TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 124/14 05-07.07.14
1.Eroglu evaluates
Friday’s meeting with President Anastasiades; “The common use of the water to
be transferred from Turkey”, among the proposals of the Turkish Cypriot side
2. Zaman argues that
Erdogan and Davutoglu try to stall the Cyprus negotiation process; Eroglu
reportedly used a curse word in his comment to Anastasiades on Famagusta during
Biden’s visit
3. Turkish columnist
argues that Turkey cannot become EU member under Erdogan's rule
4. Fule’s article in
Turkish daily notes that a full implementation of the Additional Protocol would
allow an immediate resumption of negotiations
5. Statements by the
Greek Foreign Minister to Hurriyet
6. Statements by Eroglu
and Akca in occupied Morfou Festival; Eroglu: “We have not discarded Morfou”
7. Nami goes to
Brussels for series of contacts
8. Watson held
contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; he met with DP, UBP and Siber
9. Emekİnsaat
Construction company won the arbitration case against EU Program Support Office
10. Turkey’s
government announced a road map for the return of PKK militants
11. Article in Vatan
argues that Ankara changed position on the issue of Kurdish independence
12. CHP seeks
Socialist International support to follow voting process in Europe
13. Erdogan’s
presidency logo includes prophet’s name in Arabic, according to a Turkish
Minister
1. Eroglu evaluates
Friday’s meeting with President Anastasiades; “The common use of the water to
be transferred from Turkey”, among the proposals of the Turkish Cypriot side
According to illegal Bayrak television
(05.07.14) the Turkish Cypriot leader
DervisEroglu has said that the EU matters and the issue of citizenship was
discussed during his meeting yesterday with the Greek Cypriot leader, as he
called President NicosAnastasiadis.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting which
lasted for an hour and half, Eroglu said
that they had held fruitful discussions on confidence building measures and the
technical committees.
Stating that
convergences have been reached on some of the confidence building measures, Eroglu said: “the joint visit to the anthropological laboratory of the Committee on
Missing Persons was an issue on both of our agendas. We have reached an
agreement on this”.
Stating that some of the proposals for confidence building measures tabled by the
Greek Cypriot leader was unacceptable for the Turkish Cypriot side, Eroglu said
that President Anastasiadis, despite the Turkish Cypriot side’s repeated
objections, continued to try and bring the issue of Maras [Translator’s
note: occupied fenced off city of Varosha]
to the table.
Stating that all proposals and views put
forward at Friday’s meeting will be evaluated on Monday’s meeting, Eroglu said
that the issues of EU and citizenship were of utmost importance for the Turkish
Cypriot side.
“The permanent
derogations and the recognition of the agreement to be reached as primary law
is vital for us.The Greek Cypriot side has a different approach to these
issues. Nevertheless, it is critical for us that any agreement to be reached
must become EU primary law. Why? So, that we avoid going to courts as and when a settlement is
reached. However, if the Greek Cypriot side does not embrace the idea that the
solution to be reached is bicommunal and bizonal federation on the basis of
political equality, if it doesn’t see this as a lasting solution, then this
will mean that all we will be accomplishing is joining the EU under the
authority of the Greek Cypriot state. What we are trying to accomplish here is
a new partnership”, he said.
Stressing that the Cyprus Turkish side also has
sensitivities on the issue of citizenship, Eroglu reminded that permission was
being granted to Greek Cypriots to carry out their religious duties in some
churches in the “north”.
“We have similar demands for places of worship
in the south. This was discussed at the meeting” he added.
Stating that proposals
to open new crossing points were also brought to the table by the Greek Cypriot
side, Eroglu said
that similar proposals had been made by the Turkish Cypriot side in the past
which had been rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. “The issue of opening new crossing points is a sensitive subject which
must be evaluated carefully. We shall be re-discussing these proposals on
Monday.
“We hope that we will conclude Monday’s meeting
with concrete results”, Eroglu added.
Responding to a reporters’ question as to
whether serious divergences did exist between the positions tabled by the two
sides, Eroglu said that this was the case but that they will continue to work
to overcome these differences in the meetings ahead.
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
newspaper (05.07.14) reported that during Friday’s meeting between the Turkish
Cypriot leader DervisEroglu and President Anastasiades, the Turkish Cypriot
side has submitted totally 15 constructive proposals.
According to the paper, amongst them it is remarkable the proposal made by the Turkish
Cypriot side regarding “the common utilization of the water to be transferred
from Turkey”. “The Turkish Cypriot side, concerning the water to be
transferred from Turkey, has made a proposal for the establishment of the joint
working group which will discuss how this water will be used by the two sides
in the future”, writes the paper.
