TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 129/14 12-14.07.14
1. Yorgancioglu discussed with Erdogan the financial problems of the breakaway regime
2. Turkish Cypriot columnist says Nami’s statements do not serve peace in Cyprus
3. The occupation regime prepared a new “citizenship law”
4. Yorgancioglu sent congratulation messages to Schultz and Pittella
5. The British Ambassador to Ankara: Energy and water supplies are a great driver for solution
6. Columnist Yusuf Kanli: Missing persons
7. They started placing the pipes for transferring the water from Turkey to occupied Nicosia
8. “Kantara Air Carrier Company” in the occupied area of Cyprus declared bankruptcy
9. Volkan joined Akdeniz Medis Group
10. Italy to accelerate Turkey's EU membership
11. Erdogan's presidential vision sees the dawn of a new Turkey
12. Demirtas: HDP’s target is to become main opposition party
13. Opinion polls on the presidential elections in Turkey
1. Yorgancioglu discussed with Erdogan the financial problems of the breakaway regime
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 12.07.14), self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu held a fruitful day of contacts in Istanbul.
Evaluating his one day visit to Istanbul upon his return to the occupied airport of Tymbou, Yorgancioglu said his contacts had been very useful. He was accompanied by the self-styled minister of finance Zeren Mungan and the self-styled minister of agriculture and energy Onder Sennaroglu during his visit to Turkey.
He met for 45 minutes with the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Referring to his meeting with Erdogan, Yorgancioglu said he had found the opportunity to discuss the problems being experienced in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus alongside the drought conditions which have crippled the “country”.
“Our meeting was very positive and sincere. Alongside the problems being experienced in our country we exchanged views regarding the budget aims of 2014 and came to an agreement on the path that will be taken”, said Yorgancioglu.
He added that he was very pleased with the meeting and he was certain that the soonest possible everyone will see the positive repercussions of his meeting with the Turkish Premier.
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog (12.07.14) reported that it was learned that Yorgancioglu asked from Erdogan an additional amount of 50 million TL in order to compensate the farmers due to the drought.
2. Turkish Cypriot columnist says Nami’s statements do not serve peace in Cyprus
Under the title “Who would not put his signature under Anastasiades proposals?” Turkish Cypriot columnist Serhat Incirli assesses in daily Kibris newspaper (13.07.14) the statements made last week by the self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime, Ozdil Nami to illegal Bayrak television [Translator’s note: See Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10/07/2014].
Incirli wonders whether these statements were a “tactic” or a “diplomatic game” and describes Nami’s stance as “extraordinarily negative”. Incirli points out that these were not words that should have been said by a person, who “wants a solution” or by a “deputy of a party which carries solution as its flag”.
He goes on adding, inter alia, the following:
“(…) Of course we fully respect the views and the stance of everyone, but why should we not take the Greek Cypriot views? I have not understood what is included in the Greek Cypriot proposals. Which article is disturbing us? Which member of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) will not sign these articles immediately? However, I could never accept Mr Nami’s statement that ‘time has come for the Turkish side to exhibit a harsh stance’, which goes beyond these words recalling of Mumtaz Soysal and Sukru Sina Gurel.
If President Mr Dervis Eroglu had exhibited this stance, I would say that ‘it is appropriate, Mr President has these views for years’, I would never approve them, but I would respect them. However, I am criticizing Nami’s hawkish stance, even if it is exhibited ‘as a necessity for tactics’.
Come and let us take a look at Anastasiades’ confidence building proposals one by one.
1. Adoption of the Ankara Protocol by Turkey… What is the matter with this? Why has it upset us? What is wrong with it?
2. Opening of Turkey’s eight frozen negotiations chapters and of chapters 23, 24, and 26 frozen by the Republic of Cyprus… For God’s sake, do we not want these to happen?
3. A three step road map for the return of Varosha… Varosha should be returned immediately my brother. And with absolutely no hesitation.
