TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 93/14 22.05.14
1. Biden: Peace must be your heritage to your children
2. How the Turkish Cypriot press covers US Vice
President’s visit to Cyprus
3. Nami: I oppose to Varosha being equal to confidence
building measures
4. Talat: There is distrust between the leaders
5. Yorgancioglu evaluates Biden’s visit
6. Besir Atalay: This time the negotiations are
continuing fruitfully
7. Ertug: We cannot afford to waste time on Varosha
issue, as it might take 5 years to reach a solution there
8. Bozkir: The Americans will push the Greek Cypriot
side to approve a referendum next September
9. Erk evaluates Biden’s visit
10. Talip Atalay evaluated his meeting with Biden
11. Sener Levent demands the annulment of the EP
elections
12. Erk: The EP elections will not benefit the
communal rights of the Turkish Cypriots
13. KTOS urges all Turkish Cypriots to vote during the
EP elections on May 25
14. Siber due to attend a workshop on Cyprus in Ankara
15. Filori: Three obstacles before Turkey's EU
membership
1. Biden: Peace must be your heritage to your
children
Under the title
“Peace must be your heritage to your children”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
newspaper (22.05.14) reports that the US
Vice President, Joe Biden has said that making progress in the direction of the
solution of the Cyprus problem is possible, but trust needs to be built in both sides and courage needs to be
exhibited in order for reaching a solution.
In an interview
with Kibris Media Group’s general Director, Suleyman Erguclu, the US Vice
President pointed out that some good
things and positive gestures have been taking place recently in Cyprus and
added: “This is the reason for which I
am optimistic and one of the reasons for which I decided to visit [the island].
Peace is possible. It is left to you to
secure that it will happen. Peace must be your heritage to your children”.
Biden said that the USA could assist in the direction of
the solution of the Cyprus problem in any way the sides think that is useful
and added that in the end only the Cypriots could take the necessary steps for
reaching peace. He recalled that the USA continues to strongly support the
Cypriot-led process under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General within the
framework of his good offices mission for re-unifying the island as a bi-zonal
bi-communal federation.
Joe Biden described the Cypriot negotiators’ cross visits to Athens and Ankara respectively
as “important steps” in the direction of the solution and expressed the
hope that both sides will seize the opportunity for real and comprehensive
progress this time.
The US Vice President noted that he did not come to
Cyprus for exerting pressure on any side and added that he did not believe that
an agreement imposed by outside would be realistic.
He said that in order for an agreement to be lasting the Cypriots themselves
should find a solution which will satisfy both sides.
Referring to the
natural gas found in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, he noted that the Cypriots should decide whether or not this gas will
contribute in the solution of the Cyprus problem. He said he agreed with
those who believe that the solution of the Cyprus problem would bring economic
benefits to both communities and that energy could be a part of it.
He said: “We support the right of the Republic of
Cyprus to develop the resources in its own economic zone and we believe in the
necessity of the fruits of these resources being shared in a just manner to all
Cypriots within the scope of a comprehensive solution…”
(I/Ts.)
2. How the Turkish Cypriot press covers US Vice
President’s visit to Cyprus
All the Turkish
Cypriot daily newspapers today (22.05.14) cover on their front page the arrival
of the US Vice President Joe Biden to Cyprus and the statements he made
yesterday at Larnaka International Airport.
Under the title
“I think this time it will be different”, Kibris
reports that Biden said he did not come
to Cyprus to impose a solution, but
to help in finding one. He noted that the solution is in the hands of the
Cypriots and noted that one of the reasons of his visit to Cyprus is the fact
that he believes that this time the solution process will be different. The
paper writes also that after his statements at the airport, the US Vice President visited President
Anastasiades in his residence in Limassol. Citing information from the Greek
Cypriot press, the paper notes that this visit was not included in Biden’s
program, but it was materialized at Biden’s wish.
Afrika refers to the issue
under the title “Biden: I did not come with a solution plan” and reports that
Biden said he came to the island on behalf of the USA, not to impose a
solution, but to help the Cypriots in finding one. The paper writes that Biden said he has been following the Cyprus
problem for the last 40 years and knows that only the Cypriots can decide for
their future. According to the paper, Biden said he wanted to clarify one
issue and noted: “The USA recognizes
only one legitimate government in Cyprus and this is the Republic of Cyprus.
