TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 61/14 03.04.14
1. Eroglu briefs the “assembly” for 6.5 hours; Statements by party representatives
2. Eroglu has reportedly suggested the demining of Cyprus as confidence building measure
3. Ozersay: The positions of the sides are far from each other on the issues of federal government, the property and the territory
4. Siber asked from the international community to adapt the UN declaration on the Right to Development for the Turkish Cypriot community
5. “Mayor” of occupied Famagusta speaks on Varosha issue
6. Harmanci: Bakirci’s project is “See the sea from Mesaoria”
7. Illegal universities in the occupied area of Cyprus continue their activities abroad
8. Gul: Time ripe for talking about presidential vote
9. CHP leader: Opposition parties may cooperate in the presidential elections
10. Turkey's Constitutional Court orders Twitter access restored
1. Eroglu briefs the “assembly” for 6.5 hours; Statements by party representatives
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.04.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu briefed yesterday the self-styled assembly of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on the Cyprus problem. After the briefing, which lasted for 6.5 hours, Eroglu stated that the Turkish Cypriot side allegedly wants the beginning of substantial negotiations on the Cyprus problem. He said that the meeting at the “assembly” was useful and sincere.
Eroglu noted that he told the “deputies” what stance they have on issues such as the proposals of the Greek Cypriot side in the negotiations and the speeding up of the process. He said that in parallel to his, he informed them on the work of the technical committee and the advisory council he has established for the negotiations. Eroglu added that he listened to the views and the proposals of the “deputies”.
“Our effort is for the negotiators to pass into substantial issues and bring the negotiation to a positive result with meetings which will be held more often”, he alleged adding that at this stage the negotiations could be speeded up within a short period of time.
In statements after the briefing, the self-styled foreign minister, Ozdil Nami said that Eroglu briefed them on the proposals submitted by the Turkish side in the negotiations and the views of the Greek Cypriot side. He noted that the meeting was productive and good and contributed in the clarification of some issues and added that an agreement was established on the necessity of such meetings being held more often.
Nami said that the tempo of the negotiations is not in harmony with the “power of the joint declaration and the positive impression it created on the two peoples” and described as “unacceptable” the so-called insistence of the Greek Cypriot side to meet only once a month. Nami expressed the view that the negotiators and the leaders should meet more often and argued: “We have critical periods ahead of us. Turkey will again enter into election climate. And here we have ahead of us timetables for local elections first and presidential elections afterwards. If we want to secure progress without getting stuck into these timetables, both sides must be at the negotiating table much more intensively and secure a broader participation”.
Nami went on and said that they have held a general evaluation of the negotiating process with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu during a telephone conversation and agreed that the tempo of the negotiations should increase. He argued that the Turkish side sincerely wants a comprehensive solution the soonest and that the status quo cannot continue.
Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (03.04.14) reports that in statements after the briefing, the general secretary of the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG), Hasan Tacoy said that they were satisfied by the fact that the six proposals, which had been put forward by Eroglu in Geneva during his meeting with former President Christofias, are still valid and added that they were informed that after the rescreening of these articles the give and take process and the general debates could start. Tacoy noted that his party continues to support Eroglu in the negotiations and argued that the conclusion from the debates on the joint declaration is that “bi-zonality and two founding sides exist now in the joint declaration and these founding sides must now enter into some harmonization works within the EU”. He said that it is believed that this should be done by the “assemblies” and therefore their so-called assembly must exert a great effort for realizing the harmonization with the EU.
The paper writes that the chairman of the main “opposition” National Unity Party (UBP), Huseyin Ozgurgun also expressed his party’s full support to Eroglu in the negotiations. He argued that in order for a lasting agreement to be reached in Cyprus, “the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people and the established UN parameters” should be introduced. He said that he has no hopes for the solution because of the stance of the Greek Cypriots and alleged that “history should be read well”.
In statements to Havadis, Mehmet Cakici, self-styled deputy with the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said after the briefing that “the process is in the very beginning of the road”. He added: “There is no situation such as passing into the give and take. The negotiators are passing through a screening process”.
Cakici said that he saw lack of will in the negotiations and argued that this issue could not be solved only with the negotiators. He noted that it would be wrong to give excessive hopes to the people and added that “no progress was achieved in the negotiations”.