4. Use of the Port of Famagusta for export of goods to the EU… For God’s sake, are we against this?
5. Restoration of the religious and cultural monuments in the area within the walls of Nicosia… Do we not want this?
6. Restoration of the religious and cultural monuments in the area within the walls of Famagusta… Is this something bad?
7. Withdrawal of 5-10 thousand Turkish troops (from the island)… This should be absolutely no problem. If this is necessary for peace, it should happen.
8. Demining of the minefields… How could you oppose to this? In the name of which tactics? For the sake of which future allegation? Pease sir, please, this is a humanitarian issue.
9. Removing the troops far away from the cease fire line… There is only one word which a member of the CTP, a supporter of peace could say to this: ‘IMMEDIATELY!’
10. Demilitarization of the cease fire line in the cities… The same is valid for this.
11. Opening of barricades (Athienou-Piroi, Lefka – Apliki, Pafos Gate – Nicosia, Pomos – Pahiammos-Kato Pyrgos-Karavostasi)… The life of the people will be facilitated. Why should we oppose to this?
12. Connecting the telephone networks under the 00357 code… Objecting to this is also meaningless. The companies are anyway international.
13. Supporting the Committee on the Missing Persons by holding joint visits to the Laboratory of Anthropology… Objecting to this is anyway not normal.
14. Establishing three new committees (Trade Unions, Restoration-Settlement and European Union) …How nice it will be, let us establish them immediately. Let us propose even more...
However, I am sorry but it cannot benefit the solution to exhibit this harsh stance for the sake of tactics, for the sake of diplomatic games with calculations for the future. It does not serve peace. This is my view. I have asked many Turkish Cypriot friends of mine. ‘Who would not put its signature under the proposals of Anastasiades?’ Some said ‘I would not’. However, they have been from the beginning supporters of the ‘corrupt’ system [Translator’s note: The word ‘corrupt is used in English] based on looting. They were not members of the CTP…”
(I/Ts.)
3. The occupation regime prepared a new “citizenship law”
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (13.07.14) reported that the “coalition government” between the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) and the Democratic Party-National Forces (DP-UG) has completed its works regarding the preparations of the “citizenship law” which is prepared for the “foreigners” living in the occupied area of Cyprus.
As the paper writes, the “government” which has completed the preparation of the “draft bill” aims to send it to the political parties for discussion.
The “citizenship law” which is expected to be sent to the “assembly” for approval, will be put into effect on October.
Together with the implementation of the “law”, all people who have working permits in the “occupation regime” for five continuous years, will have the right to obtain the “white identity card” and will be exempt from doing the necessary procedures every year for gaining the working permission. The paper adds that those who stay in the occupied area of Cyprus for more than five years and who are also owners of the “white identity card”, will have the right to apply for “citizenship”.
According to information acquired by reliable sources, together with the “draft bill” which was prepared, a “restriction” will be implemented for the “TRNC’s citizenship”, in order for the illegal period of granting “citizenships” to be ended. The same sources point out that the “white card” will be a precondition for those who will apply for the “citizenship. At the same time, those who have completed all the necessary procedures regarding their working conditions and have lived in the “occupation regime” for 5 years will have the right to apply for the “citizenship”.
The sources point out that with the launching of the implementation of the “law”, it is predicted that at the first stage, approximately 10,000 people who live in the occupied area of Cyprus, will have the right to apply for the “white card”.
Speaking on the issue, the so-called minister of “interior”, Teberruken Ulucay stated that the “bill” is ready and that its last version will be sent to the political parties in order to discuss it and sent their views.
(AK)
4. Yorgancioglu sent congratulation messages to Schultz and Pittella
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 12.07.14), the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu has sent a message of congratulations to Martin Schultz who was elected as the new President of the European Parliament and Gianni Pittella who was elected as the new leader of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament.
According to information released by the CTP, Yorgancioglu expressed the hope that the men will work towards a more just Europe at their new posts.
