TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 134/14 22.07.14
1. Eroglu: The Turkish Cypriots are not citizens of the Republic of Cyprus
2. The negotiators will mark the finalization of the proposal submission on Wednesday
3. Turkish Cypriot politicians commented on the federation and other issues
4. Turkish Cypriot columnist assesses why Gul and Eroglu are not sincere when saying that they want a solution in Cyprus
5. Turkish Cypriot columnist writes that everyone who met Eeroglu knows that he is not pro-solution
6. Initiative for a Solution suggests a “framework solution” which will facilitate the efforts for a comprehensive solution
7. CHP Deputy: “The soldiers in the TRNC share their meals with rats”
8. A new political party is formed: Social Democrat Party
9. Turkey declares three days of mourning over the Gaza; Ankara dismisses Netanyahu's accusations
10. If Erdogan is elected President, he will use all the powers given by the Constitution
11. Erdogan confesses he can’t talk to Obama
12. At least 52 police officers detained in ‘parallel state’ probe in Turkey
1. Eroglu: The Turkish Cypriots are not citizens of the Republic of Cyprus
Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (22.07.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are not citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. During an interview with the Turkish Service of BBC in the occupied part of Nicosia, Eroglu was asked whether the Greek Cypriot side gains from the prolonging of the non-solution on the island. Eroglu alleged that time causes no trouble for the Greek Cypriots, while it causes trouble to the Turkish Cypriots. He alleged:
“I travel abroad with passports of the Republic of Turkey. Therefore, an image is given as if the Turkish Cypriot people are without identity. Or our people travel with passports of the Republic of Cyprus. I will not enter into the debate whether this is right or wrong. However, in the end, every state should have a passport for its people. They cannot travel with the passport given by my state to any other country than Turkey, but with a passport given by the Republic of Cyprus, they are treated as if they are citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. However, our people are not citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, they are citizens of the TRNC”.
Replying to another question, Eroglu argued that in case no agreement on the Cyprus problem is reached within this year, the people will not be convinced for a solution. “Both my generation and the younger generation are tired of hearing about the Cyprus problem”, he said adding that therefore they have to end this problem until the end of this year or March - April next year.
Eroglu alleged also that the Greek Cypriot side has not abandoned its so-called policy of not giving concessions and accused the Greek Cypriot side of not accepting the convergences achieved in the past during the negotiations.
Eroglu also claimed that the two communities trust each other more now in comparison to the pre-2003 period, when the barricades were kept closed by the occupation regime.
Asked whether the natural gas found in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone would speed up the solution of the Cyprus problem, Eroglu alleged that while this should have been an incentive for the solution, it leads the Greek Cypriot side away from the solution because the Greek Cypriots do not want to share this wealth with the Turkish Cypriots.
(I/Ts.)
2. The negotiators will mark the finalization of the proposal submission on Wednesday
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 21.07.14), Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay and Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis will meet again on Wednesday in the framework of the Cyprus talks.
Speaking to the press, Ozersay said that the Wednesday meeting will mark the finalization of proposal submission relating to the 6 main headings, adding that the Greek Cypriot side will probably submit a proposal on the “security and guarantees”, and the Turkish Cypriot side will put forward a proposal on the “Economy and EU affairs”. He also said that the notes of the “special meeting” which took place last Friday will also be discussed during Wednesday's meeting.
Following the leaders meeting scheduled to take place in late August, the leaders may make a statement about the direction of the negotiations said Ozersay and added that the period after August will be a new phase. Ozersay noted that these issues are among the agenda points of the negotiators meeting on Wednesday.
Ozersay also noted that both the Greek Cypriot negotiator and himself will meet with UN SG's Special Representative Lisa Buttenheim separately on Tuesday.
3. Turkish Cypriot politicians commented on the federation and other issues
Under the front-page title: “The solution is a condition”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (22.07.14) reports on statements by several party officials which are represented at the so-called assembly in the occupied area of Cyprus, who evaluated to the paper the messages which were sent during the “ceremony for the 20 of July celebrations”.
