TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 73/14 23.04.14
1. Eroglu expects conclusion of the negotiations with
an agreement by the end of the year and a referendum
2. Turkish Cypriot political parties assess Eroglu’s
meeting with Ban Ki-moon
3. The Turkish Cypriots will have the opportunity to
apply to the “immovable property commission”
4. Talat: The Americans are dreaming on the issue of
the opening of Varosha
5. The Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative for
Solution sent a letter to Barroso and other EU officials
6. Eleven years after the opening of crossing points
in Cyprus
7. “International Universities Search and Rescue
Council (IUSRC) general meeting -2014” will take place in the breakaway regime
8. “GAU” signed cooperation protocol with ADDA
9. Columnist: Eroglu telling a lie
1. Eroglu expects conclusion of the negotiations
with an agreement by the end of the year and a referendum
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (23.04.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu has said that they expect the
conclusion of the Cyprus negotiations with an agreement by the end of this year
and the submission of this agreement to referenda in both sides. After his
meeting with the UN Secretary-General in New York, Eroglu replied to
journalists’ questions at the Turkish House (Turkevi).
Eroglu argued
that every day that passes finding a
solution to the Cyprus problem will become more difficult and alleged that the international community has the duty of
securing that “the sides feel the need for a solution at the same extent”.
Arguing that the
Turkish Cypriot community wants to become a part of the world in the 21st
century, Eroglu claimed that it is not just for a “people” who had exhibited
their will for a solution ten years ago to be treated like “second class
citizens”. He went on and alleged: “If the comprehensive solution is one of the
ways of fixing this injustice, this unfairness, we are ready for this. However,
since we will not be able to find it alone, it is unacceptable to ignore our
people, to leave them exposed to discrimination, isolation and embargoes. We
want this to be clearly understood…”
Eroglu claimed
that the resumption of the negotiations gave them hopes that an agreement will
be reached, but in case the negotiations prolong and the Greek Cypriots submit
what he called as “excessive demands”, this hope will be decreased.
Eroglu said that
they are in continuous consultations
with Turkey during the negotiating process and added that the Cyprus problem is
a “national cause” both for Turkey and the “TRNC”, as he called the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He noted that the recent developments in
Turkey will not influence this “cause”.
Eroglu
criticized a statement reportedly made by President Anastasiades during his
recent visit to Brussels that a solution to the Cyprus problem could be
achieved in the end of 2015 and alleged that if there will be an agreement,
this should be concluded the soonest.
(I/Ts.)
2. Turkish Cypriot political parties assess
Eroglu’s meeting with Ban Ki-moon
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (23.04.14) reports that the political parties which are represented in the “assembly” of the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus have said that the Turkish
Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu’s meeting with the UN Secretary-General in New
York was a positive development and pointed out to the importance of such
contacts.
In statements to
Kibris, the vice president of the
Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG), SerhatKotak said they could not
say many things on Eroglu’s contacts because they have no detailed information,
but he reiterated the satisfaction of
his party with Eroglu’s policy.
ArmaganCandan, foreign relations secretary of the
Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) described as “important” the
fact that the evaluation of the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the point to
which the negotiations have come was submitted to the UN Secretary-General. He noted though that some question marks exist as to whether Ban
Ki-moon will be personally involved in the process. He added that the sides
“could not create a position that would secure a very serious contribution by
the UN Secretary-General” in the process. Candan pointed out that we have
witnessed Eroglu’s insistence on the issue of the joint statement which was
concluded on 11 February [2014] and the fact that this “exercise” lasted for
months. He noted that Eroglu’s political
past is an “indication of his unwillingness for a federal solution”. “He has no
vision regarding the rapprochement of the two communities”, he noted.
SunatAtun, general secretary of the National Unity
Party (UBP), argued that Eroglu has shown a real leadership during the on-going
process. Atun described as useful Eroglu’s contact
with the UN from the point of view of conveying the Turkish Cypriot views to
the international organization.
Mehmet Harmanci, general secretary of the Social
Democracy Party (TDP), has said that the Turkish Cypriot side s following a
policy aiming at dragging the UN officials into the negotiating process from now on, but the stance of the UN on this issue has not yet
been clarified.
(I/Ts.)
3. The Turkish Cypriots will have the opportunity
to apply to the “immovable property commission”
Turkish Cypriot
daily HalkinSesi (23.04.14) reports that the self-styled council of ministers
of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus approved
the “law proposal”, which will enable Turkish Cypriots to apply to the
“immovable property commission” for compensation of the property in the
government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to
this amendment, the Turkish Cypriots will be able to exchange their property
left in the “south” with a property in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus.
