TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 68/14 12-14.04.14
1. Ozersay and Mavroyiannis will visit South Africa;
Meyer might be appointed as UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus
2. Eroglu will meet Ban Ki-moon; Ozersay: We are not
going to complain about our interlocutor; He confirmed the negotiators’ visit
to South Africa
3. Eroglu: My aim is to conclude the negotiations
process on the principles that have been put forward by the National Unity
Party
4. Cavosoglu’s contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus
5. A cooperation protocol between Turkey’s EU Ministry
and the “foreign ministry” of the breakaway regime
6. Cavusoglu’s interview to Kibris newspaper
7. Nami to visit Ankara next week
8. Nami informed the British community in the occupied
area of Cyprus on how the breakaway regime will help them
9. Eroglu: The opening of the fenced off town of
Varosha is not the only CBM
10. German Ambassador to Nicosia: The division of
Cyprus lasted for too long
11. New demands for the Green Line Regulation
12. So-called mayor of occupied Keryneia gave data on
the town’s population
13. Two hundred DP members resigned onEroglu’s
patronage over the party
14. German Minister: Turkey is not fit yet for the EU
15. Erdogan has accused Twitter of tax evasion
1. Ozersay and Mavroyiannis will visit South
Africa; Meyer might be appointed as UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for
Cyprus
Turkish daily
Milliyet newspaper (13.04.14) reports that the
Turkish Cypriot negotiator, KudretOzersay
and the Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis will visit South Africa
in the end of April as a result of initiatives undertaken by the USA. According
to the paper, it has been decided that the two negotiators should be trained in
South Africa and be informed on how reconciliation has been achieved there.
The negotiators will listen to the experiences and the
views of RoelofPetrus Meyer, who had participated
in the negotiating team of the whites in South Africa, struggled in the
direction of reaching an agreement and was appointed as Minister by the late
South African President Nelson Mandela.
Citing information from a diplomatic source, the paper
writes that the UN might appoint Meyer as Special Adviser of the UN
Secretary-General for Cyprus.
In statements to
Milliyet, Mavroyiannis reportedly said that they will see the approach of the
people in South Africa towards the peace process and share their experiences.
(I/Ts.)
2. Eroglu will meet Ban Ki-moon; Ozersay: We are
not going to complain about our interlocutor; He confirmed the negotiators’
visit to South Africa
Turkish Cypriot
daily Afrika newspaper (14.04.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, KudretOzersay has said that the Turkish
Cypriot leader DervisEroglu will meet with the UN Secretary-General in New York
on 21 April and that the negotiators of the two communities will participate in
meetings organized in South Africa.
Replying to
questions of illegal Bayrak television, Ozersay
argued that the negotiating process “is a process during which the UN behaves
equally to the two sides”. “Therefore, the esteemed UN Secretary-General
discusses the issue with both leaders”, he said recalling that the
Secretary-General had met with President Anastasiades a while ago in Brussels.
Ozersay went on
and claimed: “As Turkish Cypriot side we
are not going to complainabout our interlocutor. We will share our views
for the process becoming effective”.
Asked to comment
on information that the negotiators of the two communities will visit South
Africa, Ozersay said that this visit is
organized by the USA and added that during their visit to South Africa between
25 and 29 April they will participate in meetings which will be held in various
cities of the country and listen from experts their experiences on issues
regarding disputes and methods [for solving disputes]. “We are ready for
everything which we think that will contribute in the process. We do not
refrain from meetings that take into consideration our rights”, he argued.
Ozersay said
that Roelof Meyer, former South African Minister and negotiator known for his
closeness to late South African leader Nelson Mandela, will undertake an
important duty in these meetings. He
recalled that Meyer had visited Cyprus in the past and met with Turkish Cypriot
leader Eroglu.
Asked why South
Africa is chosen for these meetings and whether the dispute there will be taken
as an example for Cyprus, Ozersay
replied that the dispute in South Africa is not very similar to the situation
in Cyprus. “They are different”, he said and added that during the meetings
they will have the opportunity to listen to the experience from other disputes
in the world, as well as the negotiations techniques and methods. He argued
that the meetings might create an environment that will bring benefits to a
more healthy dialogue between the two negotiators in Cyprus. He recalled that they had socially met in
Brussels with the Greek Cypriot negotiator and added that the meeting in South
Africa should be evaluated within the same scope.