In the messages the CTP-BG, which is an observer member of the European Socialists Party and the Socialists and Democratic group in the European Parliament, expressed its desire to work together in order to allow the Turkish Cypriots’ voice be heard in the European Parliament and gain direct representation.
The message also pointed to the importance of reaching a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution in Cyprus based on political equality and within the framework of EU parameters and the importance for the Turkish Cypriots to gain their rightful place amongst the European family.
5. The British Ambassador to Ankara: Energy and water supplies are a great driver for solution
Under the title “What we need is a unified Iraq' says British Ambassador”, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 14.07.14) publishes an interview with the British Ambassador to Ankara Richard Moore which he gave to Ali Unal.
According to the paper, Richard Moore has been in Ankara as the British Ambassador since January, however he has worked in Turkey almost 20 years and as such he is one of the best witnesses to Turkey's developments in the last two decades. Bilateral relations between Turkey and the United Kingdom have gained momentum in the last decade and both countries enjoy high levels of cooperation in various fields. From the latest developments in the Middle East to Turkey-EU relations and Cyprus peace talks, there are many issues on which both countries are cooperating closely.
Following are some extracts from the interview regarding Turkey’s EU bid and the Cyprus talks:
Sabah: Britain has always been supportive of Turkey's EU bid. Considering the economic and political crisis that Europe faces which has led to a decreased capacity to absorb new members, where do you think negotiations will head? Do you think there is a deadlock in Turkish-EU relations?
Moore: I am more positive. I don't think it's a deadlock. Up until 2013 we were in a difficult period. The word deadlock would have been perfectly fair to describe it.
After the great promise of the early years of 2003-5, it felt like everything was moving in a positive direction. Then we had a more difficult period. In 2014, you had a successful visit by the Prime Minister to Brussels where he saw Van Rompuy, Barrosso and Schultz.
So, we started to make some progress. Then, if I'm honest, we look at some of the legislation introduced in Turkey earlier this year that caused concern both in Brussels, in the mind of Füle and across the rest of the EU. Some of the legislation we felt should have been more carefully consulted on, not least to reflect EU concerns. That said I have to say that recently, I have detected a real determination in Ankara, to get things back on track.
I remain positive about the EU. There are too many people, particularly within the Turkish government; who understand the importance of the EU to Turkey.
Sabah: As a representative of one of the guarantor states of Cyprus, how do you evaluate the current peace talks?
Moore: Leaders of the two sides of the island are talking and that's a very good thing. Both communities can see the economic opportunities that would come out of a settlement. Energy, water supplies are a great driver for solution. But I have been following the Cyprus situation for 25 years and we still don't have a settlement. There are decades of distrust between the two sides. A solution will still require more leadership from Ankara, from Athens, from London, from Washington and the support of the U.N. to get us over the line. I'm hopeful but I'm also realistic that there is a lot of hard work to be done.
6. Columnist Yusuf Kanli: Missing persons
Columnist Yusuf Kanli, writing in Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 14.07.14),
under the title “Missing persons”, comments on, inter alia, the first ever funeral of a Greek Cypriot missing person, which took place in the occupied village of Ayia Triada, Yialousa on Saturday as follows:
“This Saturday, July 12, there was a solemn ceremony in Cyprus. Forty years after he went missing, the remains of a Greek Cypriot were finally laid to rest. This was the first-ever funeral held in northern Cyprus for a Greek Cypriot missing person. Yiannakis Savva Liasis was killed in the second stage of the Turkish intervention in August 1974, but he was listed as missing when his body was not found. The Committee for Missing Persons (CMP), comprising representatives of the two communities in Cyprus and the United Nations’ Secretary General, aims to ascertain the fate of all persons missing. (…)
It would have been a privilege and a duty if I could attend the 40-years’-late funeral of Yiannakis in the Ayia Triada Church at Sipahi, or with its pre-1974 name Yialousa. (…)
I cannot imagine the pain his family went through over the past 40 years since he vanished and was presumed killed in action. His remains were finally uncovered in a mass grave with four others in Klepini or Arapkoy village in northern Cyprus in March 2010 and were identified through DNA testing last May. (…)
According to many of the articles I read, the funeral of Yiannakis was attended by some of the remaining Greek Cypriots of northern Cyprus, a handful of people from southern Greek Cypriot areas and politicians from the ruling Democratic Rally Party and by all of the socialist AKEL. Some Turkish Cypriots were apparently there also. But I could not read any report about the participation of the funeral or church services by any Turkish Cypriot politician. Why? Even if we have not yet found a resolution to the Cyprus problem and even if no peace agreement has been signed and we are having a “ceasefire period” in Cyprus, the war is over. Pain is universal. It does not have borders, colour or ethnicity. Turkish Cypriot politicians must have been capable of sharing the grief of Yiannakis’ family if we are to build a common future on this island.”