The Turkish Cypriot politicians evaluated to the paper their views regarding the issues related to the issue of the “federation”, the “alternatives of the current process” and the “solution timing”. Despite the fact that the left-wing and right-wing party-officials expressed different views on these issues, they all agreed with the fact that the solution is a condition.
According to the paper, the secretary-general of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces, Kutlay Erk in his statements underlined that the federation is the only way for the solution of the Cyprus problem, that there is no other alternative than the federation and that an alternative means non-solution.
Criticizing the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu for not being sincere and willing for the solution of the Cyprus problem, Erk said that in spite of the fact that Eroglu says that he wants a solution and wants all to believe this, he does not exert sincere efforts towards the solution.
Commenting on Gul’s statements that “Cyprus’ democracy has progressed”, Erk said that they disagree with this as well as with the different alternatives regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Moreover, the chairman of the Democratic Party-National Forces (DP-UG) Serdar Denktas said that in case where no result will come up from the current negotiation process, other solution alternatives should come to the agenda. Supporting the statements made by Eroglu and Gul, Denktas described as “constructive” the steps taken by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side in the negotiation process. He however, added that, in spite of the expectations from the USA and the pressure it puts, he considers that there will be no result from the negotiation talks.
Referring to the presence of the Turkish troops in the island, Denktas alleged said that it is for this reason that 40 years have passed with no “conflicts” in the island.
Also speaking, the secretary-general of the National Unity Party (UBP) Sunat Atun expressed satisfaction over the statements made by the Turkish President Abdullah Gul as well as by Eroglu and said that UBP views are parallel with those statements.
Stating that their “people” want to live in stability and security and in better economic circumstances, Atun alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side has always exerted sincere efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem while the Greek Cypriot side as he said, with its delay tactics, wants to led the process to an-open ended phase. “The Turkish Cypriot side behaved with good will and proactively. If the Greek Cypriots continue to delay, we will think of the alternatives. Still, our priority is the federation”, Atun stated.
Also, the chairman of the “Social Democracy Party” Cemal Ozyigit, in his statements said that it is the Turkish Cypriots that pay the price for the 40 years of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem. “Nobody should say to us that everything is a bed of roses in this country”, said Ozyigit and stressed the need for the importance of the solution to be understood by all. “The two sides have no other remedy than the solution. This chance for the solution should be used in a right way. The oil and natural gas in the island can eliminate the crisis in both the south and the north and can bring prosperity”, Ozyigit said
Expressing dissatisfaction over the fact that the substantial talks have not started yet, Ozyigit said that they do not believe that there is other alternative than the aim expressed at the joint declaration. “The only alternative is the solution as indicated in the joint declaration”, Ozyigit added.
(AK)
4. Turkish Cypriot columnist assesses why Gul and Eroglu are not sincere when saying that they want a solution in Cyprus
Under the title “We were not breathing anyway”, Turkish Cypriot columnist Mehmet Levent assesses in Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (22.07.14) the statements made by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu and the Turkish President Abdullah Gul during the celebrations in the occupied part of Nicosia on the occasion of the 40th anniversary from the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
Levent writes, inter alia, the following:
“…During the 20 July celebrations, Eroglu brought onto the agenda again his five step road map. He said that they are waiting from Anastasiades to reply to these steps until 24 July.
It is as if Abdullah Gul and Dervis Eroglu have entered into a race of sincerity agreeing on what they would say. They died from sincerity! ‘We sincerely want a solution’, they say! Within all this sincerity, Eroglu has a message for Ban Ki-moon. He says: ‘Let the UN declare that it could abolish the UN Security Council Resolution No 550!’ It is known that this Resolution No 550 considers the TRNC as illegal and unacceptable. And prohibits any kind of political, economic and trade relations with it. Abolishing this Resolution is tantamount to opening the way for the TRNC’s recognition. Such a step taken by the UN could allegedly force the Greek Cypriot side to an agreement. Now come and believe that Eroglu, who made this suggestion, sincerely wants the solution!
