TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 71/14 17.04.14
1. Nami: We will either reach a federal solution or continue our existence
2. Talat supports that 80% of the Turkish Cypriot would say “no” to the annexation with Turkey
3. Nami gives a lecture on the Cyprus problem at ODTU in Turkey
4. Swoboda: Varosha should be included in confidence building measures before the solution
5. Cicek called on the EU Ambassadors to visit the occupied area of Cyprus
6. Yorgancioglu criticizes Eroglu on the Cyprus problem
7. The UBP is expected to end today the alliance with the DP-UG in the “municipality elections”
8. The procession of Epitaphios will be held within the limit of the church
9. Apostolos Andreas and Othello Castle restoration work to start
10. A bi-communal casino in Pyla
11. AK Party deputies pass MIT law article-by-article despite warnings
1. Nami: We will either reach a federal solution or continue our existence
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.04.14), Turkey's European Union Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday called on the Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders to accelerate peace talks to end the 40-year division of Cyprus.
"Representatives from both sides should meet at least twice a week and the leaders should meet more often to negotiate and accelerate the process," Cavusoglu said during a meeting with the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami in Ankara, adding: "We wish to reach a fair and lasting solution within this year."
Nami, for his part, said that the “Turkish Cypriot government wants to reach a new and comprehensive solution with the joint declaration as ‘a comprehensive solution will integrate the Turkish Cypriot people with the European Union’”.
Meanwhile, former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has said that about 80% of the Turkish Cypriots would say "no" to Turkey's annexation of “northern Cyprus” (editor’s note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) if talks fail to reach a deal on the reunification of the divided island.
When asked to comment on the above comments of Talat, Nami said: “Bonds of love with Turkey does not mean annexation...Turkey has very close ties with many Turkic countries and our ties with Turkey will not break whether there is a federal solution”. “We will either reach a federal solution or continue our existence,” he added.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 17.04.14) reports that during the meeting, Cavusoglu said that they were holding the first work meeting on the protocol which was signed between the Turkish EU Affairs Ministry and the self-styled foreign ministry of “TRNC” (editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus).
Cavusoglu said: “Within the framework of the signed protocol there are many works regarding the chapters we would like to see be opened between ‘TRNC’ and EU. We will give every support possible for this process. We will share our experiences with each other. We will create common projects together, and will work on finding a financial support for the projects”.
Speaking during the meeting, Nami said: “As Turkish Cypriot government we support the joint declaration and we want the comprehensive solution to be reached in the framework of the declaration. Certainly solution will make the EU an inseparable part of the Turkish Cypriots’ daily life. The Turkish Cypriots will take their position in the EU institutions and in the federal structure that will be formed. This is an important process”.
Nami also stated that the EU is not supporting the Turkish Cypriots in this process so they value their cooperation with Turkey.
2. Talat supports that 80% of the Turkish Cypriot would say “no” to the annexation with Turkey
Turkish daily Zaman newspaper (16.04.14) reported on statements by former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat who has said that if the Turkish Cypriots were asked if they would like to be annexed by Turkey, the 80% of them would replied “no”.
Talat made the above statement the day before yesterday while delivering a speech at Istanbul’s Aydin University on the Cyprus problem entitled: “Peace determination beside extremism in Cyprus”.
Talat stated further that there are many reasons for the Turkish Cypriots to think in this way, like for example the way they live and the economy. Talat also said that in the hypothetical question: “If there was no Turkey, could there be a solution?”, again 80% would reply “no”.
On the Cyprus problem, Talat pointed out that the solution of the Cyprus problem is an honorable duty. He said that the Greek Cypriot politicians stressed the necessity not to look at the solution of the Cyprus problem only from the nationalism aspect and added: “The Greek Cypriots need the solution in the island in order to recover economically. They feel the need for solution in order for the natural gas of Cyprus and Israel to be evaluated. We also have to evaluate these conjunctures”.