The self-styled
foreign minister and spokesperson of the council of ministers OzdilNami, in a
press conference after the meeting, said that the “council of ministers” has
decided to send the “law proposal” for “parliament’s vote”. If the “law” is
approved, it will allow Turkish Cypriots to apply to the “immovable property
commission” in order to exchange their property in the “south” with the
property they own in the “north”.
Nami also said:
“We have extended the scope of applications to the immovable property
commission. Up to this day, only Greek Cypriots could apply, but this has
changed. Now, Turkish Cypriots will be able to apply to the Commission too”.
Nami noted that
the aim of the “regulation amendment” is expressed as following:
“To create the
possibility of transfer of property through the method of exchange or purchase
and payment of compensation subject to the permission of the council of
ministers:
(1) For the natural and legal persons who are the owners of the property
right and who want to exchange these properties with immovable properties in
the South Cyprus; or
(2) For the natural and legal persons, who are the owners of the right
within the scope of the housing, landowner and equivalent property law, but
they could not take immovable property in exchange of their immovable property
in the North or they could not take adequate rate of equal value; or
(3) For the natural and legal persons, who possess the right of
possession or use of the above mentioned Greek Cypriot property with the
decision of the council of ministers within the framework of the law
regulations.”
4. Talat: The Americans are dreaming on the issue
of the opening of Varosha
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (23.04.14) reports that the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat has commented on US
Ambassador Koenig’s statements that the occupied fenced off city of Varosha
will “open step by step” and argued that “the Americans are dreaming”.
Replying to questions of Cihan news agency in the Turkish city of Corum, Talat
claimed: “Honestly, I think that the Americans have attitudinized. They will
create a positive climate by securing the opening of Varosha, they will create
enthusiasm. They will motivate the Greek Cypriots for a solution. And in a
possible agreement the Cypriots will say yes with this enthusiasm…”
He argued that
some countries, including the USA, have such a dream, but the real situation is
not like this. “Varosha is an issue
related to the solution of the Cyprus problem”, he claimed and added that
what is true is that any measure should
be aiming at creating confidence.
He added, inter
alia, the following: “And this means
that the two sides should understand each other, establish dialogue with each
other, and create a culture of peace.
And what should be done for this is actually known. Instead of pursuing
arrangements such as giving Varosha, opening Morfou, starting appointing a
Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister in the government, that is, in the Republic of
Cyprus, the right thing to do is supporting the establishment of a dialogue
between the two communities. That is the communities’ learning each other’s
language, learning to cooperate together, being able to prepare common
television programs, being able to establish common universities, that is
shortly, without changing, without influencing their positions on the Cyprus problem, the sides should enter
into a dialogue with each other and understand each other”.
Evaluating the statements by the US Ambassador to
Nicosia that the Greek Cypriots should hold meetings with Turkey from now on
the issue of transferring natural gas to the EU, Talat argued: “Was his statement on this issue in the above manner? I do not
know that, but it is not possible for
the Greek Cypriots to meet with Turkey in conditions in which the Turkish
Cypriots are absent. Turkey
recognizes the TRNC and it recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as South Cyprus
Greek Administration. Therefore, it is not possible for the Republic of Turkey
to meet with the Greek Cypriot authorities as Republic of Cyprus without the
TRNC authorities. This reality will not change, regardless of who says
this, the USA Ambassador or the Ambassador of another country or the head of
state of another country”.
(I/Ts.)
5.The
Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative for Solution sent a letter to Barroso
and other EU officials
Under the title: “Letter to Barroso and EU officials from Civil Society”, Turkish
Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (23.04.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot Civil
Society Initiative for the Solution has sent a letter to the President of the
European Commission Jose Manuel Barosso, asking for the EU’s interest and
encouragement in order for the positive atmosphere which was created in the two
communities after the launching of the negotiation talks and the constructive
process, to continue.
As the paper writes, the letter dated
18 April 2014, was conveyed to Barosso
by the Turkish Cypriot Teacher’s Union (KTOS), whereas copies were also sent in
English and Turkish languages to the President of the EU Council, Herman Van
Rumpoy and European Commissioner, Stefan Fule and the President of the European
Parliament, Martin Schulz.
In the letter, the Turkish Cypriot
Civil Society Initiative underlines that it follows the re-launching of the
Cyprus negotiation talks with hopes and enthusiasm and stresses that the new process which aims to find a comprehensive
solution to the Cyprus problem and a United Cyprus, should be an irreversible
process.
