TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 127/14 10.07.14
1. The five-step road map of the Turkish Cypriot side leaked to the press
2. Nami evaluates his visit to Brussels, the Cyprus talks and the appointment of a new Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General
3. Ozersay: If we can agree on a road map, solid results can be achieved by August
4. Cavusoglu: Turkey is determined to remain one step ahead regarding the Cyprus solution
5. Eroglu met with the “mayors” of occupied Keryneia and Lefkosia and stated that confidence building measures shall never replace solution
6. Turkish Cypriot political party representatives agreed that CBMs cannot replace the comprehensive solution
7. Erdogan: Turkey will continue to speak out against Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people
8. OSCE deploys mission in Turkey to observe presidential election
9. Davutoglu due to Uzbekistan
10. Media watchdog debates public broadcaster TRT’s Erdogan coverage
1. The five-step road map of the Turkish Cypriot side leaked to the press
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (10.07.14) reports that the media of Turkey obtained the five-point road map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side in the Cyprus negotiations. The paper writes that according to Turkish NTV, the Turkish road map is the following:
“1) The second stage of substantial negotiations, during which the positions are mutually determined, will be completed before the negotiations’ entering into the summer vacations.
2) The last stage which is the give and take will start in the end of August. In this process, the map, the security and the guarantees will be left for a next stage.
3) The leaders will visit the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York in September during the works of the General Assembly. In this summit, the disagreements will once more be put onto the table in front of the Secretary-General. The leaders will plan the last steps together with the Secretary-General.
4) A four-party conference will be organized with the participation of guarantor powers Turkey and Greece in parallel to the sides in Cyprus. During the conference which will constitute the most important stage of the negotiations, the territory, the map, the security and the guarantees will be decided. While on the one hand the guarantors are discussing in the conference, on the other the Cypriot leaders’ negotiations will continue. In the summit, if the leaders achieve reconciliation of differences, the date of the referendum by which the solution will separately but simultaneously be submitted for the approval of the two peoples, will be finalized. In the period that will pass until the date of the referendum, delegations of experts will enter into the close city of Varosha and the works of opening the city again for settlement will officially be launched.
5) In the fifth and last stage, a referendum will be held in Cyprus after ten years. If the result that will come out from the referendum from both sides is ‘yes’ to the solution reached by the leaders and the guarantors, the establishment of a new state will be declared. However, if the answer that will come out from the referendum is ‘no’, it will be declared to the world that this process has also failed and that solution could not be found in Cyprus any more. In case the process fails, a broad conference will be organized in which all sides concerned with the Cyprus problem will be gathered. Here they will discuss what should be done for the solution of the problem”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Nami evaluates his visit to Brussels, the Cyprus talks and the appointment of a new Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General
According to illegal Bayrak television (10.07.14, online), Ozdil Nami, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, has alleged that in the Cyprus talks the Turkish side should reject the approaches which are “far from being serious” and exhibit this stance in an evident manner. In statements to Bayrak, Nami evaluated his visit to Brussels and the Cyprus negotiations.
Nami described as “unacceptable” the fact that the Greek Cypriot side is allegedly submitting proposals which deviate from the so-called agreement reached on the issue of the rotating presidency. Nami alleged that both sides had agreed that the system of the rotating presidency would be implemented for the election of the federal government, but they were discussing the way of the election of the rotating president. He claimed: “What was the issue which had not been agreed? How this rotating president will be elected. Would the senate elect him, would the two peoples separately, or would it be with cross voting? This was what had been discussed. There were some moves made by the Turkish side and a full agreement was achieved there”.
He argued that the approach now has been turned into the “one man one vote” principle and that this is unacceptable because the President will always be Greek Cypriot as the Greek Cypriots are the majority.