Stating that a viable peace in Cyprus is important for the Turkish Cypriots, Turkey, the Greek Cypriots and Greece, Talat added: “Turkey’s role in the peace process is very important. If Turkey says that this is a right and an appropriate agreement, it seems that it could be accepted. Turkey should undertake a role here. Turkish Cypriots cannot get this job alone”.
(AK)
3. Nami gives a lecture on the Cyprus problem at ODTU in Turkey
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.04.14) reports that Ozdil Nami, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, gave a lecture yesterday at the Middle East Technical University (ODTU) in Turkey evaluating the negotiating process for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. Nami said that without a solution to the Cyprus problem no one should expect the establishment of a climate of stability and prosperity in the Turkey-Greece-Cyprus triangle and the realization of regional cooperation in the field of energy or in strategic fields.
Nami noted that the solution in Cyprus will affect the lives of the inhabitants of the island more than anyone else and added that “therefore they should want peace yesterday”. “We have not the luxury to waste more opportunities”, he argued claiming that as the side which has been influenced by the non-solution more than anyone else, they could not tolerate their lives to be influenced by the non-solution even for one more day.
Referring to the demands of each side in a possible federal solution, Nami said that the Turkish Cypriots want effective representation and participation in this federation and the continuation of the current system of guarantees, while the Greek Cypriots give priority to the functionality of the federation and the termination of the guarantees. “Therefore, the traumas and the fears caused by the war have not only been legitimized on communal basis, but at the same time they have been influential in the negotiations as official policies of the sides”, he argued noting that “most of the times red lines have even been announced over these”.
Nami went on and said, inter alia, the following: “…At this point, I think that it would be useful for me to recall that one of the main reasons for which the Greek Cypriots said a strong ‘no’ to the UN comprehensive solution plan in 2004 derives from their perceptions of security. There is a need for dynamism and building mutual empathy, which will break these perceptions in order for these to be overcome and secure the advancement of the process. The Joint Declaration agreed by the sides on 11 February 2014 after intensive efforts lasted for months, was the result of such dynamism…”
Nami said that the Joint Declaration includes some new important gains for the Turkish Cypriot side and reaffirmed that the main target is the establishment of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on political equality and that this federation will give a single sovereignty as it is provided for in the UN Declarations and as it happens in all the UN member-states. He described as “an important gain” the reference that this sovereignty will equally derive from the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.
Nami noted that the Joint Declaration is a historical document in which the sides reach an agreement on basic issues such as the equality of the sides and their status and shows how the Cyprus will be solved, the form and the structure of the state.
Nami said that in parallel to the negotiating process for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, the Turkish Cypriots intensified their efforts of being harmonized with the EU. Within this framework, he noted, in the period 2009-2011 decisions were taken on 70 “acts” of primary and secondary law within the scope of 12 chapters. He added that their target for the period 2014-2016 is enacting “laws” on 83 issues that concern primary law and 228 issues that concern secondary law.
(I/Ts.)
4. Swoboda: Varosha should be included in confidence building measures before the solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.04.14) reports that Hannes Swoboda, President of the Social Democrat Party in the European Parliament, has said that if the opportunity for finding a solution in Cyprus is not used, it will be very difficult for another opportunity to come up. In statements to Kibris’ correspondent in Strasburg, Swoboda has reportedly said that a solution will be reached “either now or never”.
He argued that the community leaders in Cyprus and especially President Anastasaides must give this message to their people, that a new opportunity emerged with the commencement of the negotiations on 11 February and that this opportunity should be used.
Swoboda said he does not know for how long this window of opportunity will remain open, that the people in Cyprus have been used to living separately and that every day that passes the demographic structure of the island is changing.
He argued that the island needs an urgent solution and that it is not important whether this solution will be reached in 2014 or in 2015. He expressed the view that the “two state solution” could still be prevented and a bi-communal solution could be achieved. He said that if the opportunity now is not used, the “existing realities might have to be accepted after some years” and called on both sides to prevent this. He added that the best solution is a united Cyprus member of the EU.