Moreover,
according to illegal BRT (online, 13.04.14), Ozersay, Mavroyannis and their
accompanying delegations met at the UN controlled buffer zone on Friday and
continued their discussions on the screening process.
In a rare moment
in the peace talks since they officially began on the 11th of February, Ozersay
said that the two negotiators had a positive three hour meeting.
Making a
statement on his return from the meeting, Ozersay
said that they had discussed the matters relating to federal law and
citizenship, the latter being a traditionally key topic of disagreements
between the two sides.
“From the point
of view of how this new partnership will come about and how the new states will
be established, I can say it was an important meeting”, said Ozersay.
He said he left the meeting feeling some issues that
seemed very difficult or insurmountable could be overcome. “The meeting made me even more optimistic that we can find a way
out. It was the longest and most productive meeting yet”, said Ozersay and
added that there is an understanding of what would follow.
Ozersay said
that the two negotiators will go over four or five more issues next Tuesday to
complete the screening process where the two sides will state their positions
on key issues in the talks
(I/Ts.)
3. Eroglu: My aim is to conclude the negotiations
process on the principles that have been put forward by the National Unity
Party
Illegal Bayrak television (13.04.14) broadcast that
during a solidarity dinner for occupied Lefkosia district party members of the
National Unity Party (UBP) the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu stated that
he as the “president” had begun his duty with a different purpose.
“My aim is not
only to conclude the negotiations process, but to conclude this negotiations
process on the principles that have been put forward by the Turkish Cypriots
and the National Unity Party. Today everyone in the TRNC is talking about an
agreement. We are all searching for a viable and permanent solution” said
Eroglu.
Reporting on the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily
YeniDuzen newspaper (14.04.14) writes that OzkanYorgnacioglu, the chairman of
the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and
self-styled prime minister criticized Eroglu’s statements. Yorgancioglu said
that Eroglu’s statements are “thought-provoking, exemplary and cannot be
accepted”. He also said that Eroglu “as president” must embrace the whole (Turkish
Cypriot) community.
He went on and
reminded the existence of the joint statement, which was signed by the two
leaders in Cyprus, which consists of their general views of the Cyprus problem
and added that Eroglu has not the right to speak in this way.
Replying to Yorgancioglu’s criticism, Eroglu stated
that he is aware of his duties as a “president” and knows what the Turkish
Cypriots want and what their interests are. He also
stated that the solution that is sought must include the UBP principles and to
be well matched with the views of the Turkish Cypriots as were expressed for
many years.
4. Cavusoglu’s contacts in the occupied area of
Cyprus
According to
illegal BRT (online, 11.04.14), the Turkish Minister of European Affairs and
Chief Negotiator MevlutCavusoglu arrived in the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus as the “guest” of the self-styled foreign minister OzdilNami.
Speaking at the
occupied airport of Tymbou on Thursday night, Nami said that Cavusoglu has a great knowledge of the EU and Europe
itself and added that he was sure he will be benefiting from this knowledge
during the visit. Explaining that Cavusoglu will come together with civil
society organizations and political parties during his stay in the island, he
said he has no doubt that the visit will be fruitful.
Also speaking
upon his arrival, Cavusoglu noted that this was his first visit to the “TRNC”
(editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus) as the Turkish Minister of European Affairs and said: “Hopefully, with
your support this visit will be fruitful. We wish to work towards the benefits
of Turkey and the TRNC. We had worked
together before with Nami at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe for both Turkey and the TRNC. I hope now, as the TRNC foreign
minister and the Turkish Minister of European Affairs, we will continue our
workings with an increasing tempo”, Cavusoglu said.
On the same
issue, Cavusoglu met on Friday morning with the Turkish Cypriot leader
DervisEroglu. Finalizing the negotiations process and holding a referendum within
this year were the main issues discussed during the meeting.
Nami, the
illegal Turkish Ambassador to the occupied part of LefkosiaHalil Ibrahim Akca
and other “officials” were also present at the meeting.
Cavusoglu said they are working towards speeding up
Turkey’s EU process, however, added that at the same time they have been
working towards asserting the rights of the “TRNC”.