What could be said for Abdullah Gul’s sincerity? He also sincerely wants the solution, he says. Then let us also ask sincerely. Since you want the solution so sincerely, have you returned Varosha, which you occupy for 40 years, to its real owners? Have you withdrawn considerable number of troops from northern Cyprus which you occupy? Have you given up from turning all the people from Turkey living here into citizens of the new state to be established? Have you gone one centimetre backwards from the 29%? Have you accepted the realities on the property issue? Or are all these outside of your mold of sincerity? Is it sincerity to say that ‘we have changed all international balances without withdrawing even a single soldier, without giving even a single pebble’? There is no reason not to name the solution you want, and thus your festivity at dawn will be completed! What else could the solution you sincerely want be other than a solution which will be legalizing all the illegal fait accompli created by Turkey in Northern Cyprus for 40 years? Is it sincerity to celebrate the anniversary of the occupation with your tanks, your artillery, your guns, your dawn guards and making the breaths stopping with your ‘Turkish stars’?”
(I/Ts.)
5. Turkish Cypriot columnist writes that everyone who met Eeroglu knows that he is not pro-solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (22.07.14) publishes an article by the paper’s editor-in-chief Cenk Mutluyakali, under the title “I claim exactly the opposite” who evaluates the recent statements made by the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and notes that he has never supported the idea of a united Cyprus. The article goes as follows:
“’We are still talking. That means that the world has not yet got bored from us sitting at the negotiation table. So, we will be sitting there for quite some time’.
For a loooong time. And he was laughing… He was laughing very much while saying this. The fact that he was laughing a lot was not our assumption but was noted by the Turkish journalist Leyla Tavsanohlu from Turkish Cumhuriyet newspaper who took the interview. […]
Why does this person laugh? Is it from sorrow? Is it from sadness? Or is it from joy that this person laughs? Why Eroglu did addressed with such a joy the fact that the solution is not coming soon by saying ‘we will be sitting at the negotiation table for much more time’? After all you are not obliged to stay (at the negotiations). If you leave, others who have intention for solution will seat.
At the same time, what did he say during a ceremony a day ago? “I honestly want an agreement”. And after, he added: “Those who claimed the opposite are wrong and they either do not know me or they are in the pursuit of political exploitation”.
We are laughing so hard! Because, we do know you. Esteem Eroglu, have some conscious. In which phase of your political history you did believe in a “United Cyprus”? […] What did you do in your entire life for the sake of reconciliation and federation? Do you have a common memory in the name of peace struggle with a Greek Cypriot? Or during the period that you were chairman of your party, were there any documents about the unification of Cyprus?
You believe in a separate “TRNC”. You believe in two separate states. We know about your pro-no stance that you showed as regards the Annan Plan.
You also say in one or our reports that the Turkish Cypriots are not citizens of the “Republic of Cyprus”. People are reading what you are saying. And they are laughing, they are laughing so much”.
6. Initiative for a Solution suggests a “framework solution” which will facilitate the efforts for a comprehensive solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (22.07.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative for a Solution, which was established “for exerting efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem”, as the paper writes, announced that it prepared a strategy document towards this direction.
According to the paper, the Initiative suggests a “framework solution” which will facilitate the efforts for a comprehensive solution. Speaking during a press conference, the members of the Initiative noted that the Cyprus problem cannot remain unsolved, adding that there is a need for a framework solution in order for the sides in Cyprus to get into a win-win situation. The Initiative supports that a “framework solution” will eventually lead to a federation based on political equality.
7. CHP Deputy: “The soldiers in the TRNC share their meals with rats”
Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (22.07.14) reports that according to a report in Turkish daily Hurriyet, Nurettin Demir, MP with the Republican People’s Party in Turkey, delivering a speech during a meeting of the Turkish National Assembly supported that the “troops” of the “Turkish occupation forces in Cyprus” live under conditions going back hundred years ago. “They are nourished from kitchens that rats exist. In fact they share their foods with the rats”, Demir said.