2. Zaman argues
that Erdogan and Davutoglu try to stall the Cyprus negotiation process; Eroglu
reportedly used a curse word in his comment to Anastasiades on Famagusta during
Biden’s visit
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (05.07.14) cites information according to which the Turkish Prime Minister TayyipErdogan and the Turkish Foreign Minister AhmetDavutoglu have been making a concerted effort to stall the Cyprus negotiation process behind the scenes.
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (05.07.14) cites information according to which the Turkish Prime Minister TayyipErdogan and the Turkish Foreign Minister AhmetDavutoglu have been making a concerted effort to stall the Cyprus negotiation process behind the scenes.
The paper writes that steps that have been
taken by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on the foreign
policy front this year in hopes of keeping Western criticisms at bay regarding
problematic issues on democracy and freedom in Turkey, such as resuming
negotiations for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and normalizing
ties with Israel and Armenia, seem to be stalled and are far from convincing
the United States and European powers.
“Feeling weak and uneasy at home and vulnerable
and isolated in its foreign relations, the AK Party is desperately seeking to
build up credibility with the US and European Union and has pushed certain
issues on foreign policy to appear upright in the eyes of West. The Cyprus
issue has come forward this year as appearing to be moving forward following
negotiations that began on Feb. 11 after intense diplomatic efforts by the US
administration.
A former diplomat
speaking under the condition of anonymity told Sunday's Zaman that even though
Prime Minister RecepTayyipErdogan and Foreign Minister AhmetDavutoglu have
repeatedly expressed to US officials that they want a solution in Cyprus, they
have been making a concerted effort to stall the process behind the scenes. The
diplomat suggested that the Cyprus issue has actually not been moving forward
towards a comprehensive solution, even after the US showed its commitment to
the issue with a visit from US Vice President Joe Biden to the island in May”,
the paper writes.
Reporting about Biden’s visit to Cyprus, the
paper writes that Biden was neither expected to push for a solution in Cyprus
nor to press the two sides for a settlement during his visit; when he arrived
to the island he made that clear by saying it would be up to the people of
Cyprus to find a comprehensive solution. But he was expected to announce that
the US would finance the reconstruction of Varosha. Sources
who closely follow the issue told Sunday's Zaman that the US would initially
contribute $1 million to establish a delegation to work on a "feasibility
survey" for Varosha.
“The feasibility survey was thought to be part
of confidence-building measures between the KKTC and Greek Cyprus by Americans.
But Biden did not make an announcement regarding the survey during his visit
because Turkish Cypriots had learned of the idea and opposed it by saying
reconstruction efforts for Varosha could only take place after a comprehensive
solution has been reached in Cyprus.
One anonymous source
told Sunday's Zaman that when Biden met with both leaders at Ledra Palace for
dinner and spoke about opening up Varosha for reconstruction before a final
settlement in Cyprus, Eroglu addressed Anastasiades in the Greek-Cypriot
dialect and expressed that there would be no way that Turkish Cypriots would
accept the offer to discuss Varosha; Eroglu reportedly used a curse word in his
comment to Anastasiades. Seeing Anastasiades' reaction, Biden reportedly asked
what Eroglu had said. Anastasiades translated what Eroglu had said into English
for Biden, including the curse word, and supposedly because of that exchange,
Biden did not announce the Varosha feasibility survey”, according to the paper.
3. Turkish
columnist argues that Turkey cannot become EU member under Erdogan's rule
Turkish daily Today’s
Zaman (06.07.14) published an article by Ali Yurttagul under the title:
“Erdogan not convincing over EU membership bid”, where he notes that Turkey’s
problems as regards its EU membership are due to the fact that Turkey was
unable to show determination and decisiveness on the matter.
The article goes as follows: “Prime Minister
RecepTayyipErdogan is not convincing anyone about the European Union membership
bid. I am not saying this because he barely touched on the issue in his
presidential candidacy speech but because he has had no real EU policy over the
last four years. His remark “We will
work hard to grow the economy, improve democratic standards and to become [a]
member of the EU” makes it seem as if he has worked tirelessly so far. But a
review of the last nine years of negotiations illustrate that this matter is
not proceeding well.
So far only 14 out of
35 negotiation chapters have been opened. In addition to the nine chapters
suspended by a joint decision of the EU member states, chapters on justice,
energy policies and others were vetoed by Greek Cyprus in 2009 and never
opened. This is not because Cyprus is a strong actor but because Turkey was
unable to show determination and decisiveness on the matter. Only one out of five chapters vetoed
by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was reopened and the vetoes over the
other chapters remain. Expectations that relations with France would improve
after Hollande was elected Ppresident did not materialize.
