TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 111/14 18.06.14
1. Ozersay evaluates Stockholm contacts to BRT
2. Ertug issues statement on Cyprus talks
3. Nami to attend OIC meeting in Jeddah
4. Ozgurgun: As long as the UBP exists no territory will be returned
5. Columnist assesses Eroglu’s statement that the negotiations “started from the beginning on some issues”
6. Fule: Turkey’s negotiations could only move forward in parallel with convincing political reforms including progress on all Cyprus-related issues
7. Those who possess occupied Greek Cypriot property will be taxed over the value of the property
8. Undue operations and many questions on the illegal “British University of Nicosia”
9. Semen Saygun is the new president of KTOS
10. Turkish Commentary views pros and cons of Ihsanoglu as opposition's presidential candidate
11. Erdogan tight-lipped on İhsanoglu's candidacy; he will visit Austria and France and is expected to meet with Hollande
12. Turkish opposition's presidential candidate Ihsanoglu responds to criticism and expresses support to Ataturk
13. German FM Steinmeier to visit Turkey for talks
14. Eleven police officers detained in Turkish PM Erdogan’s wiretapping probe, one missing
1. Ozersay evaluates Stockholm contacts to BRT
Illegal Bayrak television (17.06.14) broadcast that Turkish Cypriot Negotiator Kudret Ozersay evaluated his contacts in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, including his meeting with the Swedish Deputy Foreign Minister.
Ozersay said that he had briefed the Swedish Deputy Foreign Minister on the course of the negotiations and the problems encountered in the process. He said they also took up what steps could be taken in order to achieve result oriented negotiations.
Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot side has views as to how progress can be achieved on some of the outstanding issues, Ozersay claimed that the Greek Cypriot side rejected these suggestions.
Stating that their international contacts were not aimed at smearing or complaining about the Greek Cypriot side, Ozersay said: “We are not acting in an accusing manner during our foreign contacts. We are acting towards achieving results from the negotiations process.”
Also stating that he had come together with some deputies in Sweden ahead of the upcoming elections in the country, he claimed that he had observed during these contacts that the Greek Cypriot side has been leading a smear campaign against Turkish Cypriots, distorting realities on the ground.
He expressed the belief that this visit would have a positive impact in changing this.
Pointing out the importance of such visits “in making the Turkish Cypriot people’s voice heard”, Ozersay said that “more steps should be taken to make the Turkish Cypriots’ presence in the world felt”.
Commenting on reports in the Greek Cypriot press blaming the Turkish Cypriot side for divergences on several areas in the negotiating chapters, Ozersay claimed: “The reason why the Greek Cypriots are blaming us is perhaps because we might have stepped on the foot of some circles opposed to the status quo.”
“These are not correct approaches. The Turkish Cypriot side will negotiate the issues of citizenship, security and guaranties as it did before”, he added.
Ozersay also claimed that although the Greek Cypriot side knew that the Turkish Cypriot side would table proposals on these issues it continued a smear campaign against the Turkish Cypriot side, claiming it had no intention of negotiating a settlement.
“Such attempts are harming the negotiations process” Ozersay added.
Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot side would negotiate all the 6 chapters including the chapter on territory, Ozersay said the UN Secretary General’s report issued in March clearly outlined when maps should be discussed.
2. Ertug issues statement on Cyprus talks
Illegal Bayrak television (17.06.14) broadcast that Osman Ertug, the spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, made statements regarding the Cyprus negotiations process.
Ertug claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready to negotiate all chapters on the negotiating table and that there was no any issue which the Turkish Cypriot side avoided discussing.
Ertug alleged that contrary to Greek Cypriot claims, it was the Greek Cypriot side which opposed to the creation of a road map a multilateral conference, and timetables or a deadline for simultaneous referenda and insisting on conducting open-ended negotiations.
He also claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side has not avoided discussing criteria for territorial adjustments, the internal aspects of security, property, security or guarantees. “Instead, the Turkish Cypriot side had put forward constructive proposals on all these issues, forcing the Greek Cypriot side to adopt a similar positive approach” he alleged, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side was preparing to table proposals on the issue of citizenship within the current phase reached in the talks.
Ertug also claimed out that the Greek Cypriot side not only chose to discuss proposals that it felt suited its interests but it also brought proposals to the negotiating table which fell outside standing UN parameters, were maximalist and at variance with convergences reached on the issues.