Cakici expressed the view that the process is very slow and that the two sides are trying to determine their positions. “There are no active constructive proposals”, he said arguing that the leaders should spend more time with the negotiations.
The paper writes that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the TDP submitted a proposal regarding the establishment of a “parliamentary commission” on the Cyprus problem, but the UBP was not positive to this proposal. According to Havadis, CTP and TDP are annoyed because Eroglu left the “assembly” outside of the process, while UBP and DP offered full support to the Turkish Cypriot leader.
(I/Ts.)
2. Eroglu has reportedly suggested the demining of Cyprus as confidence building measure
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.04.14) reports that during his recent meeting with President Anastasiades within the framework of the Cyprus talks, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu submitted a proposal saying that “the island should be completely demined” within the framework of the confidence building measures.
Citing sources close to Eroglu’s office, the paper writes that the proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side consists of two stages. The first stage includes the demining by the UN of a minefield in the buffer zone that belongs to the Turkish Cypriots and three that belong to the Greek Cypriots. At this stage, the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side could participate as observers in the demining works. The second stage includes commitment by the two sides to demine minefields within the areas they control. The UN could participate as observer in this work.
Diplomatic sources told Kibris that in this manner the entire island will be demined and this will be the clearest indication that the road for the solution is open.
The proposal is described as “the first step” in the direction of the demilitarization of the island, in which the number of troops will be reportedly decreased in case of a solution to a number that will be determined within the context of the treaties of guarantee and alliance.
The Greek Cypriot side is reportedly not negative towards this proposal and it is expected to give its reply within the forthcoming days.
The paper writes that the information regarding the submission of the above-mentioned proposal was confirmed by circles close to the UN as well.
(I/Ts.)
3. Ozersay: The positions of the sides are far from each other on the issues of federal government, the property and the territory
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.04.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, Kudret Ozersay has said that a problem exists in the negotiations on the issues of the federal government, the property and the territorial adjustments and added that bridging proposals are needed.
In statements to Kibris before departing for Moscow, Ozersay noted that the next stage of the negotiations is to enter into a give and take with bridging proposals.
Ozersay said that the sides have exchanged views on the issues of the formation, election and decision taking mechanism of the federal government, the percentage of the properties which will be returned and the territorial adjustments. However, he said, the views of the sides are far from each other on the above-mentioned issues. He added: “They will always remain far as long as we do not put all issues onto the table and we do not enter into the last real give and take. No one will want to come closer before this. Unless, for example, they say to us that ‘if you accept this, I will do that regarding the guarantee agreement’ or ‘if you accept this, I can to that regarding the property right and the return within the Turkish Cyprus founding state’”.
Ozersay said that not many bridging proposals had been submitted on the property issue in the past, but recalled that proposals had been made on the chapter of Governance and Power Sharing.
(I/Ts.)
4. Siber asked from the international community to adapt the UN declaration on the Right to Development for the Turkish Cypriot community
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (03.04.14) reports that self-styled assembly speaker of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Sibel Siber, addressed the House of Lords yesterday night regarding Cyprus, in an event under the auspice of the chairman of the group “friends of TRNC” Lord Sharkey. The Turkish Cypriot Baroness Meral Ece, high officials from the British Foreign Ministry, Turkey’s Ambassador in London Unal Cevikoz, the self-styled deputies, who accompanied Siber in London, and academicians were present at the event.
Siber, in her speech, said that the Turkish Cypriots support a Cyprus settlement, adding that they want at this process the voice of the Turkish Cypriots to be heard in the international arena. She reminded them that the EU gave promises in 2004 to the Turkish Cypriots, who voted “yes” for the Annan plan. Referring to the UN declaration on the Right to Development (1986) that “the development of every human person in every community in the economic, social and cultural sectors is a human right and should be respected”, Siber asked from the international community to adapt this declaration for the Turkish Cypriot community. Siber claimed that the Turkish Cypriot community does not deserve the reportedly embargoes and isolations.
