TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 84/14 09.05.14
1. Denktas: Let Turkey become full EU member and we will give up all our
demands in Cyprus; Turkey will not be able to carry out military operation in
Cyprus
2. Ertug reveals a five-step road map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side
in the negotiations
3. Nami: Both communities want a Cyprus settlement
4. Gungor Gunkan: “The
number of applications of the Greek Cypriots to the Immovable Property
Commission has been reduced”
5. The occupation
regime has appointed an “honorary attaché” in Iran
6. The Turkish Cypriots are briefed on how to vote in
the EP elections
7. TDP chairman Harmanci expressed the wish Turkish
Cypriots to become part of
Europe as a community
8. Davutoglu: Turkey and Israel have substantially
overcome problems
9. Swoboda calls on gov't to show solid evidence of
‘parallel state'
10. Celik claims: Three quarters of Turkish media
against AKP
11. Three journalists released over duration of
detention
12. CHP leader partially renews executive team
1. Denktas: Let Turkey become full EU member and we will give up all our
demands in Cyprus; Turkey will not be able to carry out military operation in
Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (09.05.14) reports that Serdar Denktas, self-styled deputy
prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus, has allegedly said that they are
ready to accept abandoning all their demands in Cyprus if Turkey becomes full
member of the European Union (EU). Addressing a symposium in Turkey
organized by the Necmettin Erbakan Foundation under the title “Cyprus: Its
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, Denktas argued that the Cyprus problem is an
“above-party cause” and added that they are grateful to the people of Anatolia.
Denktas went on and alleged that the “TRNC”, as he described the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, should be integrated with the
world and become capable to compete. Arguing that Turkey has some
responsibilities on this issue, Denktas
claimed that when they are able to carry out free trade with Turkey, they will
not care about the so-called isolation allegedly imposed on them by the world.
Describing Turkey as “a strong country”, Denktas said: “Let them take Turkey as full member into
the EU tomorrow and we accept to abandon everything we demand in Cyprus”.
Referring to the negotiations in Cyprus, Denktas alleged: “If there will be an agreement, the most
important guarantee for us in this agreement is our state. The moment we
abandon this, no guarantee could save our future. Our future is discussed
at a table full with big question marks. Let us hope that the Cyprus issue
which had been forgotten for a long time will come again onto the agenda with
this conference organized today…”
Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (09.05.14, online), also refers
to Denktas’ statements and notes that he argued the following: “Why are we entering Europe as a state? Turkey
who is an EU member candidate will not be able to carry out a military
operation as part of its guarantor rights”.
Reminding that Cyprus was being referred to due to the petrol and
natural gas on the island, Denktasclaimed: “We are not the only ones who have the right to petrol and natural gas.
The longest shoreline in the
Mediterranean belongs to Turkey. Besides, all bordering countries must give
approval”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Ertug reveals a five-step road map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side
in the negotiations
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (09.05.14) reports that Osman Ertug, spokesman and special
diplomatic advisor of the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu, has said that the Turkish Cypriot side had submitted a five-step road
map at the table within the framework of the negotiations for finding a
solution to the Cyprus problem. Addressing a conference yesterday in the
occupied area of Cyprus under the title “The Cyprus negotiations: The road
ahead of us”, Ertug said that the first
step, which the Turkish Cypriot side had suggested, has been completed as it was the “screening process”.
He noted that the second step
which they suggested was implementing an
effective methodology by holding meetings twice a week or all day long meetings
if the Greek Cypriot side did not accept this, focusing on the unsolved main issues in the meetings held either
between the negotiators or between the leaders, submitting bridging proposals, preserving
the existing convergences and holding
new cross-visits to Athens and Ankara in the beginning of May.
The third step provided for a meeting of
the sides with the UN Secretary-General in May and the fourth step for the completion
of the exercise of submitting bridging proposals in the beginning of June. The fifth and final step provided for holding a multilateral conference in the
end of June with the participation of the two sides in Cyprus, Turkey, Greece,
the UN and the UK, if the latter wanted. The “final bargaining” would be
carried out in the meeting, during which the date of the simultaneous separate
referenda could be agreed, in case the meeting ended successfully. He argued
that if this meeting fails, the reason of this failure should be discussed and
established.