Expressing full
support to the negotiations process which was re-launched following an
agreement reached on the joint statement on the 11th of February, Cavusoglu thanked Eroglu for his stance at
the negotiations. “We are supporting your views and plans regarding the 4
phase and result oriented negotiations. I
hope the Greek Cypriot side will not dilute the process and we will reach an
agreement based on the realities of the joint statement”, Cavusoglu said.
Reiterating
Turkey’s full support to a just and bi-zonal solution on the island, Cavusoglu alleged that following an
agreement “North Cyprus” will become a member of the EU and added that they
have been working for legal guarantees of this.
Cavusoglu also
added that besides the works towards bringing the “TRNC” to the standards of
Turkey they will continue to provide their support to the projects aimed at
further developing the “TRNC”.
For his part, Eroglu said that they are in full
cooperation with Turkey on efforts towards finding a solution to the Cyprus
problem and reminded that this dialogue continued during the preparation of
the joint statement and the start of the negotiations process.
Stating that the EU was important for the Turkish
Cypriots, Eroglualleged that “considering the fact that an agreement to be
reached should be a primary law and we need permanent derogations we will need
your continuing support.”
Pointing out
that the Turkish Cypriots do not desire the continuation of the Cyprus issue
forever, Eroglu claimed that they launched the negotiations with this aim
however added that the Greek Cypriot leader is resorting to delaying tactics.
Moreover,
Cavusoglu paid a visit to the self-styled parliamentary speaker SiberSibel.
Noting that he
would be defending the rights of the “TRNC” and Turkey in the best possible
way, Cavusoglu said that close relations with Nami will continue in the future
as well.
Explaining that after the 2004 referendum on the
island the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly had taken an active role
with the participation of two “TRNC deputies” Cavusoglu said that this is an
important message given to the EU and the world. He
also stressed that the European Union must take positive steps towards removing
the reportedly isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots and towards the
implementation of the direct trade regulation.
Siber for her
part said that the support given to the “TRNC” by Turkey is strengthening the
Turkish Cypriots and thanked Turkey for its support.
Claiming that at
international platforms embargoes couldn’t be placed on the voice of the
Turkish Cypriots, Siber said that “it is
very clear that there are two separate peoples on the island and that the
people have chosen their deputies to represent them in both communities”.
Furthermore,
self-styled prime ministerOzkanYorgancioglu gave a dinner in honour of
Cavusoglu and his accompanying delegation.
Speeches during
the dinner delivered important messages on the Cyprus negotiations process.
Halil Ibrahim Akca, self-styled deputy prime ministerSerdarDenktas, Nami, some
“deputies” and other bureaucrats attended the dinner.
Delivering the
first speech of the evening Yorgancioglu referred to the support given to the Turkish
Cypriots by Cavusoglu at the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly and
expressed his delight at seeing that Cavusoglu has advanced to a more active
position.
Explaining that
Turkey contributed greatly to the solution process gaining momentum and the
preparation of the joint statement, Yorgancioglu said that the joint statement
had great significance for the solution process.
Noting that they
were carrying out the solution process together with the Turkish government
Yorgancioglu said: “I believe we will be successful on the Cyprus issue if we
work together and I thank Turkey for its support”.
Cavusoglu said
that he was very pleased with the contacts he held in the “TRNC” and added that
on the issue of peace on the island there was a common sincerity among “state
and government officials”.
Explaining that
motherland Turkey will be pleased the most when a just and permanent solution
is found to the Cyprus problem, Cavusoglu said: “As always Turkey fully
supports the solution process and the TRNC.”
Finally, Cavusoglu, in a statement during an
interview to the “BRT”, expressed his belief that a solution can be found to
the Cyprus problem by the end of this year.
Evaluating the
EU harmonisation protocol that was signed, Cavusoglu praised the “TRNC’s
workings” towards this end, and reminded that the EU Commissioner for
Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule had voiced this during his recent
visit to the island.
Noting that the
EU harmonisation period was broad in scope and contained a variety of issues,
the Turkish Minister said that Turkey was also working towards opening chapters
that still remained closed by fulfilling the necessary criteria.