According to the paper, it is the first time that a Turkish Cypriot “assembly speaker” delivered a speech at the House of Lords. The great contribution of the organization of the event, in which Siber attended as a speaker, is to Lord Sharkey and Baroness Ece. The paper also reports that in the invitation, which was signed by Lord Sharkey, it is written that Siber was the first “prime minister” woman of the “TRNC” (translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus).
Referring to the Cyprus talks, Siber said that the reason of her speech is that they, as Turkish Cypriot side, are part of the unsolved Cyprus problem. She added that they, as Turkish Cypriot side, support the UN parameters and the joint declaration. Siber said that at the moment there are enough factors that can motivate a solution, noting that especially, the joint use of energy and natural gas can safeguard great benefits to both sides. She also said that the use by both sides, the water that will come from Turkey, as peace water, and the economic development, which will be occurred with a Cyprus settlement, will be beneficial for both communities.
Finally, Siber said that it is important not only the Greek Cypriots to increase their contacts with the Turkish Cypriots regarding Cyprus, but Britain and the EU to establish more close contacts with the “elected representatives” of the Turkish Cypriots.
Replying to questions, Siber said that in the Greek Cypriot side there is always a fear that those who have contacts with the Turkish Cypriots, will also recognize the “TRNC”. She added that the Greek Cypriots are in panic from the contacts of the Turkish Cypriots abroad, adding that they want to visit the representatives of the foreign countries by themselves in order to explain them about Cyprus.
Siber also said that they want from Britain as a guarantor country to accept their existence. She added that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu briefed the “assembly” by saying that the solution will be a very difficult process and that the solution of the property issue will take time.
Baroness Ece, addressing also the House of Lords, asked them what they want in exchange of opening the fenced off town of Varosha. She said that the demand of the Greek Cypriot side is very clear; they (Turkish Cypriots) should also express clear what they want.
Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 03.04.14) reports that Siber is speaking to several press institutions during her visit to London where she is holding a series of contacts. In her visit to London, Siber is discussing the Cyprus problem and the negotiations with UK politicians, Turkish Cypriot organizations and diplomats and the community.
During one of the press interviews yesterday, Siber answered questions coming from The Economist’s Europe editor John Peet.
5. “Mayor” of occupied Famagusta speaks on Varosha issue
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (03.04.14) reports that the “mayor” of occupied Famagusta Oktay Kayalp visited yesterday the paper headquarters and made statements regarding the occupied Famagusta city.
Speaking to the paper, Kayalp referred to the importance of Famagusta city and especially to the importance of the fenced off city of Varosha (Maras) and said that the general policy of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot’s, is that Varosha is part of the comprehensive solution and should return back to its legal owners.
Kayalp stated that the fenced off city of Varosha is in a very bad condition and thus stressed the need for several feasibility works to take place in Varosha before the comprehensive solution. He said that it needs at least 5 years for Varosha to come to a point that people could be able to live there and proposed for some feasibility works to take place in Varosha before the solution, with the cooperation of the two communities.
Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot Mayor of Famagusta Municipality, Alexis Galanos agrees on the issue of launching works in the close city of Varosha, Kayalp added that they had already signed a declaration on this issue.
Kayalp went on and said that he disagrees with Mr Galanos’ position that Maras should be put into use by the UN, adding the following: “The issue of Maras should not prevent the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem. And this, because the essential thing, is the solution of the Cyprus problem. No effort that would prevent or decelerate the comprehensive solution, would be right”.
(AK)
6. Harmanci: Bakirci’s project is “See the sea from Mesaoria”
Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (03.04.14), in its front page, reports that the General Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Mehmet Harmanci said that if the project of the self-styled minister of environment and natural sources Bakirci is implemented then it will be “a project to see the sea from Mesaoria”.
Harmanci, in a written statement, warned about the new “Rehabilitation of the quarries project” noting that the new project poses more risk to the environment and will damage the ecosystem rather than protect the environment.
Harmanci said that the intention of Bakirci if this project is realized, it will be the project to “see the sea from Mesaoria plain”, adding that with this project the occupied range of Pentadaxtylos will be carved.
Harmanci also said that they are very closely following Bakırcı’s project with the help of experts. And that project only covers the quarries owned by the “highway authority”. In addition to that, no civil society organization was consulted during the preparation process and they didn’t even ask the opinion of the “department of environment” regarding the ecological feasibility of this project.