Ertug argued that the Greek Cypriot side has not submitted to the table
its own road map, in spite of the fact that it generally reacted negatively to
the Turkish Cypriot side’s road map, except for some steps.
Referring
to what he considers as “some important difficulties of the negotiations”,
Ertug alleged that among these difficulties are the wish of the Greek Cypriot side for the
“new partnership” to be a transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a
federation, the fact that the Greek
Cypriot side does not accept the rotating presidency and instead of this it proposes a Turkish Cypriot vice
president who will not have the right of veto and a cabinet which will be formed by seven Greek Cypriot and three Turkish
Cypriot Ministers and which will take decisions with simple majority.
Ertug alleged that the Greek Cypriot side exhibits a maximalist approach on the issue of
the territory, demanding that 100 thousand Greek Cypriots should settle on
the land which will be returned to them [Translator’s note: Under the
administration of the Greek Cypriot Federal State] and at the same time 60
thousand Greek Cypriots should have the priority on the issue of deciding
whether they want to return to their currently occupied property [Translator’s
note: under Turkish Cypriot administration].
(I/Ts.)
3. Nami: Both communities want a Cyprus settlement
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris (09.05.14) reports that the self-styled minister of foreign
affairs Ozdil Nami said that he is
optimist that the Cyprus problem can be solved, adding that one last effort is
needed.
Speaking during
a briefing meeting with the 93 newly appointed diplomats at Turkey’s Foreign
Ministry, who are currently at the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, on
the Cyprus problem and the policies followed at the negotiation process, Nami
said that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem has created a sense of
tiredness in the world. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side is trying to
change this. Nami also pointed out that the terminology used by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, where he
said “one final push” and “time framed effort” are also important.
He further said
that the Turkish Cypriots cannot continue to live isolated from the rest of the
world regardless if the Cyprus problem is solved or not. He stressed that the Turkish Cypriots will continue their road within a
total coordination with Turkey and by building on their obtained gains.
Replying to a
question if he believes in a solution despite the “insincerity” of the Greek
Cypriots, Nami said: “The Greek Cypriots
think the same way with us, they have also reservations because of history”.
On the same
issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 09.05.14)
reports that Nami, reminding that the US dropped atomic bombs twice to Japan,
Germany and France engaged in bloody wars, said that the nations who managed to
make peace can offer better things to their people. “I believe that Turkish
Cypriots have the ability to prevent the reoccurrence of past sufferings and
pains”, Namiadded.
Upon another
question Nami said: “Both communities
want a solution. According to our analysis, the “yes” vote still stands strong
in the north and I think there is a similar tendency in the south this
time".
Meanwhile,
Kibris reports that the self-styled speaker assembly Sibel Siber also briefed
the delegation. Siber said that the “assembly” of the breakaway regime has
already come into contact with the EU, the PACE, the Organisation of the
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the World Parliament Union, adding that they have
started to get some concrete gains.
Siber said that while they, as an “assembly” are
conducting lobbying activities, they are acting as two communities in Cyprus
which is accepted at the international law, adding that at the same time the on-going
negotiations are being carried out at the level of the leaders of both
communities.
Moreover, Ozkan
Yorgancioglu, self-styled prime minister, addressing also the delegation, said
that a new opportunity for a solution has emerged due to the richness of the
underground resources at the Mediterranean Sea and they should not miss it.
4.Gungor Gunkan:
“The number of applications of the Greek Cypriots to the Immovable Property
Commission has been reduced”
Under the front-page title: “The Greek Cypriots are not coming
anymore”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (09.05.14) reports that the
number of applications of Greek Cypriots at the so-called “Immovable Property
Commission” (IPC) established in the
occupied area of the island by Turkey, [Translator’s note: The
self-styled council of ministers of the breakaway regime has approved a “law
proposal”, which will enable Turkish Cypriots to apply to the “commission” for
compensation of property they had abandoned in the government-controlled area
of the Republic of Cyprus] has been reduced significantly and the “IPC” has
indefinitely postponed the discussion of a lot of files.