Demir went on and said that around 40 thousand Turkish troops are stationed in the island and added that this number constitutes approximately the 1/6th of the total personnel of the Turkish Armed Forces.
Stating that their commanders who serve abroad confront a lot of problems, Demir referred to the conditions in the occupied area of Cyprus as well. He referred especially to the commander’s payment which is not enough as he said, adding that the soldiers confront also physical and psychological problems.
(AK)
8. A new political party is formed: Social Democrat Party
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 22.07.14), “The Turkish Cypriots are fed up with the UBP (National Unity Party), CTP (Republican Turkish Party) and DP (Democrat Party)” these are the words of Tozun Tunali, the spokesperson of the newly established political party “Social Democrat Party” (SDP).
Speaking to the paper after completing the party registration, Tunali said that they are “neither left nor right” but democrat. According to Tunalı, there is an “unbelievable” amount of support from people for the newly established SDP.
“We will act according to our principles and will embrace everyone who lives in ‘TRNC’ (editor’s note: the occupied area in the Republic of Cyprus). There are parties, who claim to be leftist but act differently, and there are parties, who call themselves right-wing but act differently. Our aim is to stand at an equal distance from everyone. Whatever social democracy means in Europe it will mean the same in the ‘TRNC’”, Tunali claimed.
According to him, there is a decrease in the “election” participation because people are “fed up with UBP, CTP and DP and that people do not have confidence in the politicians. This is our biggest advantage as none of us are yet politicians”, said Tunali.
Touching upon SDP's stance on the Cyprus problem, Tunali said that they support the joint policies of Turkey and the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the Cyprus problem and that they are not giving up on the “TRNC”.
9. Turkey declares three days of mourning over the Gaza; Ankara dismisses Netanyahu's accusations
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.07.14), Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has announced three days of mourning beginning on Tuesday to show solidarity with Palestinians against the Israeli campaign on Gaza which has claimed nearly 570 lives so far.
Arinc said that Turkey condemns Israel's massacre on Palestinians and he described Israel's military operation, as an "atrocity that has almost turned into a genocide".
Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 22.07.14) reports that Deputy Prime Minister Emrullah Isler yesterday responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's accusation that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remark "We are against Hitler's atrocity, but we are also against terror states that follow Hitler's lead," was anti-Semitic. Netanyahu said during a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry over the weekend that the statement Erdogan made on Saturday desecrated the memory of the Holocaust. Isler was quoted as saying, "[Netanyahu's accusations] are an indicator of despair and inability. He [Netanyahu] already knows that Turkey is not against the Jewish [people and community]." "Turkey was an arbiter in talks [between Israel and Palestine] in 2008. If Turkey is against the Jewish people, why [would] we have taken this initiative?" said Isler.
Moreover, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 22.07.14), under the title “Calls grow for boycott of Israeli goods in Turkey”, reports that calls are growing for a boycott of Israeli products in Turkey, with a number of professional associations urging consumers to refrain from buying goods from a list of companies prepared following Israel’s recent Gaza operations.
The confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK) head Bendevi Palandoken stated that they would ask both supermarkets and small markets not to sell Israeli goods.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Consumers Union has prepared a list of international brands that it intends to boycott, such as Coca Cola, Nestle, McDonald’s and Starbucks, stating on their website that they will “boycott companies that support the terrorist [state] Israel”.
10. If Erdogan is elected President, he will use all the powers given by the Constitution
Under the title “PM Erdogan to chair cabinet, use all his powers if elected”, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 21.07.14) reported that Prime Minister and ruling AK Party presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that if he wins Turkey's first direct presidential election, he will chair some cabinet meetings and use all powers extended to him by the Constitution.