7. They started placing the pipes for transferring the water from Turkey to occupied Nicosia
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (12.07.14) reports that the excavations and the placement of the pipes which will carry water from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus would start in occupied Nicosia on Saturday. According to a statement issued by the so-called municipality of Nicosia the excavations started near illegal Near East University and are expected to proceed to the south of Dr. Fazil Kucuk Bulevard within the forthcoming days.
(I/Ts.)
8. “Kantara Air Carrier Company” in the occupied area of Cyprus declared bankruptcy
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (14.07.14) reports that a company under the name “Kantara Airlines Aviation” which was established on March 31, 2012, after the bankruptcy of the “Turkish Cypriot Airlines” and the establishment of the new “Northern Cyprus Airlines”, has gone into bankruptcy as well.
According to information acquired by the paper, the above mentioned company which was inactive since its establishment causes damages to the “state” every passing year and thus, the so-called “Providence Fund Department”, decided during a meeting of May 8, 2014 for the closing down of the company and its liquidation.
However, as it was made known according to the paper, since the company was not able to fulfil its economic responsibilities during the last years, the amount of 100 thousand T.L should be paid first before its closure.
[Translator’s note: Kantara air carrier company was established in 2011, after the bankruptcy of the “Turkish Cypriot Airlines, and after a decision taken by the “ministerial council” for the establishment of a new air carrier in the occupied area of Cyprus. The company was established by the former self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk with the partnership of the “Providence Fund Department”.
The so-called “council of ministers”, decided for the new airlines to be established under the name "Northern Cyprus Airlines" (KKH), to be a partnership of the private sector which would have 60% of the shares, the state with 30% of shares and the Turkish Airlines with 10% of the shares.
According to this decision, a new company under the name “Kantara Airlines Aviation” which would represent the 30% of the “state”, was established by Kucuk and based in Istanbul. Note: See also Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 08.04.11, No 66/11)
(AK)
9. Volkan joined Akdeniz Medis Group
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.07.14) reports that as of today the paper joined the Akdeniz Medya Grubu (Akden’z media Group). Volkan is being published since 12 December 2001. The owner of Akdeniz Media Group, Huseyin Macit Yusuf purchased the 100% of the shares of Volkan owned by Direnis Basin Yayin Ltd (Resistance Press Publications Ltd).
The same Media Group owns Akdeniz TV, Akdeniz FM, Akdeniz news Agency and Akdeniz Publications. Huseyin Macit Yusuf will be the owner and the general publishing director of Volkan. Sabahattin Ismail and Aydin Akkurt, who have been publishing the paper for 13 years, will continue having their duties in Volkan and writing their columns. Within the forthcoming days, the group will start publishing an internet newspaper titled “Akdenizhaber.com”.
(I/Ts.)
10. Italy to accelerate Turkey's EU membership
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.07.14), Italy will throw the full weight of its EU presidency behind Turkey's accession bid as it takes over the office, Italian under-secretary for Europe Sandro Gozi has told the Anatolia news agency.