The visits and the contacts that I will have everywhere in the island will not
change this reality. My position, the position of the USA and the position of
the whole world is the same on this issue…” The paper refers also to the
“extraordinary security measures” taken in Larnaka.
Under the title
“The solution is in you”, Yeni Duzen
reports that the US Vice President Joe Biden is in the island for his “historic visit”. The paper refers
also to the statement that the USA recognizes only the government of the
Republic of Cyprus as the only legitimate state in the island. It also refers to the statement that the
time has come for the reunification of Cyprus under a bi-communal, bi-zonal
federation and that the story of Europe in the 20th century is a
story during which barricades fell. He
said that peace is always possible. He added that the media had reported that
he would come having the solution of the Cyprus problem in his bag, but he did
not come to impose a solution.
According to the paper, Biden described as “positive” for the solution
the climate in Cyprus. Yeni Duzen also refers to the out-of-the program meeting
with President Anastasiades in Limassol.
Diyalog covers the visit
under the title “There is no imposition” noting that “Biden, who stated that he
has been following the Cyprus problem for 40 years and that he did not come
with a solution plan in his pocket, tried to allay concerns”. The paper uses
also the following subtitles: “Two airplanes land in three minutes” and “The
Republic of Cyprus is the only legitimate government”.
Under the title
“There is no solution in my bag”, Havadis
writes that Biden’s message to the
leader was clear. Havadis covers the issue under the following subtitles:
“I have come to help”, “Biden: “Peace is always possible”, “He emphasized on
the joint statement” and “Special importance to energy!”
Under the title
“Biden came, he came with empty bag” Kibris
Postasi writes that as soon as he arrived, Biden seriously tried to emphasize that he had nothing regarding the
solution of the Cyprus problem in his bag and exerted an effort to drew
attention to other issues outside the Cyprus problem refraining to refer to the
USA’s position on the solution of this problem.
Under the title
“Historic visit”, Halkin Sesi
reports that Cyprus received a high ranking US official after 52 years. The
issues to which the paper attaches importance are the same as the papers
mentioned above. The same parts from Biden’s statements are reported on the
front pages of the rest of the papers’ under the following titles:
Detay: The “expected
guest” came
Star Kibris: He said his
bag was empty
Kibrisli: Biden met with
Anastasiades outside the program
Volkan: Will the TRNC be
ignored because the Greek Cypriots wanted so?
Vatan: Biden came
Bakis: “I did not come
with a solution plan”
Gunes: The climate is
appropriate
Ortam: He will only help!
(I/Ts.)
3. Nami: I oppose to Varosha being equal to
confidence building measures
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (22.05.14) reports that Ozdil Nami, self-styled foreign
minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus, has said that the US Vice
President, Joe Biden’s visit to Cyprus will be “a historic and useful” one.
In statements to
a television station, Nami argued that the
USA’s aim is to call on the sides to speed up and intensify the negotiations
and added: “I hope this will be a good
visit for the whole of the island and both sides will benefit from it”. He
said that the interest of the USA in Cyprus was secured with the positive
climate created after the joint statement and noted that the American officials
have stated that a positive atmosphere for the solution exists from the point
of the internal balances in the island.
Nami claimed
that the Greek Cypriot side wants to
bring onto the agenda the issue of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha and
similar issues during Biden’s visit instead of speeding up the comprehensive
solution. “We do not see this as
healthy approach, because in both sides of the island the Greek Cypriots and
the Turkish Cypriots want a comprehensive solution”, he argued adding that confidence building measures does not mean
Varosha. “I am one of the strongest supporters of confidence building
measures”, he alleged and added that he supported the participation of the
trade unions, the employers and other organizations in such activities. “However, I oppose to Varosha being equal to
confidence building measures”, he noted arguing that such measures could be
valuable if they turn into projects concerning various fields of life.
Nami said that
both the internal and external factors have matured for a solution in Cyprus
and alleged that the Greek Cypriots do not respect the “joint papers of the
past”.
Nami noted that the American officials have prepared some
proposals which they find balanced and shared them with the two sides. He
added that he does not believe that the
Americans would enforce anything at a point where no understanding is created
between the sides on the issue of Varosha.
He said that neither the Turkish Cypriots nor the Greek Cypriots will
accept this.
(I/Ts.)