Nami alleged that the Greek Cypriot side does not exhibit serious approaches in the negotiating process and submits unacceptable proposals. He argued that the Turkish side should not allow this stance. “I am not obliged to take a paper which says that the federal executive [power] will be elected with simple majority”, he alleged and claimed: “I am not obliged to take the confidence building measures paper which the side that does not respect the convergence papers is giving to me and which includes the return of Varosha and the withdrawal of the Turkish army. I find these approaches far from being serious… A serious difficulty exists. Do not bring before us these issues without arranging this. Come and let us solve this. And you UN interfere in this. This ground should be defined in a sound manner and this difficulty should be eliminated by exhibiting a clear stance saying let no one waste anyone’s time”.
Nami argued that the process “is suffering from erosion from inside”, no result is produced and that time has come for the Turkish side to exhibit a harsh stance.
Referring to the possible appointment of a new Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus, Nami argued that this adviser should not come from Europe and that the definition of his duties is important. Nami said that they shared their views with the UN.
Evaluating his contacts in Brussels, Nami noted that the EU Commission will take steps beyond the existing Financial Aid and Green Line Regulations. He added: “We discussed new elements regarding the acquis of the EU with the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Fule. These articles have not yet been clarified one by one but these will be steps beyond the Financial Aid and the Green Line regulations…”
Nami said that “serious steps” are taken for Turkish Cypriot commercial vehicles crossing over to the government-controlled area of Cyprus within the framework of the Green Line Regulation.
Responding to a question, Nami alleged that the Greek Cypriot side was annoyed by the fact that during the lunch he had hosted for foreign Ambassadors to Nicosia, he uncovered that the Greek Cypriots are putting obstacles in front of the negotiating process.
(I/Ts.)
3. Ozersay: If we can agree on a road map, solid results can be achieved by August
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 09.07.14), proposals on the negotiations are being leaked to the Greek Cypriot media and we conveyed our discomfort about this to our counterparts during today's (Wednesday) meeting claimed the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay while speaking to the press after the meeting.
Ozersay said that both sides' proposals appeared in two different Greek Cypriot newspapers on Wednesday, adding that these leakages create problems during the negotiations.
Touching upon the “special meeting”, which was agreed on during the leaders meeting, Ozersay announced the date of the meeting as July 18. During the “Special Meeting” the negotiators and their teams will try to finalize the proposals regarding the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs). Ozersay added that the Turkish Cypriot side's five-step road map will also be discussed during the “special meeting” where the negotiating teams will try to come up with a mutually agreed road map.
According to Ozersay, if both sides agree on a road map, some “solid results” can be achieved before September.
During the 3 hours long meeting, the Turkish Cypriot side suggested rotating presence of journalists during the negotiations said Ozersay, but did not give further details of his suggestion.
The Turkish Cypriot side submitted a proposal on the “Federal Police” issue said Ozersay and noted that this issue was one of the topics which the two sides agreed upon during the previous rounds. “Many aspects of this issue were agreed upon in the past. Today we made a tangible proposal about one of the issues we couldn’t agree on before”, said Ozersay referring to the “maritime search and rescue”.
He also said that the Greek Cypriot side submitted a proposal on the establishment and decision making mechanism of the Federal Public Service Commission and added that the “validity of previous international agreements signed by each side prior to the possible settlement” was also discussed.
A constructive discussion also took place regarding an issue which concerns the vast majority of the society said Ozersay referring to “court decisions and incentives given to investors”.
Ozersay said that the Turkish Cypriot side had reminded its commitment to put all 6 of the chapters on the negotiation table before the end of July. “There is a consensus on bringing proposals about issues where no proposals have been submitted yet. Before the end of the month, we are aiming to finalize assessing and detecting the points which both sides can show some flexibility about. By the beginning of August we will enter a new phase and everything will be laid out on the negotiation table. If we want results and if we can agree on a road map the only thing that will be left to do is putting an effort to finalize the solution process”, Ozersay claimed.