Swoboda went on and said that a package similar to the “Varosha package” suggested by the Greek Cypriot side should be implemented within the framework of Confidence Building Measures before the solution. He noted that this will increase the possibility of a solution and at the same time it will show that both sides have the good will for reaching a solution. He said: “If I have to be sincere, this depends on the political support given by those who negotiate and by the people. Therefore a road map could be formed. It could start with the return of Varosha, direct trade, direct flights. Many possibilities exist here…”
Referring to the European elections which will be held on 25 May, Swoboda called on the Turkish Cypriots to vote, adding however, that he is aware of the fact that this will not be easy and the Turkish Cypriots sending a representative to the EP is not realistic.
Commenting on Turkey’s EU accession process, Swoboda said that Turkey is more far away today from its accession to the EU than it had been two years ago, noting that the actions of Prime Minister Erdogan and his government “are directing Turkey towards a nationalistic, autocratic rule”. He added, though, that he is against the interruption of Turkey’s accession negotiations and supports the opening of chapters 23 and 24.
(I/Ts.)
5. Cicek called on the EU Ambassadors to visit the occupied area of Cyprus
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.04.14), Turkey’s Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek called on the EU Ambassadors to Cyprus to visit the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
During a meeting with Latvian President Andris Berzins and Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, Cicek said that he is hopeful that new chapters will be opened for negotiation when Latvia takes over the European Union's Presidency in 2015.
The Parliament Speaker also called on the EU to keep its promise made April 26, 2004 regarding Cyprus. "What we expect from our European friends is that they put an end to the unfairness against the Turkish Cypriots that has happened ever since the Greek Cypriots voted against a resolution of the crisis in a referendum. The Greek side just keeps dragging its feet. You have embassies there. When you make an official visit, please make sure to invite the Turkish Cypriots too, or better yet visit the Turkish side (editor’s note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) as well. This would be an encouraging step. The EU should not act as a stooge for the Greek Cypriots' games," Cicek claimed.
Berzins said that he understood Turkey's concerns regarding the EU membership process and expressed his hope that they could achieve much more progress when Latvia takes over the presidency compared to the progress made in the last 50 years. “We have always supported Turkey's EU membership. We will do our best to accelerate the negotiations during our 6-month presidency term”, Rinkevics added.
6. Yorgancioglu criticizes Eroglu on the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.04.14) reports that Ozkan Yorgancioglu, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has called on Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu to explain what he meant by saying that he would not sign any agreement in order for some ones to say bravo to him.
In statements yesterday before entering into the meeting of the so-called cabinet, Yorgancioglu noted: “This also is a statement which should be debated. Who these some ones are? And what these some ones want? Why such enigmatic statements are made? This should be debated and clarified”.
Yorgancioglu said that the solution process has been intensified, views are being put forward and the framework of the solution has been drawn by the text of the joint declaration signed by the leaders. He pointed out that we should not go outside this framework. He argued that the perception allegedly created in the world that the Turkish Cypriots want a solution “should not be weakened by such statements”.
(I/Ts.)
7. The UBP is expected to end today the alliance with the DP-UG in the “municipality elections”
Under the title “UBP has shown the door to the DP-UG”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (17.04.14) reports that the central administrative committee of the “main opposition” National Unity Party (UBP) will convene tonight having on its agenda to put an end to the “alliance” with the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG) in the “municipality elections”. The paper writes that the relations between the UBP and the DP-UG deteriorated after the latter’s recent decision to continue the “coalition government” with the Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) and the alliance with the UBP.
The general secretary of the UBP, Sunat Atun accused DP-UG’s general secretary and chairman, Hasan Tacoy and Serdar Denktas respectively of being insincere on the issue of establishing an alliance with the UBP. Atun said that tonight at the UBP’s meeting, he will support the view that the UBP should designate “candidates” in all 28 “municipalities” in the occupied area of Cyprus.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Realist newspaper (17.04.14) reports that Denktas succeeded in destroying the alliance with the UBP by designating as “candidate” in occupied Trikomo Huseyin Avkiran Alanli, self-styled deputy of DP-UG in the area. The paper writes that Denktas did not want Alanli as “candidate”, but at the same time he did not want an alliance with the UBP. According to Realist, Denktas had been forced to cooperate with UBP as a result of pressure by his party’s “UG” wing [Translator’s note: This is the “deputies” who had resigned from the UBP and joined the DP before the recent “parliamentary elections].