Explaining that
the “TRNC” was benefitting from Turkey’s experiences and as the Turkish EU
Affairs Ministry they will provide opportunities for the TRNC, Cavusoglu said:
“We support you fully in this field”.
Pointing to
newly re-launched Cyprus negotiations process, the Turkish Minister said that the
“TRNC state and government officials were likeminded on the Cyprus issue and
that the joint statement that was also supported by Turkey should be supported
with the same enthusiasm by Greece and South Cyprus”.
Referring to his
visit to Greece last week, he said that there was a dominant view that the
opportunities that currently exist should not be wasted.
“The European Union and the European Parliament must
take some steps towards confidence building measures”, said Cavusoglu and added
that simple steps such as increasing aid to the Turkish Cypriots during the
harmonization process can be taken. He also said
that the decisions taken by the European Union in 2004 should also be
implemented.
5. A cooperation protocol between Turkey’s EU
Ministry and the “foreign ministry” of the breakaway regime
According to
illegal BRT (online, 11.04.14), a
cooperation protocol was signed between the “TRNC foreign ministry”
(editor’s note: the self-styled foreign ministry of the breakaway regime in the
occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish EU Affairs Ministry on
Friday.
The protocol was
signed by the self-styled foreign minister OzdilNami and the Turkish EU Affairs
Minister and Chief Negotiator MevlutCavusoglu.
The protocol aims to develop the cooperation between
the “foreign ministry” and the Turkish EU Ministry on issues relating to EU
accession and harmonization with the EU acquiscommunautaire.
For the
effective implementation of the protocol undersecretaries and deputy
undersecretaries of the two “ministries” will meet at least once a year.
Speaking before
signing the protocol, Nami said he was honoured to host the Turkish EU Affairs
Minister Cavusoglu. Noting that Cavusoglu has extensive knowledge on the EU,
Nami said: “It is obvious that we need to benefit from this knowledge”.
Stressing that
the Turkish Cypriots were passing through a very important phase, Nami said: “The main target is to finalize
the negotiations process which was re-launched with the joint statement by the
two leaders and for the Turkish Cypriots to take their rightful position within
the European Union”.
For his part, Cavusoglu said that they have been working
not only to defend the rights of Turkey but also the “TRNC” at every platform
upon the instruction of the Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan, adding
that Turkey has been striving to increase the “TRNC’s status” at the
international arena.
Expressing full
support to the Cyprus negotiations process, Cavusoglu expressed his desire for
the negotiations process to be accelerated, not open ended and a just process
which will ensure a permanent peace just like Turkish Cypriot leader
DervisEroglu has proposed.
“As the Turkish
EU Affairs Ministry we fully support the TRNC’s works regarding the EU matters
and this will be confirmed with the signing of this protocol”, Cavusoglu
concluded.
6. Cavusoglu’s interview to Kibris newspaper
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris (12.04.14), under the title “This Opportunity Must Not Be Lost”,
published an exclusive interview with Turkey’s Minister of EU Affairs and Chief
Negotiator MevlutCavusoglu on the Cyprus problem.
Responding to
the questions that were put to him, Cavusoglu
said that the new opportunity that exists for the solution of the Cyprus
problem must not be lost and expressed the view that the sides must be able
to reach an agreement which will equally safeguard their rights and lead to the
establishment of peace on the island.
Stressing that
Turkey calls for a solution on the basis of the joint declaration Turkish
Cypriot leader DervisEroglu and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastassiadis agreed
on 11 February, he noted that he
disagrees with the view that the discovery of natural gas resources encouraged
the new solution process.
Focusing on the
recent reports in “southern Cyprus” (translator’s note: the government
controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus) on a package of proposals for the
return of Varosha [the fenced off town of Varosha] to the Greek Cypriot side,
Cavusoglu affirmed: “That might be
useful for Turkey if the EU approach on the opening of the remaining chapters
in EU-Turkey talks is sincere. However, what is even more important for us
are the achievement of a solution and the establishment of durable peace on the
island.”
Regarding the
negotiations between the two sides, he
noted that Turkey calls for talks on all the core issues and the establishment
of durable peace through a give-and-take process. Recalling the Greek
Cypriot belief that the problem might be solved in 2015, he asserted: “A result
can be achieved this year if the two sides maintain a sincere approach on the
framework the joint declaration has drawn up.”