4. Talat: There is distrust between the leaders
According to
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (online, 22.05.14), former Turkish Cypriot
leader Mehmet Ali Talat, evaluating US Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to
Cyprus during a TV program on “BRT”, described Biden’s visit as a historic one.
Talat, reminding that the US is a “super
power”, said that Biden’s visit is an indicator of US’ high level interest in
the Cyprus problem, and urged both sides to be extra attentive to this
visit. “This visit is also important as it would show how sincere the parties
involved are”, added Talat.
Commenting on the Confidence Building Measures, Talat
said: “Confidence building measures are important, however the most important
issue is trust between the leaders”.
Talat also
elaborated on his meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades. “Neither
Anastasiades nor Eroglu trust one another”, said Talat and added that he
requested Anastasiades to take the negotiations to the leaders level and to
increase the impetus.
“I gave examples
to Anastasiades for CBMs and told him that language and communications are the
two areas where CBMs can be practiced. I also suggested to him that we should
work on communication technologies for phone calls between the two sides. I
would not call it ‘roaming’ agreement as it is affiliated with inter-state
communication but rather call it ‘cooperation agreement’ to prevent any
misunderstandings", said Talat.
5. Yorgancioglu evaluates Biden’s visit
According to
illegal Bayrak television (online, 21.05.14), self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu made statements regarding
the US Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Cyprus before entering the “council of ministers” meeting on
Wednesday. He said that Biden’s visit to
Cyprus will have a catalyst effect on the Cyprus negotiations process.
Reminding that
the US Vice President will not only be meeting with the leaders on the island
but will also be meeting with civil society organizations in Cyprus,
Yorgancioglu said that this is a very balanced move by the US.
Touching upon
claims that the upcoming Eroglu-Biden meeting had encountered some obstacles
due to the flag and symbols, Yorgancioglu
said that the location of the meeting isn’t important, what’s important is that
Biden is meeting with the Turkish Cypriot person who has been chosen to handle
the negotiations process.
6. Besir Atalay: This time the negotiations are continuing
fruitfully
According to
Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.05.14), Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Besir
Atalay has hailed U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Cyprus and the U.S.
contribution towards peace talks over the island.
Atalay's comments
on Wednesday came during a press conference in Ankara, as Biden was set to
arrive in Cyprus on the first trip of a sitting American Vice President there
since 1962.
‘’This time the Cyprus negotiations are going
efficiently,’’ Atalay said. ‘’We see the constructive contributions by the EU
and the U.S. as actually helpful.’’
Moreover,
according to illegal Bayrak television (online, 21.05.14), Atalay noted that
the active role of the United States in the solution of the Cyprus problem is
positive.
Reminding that
the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus recently, Atalay said
consultations on Biden’s visit will continue between Turkey and the “TRNC” (editor’s
note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) during the self-styled assembly speaker
Sibel Siber’s visit to Ankara on Friday.
“We are closely following the developments
regarding the US Vice President’s visit. We are hopeful of the negotiation
process this time round. As you know Turkey and the TRNC has always played a
constructive role in the negotiation process and we are continuing with this
policy”, Atalay claimed.
7. Ertug: We cannot afford to waste time on Varosha
issue, as it might take 5 years to reach a solution there
Under the title
“US Vice President Biden makes historic Cyprus visit”, Turkish daily Today’s
Zaman (online, 21.05.14) reported that US
Vice President Joe Biden is not expected to push for a solution in Cyprus
or to press the two sides for a settlement during his visit. But he is expected to announce US financing for
the reconstruction of the fenced off town of Varosha. According to a source who
wished to remain anonymous, the US will initially contribute $1 million to
establish a delegation to work on a "feasibility survey" for Varosha.
"A US Vice President's visit after 52 years is a
positive move. We hope that it will add momentum to the Cyprus
negotiations," Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis
Erdoglu's special advisor and spokesperson
Osman Ertug told Today's Zaman. He also said that Biden's visit had attracted
international attention to the island and made it more visible as well as
showing the US's interest in a comprehensive solution in Cyprus.
On the Varosha issue, Ertug said they cannot afford to
waste time on it, as it might take five years to reach a solution there. He
recalled that the Turkish Cypriots would like a solution before the end of this
year. "Varosha can only be part of a
comprehensive solution," Ertug added.
