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 06.03.14) reported that President Abdullah Gul
approved a law abolishing the notorious specially authorized courts (OYM),
where the Balyoz and Ergenekon cases were held at.
The OYMs were
discontinued by Parliament in 2012, but a provisionary article allowed courts
to finalize pending coup plot cases, such as: Ergenekon, “Balyoz”
(Sledgehammer), OdaTV and Poyrazkoy. From now on, the eight OYMs that convicted
soldiers in mass trials in 2012 and 2013 will be abolished and their case files
will be passed on to regular criminal courts.
10. Erdogan might shut down Facebook and YouTube
Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 07.03.14) reports that faced with ever-damaging
accusations against him, Prime Minister RecepTayyipErdogan has threatened to shut down Facebook and YouTube “if necessary”
via a controversial new law, while suggesting “he would not sacrifice the
Turkish people” to the two websites.
“Some known
circles immediately rebelled against this Internet law. We have done everything
that we could do up to now, but there are some other steps that we can take
after the [local elections on] March 30. We
are determined; we won’t let the Turkish people be sacrificed to YouTube and
Facebook.Whatever step is necessary, we will take it in the most precise way,
including shutting down [both websites] because those people incite any kind of
immorality or espionage for the profit of these institutions. There is no such
mentality of freedom,” Erdogan said during a live interview on private
broadcaster ATV late March 6.
Erdogan also said during
the interview that he conveyed to U.S.
President Barack Obama his complaints regarding Gulen.
“I said the
person who is responsible for the unrest in Turkey lives in your country, in
Pennsylvania. I said this clearly. ‘I expect what’s necessary,’ I said. You
have to take the necessary stance if some threaten my country’s security,”
Erdogan said. “He looked at it positively. ‘We got the message,’ he said,”
Erdogan added.
Erdogan also
said a Red Notice from Interpol may be sought for Gulen.
11. Social media users and bloggers may face fines
over alcoholic drink photos
According to
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 06.03.14), a new law paves the way for fines to be handed out for pictures of
alcoholic beverages shared on social media websites or blogs.
Social media
users and bloggers in Turkey will now have to think twice before uploading
their pictures while casually toasting with friends or wishing each other.
After
restricting the sale and promotion of alcoholic beverages, the government is
now getting ready to chase down those who share pictures that may suggest
advertising for alcohol brands.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and especially blogs have
become a refuge for alcohol companies to promote their products after all kinds
of advertising, including sponsorship of cultural events, were controversially
outlawed last year.
12. Green co-chair Ozdemir: Media censorship might
drive Turkey apart from EU
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 06.03.14) reported that German Green Party co-chair CemOzdemir has criticized Turkey's
censorship and interference in the media, saying that these acts are keeping
the EU's longest running candidate off the 28 member bloc.
“EU membership
is Turkey's right, but if a Minister's son and a porter are not equal in the
country, then Turkey cannot enter the EU,” Ozdemir said in a meeting of his
party's Cologne branch on Wednesday.
Ozdemir also
said if EU's standards against corruption were held in Turkey then the
"Turkish Parliament would probably be left empty.”
“The censorship and limitations on the freedom of
expression is unfortunately setting Turkey apart from the European Union. … If
Turkey wants to be an EU member, then it needs to go through dramatic changes,”
Ozdemir said.
Indicating that
there are no "single man” politics in Europe, Ozdemir said: “There is a
single man in Turkey, and everything is in his hand. Universities and the media
and the judiciary are in his hands. This is impossible. Even if that person was
the world's best person, this sort of system would still end in corruption.”
13. Ankara stands by Ukraine’s integrity
Turkish daily Sabah
(online, 07.03.14), under the title “Crimea seeks split as Ankara stands by
Ukraine’s integrity”, reports that Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
TanjuBilgic, referring to the latest situation in Crimea, stated: “For Turkey, the most important principle
is the territorial integrity and political unity of Ukraine. We will
continue our efforts to bring stability and internal peace to Crimea. Moreover,
Crimean Tatars are one of the main principles of our policy on Ukraine."
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu, who is in Rome for the second round of the Libya support conference,
discussed the situation in Crimea with chief diplomats of the Unite States,
Italy, France, Germany and Britain. Noting that the most important principle is the territorial integrity of Ukraine,
Davutoglu said: “If Ukraine disintegrates; this will not be limited to
Ukraine only. It will have an impact on Georgia, Moldova, Belarus,
everywhere."
On the same
issue, the World Bulletin news portal (online, 06.03.14) reported that Crimean
Tatar leader Mustafa Jemilev, revealing
the details of his meeting with Davutoglu last week in the Ukrainian capital
Kiev, said that Davutoglu promised that
Turkey would get involved if the Crimean Tatars came under threat.
14. Sonar survey: Support for AKP slipped by 15%
Under the title
“I can already announce that support for AKP slipped by 15%”, Turkish daily
Cumhuriyet (04.03.14) reported that according to a survey by SONAR, support for
the AKP [Justice and Development Party] slipped by 15% in the wake of the
leaked telephone conversation between Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan and
his son Bilal.
SONAR Research
Chairperson HakanBayrakci made an announcement in which he said: "During
the previous elections, we were not in a position to say this. However, I can
already say that the support for the AKP has slipped by 15%. As for the other
pollsters, which show support for the AKP at 47%, I wish them all the best. I
wonder how they are going to justify their forecasts once the elections results
are revealed."
Bayrakci went on
to say: "Support for the AKP has slipped between 10% and 15%. The AKP is
likely to lose in municipalities where is running neck-to-neck with other
parties. The CHP [Republican People's Party] is uncontested in the coastal
areas; however, the MHP [National Action Party] will well exceed expectations
in central Anatolia and the Black Sea region. The CHP has a 10% lead in
Antalya. We will shortly be sharing our detailed survey results with the
general public."
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