The letter underlines also that the
Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative welcomes the Commission’s statement
after the signing of the Joint Declaration by the two leaders in Cyprus, and
its strong determination for the increasing of efforts regarding the
preparation of the Turkish Cypriots to implement the EU acquiscommunautaire.
The Initiative points out in the letter
that the “Turkish Cypriot people” support the negotiation process and asks for
the cooperation of the EU Commission in order for the Turkish Cypriots to fulfil
their responsibilities and achieve the implementation of the EU acquis.
The Turkish
Cypriot Civil Society Initiative is composed by several NGO’s and trade unions
in the occupied area of Cyprus.
(AK)
6. Eleven years after the opening of crossing
points in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (23.04.14)
reports that eleven years have passed since the opening of the crossing points
in Cyprus and writes that the maltreatment in the crossing points of the
occupied area of Cyprus continues.
According to the
paper, especially in AgiosDhometios and Ledra Place crossing points the
maltreatment by Turkish Cypriot “policemen” as regards the “passport controls”
continues since Greek Cypriots and foreigners have to get out of their cars in
order to make the “necessary arrangements” needed in order to cross in the
occupied areas. The paper writes that things are even harder for foreigners who
have to wait for a long time and reports that despite various reactions over
the problems occurred, which are becoming even more difficult now that the
weather is becoming even warmer, no “official” of the breakaway regime has
taken any action.
In addition, the paper publishes statements of various
Turkish Cypriot politicians who commented on the anniversary of the crossing
points opening.
Former Turkish
Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat stated that dialogue has started between the
two communities after the crossing points opening, however now is time for
peace. The “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP) TahsinErtugruloglui
stated that he was opened to the opening of the crossing points and that in
general was nothing positive or negative. Also the “deputy” with the Republican
Turkish Party (CTP) DogusDerya said that this was a step towards the efforts
for a federal solution in Cyprus.
7. “International Universities Search and Rescue
Council (IUSRC) general meeting -2014” will take place in the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (23.04.14)
reports that the “International Universities Search and Rescue Council (IUSRC)
general meeting -2014” will take place in the breakaway regime tomorrow.
According to the
paper academicians from 17 universities and 158 students will participate in
the meeting.
8. “GAU” signed cooperation protocol with ADDA
According to
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Daily News (online, 22.04.14), a cooperation protocol was signed between
the Azerbaijan State Marine Academy (ADDA) and the illegal University of
Kyrenia (GAU).
Dr SuatGunsel,
visiting ADDA in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the special guest of Prof. Dr
RasimBasirov, Rector of ADDA, signed a comprehensive cooperation protocol on
behalf of Mr Cemre S. GunselHaskasap, between the “University of Kyrenia” and
the Azerbaijan State Marine Academy.
According to the cooperation protocol signed on 21
April 2014, the parties will fully cooperate on marine transportation and
management, marine engineering, marine electronics and communication
technologies, marine navigation and marine law as well as exchanging students
and academic staff, and organizing social and cultural events.
ADDA, the
largest marine education institution of Caucasia, Middle East and Central Asia,
holds an ISO certificate and is member of the International Maritime
Organization (IMO). ADDA offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programs at
full extent.
9. Columnist: Eroglu telling a lie
Columnist Yusuf
Kanli, in Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 23.04.14), under the above
title, writes that the statement by
Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu “We can reach a settlement on Cyprus within
this year and submit that settlement to separate referenda of the two peoples
within 2014” to the media in New York late Monday, April 21, after a meeting
with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, looking directly into the
cameras, was a lie.
Kanli notes that
this is the demand by the vast majority of the Turkish Cypriots, but he wonders
if there are, however, prospects of resolution or a settlement is really
discernible.
He writes: “Come on, be realistic! With the current
pace of the Cyprus process expecting a quick fix – which is indeed possible –
is tantamount to searching for water in the Sahara desert.” He also added that Eroglu as a politician and a negotiator took the
New York media opportunity to press his Greek Cypriot counterpart to become
more forthcoming in the talks. Kanli claims: “Eroglu knows far better than
anyone that resolution won’t be within grasp unless the Greek Cypriots really
engage in the process, accept the 77-page 2008-2012 convergences paper prepared
by former U.N. special envoy Alexander Downer as ground to work on, agree to a
reasonable time table and, if required, U.N. help with bridging proposals.”
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