8. Bozkir: The American will push the Greek Cypriot
side to approve a referendum next September
Under the title
“More dialogue is the key to better Turkish-American relations”, Turkish daily
Sabah (22.05.14) reports that the growing criticism against the Turkish
government by the U.S. Congress and "inaccurate perception" of Turkey
in Washington, D.C. can only be curbed with a series of official meetings
between parliamentarians and the help of Turkish-American communities said a
senior member of the Turkish Parliament. Misunderstandings are caused by the
failure of officials to conduct regular meetings, said Volkan Bozkir, the Chairman of the Commission on Foreign Affairs in
Parliament. Bozkir had the opportunity to meet 17 members of the U.S Congress
and share views on a range of issues including Turkey-Israel settlement and the
Cyprus reunification in a two day visit to the U.S. capital."
According to Bozkir, Congress seems more
interested in recent escalation in Ukraine and Russia's growing influence in
the region rather than Turkish domestic politics and demanded wider Turkish
support for western bloc concerning the issues.
Another important topic that members of congress have
been supportive of is the Cyprus negotiations. In
response to a question on the U.S.'s role in Cyprus reunifications, Bozkir, who is also a former
ambassador and a career diplomat, said
that the Obama administration showed substantial efforts to resolve the issue
whereas the EU had failed to succeed.
"Everyone is over here supporting the
reunification of the Island," Bozkir said. "People are happy to see
the progress and I think the Americans will push the Greek administration to
approve a referendum for the future of the island next September."
On the same
issue, according to Turkish Anatolia news agency (21.05.14), Bozkir, told
Anadolu Agency on Tuesday in Washington that the main reason for the raised expectations over the Cyprus issue is
because the economic welfare gap and income between the two sides on the island
has shrunk.
Bozkir,
underlining that newly discovered offshore natural gas reserves are also a
catalyst, said Turkey is the most viable option for transporting the resource
through pipelines to international markets.
“Biden’s visit will increase the pace of the peace
talks in a positive manner, as he respects the leaders of both sides of the
island equally,” he said.
9. Erk evaluates Biden’s visit
According to
illegal Bayrak (online, 22.05.14), the Republican Turkish Party - United Forces
General Secretary Kutlay Erk, speaking on a program broadcast on “BRT” this
morning, evaluated the US Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Cyprus. Erk said that it was widely expected that
Biden would contribute to the solution process in Cyprus and added that
expectations regarding Biden’s visit had been met.
“America has
natural gas, geopolitical and economic interests in Cyprus therefore it will
support a solution that benefits its interests” said Erk and added that the
leaders in Cyprus by taking this into account, must give priority to their peoples’
needs and interests when finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.
10. Talip Atalay evaluated his meeting with Biden
According to
illegal Bayrak (online, 22.05.14), the head of the “TRNC religious affairs
department” Talip Atalay said that the US Vice President Joe Biden’s meeting
with religious leaders in Cyprus had been very useful.
Evaluating the
meeting to the “BRT”, Mr. Atalay said that he had found the opportunity to
convey to Biden the problems being experienced in the field of religion. “We
had problems obtaining permission to cross over to the Hala Sultan Mosque in
South Cyprus and we purposely put forward the need for religious leaders to use
religious unity and abstain from politics” Atalay claimed.
He also said
that during the meeting he had stressed the need to work together in order to
create hope and therefore remove the psychological barriers between the
communities.
Atalay added
that Biden too supports this view and said that the United States attaches
great importance to hope and fully supports developments in this area. “The
common understanding at the meeting was to be positive on the current issues,
put forward the real problems, fully support to the peace process on the island
and do whatever is necessary for Cyprus to become an island of peace” said
Atalay.
11. Sener Levent demands the annulment of the EP
elections
Under the title
“Disgrace”, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (22.05.14) reports that Sener Levent, will file today a written
application to the European Parliament (EP) through the EU Representation in
Cyprus protesting what he describes as “usurpation” of the rights of the
Turkish Cypriot citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and demanding the annulment
of the EP elections of next Saturday.
Referring to the
publication of the Turkish Cypriots’ voter list on the internet, Levent
describes this list as “disgrace” and argues that “the right of the Turkish
Cypriots to vote has been usurped’. He goes on and writes that many Turkish Cypriots called Afrika
complaining that they could not find their names in this list.