He also said that the decision to demolish a hill which belongs to the “highway authority” as a solution seems like a problematic vision. Rehabilitation means modification or transformation of the existing ones, not demolishing them to build a new one, Harmaci added.
Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (01.04.14) reported that Bakırcı, in a press conference held on Monday about the rehabilitation of the quarries in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, said: “Quarries are one of the biggest problems of our country and the pollution they create is unacceptable. With the new license criteria and agreement format, we will have the authority to monitor them and repeal their contracts if they violate the measures of the agreement. Moreover we will be able to make them pay compensation for any damage they cause”.
Regarding the rehabilitation of the quarry in the occupied village of Kythrea with a grading technique, Bakırcı said that the technique was not tangible.
Bakırcı also mentioned about the 29 new criteria that were applied in 2006 during the renewal of the licenses, adding that “among these criteria there is a mention of explosion techniques which cause less damage on the environment and forestation of the areas”.
7. Illegal universities in the occupied area of Cyprus continue their activities abroad
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.04.14) reports that the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU) participated in the annual meeting of the European Law Faculties Association (ELFA) which took place in Strasburg.
The illegal DAU was represented at the meeting by the dean of the faculty of law, Prof. Dr Aynur Yorgalik and the associate dean, Dr Ulas Gunduzler.
According to the paper, Faculties of Law from several countries such as the UK, the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Italy were also represented at the meeting.
The paper adds that the “Faculty of Law of DAU” aims to be able to organize in the future several academic meetings, to sign cooperation agreements with several Faculties of Law and to organize in the “TRNC” the general meeting of the European Law Faculties Association.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (03.04.14) reports that the “American University of Keryneia” (GAU) has signed cooperation protocols with two state Universities of Nigeria, the Enugu State University of Science& Technology and the Crawford University.
The cooperation agreements were signed by the Dr Asim Vehbi, CEO of the illegal GAU University and Prof. Ogbonna Cyprain Onyeji, representing the Enugu State University and Prof. Samson Adenola Ayanlaja, representing the Crawford University.
(AK)
8. Gul: Time ripe for talking about presidential vote
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.04.14) reports that the exact day to speak about everything concerning the upcoming presidential elections in Turkey has arrived, President Abdullah Gul has said, in remarks acknowledging that the March 30 local election had unofficially opened the way to the presidential vote in August.
The remarks by Gul to a group of journalists during an official visit to Kuwait yesterday came at a time when not only people in Turkey but also the international community and international market analysts are focused on the answer to the question as to whether the incumbent President of the country will run again or if Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be eyeing his own presidential bid after victory in the March 30 local elections.
In a veiled answer to a question as to whether he expected Erdogan to make a surprise decision about his final intention for the presidential elections, Gul said the comradely relationship he had with Erdogan would prevent both of them from being evasive to each other on such a significant matter.
According to Gul, by the beginning of May, answers to all such questions about the presidential elections will become clear, as he apparently plans to hold talks with Erdogan and senior ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) executives in the meantime.
A scenario that has already gained momentum is that Gul will swap with Erdogan and assume the Prime Minister’s seat in a formula inspired by the Medvedev-Putin swap in Russia.
The August elections will be the first direct elections for Turkey’s head of state.
9. CHP leader: Opposition parties may cooperate in the presidential elections
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 02.04.14) reported that opposition parties may cooperate in the upcoming presidential elections by agreeing on nominating a single candidate that would embrace all segments of the society and would represent Turkey abroad, the leader of the main opposition has said.
“[The cooperation of opposition parties] could be highly possible in the upcoming presidential elections. It has two rounds. It will eventually lead to cooperation in the second round if 51% cannot be reached by another candidate. We have some people in our minds, but there is no reason to declare them now,” Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) told the Wall Street Journal Turkey in an interview on Apr. 2.
10. Turkey's Constitutional Court orders Twitter access restored
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (02.04.14), Turkey’s Constitutional Court ruled that the country’s ban on Twitter violates the right to freedom of expression and demanded access be restored on Wednesday.
The court, which took into consideration individual complaints of 3 social media users, demanded that the Telecommunications Directorate (TIB) and Turkey’s Transport, Maritime and Communication Ministry follow the court order.
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