3. Nami to attend OIC meeting in Jeddah
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (18.06.14) reports that the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami will participate in the OIC’s 41st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Nami is accompanied by the “general director of the department of foreign affairs”, Kemal Koprulu, and “ministry diplomat”, Yasa Yesilada.
On the sidelines of the session Nami will meet with the general secretary of OIC, Iyad Amen Medeni, and the Turkish Foreign, Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
4. Ozgurgun: As long as the UBP exists no territory will be returned
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (18.06.14) reports that Huseyin Ozgurgun, chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP), has said that the “municipal elections” to be held in the occupied area of Cyprus on 29 June are more than “local elections” for his party. Addressing meetings of UBP in occupied Vadili and Assia villages, Ozgurgun explained why these “elections” are of increased importance by alleging:
“Because the Cyprus issue has escalated. Look, in the maps during the Annan Plan period these areas were given and the party which had then said ‘let them be given’ is now in power and unfortunately the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG) is a coalition partner of this government. There is only one party which is standing erect on this matter. We are standing erect together with our president, esteemed Dervis Eroglu, and as long as the UBP exists neither Assia nor Vadili or any other place will ever be given away”.
Ozgurgun went on arguing that their job as UBP was to serve their “people and state”. He added: “The most important is that there will be presidential elections very soon. There is a need for the UBP to be strong in an environment where the negotiations on the Cyprus issue are continuing…”
Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu’s daughter, Resmiye Canaltay, was also present at the above-mentioned meetings. Canaltay argued that these were the “elections” during which the members of the UBP would show their unity and added that they are heading towards becoming “government”. She alleged that “when we think what is being bargained today in our country”, it is the Turkish Cypriot “people’s” duty to give victory to UBP’s candidates in the forthcoming “elections”.
(I/Ts.)
5. Columnist assesses Eroglu’s statement that the negotiations “started from the beginning on some issues”
Writing in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (18.06.14), Turkish Cypriot columnist Sami Ozuslu assesses the statement made the day before yesterday by the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervish Eroglu, who during a meeting with a delegation from the “Independent Turkey Commission”, alleged that the negotiations on some issues of the Cyprus problem had started from the beginning.
Under the title “Returning to the beginning”, Ozuslu reports that Eroglu has finally admitted that the negotiations are not going well. The columnist writes, inter alia, the following:
“…In spite of the fact that when he took over the presidency in 2010 he had promised the international community that he would ‘continue from the point Talat had left’ [the negotiations], Dervis Eroglu is still praying for the same thing to happen. And the name of this prayer is nothing else but ‘two separate sovereign states’! Did he not recently say that ‘the solution to be found will be in harmony with the UBP’s principles [Translator’s note: UBP is the ‘main opposition’ National Unity Party]? This was a manifestation of his point of view towards the Cyprus problem rather than a slip of the tongue.
Besides, when you look at the team that surrounds him, the plethora of persons who adopt the principle of ‘integration with the motherland’, and not the federation in Cyprus, if this was possible, attracts the attention. […]
The fact that Eroglu admitted that ‘we have returned to the beginning’ expresses either the Turkish Cypriot leadership’s weakness in administrating the process or the fact that it is carrying out sly business in order to damage the process. There is no third explanation for this. Because let no one forget that the Turkish Cypriots are those who actually need the solution in Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriots, who are increasingly feeling to the bone the psychology of ‘being annihilated’. The Turkish Cypriots, who understand that they will not be able to keep their children in the island and whose families are planning to emigrate in increasing numbers. The Turkish Cypriots, who are increasingly ‘becoming insignificant’ economically, socially and culturally. Do these mean something for Eroglu and his team? If they did, returning to the beginning at the negotiating table would not have been allowed to happen”.
(I/Ts.)
6. Fule: Turkey’s negotiations could only move forward in parallel with convincing political reforms including progress on all Cyprus-related issues
Ankara Anatolia news agency (18.06.14) reports that Turkey's reforms will determine the tone of EU's 2014 progress report on Turkey, EU enlargement chief Stefan Fule said on Tuesday.
"There is a chance to turn our positive agenda into tangible results and set the appropriate tone for the next progress report on Turkey," Fule told reporters after meeting Turkish officials in Ankara.