Turkish Cypriots
such as the general secretary and the president of the teachers’ trade union
(KTOS), Sener Elcil and Guven Varoglu respectively, academician Umit Inatci,
Afrika columnist Faize Ozdemirciler and the chairman of the “municipal”
worker’s union, Savas Bozat could not find their names in the list.
Levent, who is an independent candidate in the
elections, reports that his son’s name was also not included in the list.
In his daily
column under the title “These elections must be annulled”, Levent reports that 58,637 names are included in this list and that
Demetris Demetriou, officer at the general Election Board, told him that only
the Turkish Cypriots who when they had applied for Cypriot identity card stated
that they live in the occupied area of Cyprus were included in the list.
(I/Ts.)
12. Erk: The EP elections will not benefit the
communal rights of the Turkish Cypriots
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (22.05.14) reports that the General Secretary of the
Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) Kutlay Erk, commenting on the EP elections that will take place
on 25th of May, said that he
doesn’t think that the elections will benefit in terms of the communal rights
of the Turkish Cypriots. He added that he sees the elections, in which some
Turkish Cypriot candidates will participate, as only as an individual
participation far away from a communal representation of the Turkish Cypriots.
Erk claimed that
according to the 1960 Constitution, the right of vote and be elected of the
Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots are implemented separately, adding that
everyone has to hold elections and elect their representatives in their own
area.
13. KTOS urges all Turkish Cypriots to vote during
the EP elections on May 25
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (22.05.14) reports that Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Trade
Union (KTOS) issued a statement urging all Turkish Cypriots to vote for the EP
elections which will take place on 25 May.
In the written
statement signed by the General Secretary of KTOS Sener Elcil it is stated that
there are those who are unable to see the reality, that only 60,000 are the
Turkish Cypriots from the 176,000 voters, when you analyse the population structure
in the “north” of the island. So, he made a call to all the Turkish Cypriots to
vote in the elections in order not to become the minority.
In the
statement, it is also noted that “the Turkish Cypriots are political equal with
the right given to them by the international agreements of the Republic of
Cyprus and no force can change this right.”
“Why don’t you
say openly the reality that the political rights of the Turkish Cypriots within
the separatist TRNC, which so much you praise, are in a minority stage? Or do
you afraid of the Turkish officials who endow your seats at the government?”
14. Siber due to attend a workshop on Cyprus in
Ankara
According to
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (online, 22.05.14), self-styled
parliamentary spokesperson Sibel Siber is due to travel to Ankara in order to
attend the “Meeting the expectations after a Solution in Cyprus” workshop
organized by the Eurasia Economic Relations Association.
According to the
statement by the “parliament” the opening remarks will be delivered by Siber
and the Parliamentary Spokesperson of the Turkish Parliament Cemil Cicek.
Siber will be
flying to Ankara tomorrow and will hold meetings with Cemil Cicek and Deputy
Prime Minister, who is also in charge with Cyprus Affairs Besir Atalay, in the
framework of her Ankara visit.
Siber, who is
expected to return on 24th of May, will be accompanied by her
executive assistant Ahmet Muratoglu.
15. Filori: Three obstacles before Turkey's EU
membership
Under the title
“Filori: Reforms not fast enough for EU membership”, Turkish daily Today’s
Zaman (online, 21.05.14) reported that Jean-Christophe
Filori, the head of the Turkey unit at the European Commission's (EC)
Directorate General for Enlargement, said last week that there are three obstacles
before Turkey's European Union membership, emphasizing that Turkey's democratic
reforms have been reversed in recent times.
“There are three
obstacles [to Turkey's EU membership]. The
first one is Turkey itself. Turkey is not acting quickly enough in terms of
democratic reforms. I can even say it's going backwards,” he said in
remarks to a group of Turkish businessmen in Brussels.
Filori said the second problem is that Turkey is not
well known by people in the EU. “People in Europe
do not know Turkey very well. We are aware that Turkey is a modern country with
a high rate of employment. However, Europeans are not used to a country such as
Turkey, with its variety of people,” he noted, adding that European prejudice
towards Turkey will diminish in time as long as Turkey remains a modern and
dynamic country.
According to the
senior EU representative, Cyprus is also
one of the major problems for Turkey's EU bid. “There is a [Greek-Cypriot]
leader who has said 'Yes' to the Annan plan for the first time. It's a great
opportunity and all sides should be supportive,” Filori said.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