Commenting on the “framework agreement” discussion, Ozersay said that their ultimate aim is to reach a comprehensive settlement based on a strong partnership of the two communities. He added: “We need to build a partnership without any ambiguity which could create problems later. In our opinion, any other formula rather than the comprehensive settlement is meaningless”.
4. Cavusoglu: Turkey is determined to remain one step ahead regarding the Cyprus solution
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 09.07.14), Turkey’s Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Mevlut Cavusoglu said that decreasing the number of chapters from 6 to 3 in Cyprus talks is not that important.
Cavusoglu said: “The important thing is negotiating all issues via comprehensive negotiations under 3 chapters and reaching a settlement”. Speaking about Turkey’s Cyprus policy, Cavusoglu said that Turkey is “determined to remain one step ahead of everyone regarding the solution”.
"We believe that all issues should be negotiated in one package. If issues, especially the Varosha issue, are negotiated separately, negotiations may not result in a settlement. As Turkey we want a permanent solution in Cyprus”, claimed Cavusoglu and added that there is no difference of opinion between Turkish and Turkish Cypriot officials.
5. Eroglu met with the “mayors” of occupied Keryneia and Lefkosia and stated that confidence building measures shall never replace solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (10.07.14) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu met separately with the new “mayors” of occupied Lefkosia and Keryneia municipalities.
During his meeting with the new “Lefkosia mayor” Mehmet Harmanci, Eroglu referred to the Cyprus problem and stated that efforts are exerted so that the problem to be solved at the negotiation table. He said that confidence building measures are taken into consideration; however these shall never replace the solution.
According to the paper, Eroglu gave to Harmanci the signal that some barricades in Lefkosia can be opened reminding that this issue was discussed during the latest meeting he held with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades.
On his part Harmanci stated that he is ready to deal with the many problems that “Lefkosia municipality” faces.
Eroglu also met with the “Keryneia mayor”, Nidai Gungordu.
6. Turkish Cypriot political party representatives agreed that CBMs cannot replace the comprehensive solution
Under the title: “CBMs cannot replace the solution”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.07.14) reports on statements by several representatives of the Turkish Cypriot political parties in the occupied area of Cyprus who all agreed that the proposals which were mutually submitted by the two sides in the island, in the framework of the Cyprus negotiations talks on the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), cannot replace the comprehensive solution.
As the paper points out, the secretary-general of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG), Kutlay Erk, the chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun, the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan and Alpay Durduran, member of the New Cyprus Party (YKP) stressed all the need for the CBMs not to be used as a tool for the delay of the Cyprus negotiation process.
All representatives of the political parties evaluated the CBMs as an element that could help the process, they, however, stressed that nothing can take the place of the comprehensive solution.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP), Cemal Ozyigit and Durduran agreed both with the view that the discussion on the CBMs could take place in another place than the negotiating table. Ozyigit proposed the discussion on the CBMs to take place in a separate committee.
Erk in his turn, accused the Turkish Cypriot leader for briefing the political parties concerning the proposals which were submitted, while, the general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), Hasan Tacoy stressed the need for the CBMs to be discussed together with the five-step roadmap which was submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side.
On the issue of the Framework Agreement, the representatives of the political parties expressed the view that this, like the CBMs will be a side road, adding, that both could prolong the process. Only Ozyigit stated that the Framework Agreement could be a positive step, if, as he said could be included in the framework of the 11th February joint declaration.
Speaking on the issue, Kutlay Erk, stated that their demand is for the CBMs not to replace the solution of the Cyprus problem but to be used for the energy issue and for the comprehensive solution. “The reason why the president wades in the CBMs, is because he wants the delay of the negotiation process, and the solution to be suspended.
Pointing out to the importance of the Cyprus negotiation process to continue for the comprehensive solution, Erk added: “If you do not want to solve it, then invent other things in order to disrupt this”.
Erk added that by bringing to the agenda proposals and things like for example the CBMs, and by spending time for discussing them, it means that the comprehensive negotiation process is delayed and prevented.