There are three chapters that could be opened.
There are no political obstacles in front of the chapters on social policies,
public tenders and market competition. I will not discuss the tenders and the
competition issues, but why hasn't the social and employment policy chapter
been opened in the span of nine years? This chapter remains unopened because
Turkey resists implementing the EU and International Labour Organization (ILO)
standards in the work place. The Soma disaster would not have taken place if
this chapter had been opened. Union rights in Turkey are not adequate.
Erdogan and
EgemenBagis, former chief EU negotiator, failed to establish a strong dialogue.Bagis relied on bossy language, like
the Prime Minister; he relied too heavily on his personal connections. Eventually, he failed to make any progress.
Connections are, of course, important, but it should be noted that the EU has
developed on a culture of solidarity rather than on one of a recognition of
mutual interests. Because the continent had a bitter experience in the
repercussions of bossy language, Europe is not intimidated by the rhetoric of
Russian President Vladimir Putin or Erdogan, and for this reason they are
particularly sensitive to this matter. The style and strong language of Erdogan
and Bagis closed the doors to Brussels and other European capitals.
The institutional framework of the talks has
yet to be established. […] The negotiations are currently undertaken by a small
group of bureaucrats. Instead of Ankara, the EU institutions are managing the
coordination in the negotiations. […] The recently adopted law on restructuring
the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) not only suspends judicial
independence but also violates the EU criteria as well as the Constitution.
Antidemocratic laws, including those on the National Intelligence Organization
(MIT) and those banning Twitter, were adopted. Who would take the remarks of a
politician responsible for these bills and a regulation on improving democratic
standards seriously? Who would believe
that Erdogan is sincere in his remarks on full membership in the EU? […]”
4. Fule’s article
in Sabah notes that a full implementation of the Additional Protocol would
allow an immediate resumption of negotiations
Under the title “What
are Turkey's next steps on its way to Europe?”, Commissioner for Enlargement
and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule, in a column written exclusively
for Daily Sabah (07.07.14) calls on Turkey and the EU to work together to make
2014 the year of the EU and referring to Cyprus notes that a full
implementation of the Additional Protocol would allow an immediate resumption
of negotiations. The article goes as
follows:
“Does Europe need Turkey? Does Turkey need the
EU? Will Turkey become a member of the Union? I heard these questions many
times during my visits in Turkey and during my meetings about Turkey's
accession.
My response has always been that it is not
about whom needs who more, but that it is about the reality of our already
existing deep ties in many fields. It is about the huge joint potential offered
by our relations, shared strategic interests and cooperation that can be best
realized in the context of the accession process. Turkey is one of the
countries under my responsibility where my team and I spent most of our energy,
time and resources trying to move things forward. We were always in agreement
with our Turkish partners that the EU accession process is the best framework
for the modernization of Turkey - a goal all of us have in common.
And while we managed
to create renewed momentum in the last year with the Positive Agenda, […] this year has been marked by developments
which have raised serious concerns and even doubts over Turkey's commitment to
European values and standards. Does it mean that we are giving up on Turkey? Definitely not. We want
to see Turkey consolidate its remarkable achievements made since 1999, when it
became a candidate country, and cement its position as a modern European state.
We are committed to support Turkey in this and to share our experiences with
it. But we also need to see that Turkey itself wants to continue to move in the
right direction. A strong commitment by Turkey to further reforms is
indispensable. […]
The accession process
is the engine of our relations. […] I have said and I am convinced that more
Chapters should be opened, notably Chapter 23, to facilitate more concrete and
stringent negotiations. But, in fairness, this cannot be used as a reason to
deviate from fundamental principles we already subscribed to together at the
very beginning of the accession process.
Let us also not forget
that any progress will be linked to progress on issues in Cyprus - and I
commend Turkey's commitment to support the settlement process. However, a full
implementation of the Additional Protocol would allow an immediate resumption
of negotiations on 8 chapters.
I have encouraged my Turkish partners to pursue
a close dialogue with the European Commission in the area of the rule of law
and fundamental rights. […] This is not a bureaucratic or academic exercise […]
It is about Turkish citizens and their freedoms in a modern state where
democratic principles are deeply rooted, a culture of pluralism thrives and the
rights of people are respected and upheld by an independent and impartial
judiciary. […]
Reforms need to be inclusive, and a part of
this is that Civil society needs to be consulted and have an environment
conducive to it playing its essential role to the full. […]
There is a chance, […] to achieve real results in these essential
areas and set the tone for the October Progress report that will allow us to
widen and deepen what we all recognize to be a relationship of strategic
importance. […] It will be the last
Progress Report of this Commission but it will serve as a basis for the new
Commission to determine how to continue the EU´s engagement with Turkey. I
hope Turkey will provide us with the positive substance to achieve it, because
the future of the accession process will be determined by Turkey's own
decisions, efforts and credibility. We look to work together with Turkey to
fulfill the commitment to make 2014 the year of the EU.”