Fule called on Turkey to pursue the relevant reforms for its accession to the EU, saying: "The future of the accession process will not be determined by the results of the European Parliament elections but it will be determined by Turkey's own performance." He added that the accession negotiations could only move forward in parallel with convincing political reforms including progress on all Cyprus related issues.
7. Those who possess occupied Greek Cypriot property will be taxed over the value of the property
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (18.06.14) reports that after Turkey informed the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, that it would stop funding the so-called Property Compensation Commission, the regime cannot find money to pay the Greek Cypriots who have sold their occupied property [through that “Commission”].
According to the paper, for this reason a new plan is being prepared. The plan provides that those who possess occupied Greek Cypriot property will be paying a 25% tax over the value of this property. Contacts have already been held with the “Banks’ Union” for the taxation of the holders of these properties. In the first stage the plan is to establish a fund in which all banks will be contributing. Those who cannot pay the above tax will secure a loan from that fund and the money from that loan will be transferred to the “Commission”.
The paper writes that the self-styled ambassador of Turkey to the occupied part of Nicosia, Halil Ibrahim Akca is reported to coordinate this “operation”.
(I/Ts.)
8. Undue operations and many questions on the illegal “British University of Nicosia”
Turkish Cypriot Kibris Postasi newspaper 918.06.14) reports that new details about the recently established illegal “British University of Nicosia'” (BUN) emerging adding to the discussions on the new establishment’s credibility and legality.
According to the paper, after announcing the beginning of registrations many questions were raised regarding its education quality, lack of accreditation and the similarity of its name to the University of Nicosia in the Republic of Cyprus.
9. Semen Saygun is the new president of KTOS
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (18.06.14) reports that Semen Saygun was elected as the new President of Cyprus Turkish Teachers Trade Union (KTOS).
In her written statement Saygun said “KTOS' negative stance to the “constitutional amendments” is a negative stance to the separatist regime, its constitution and the regime's collaborators in Cyprus.
10. Turkish Commentary views pros and cons of Ihsanoglu as opposition's presidential candidate
Turkish daily Milliyet (17.06.14) published a commentary by Asli Aydintasbas under the title: ”Ihsanoglu for President of the Republic, and not head of state”, where he comments on the pros and cons of Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu as opposition's Presidential candidate:
“Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, who appeared on the public agenda as the "roof candidate" of the CHP [Republican People's Party] and the MHP [Nationalist Action Party] against Tayyip Erdogan, is a highly personality acclaimed but not well known by the public at home and abroad. The following are his pros and cons as a presidential candidate:
Pros:
He may attract conservatives' votes: Ihsanoglu, who was born in Egypt and who speaks four languages, is known for his right-conservative identity. By virtue of his capacity as secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for 10 years, he may attract the votes of urban conservatives such as former DYP [True Path Party] and ANAP [Motherland Party] voters in addition to the AKP's [Justice and Development Party] core base. Although he was born in Cairo, he comes from a family of Islamic scholars from Yozgat.
Wise person profile: Those who are closely acquainted with him know that Ihsanoglu's balanced, calm, and quiet style is a far cry from the tough and libellous style that dominated Turkish politics in the last years. They believe, however, that this difference can be a positive value in the eyes of the voters. In terms of style, Ihsanoglu is not the kind that will climb on the roof of the bus in election rallies and wrangle with his adversaries. By displaying a "wise person" profile in the elections campaign, he will be promising the voters a national conciliation away from tension. He is not a national orator but he is very eloquent in interviews.
International Acclaim: Ihsanoglu is a personality who is acclaimed outside of Turkey like Kemal Dervis. He was brought to the head of the OIC with the AKP's support only and when he ran for the second time, he was strongly supported by the Islamic countries as well. During his term as OIC secretary general, he drew a reformist line regarding women's and human rights. He is somebody who is known in the Middle East and who knows the Middle East well.
Vote against the Presidential System: The greatest advantage Ihsanoglu has is perhaps the fact that the elections are actually not about him but about Tayyip Erdogan. In the polarized atmosphere of Turkey, the presidential elections will be perceived as "Yes or No to Erdogan," in which case, Erdogan will be the "president," and Ihsanoglu will be the "president of the Republic."