In his statements, Hasan Tacoy, “secretary-general” of the Democratic Party- National Forces (DP-UG) stated that the CBMs do not constitute the final solution and proposed for the CBMs and the five-step road map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side, to be discussed together.
Tacoy went on and said that in spite of the fact that they had not seen the CBMs in detail, they had already conveyed their position that if they would have to discuss the issue of Varosha at this moment, they could accept this in exchange that the issue of the opening of ports and airports would be discussed mutually.
Also speaking, Ozgurgun underlined that the CBMs should be used as in instrument for the comprehensive solution which is the final goal.
Referring to the opening of new crossing points which is something which is included into the CBMs proposals, Ozgurgun pointed out that it is very important both communities to understand how this can interact for the increase of their friendship ties and for their mutual acceptance.
On the CBMs, Ozgurgun stated further that these should not be used as a delaying tool towards the solution and called the Greek Cypriot leadership to make a good evaluation of this situation.
Also, the chairman of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit said that the discussion of CBMs could be made by technical committees and not in the framework of the Cyprus negotiation process. “What is important is the steps to be taken towards finding a comprehensive solution”, he added.
Regarding the issue of Varosha, Ozyigit recalled that they are of the opinion that an interval agreement could be reached on the issue, he however, added that besides their party, the other political parties do not see very positively the issue of Varosha.
Ozyigit went on and proposed the establishment of another committee that will discuss all issues related with the CBMs. He also said that the Framework Agreement could constitute a positive step only if it would be included into the framework of the 11th February joint declaration.
In his turn, Izcan stated that it is important the Cyprus negotiation talks for the comprehensive solution to be carry out in parallel with the discussions on the CBMs.
Stating that they had always supported that the proposals on the CBMs could contribute to the efforts for finding a solution, Izcan said that still, the CBM are not enough for finding a solution. “We are not against the Framework Agreement or the CBMs, on the contrary, we support them. But with the only condition to go together with the essential solution process”.
Finally, Durduran, stated that the sides submitted proposals on CBMs in order to delay the process and play their games. He continued and said that the discussion of the CBMs should not take place at the negotiating table but in a different place and added that the sides did not show the necessary determination and willingness for the solution. “They still see the solution of the Cyprus problem to be based on their interests. With this kind of negotiations it is predicted that none will get a result”, added Durduran.
(AK)
7. Erdogan: Turkey will continue to speak out against Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (09.07.14), Turkey will continue to speak out against Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people, Turkey’s Prime Minister and presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.
Speaking at a rally in the central Anatolian city of Tokat, he criticized the response of Turkey's opposition presidential candidate to the fierce onslaught by the Israeli military on the Gaza Strip.
Erdogan told his supporters: "Oh God! Israel is bombarding, defenceless people are being killed and a presidential candidate -- Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, former Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation -- says you have to be impartial on the Palestinian issue. What kind of an understanding is that? He had the same logic and comprehension during his tenure as the OIC secretary general."
Referring to the historical Ottoman rule over a vast area from Asia to Europe and Africa, Erdogan said that Turkey could not turn a blind eye to the pain and suffering of the people in different countries of the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.
8. OSCE deploys mission in Turkey to observe presidential election
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 09.07.14) reported that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) formally opened an observation mission in Turkey on Wednesday for the upcoming presidential election on Aug. 10, the group has announced.
The limited election observation mission (LEOM) was launched by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), according to an OSCE statement. It said the mission's deployment follows an invitation from the Turkish authorities.
The mission is led by Ambassador Geert-Hinrich Ahrens of Germany, who has headed OSCE/ODIHR missions in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Serbia and Armenia in the past, and consists of a core team of 13 experts based in Ankara and 16 long-term observers to be deployed across the country.
The mission will visit a limited number of polling stations on the day of the election, but does not plan to systematically observe the voting, counting or tabulation of results. It will meet with state officials, representatives of political parties and media and civil society organizations throughout the course of its observation mission.