Gozi said Turkey's accession to the EU would contribute to the 28-member bloc economically, socially and culturally. He said: "We have always welcomed and supported Turkey's EU membership. We always want Turkey to be included in the EU more and this will be among Italy's priorities."
Stating that Turkey should make good use of Italy's presidency period, Gozi said: "Italy is determined to accelerate Turkey's EU membership process, hence we will do our best to support Turkey's EU bid."
Gozi, emphasizing that Turkey would play a key role in the EU in terms of the regional security, said: "There are also common economic interests between Turkey and the EU which is one of the main reasons for Italy's support for Turkey's membership.
“The latest developments on the Kurdish issue are also impressive but we still have things to do together. The negotiation process will have positive effect, both on Turkey and Turkish citizens."
Meanwhile, Anatolia news agency (13.07.14) reported that Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, commenting on his country's long wait to join the bloc during a meeting in Vienna on Saturday, said that Turkey will “never give up” its goal of EU membership.
"Turkey is the most long-suffering country in the world for the EU accession as we have not got full membership for over 60 years," Bozdag said.
He explained that Turkey’s membership would bridge the European and Muslim world. "Racism and Islamophobia, both pose dangers for humanity,” he said. “We should take steps to prevent them."
11. Erdogan's presidential vision sees the dawn of a new Turkey
According to Turkish daily Sabah (online, 12.07.14), Prime Minister and Justice and Development Party (AK Party) presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday presented his "presidential vision document" that includes what he pledges to do if he takes the presidential seat after the Aug. 10 presidential election. He said that during the AK Party's 12 years in power, the party has supported freedom for all citizens and never discriminated.
He signalled that his presidential vision gives priority to being a president for all and upholding democracy and freedom in the country. The Aug.10 election will be the first time the president will be elected directly by the people, rather than by the Parliament. Addressing nearly 10,000 guests from different circles at a convention in Istanbul, Erdogan presented his roadmap for the government's 2023 goals that focus on social, financial and political targets for the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
Erdogan tackled many issues, such as a new constitution, the Kurdish reconciliation process, the Alevi issue, the EU accession process, Turkey's foreign policy, new reforms to expand fundamental rights and freedoms and universal principles of justice and the rule of law in his vision document called "on the way of new Turkey."
In his vision document, which has the characteristic of a "manifesto," the AK Party presidential candidate stated that his vision document has three headings: Democratic Administration, Public Prosperity and Leadership. He added: "A new constitution means a new future. If I get elected as the next President, a new constitution will be a priority for me."
Daring the Gulen Movement, Erdogan said that he will never let organizations and movements exploit religion when he gets elected as the President.
The AK Party presidential candidate touched on economic development during the AK Party's 12-year-term in office and said that the main goal of the AK Party's 2023 vision is to put Turkey among the top 10 countries in the world with a more unified state for an increasingly diverse society and with a more developed economy. He added that Turkey would continue its EU bid at full steam.
Erdogan criticized CHP and MHP joint candidate former Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu's remarks that Turkey should be unbiased in its foreign politics and should have not opened its doors to Syrian refugees. He said, "Turkey's doors will always be open to oppressed people [including Syrian refugees.]"
Touching on the Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, Erdogan stated that Israel should ensure a ceasefire. Calling on Israel, Erdogan said Turkey can't normalize its ties with Israel as long as Palestinians are getting killed in Gaza.
12. Demirtas: HDP’s target is to become main opposition party
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 14.07.14) reports that in an interview with Cansu Camlibel from daily Hurriyet, co-chair of People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas said they would be the main opposition in 2015 and government in 2019.
Since the HDP has not been able to pass the 10% threshold in any election in Turkey, Demirtas was asked how this would reflect on Turkish politics if he gains more than 10% of the votes in the presidential elections.