Cavusoglu stressed that Turkey agrees with
DervisEroglu’s policy in the process and noted:
“The Greek Cypriots say that the solution should be postponed until 2015 or
until after elections are held on that side. An election era ended and another
is about to begin in Turkey. We held our local elections and move to prepare
for the presidential elections. We realize reforms and resolutely maintain our
position on the Cyprus problem even at this time. The argument that the
solution of the problem should be postponed until after the elections on
Turkish Cypriot side is wrong.”
Asserting that
Turkey will fully support the effort the “TRNC” makes to realize its EU
adaptation program, Cavusoglu called for
measures against the extreme trends on the two sides and noted: “The
national parliaments, the politicians, the local officials, and particularly
the civilian organizations have very important responsibilities to fulfil on
the matter.” He concluded by saying that
the religious leaders in “southern Cyprus” must adopt a positive approach
and convey peaceful messages.
7.Nami to
visit Ankara next week
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris
newspaper (14.04.14) reports on statements by the so-called foreign minister
OzdilNami, who has said that he will
visit Ankara next week.
In statements to illegal Tymbou airport
where he bid farewell to Turkey’s EU Minister and Chief Negotiator
MevlutCavusoglu, who held a three day visit to the occupied area of Cyprus,
Nami stressed the importance of a cooperation agreement signed between Turkey’s
EU Ministry and the “foreign ministry” and announced that he will visit Ankara
next week in order to carry out works and discuss ways on how their cooperation
will go further.
(AK)
8. Nami informed the British community in the
occupied area of Cyprus on how the breakaway regime will help them
According to
Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi Daily News (online, 12.04.14), self-styled
foreign minister OzdilNami attended an
event organized by members of the English community in the occupied part of the
Republic of Cyprus at occupied Dome Hotel, where he informed the participants
about the negotiations process.
According to the
announcement made by Nami’s “office”, he also talked about “government’s plans”
regarding ways to overcome the problems that the English community encounter in
the occupied area of Cyprus.
“We foresee the
establishment of a committee under the auspices of the ministry of interior,
which would minimize the bureaucratic procedures and daily problems you
encounter”, said Nami. He also informed the participants about the “citizenship
law”.
9. Eroglu: The opening of the fenced off town of
Varosha is not the only CBM
According to
illegal BRT (online, 13.04.14), the joint meeting of the technical committees
which were established for the Cyprus issue was held under the chairmanship of
the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu.
Addressing the
committees, Eroglu’s undersecretary HasanGungor said: “Just as there are
committees that are working well with one another to find solutions to problems
there are also those that do not function properly”.
Explaining that
a great duty fell upon the technical committees in order to build trust between
the two communities, Gungur said that in this respect the committees have
confidence building qualities.
Also addressing
the technical committee members Eroglu said that the committees were created in
order to carry out result orientated works and added that the decisions taken
by the committees are important as it will allow the Turkish Cypriot side to
see the future.
Pointing to the
confidence building qualities of the technical committees Eroglu claimed that
due to the Greek Cypriot side’s intransigent attitude, the committees had not
been able to work efficiently. “In the
new term we will petition for the technical committees to work uninterrupted”,
said Eroglu and added that the full responsibility of the committees not
functioning properly was on the Greek Cypriot side’s shoulders.
Touching upon
confidence building measures, Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriot side was
acting as though the fenced off town of Varosha was the only Confidence
Building Measure.
“Varosha being handed over won’t create trust between
the two sides, it will only allow the Greek Cypriot side to obtain more land”,
said Eroglu. He also added that the Turkish Cypriot
side had put forward proposals regarding confidence building measures to its
collocutors.
10. German Ambassador to Nicosia: The division of
Cyprus lasted for too long
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis newspaper (14.04.14) reports that the German Ambassador to Nicosia, Gabriela Guelil has said that the
division of Cyprus has lasted for too long and added that the number of the
Cypriots who have never known a united Cyprus increases every day that passes.
In an interview
with Havadis, the German Ambassador noted that “the chances of the Cypriots for
living in a united, common future must not be taken away from them”. She went
on and expressed the belief that the Cypriots will choose to live in the united
country and have a common future, noting that in case the status quo continues, “the future will bring many
uncertainties and problems”.