ODIHR will then issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions the day after the election. A final and more extensive report on the observation of the entire electoral process will be issued approximately eight weeks after the end of the observation mission, according to the statement.
9. Davutoglu due to Uzbekistan
According to Turkish daily Sabah (online, 10.07.14), Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's three-day visit to Uzbekistan starting today is viewed as an effort to establish dialogue and improve bilateral ties that have suffered due to numerous political disputes described as misunderstandings.
Davutoglu is scheduled to visit Uzbekistan from July 10-12 to hold bilateral talks and revive Turkey-Uzbekistan relations. Davutoglu's visit comes after 13 years since the beginning of a new era in terms of bilateral relations. His visit is aiming to reignite the relations that were halted due to political disputes and functionalize the dialogue and negotiation channels between the two countries. In his statement, Davutoglu said that there has been a halt in Turkish and Uzbek relations since 2006 due to misunderstandings, but now both countries are trying to ensure diplomatic contacts to salvage the relations. "This will be a new and stronger beginning," said Davutoglu, highlighting that Turkey and Uzbekistan are sister countries and share a cultural legacy. Davutoglu added that officials will discuss the steps to be taken to uphold relations as part of their action plan.
Speaking to Ankara Anatolia news agency, Turkish Ambassador to Tashkent Namik Guner Erpul said that in addition to the positive developments in 2014, Uzbekistan's announcement that it will support the nomination of Turkey to the U.N. Security Council's temporary seat is an important step in relations. Erpul noted that the Turkish Foreign Minister's visit is an important step to present a roadmap for mutual cooperation.
10. Media watchdog debates public broadcaster TRT’s Erdogan coverage
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 10.07.14) with the above title reported that Erdogan's rallies are all broadcasted live by TRT and most of the private channels.
The Turkish state broadcaster’s one-sided coverage of presidential elections that ignores the opposition’s candidates while broadcasting Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rallies and statements live and uninterruptedly has caused a stir among members of the media watchdog.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) met yesterday with the primary agenda of the state broadcaster TRT’s coverage of the presidential elections. RTUK’s members representing the three opposition parties severely criticized the TRT for ignoring their presidential candidates, Ekmelettin Ihsanoglu and Selahattin Demirtas, and introduced a report disclosing the durations of TRT’s coverage of each candidate.
According to the report, the TRT never mentioned the public activities of Ihsanoglu and Demirtas on July 3 while Erdogan appeared for 30 minutes on the state broadcaster. On July 4, TRT Turk broadcast news about Erdogan for one hour and 20 minutes while Ihsanoglu was seen only for one minute and Demirtas was fully ignored, the report said.
Demirtaş also gave figures about the TRT’s coverage of him and other candidates on July 4, 5 and 6. On these three days, Erdogan appeared for 305 minutes while Ihsanoglu and Demirtas did not appear at all on TRT Turk. On TRT 1 news bulletins, Erdogan had a share of 24 minutes while Ihsanoglu appeared for two minutes and five seconds as Demirtas was fully ignored. TRT Haber covered Erdogan for 204 minutes, Ihsanoglu for one minute and 20 seconds and Demirtas for only 45 seconds.
Erdogan’s rallies and all sorts of public speeches are continuously broadcast by all TRT channels live and in full. These are also carried by a number of news channels, especially pro-government ones.
Members of the RTUK from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and People’s Democracy Party (HDP) have underlined that TRT is violating laws as presidential elections are not a race between political parties but individual candidates.
“TRT should be equal to all candidates. But it’s not doing this. Although it’s a state broadcaster, it almost completely ignores two oppositional candidates while giving all the space to Erdogan,” they said.
Members of oppositional parties have suggested that TRT should be fined due to its violation of the laws, but ruling party members on the RTUK panel, who form a majority, rejected the proposal.
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