In statements to Realist, the chairman of UBP, Huseyin Ozgurgun said that Alanli’s “candidature” is contrary to the conditions of the alliance and added that “the unity of forces has ended”.
(I/Ts.)
8. The procession of Epitaphios will be held within the limit of the church
Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (17.04.14) reports that the procession of Epitaphios inside the walled city of occupied Famagusta has been cancelled due to the reaction of TMT, the “Famagusta fighters association”, the “young fighters association” and the inhabitants of occupied Famagusta.
Ersan Saner, self-styled deputy with the National Unity Party (UBP), said that they are against of the procession of Epitaphios inside the walled city of occupied Famagusta, claiming that this will provoke the “people”, who are still living in pain of the siege of 1974. For this reason, it cannot be done, otherwise there will be a lot of reaction, he concluded.
On the same issue, self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, replying to a question on the above issue, that the decision of the “foreign ministry” to hold the ceremony in the church only is the correct decision. He added: “Showing mutual respect to religious faith will contribute to the peace efforts”.
9. Apostolos Andreas and Othello Castle restoration work to start
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 16.04.14), the “member of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage” Ali Tuncay announced that the restoration work at the Aposotlos Andreas Monastery and the conservation work at the Othello Castle in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus will start within the next two months.
The bi-communal technical committee was created in 2008 to be responsible for protecting the island’s cultural heritage. The committee has been coordinating Apostolos Andreas’ restoration efforts for the past year. Tuncay said that the two places had become the two most important projects of the committee in recent months.
“Restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery’s main building which was built in 1800s and conservation work at the Othello Castle which was built in 1300s became the two projects that our committee is focusing on right now”, said Tuncay.
10. A bi-communal casino in Pyla
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (17.04.14), in its front page under the above title, writes: “We have not been able to establish yet the United Cyprus, but we established the ‘United Casino’. The first Turkish-Greek Cypriot joint casino operates in Pyla and attracts great interest.”
The paper reports that the casino, which has been operated for five months now, had opened as “internet cafe”. The majority of the clients are Greek Cypriots and 10 dealers are already working in the casino.
The owner of the casino is a known Turkish Cypriot businessman from occupied Famagusta, who has cooperation on different issues with Greek Cypriots and he has close ties with the National Unity Party (UBP).
The paper also writes that when the police of the breakaway regime go to the casino, they say that it belongs to the Greek Cypriots, and when the Cyprus police enter the casino, they say it belongs to the Turkish Cypriots.
The column “A letter from Africa” comments on this sarcastically by writing: “The smugglers, the gamblers are united… Gangs are being formed… The local mafia is united… But the peace forces cannot be united!”
11. AK Party deputies pass MIT law article-by-article despite warnings
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 16.04.14) reported that Justice and Development Party (AK Party) deputies have ignored dire warnings from opposition parties, rights groups and civil society organizations regarding a law that will give sweeping powers to the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), potentially turning Turkey into a country governed by the intelligence agency.
Also on Wednesday, President Abdullah Gul told reporters: “I am closely following this [draft] law as I did for previous laws. Such laws are contentious in nature. I have shared my views [on the draft] with the [government] authorities." He added that the final say on the content of the bill belongs to Parliament.
During talks on the MIT draft, there was a brief quarrel between Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay and CHP Gaziantep deputy Ali Serindag, who criticized Article No. 5 of the bill, which allows the government to authorize MIT to stage operations through a Cabinet decree.
The Parliament approved the first four articles of the draft law on Tuesday night, and an amendment was made to the first article. The original article in the draft read, “MIT fulfils all duties vested in it by the Cabinet in such matters as foreign security, the fight against terrorism and national security.” After a change the AK Party made to the draft bill, the article now reads without the word “all.”
Article 6 of the law, which allows MIT employees and retired personnel to carry firearms at any location without a carrying permit, was passed on Wednesday.
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