According to the paper, in spite of the fact
that the Greek Cypriots had shown a great interest during the previous years
and especially during the last three years to apply to the “IPC”, duringthe last 6 months the number of
applications has been decreased.
The paper points out that there is an
allegation saying that the “IPC” has decelerated its works due to the fact that
“there are insufficient resources”.
The number of Greek
Cypriots who applied to the “IPC” on April 2013 was 100 while on April 2014
this number has been reduced to 27. Also, on January, a total of 50
applications were made, while on February the applications were 45 and on March
36.
Also, according
to the cases being completed at the “IPC” until today, 17 million 337 thousand
meter squares of land became a subject matter.
From this land, a total of 11 million 22 thousand meter squares were
paid as compensation.
Moreover, 454 thousand
817 square meters of land of Greek Cypriot property were returned to their
previous owners while for 6 thousand 151 square meters, it has been decided
that they will be returned back, after the solution. Also for 3 million 107
thousand square meters of land, the trials were cancelled due to the fact the
Greek Cypriots withdrew the applications.
In statements to the paper, the “chairman” of
the so-called Immovable Property Commission Gungor Gunkan said that the main reasons for which there is a decrease on the number
of applications of the Greek Cypriots to the “IPC”, is because of the economic
crisis and the ongoing Cyprus negotiation talks.
Gungor went on and said that the Greek Cypriot
politicians have affected also to the decrease of the number of applications by
the Greek Cypriots to the “IPC”.
(AK)
5.The occupation
regime has appointed an “honorary attaché” in Iran
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper
(09.05.14) reports that Dr Karim
Khosvarian, citizen of the Iranian Islamic Republic has been appointed as
“honorary attaché of economy, tourism and culture” of the occupation regime in Iran.
According to the decision taken by the
so-called council of ministers, Khosvarian
will represent the occupation regime in Iran with the aim to contribute to the
establishment of close relations between the two “countries” on issues related
to economy, tourism and culture while works will be made for the establishment
of a Friendship House between the Iran Islamic Republic and the “TRNC”.
(AK)
6. The Turkish Cypriots are briefed on how to vote
in the EP elections
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris (09.05.14) reports that Alexandra Attalides, the Deputy Head of the
European Parliament Office in Cyprus, made an information briefing jointly with
the Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teacher’s Union (KTOEOS) in order to
provide the necessary information regarding the EP elections, which will take
place on 25th of May.
Attalides
briefed them regarding the voting procedure and how they should register.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (09.05.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot
independent candidate Sener Levent visited yesterday the Head of the Central
Electoral Service Demetris Demetriou for the EP elections.
Demetriou told
them that 95,213 Turkish Cypriots have a Republic of Cyprus ID card including
those who live in the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus and
abroad. He added that the Turkish Cypriots, who live in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus, and are eligible to cast a ballot for the elections are
around to 60.000.
7. TDP chairman Harmanci expressed the wish Turkish
Cypriots to become part of Europe as a community
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper
(09.05.14) reports that the General Secretary of the Social Democracy Party (TDP)
Mehmet Harmanci stated that the Turkish Cypriots should live within modern EU
standards but in reality the situation is far away from that.
Noting that the
Turkish Cypriots’ place is in the EU, Harmanci said that an early, permanent
and a just solution to the Cyprus problem is the only way the Turkish Cypriots
can take their place in the EU. In his
message marking the “9th of May Europe Day” Harmanci celebrated the day of all
European nations and expressed his wish for the Turkish Cypriots to become part
of Europe as a community.