Speaking to Sabah's Ankara representative Okan Muderrisoglu, Erdogan was asked about opposition criticisms stemming from his announcement that he would chair cabinet meetings and the opposition's claims that it would weaken the position of Prime Minister. He responded that he will chair some cabinet and National Security Council (MGK) meetings as the head of the state.
"Surely, I won't be snatching the Prime Minister's powers. This is out of the question. As elected President, Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers, we will sit and work together and move Turkey forward. However, this does not mean that the President will chair the cabinet meeting every week. Doesn't the President convene the MGK at times? [He] does. Just like that, the President would also chair cabinet meetings at times and this would not be against the Constitution," Erdogan said.
Most importantly, I have to continue working on two crucial points. The reconciliation process [that aimed to solve the decades- long conflict in southeast Turkey] and combat the [Gulen] movement [which infiltrated state institutions]. Other presidential candidates have no such sensitivities to work on these points," Erdogan said.
11. Erdogan confesses he can’t talk to Obama
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 22.07.14) with the above title reported that Obama and Erdogan used to enjoy a very close relationship until last year's Gezi Park demonstrations.
A cold wind blowing between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United States President Barack Obama has been hindering direct communication between the two leaders for some time, Erdogan has said.
“In the past, I was calling him [Obama] directly. Because I can’t get the expected results on Syria, our Foreign Ministers are now talking to each other. And I have talked to [Vice President Joe] Biden. He calls me; I call him. I expect justice in this process. I couldn’t imagine such a thing from those who are endeavouring for justice,” Erdogan told in a televised interview on July 21.
Obama and Erdogan were holding frequent phone conversations over foreign policy issues, especially in the course of the Arab Spring, but the ties have broken between the two leaders due to deep disagreements on Syria. They held their last conversation on Feb. 20. Also, the White House issued a denial after Erdogan misrelated the content of his conversation with Obama.
Erdogan has recently increased his tone against U.S. policies concerning Egypt, Syria and Palestine, saying, “I can’t understand America’s current approaches [on these issues].”
Upon a question whether he is at odds with Obama, Erdogan said “To be frank, unfortunately, we talk about Iraq with Biden. I ask our President [Abdullah Gul] to call Mr Obama and discuss the issue with him directly.” Erdogan said he was not aware whether Gul and Obama are able to exchange phone calls, although the President initiated doing so.
Another issue between Turkey and the U.S. is the former’s demand from its ally to deport Fethullah Gulen, a religious leader who has been in self-exile in the U.S. since 1999. The government believes Gulen leads an illegal organization in Turkey and should face prosecution on very serious charges.
12. At least 52 police officers detained in ‘parallel state’ probe in Turkey
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 22.07.14) reports that dozens of high-ranking police officials were detained in simultaneous operations conducted in 22 provinces of Turkey early July 22 as part of an investigation into accusations against the “parallel state”.
At least 40 people were detained in Istanbul on accusations of spying, illegal wiretapping and fraud in official documents. At least 12 people were detained in a separate operation targeting former intelligence department officials, for allegedly conducting illegal surveillance.
There are detention orders for a total of 134 suspects, CNNTurk reported.
Most of the detained suspects were in key positions during the Dec. 17, 2013, probe into allegations of graft and corruption, which targeted prominent businessmen, civil servants and four ex-ministers.
Among the suspects detained are Yurt Atayun, former head of the Istanbul police’s anti-terror department, Omer Kose, head of the anti-terror department at the time of the Dec. 17, 2013 operation, as well as former deputy police chiefs Kazim Aksoy, Ramazan Candan and Gafur Atac. Aksoy was expelled from the police force following the Dec. 17 operation during which he was a part of the financial crimes department, while Kose was suspended after the same incident.
The operation is considered as part of the government’s fight against the Fethullah Gulen movement, which Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses of creating a “parallel state within the state”.
Speaking in a televised interview July 21, Erdogan said he would not back down from his bid to “clean up the state”.
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