He said: “First, it would highlight the meaninglessness of the threshold. There would be no point in the government’s insistence on the threshold. Turkey will see that in Turkey, not only Kurds but Turkish democrats, Alevis, women’s and green movements, belief movements can unite and easily form a main opposition. Right now, the Republican People’s Party [CHP] has undertaken the duty of the main opposition and we do not think it is doing an adequate job.”
When asked if they were running for the main opposition Demirtas said “Yes,” adding, “In the first election, we may reach the position of being the main opposition. This is no longer difficult from our point of view. The votes we obtain in the presidential elections and the success we achieve will confirm this. This is an opportunity for 2015, but the true target is of course to become a strong democratic power alternative to the Justice and Development Party [AKP]. We may not be able to achieve this in 2015, but if this movement continues as such, in 2019, this movement will absolutely be the only alternative to replace the AKP.”
About his vision as the HDP’s presidential candidate, Demirtas said that they were not after an ambition of creating a new Turkey, but carrying the existing Turkey to power: “Actually, there is a Turkey ready to live in fraternity within democratic relationships. This sentiment exists both in the streets and in the neighbourhoods. We want to carry this to the political platform. We do not have social engineering projects from top to bottom. We have no misleading discourse as ‘a new page will be opened if we are elected.’ We will try to build a new state and a new governance mentality; otherwise, there is no need to build a new society. The society is the correct one; it is the state that is wrong.”
What Turkey needs is not a presidential system, but a democratic parliamentary system, Demirtas said. Whether the Kurds will vote as a block if there is a second round, Demirtas answered, “There is no guarantee that the voters will vote as a block. There could be surprise results both in the first round and in the second round.”
When asked if there could be a boycott in question, Demirtas said, “If we are not present in the second round, we will evaluate and decide whether it would be a boycott or another thing.” Demirtas said they would not direct their voters to support one candidate in the second round as a principle.
If Iraqi Kurds become independent after a referendum, this should not be regarded as negative development for Turkey Demirtas said and added: “It would be more correct for Turkey to respect this decision, this outcome of the referendum without causing more slaughter, a bloody ethnic clash. It would be beneficial for Turkey to recognize such a state-to-be.”
13. Opinion polls on the presidential elections in Turkey
Under the title “Erdogan to take presidency seat in the first round, pollster predicts”, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 14.07.14) reports that the latest poll, conducted by an Ankara-based pollster, has current Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan winning the Aug. 10 presidential elections by a landslide margin. The Objective Research Centre (ORC) interviewed 3,650 people in 34 cities from July 4 to 9, predicting that AK Party presidential candidate Erdogan would win by a landslide, gaining 54.6% of the votes. Should Erdogan gain the votes predicted by the ORC, he would win in the first round of the election on Aug. 10 as he would gather the absolute majority of the votes. According to the ORC's survey Republican People's Party (CHP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) joint candidate former Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu would receive 37% of the votes.
Pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) candidate Selahattin Demirtas, who is a popular figure among Kurdish people, would lag far behind in the presidential race with 8.4% as the ORC suggests.
Pollmark's survey predicted that AK Party candidate Erdogan would receive 51.4% of votes while Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu would receive 39.4%. Demirtas would only take 7.2% of the votes, the poll said. Also, Pollmark's poll indicated that Erdogan might take the presidential seat in the first round of the election.
GENAR released a public survey regarding the presidential election. The survey predicts that Erdogan would win 55.2% of the vote as Eklemeddin Ihsanoglu would stay on 35.8%.
According to the pro-CHP pollster SONAR, Erdogan would defeat the opposition CHP and MHP joint candidate Ihsanoglu. Among 2,800 surveyed people who live in 26 different cities, 46% say that they would vote for Erdogan. The number of those who said that they would vote for the opposition's joint candidate Ihsanoglu is around 35.3%. Also 6.2% of the surveyed people stated that they would vote for the HDP. The survey says that the votes of those who remain undecided will split among the candidates, which will increase Erdogan's votes to 52.6% while Ihsanoglu will receive 40.3%.
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