8. Davutoglu: Turkey and Israel have substantially
overcome problems
Turkish Hurriyet newspaper (09.05.14) reports that compensation
talks between Turkey and Israel have reached “a certain level” and “problems
have been substantially overcome,” Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
said, referring to negotiations between the two countries over the Mavi Marmara
incident in which Israeli soldiers killed nine Turks in 2010.He was speaking during a press conference with the Tanzanian Foreign
Minister Bernard Membe.
Citing Turkey’s
preconditions for normalization of relations with Israel, he mentioned “lifting
restrictions on the whole of Palestine, including Gaza,” an apology for the
2010 Mavi Marmara incident, and compensation for the victims of the incident. “The apology has been received, and the
compensation talks have reached a certain level,” Davutoglu said, declining to
comment on the exact amount of money that the Israeli government will pay to
the families.
9. Swoboda calls on gov't to show solid evidence of
‘parallel state'
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (09.05.14)
reports that Hannes Swoboda, the President of the Progressive Alliance of
Socialists and Democrats of the European Parliament stated that the Turkish government's campaign
against what it calls the “parallel state” through mass purges and demotions in
the police and judiciary, and its accusations that the Hizmet movement has
infiltrated the state and attempted a coup d'état, requires proof.
In his keynote
speech at the Justice and Rule of Law International Symposium in İstanbul on
Thursday, Swoboda underlined that Turkish politicians have lost trust in each
other. He brought up recent heated discussions that have occurred between
politicians, as well as the government's discourse against non-political
actors.
He said the EU's
criticisms of Turkey are often perceived with animosity by the Turks. “Once you
start negotiations, your business becomes our business,” he asserted, calling
on the Turkish public and the government to be more receptive of the EU's
guidance.
10. Celik claims: Three quarters of Turkish media
against AKP
Turkish Hurriyet newspaper (09.05.14) reports thatHuseyin
Celik,spokesman of the ruling in Turkey Justice and Development Party (AKP),
claimed that three quarters of the Turkish media and 80% of all columnists are
against the ruling party.
The statements
were made by Celik who according to the paper “spared no effort in slamming the
media for distorting realities and allying with Freedom House in bashing Turkey
and its government”.
The spokesman made these estimations as part of his reaction
to a recent report issued by the Freedom House that demoted Turkey to the “not
free league” in its press freedom index. Celik also directed his criticisms at
Turkish journalists who seemed to be happy about the report.
Advising the Turkish
media to do some journalism by looking into whom Freedom House is serving, Celik
admitted that there were some problems with regard to press freedom in Turkey,
but counting it as worse than so many
underdeveloped countries was not a show of goodwill, Celik repeated the Justice
Ministry’s statement that all journalists behind bars were charged with either
terrorism or other crimes that have nothing to do with their journalistic
activities.
11. Three journalists released over duration of
detention
Turkish Hurriyet newspaper (09.05.14) reports that three
journalists, including Fusun Erdogan, the former general coordinator of Ozgur
Radyo, were released May 8 in the case into the illegal Marxist-Leninist
Communist Party (MLKP).
Erdogan, along
with two other journalists, Bayram Namaz and Arif Celebi, had been sentenced to
a total of 789 years in prison for 155 alleged crimes by a specially authorized
court in Turkey. The Istanbul 20th High Criminal Court ruled for the release of
eight suspects, including the three journalists, on the grounds that their
pre-trial detention exceeded the legal limit set by new legislation that
reduced the limit from 10 to five years. An appeal process is still on-going
regarding the case. Erdogan and the other suspects were imprisoned for nearly
eight years pending the conclusion of the lengthy trial process.
12. CHP leader partially renews executive team
Turkish Hurriyet
newspaper (09.05.14) reports thatKemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the Republican
People’s Party (CHP), renewed his A-team on May 8 by appointing Istanbul Deputy
Gursel Tekin as the new secretary-general of the Social Democrats.
The move came
after the CHP failed to perform well at the March 30 local elections and on the
eve of the upcoming presidential elections in August. The new members of the
Central Executive Board (MYK) are Seyhan Erdogdu, Emel Yildirim, Burhan Senatalar
and Aytun Ciray.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS
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