The German
Ambassador expressed the view that the energy resources are “a very powerful
unifying element”. She said that the
existing economic crisis in Cyprus could contribute in evaluating the ways of
cooperation for intensifying the works regarding the island’s hydrocarbon
resources.
Asked about the
stance of Germany regarding the negotiations process in Cyprus, she reiterated the support of her country
to a solution according to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the
principles on which the EU has been established.
“We think that
preserving the momentum is very important for being able to achieve further
convergences”, she added referring to the negotiations and pointed out that
finding a federal solution is difficult but not impossible.
The German
Ambassador said also that Europe is ready to perform its duty to support the
on-going negotiations under the auspices of the UN. She also referred to the
role of the USA in the process and described
Turkey’s role as “constructive in supporting the negotiating process”.
(I/Ts.)
11.New
demands for the Green Line Regulation
Under the above tittle, Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (14.04.14) reports in its economic pages that
businessmen who want the content of the Green Line Regulation (GLR) which
envisages the movement of products, services and people between the free areas
of the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, to
be extended, demand that milk, dairy
products and farm fishes to be included to the Regulation.
According to the paper, it was made
known that the EU is seeing positively the circulation of the above products to
the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus only if this will be in the framework
of the GLR and if all the necessary regulations regarding these products are to
be implemented.
(AK)
12.So-called
mayor of occupied Keryneia gave data on the town’s population
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper
(12.04.14) reports that the so-called mayor of occupied Keryneia, Sumer Aygin, in statements to the paper,
referred inter alia to several projects been implemented in occupied Keryneia
and several investments which were made there and said that all the investments
in the town bear fruits.
Aygin said
that when he undertook duties as a “mayor” of Keryneia in 1994, the town’s
population was only 8.000, adding that occupied Keryneia’s population today
reached to 60.000.
Aygin went on and said that no problem
of infrastructure was left in occupied Keryneia, adding that all districts in
the town have uninterrupted potable water.
Aygin announced also that on April 15,
they will carry out the inauguration ceremony of the first part of a major
project, one of the biggest projects ever in the occupied area of Cyprus, and
this, as he said, will be in occupied Keryneia.
(AK)
13. Two hundred DP members resigned onEroglu’s
patronage over the party
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.04.14)
reported that two hundred members of the occupied Morfou district from the
Democratic Party –National Forces (DP-NF) resigned on the Turkish Cypriot
leader DervisEroglu’s patronage over the party.
According
to the paper, the former DP-NF members were annoyed because of Eroglu’s
relations with the National Forces part of the Party.
(TR.
Note: National Forces consists of former National Unity Party (UBP) members who
joined DP some months ago because of the Eroglu-Kucuk arguments within UBP)
14. German Minister: Turkey is not fit yet for the
EU
According to
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 14.04.14), Turkey belongs in the European Union in the long term but not yet,
according to AydanOzoguz, Germany’s Federal Commissioner for migration,
refugees and integration and the first-ever German Minister of Turkish origin.
Speaking to
German daily Die Welt, Ozoguz said the recent block of Twitter was an
“unthinkable situation” and that recent developments in Turkey were “very
unfortunate”. She criticized Prime
Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan for “moving away” from Europe. Ozoguz is set to accompany German President
Joachim Gauck on his visit to Turkey later this month.
Asked whether
Turkey “belongs in the EU,” she said that for now it did “not fit” with the EU
and added that it was difficult to read which direction Erdogan is going.
However, she added that President
Abdullah Gul gave hope with his “different tone”.
15. Erdogan has accused Twitter of tax evasion
According to
Ankara Anatolia news agency (12.04.14), Turkey’s Prime Minister Erdogan has accused Twitter of tax evasion
and has pledged to launch probes into it and other foreign companies who profit
unfairly in Turkey.
Speaking during
the inauguration of a biological treatment facility in Istanbul, Erdogan said:
“Twitter, YouTube and Facebook are companies established to make profit; these
companies are making money. Like any other international company, these
companies must also come and comply with tax rules in accordance with my
country’s constitution and laws.”
----------------------------------------------------
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