Cons:
He Is Not Well-Known: Ihsanoglu's biggest disadvantage is the fact that he is not well known by the public. In the face of a brand such as Tayyip Erdogan, the CHP-MHP bloc has only one month to promote Ihsanoglu. The elections coincide with the holiday period of the middle-class voters who vote for the CHP. The challenge of the CHP-MHP will be to convince the voters to cut short their vacation in order to cast their vote for a candidate they know very little.
Elitist Perception: Despite his prestigious name in the Islamic world, Ihsanoglu cannot be considered a "people's man." He is someone who is well educated, went to good schools, and held high-level positions in the international world. It will not be easy for him to create the feeling of "one of us," which Erdogan elicited in certain sectors. Furthermore, in terms of style, it will be hard for him to compete with Erdogan, who knows very well how to "touch" the man in the street since his period at the municipality.
Egypt Coup Discussion: Although Ihsanoglu did not support the coup in Egypt, he did not adopt as tough a stand as Tayyip Erdogan due to his work at the OIC. That is because the OIC is an institution where the members act based on consensus. That is why he was personally subjected to the AKP's criticism. Based on that, the AKP has already started to argue on the social media that Ihsanoglu is a "put schist," and the "candidate of the established system.”
11. Erdogan tight-lipped on İhsanoglu's candidacy; he will visit Austria and France and is expected to meet with Hollande
Turkish Hurriyet Daily (17.06.14) reports that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refused to comment on the nomination of Ekmelettin İhsanoglu as the joint opposition presidential candidate, simply stating that the "most valuable evaluation" will be made by the people in the election.
"I do not need to talk about this issue. The candidates are not registered yet. We'll see at the [election] rallies and we'll talk about it. The best assessment will be made by the people. Let's leave this issue to the people," Erdogan t stated.
The paper adds that Erdogan will visit Austria on June 19 and then France on June 20, where he will address Turks living in both countries, who will for the first time be able to cast their votes in presidential elections.
Erdogan will also hold talks with senior officials from both countries, and is expected to meet French President Francois Hollande in Paris on June 20 before addressing a rally in Lyon on June 21.
12. Turkish opposition presidential candidate Ihsanoglu responds to criticism and expressed support to Ataturk
Turkish Hurriyet Daily (18.06.14) reports that the former head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), nominated by the two major opposition parties represented in the Turkish Parliament as their joint presidential candidate on June 16, has addressed secular voters in his first interview.
Speaking to daily Cumhuriyet, İhsanoglu rejected claims that he was “against Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the Republic.” “Such assessments sadden me. Our friends who claim this should look at my past. They should see the positions I have held domestically, including the ones that bear Ataturk’s name. It’s completely wrong to reject Ataturk, the reality of the Republic and its gains,” İhsanoglu said in the interview.
“Ataturk has a special place in the heart of the Turkish nation as the hero of the fight for independence and the founder of the Turkish Republic. Contradicting it would be an attitude that doesn’t fit historical reality. For Turkey, Ataturk is what Napoleon is for France or George Washington for the United States,” İhsanoglu told Cumhuriyet daily.
Stressing that Ataturk “should neither be consecrated nor rejected,” İhsanoglu suggested that “Turkey should have overcome such debates long ago.” “Political forces shouldn’t put pressure on religion. Similarly, pressure shouldn’t be put on politics through religion,” İhsanoglu said.
When asked about his chances against the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) possible presidential candidate, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, İhsanoglu said he’s ready for 45 days of intense campaigning. “Those who enter a bathhouse sweat,” İhsanoglu said, quoting a Turkish idiom.
13. German FM Steinmeier to visit Turkey for talks
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (17.06.14) reports that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to pay a visit to Istanbul on June 20-21 for talks on Turkish-German bilateral relations and recent developments in Syria and Iraq, including the threat stemming from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Steinmeier will meet with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and the two are expected to exchange views on Germany's visa requirement for Turkish citizens, the problems of Turkish citizens living in Germany, cooperation in fighting against terrorism and Turkey's EU membership.
14. Eleven police officers detained in Turkish PM Erdogan’s wiretapping probe
Turkish Hurriyet Daily (18.06.14) reports that a prosecutor has issued search and arrest warrants for 12 police officers in Turkish PM's wiretapping probe. Eleven officers, including Erdogan's former chief bodyguard, have been detained.
A prosecutor has issued search and arrest warrants for 12 police officers over the illegal wiretapping of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office on June 17, leading to 11 detentions.
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