5. Statements by
the Greek Foreign Minister to Hurriyet
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (07.07.14)
publishes an interview by the Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos
Venizelos who stated that the implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement,
and the normalization of Turkey’s relations with the Republic of Cyprus, would
impart significant momentum to Turkey’s European perspective.
Venizelos stated that Turkey and Greece could
“create fresh momentum for overcoming the chronic points of bilateral
friction,” and voiced confidence both for the future of bilateral relations and
for the stabilizing role they could play for the whole region.
“At a time of uncertainty and regional
instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greek-Turkish cooperation is a major
attainment that must be safeguarded, because it is a stabilizing factor for the
whole region,” Venizelos told the Hurriyet Daily News in an exclusive
interview.
As talks continue for a diplomatic solution on
Cyprus, Venizelos stressed that the Greek Cypriots were waiting for a “positive
response” from the Turkish Cypriots to recent proposals. “Our firm position is
that an agreed, comprehensive, viable, functional and just solution can be
reached based on the Resolutions of the U.N. Security Council and the European
acquis. In the present phase, we are awaiting an exchange of proposals from
both sides on all the issues in the talks, as has been agreed on. We also think it would be positive if there
was a favorable response from the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish sides to the very
constructive proposals made by Cypriot President [Nicos] Anastasiades for the
adoption of confidence-building measures, with the focus on the opening of
Famagusta,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of Cyprus in
Turkey’s EU accession process. “Of course, the implementation the long-awaited
Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement, and the normalization of Turkey’s
relations with the Republic of Cyprus, would impart significant momentum to
Turkey’s European perspective. Greece
continues to support systematically and sincerely this perspective, so long as
Turkey meets its accession obligations,” Venizelos said.
He also linked the Cyprus solution to the
question of minority rights on the island. “I would like to note that the
implementation of the Additional Protocol, the normalization of Turkey’s
relations with the Republic of Cyprus, compliance in practice with the
principle of good neighborly relations, and respect for fundamental rights –
including religious freedoms and minority rights – are prerequisites for the
accession of every candidate country; prerequisites that all the member states
have agreed on.
Consequently, they concern not only Greece and
Cyprus, but the EU as a whole. The EU’s calls for the meeting of these terms
and prerequisites should be taken as an opportunity for the promotion of
democratic reforms and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as
well as for the practical manifestation of good neighborly relations,” he said.
“Respect for
international law – and particularly for the Law of the Sea – and the
achievement of a just and viable solution on the Cyprus issue, in accordance
with the U.N. Security Council resolutions, could really change the regional
state of affairs, making the Eastern Mediterranean a pole of regional stability
that could contribute to European energy security. It would also bolster
growth, create new jobs, and contribute to the promotion of regional
cooperation,” Venizelos added.
6. Statements by Eroglu
and Akca in occupied Morfou Festival; Eroglu: “We have not discarded Morfou”
According to illegal Bayrak television
(05.07.14) the 37th Morfou Orange
Festival kicked off last night with an opening ceremony.
The opening
was attended by the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu, the “speaker” of the
so-called assembly SibelSiber, the “Turkish ambassador” to occupied
LefkosiaHalil İbrahim Akca as well as other “government” and “state officials”.
[…]
Delivering a speech at the festival the
so-called Turkish ambassador to occupied Lefkosia, Akca praised the organizers
of the festival, stating that there was a reason why the Orange Festival was
such a success.
Akca said that citrus
production in the region will be revitalized with the arrival of water from Turkey,
resulting in higher quality production and increased exports to other countries. “We are ready to finance such a
big project”, Akca he said.
Also speaking, Eroglu said that he has found
the opportunity to attend most of the Orange Festival held annually over the
past 37 years.
Welcoming the words of the city’s “mayor”,
Eroglu underlined the importance of investing and looking after one’s own
region.
Stating that each
passing “government” gave more and more importance to Guzelyurt, as he called
occupied Morfou area, Eroglu said that despite the absence of tourism
investments in the region, there were two “universities” in the area and that
new investments were being made in other fields.
Meanwhile, under the front page title: “Eroglu:
We have not discarded Morfou”, Turkish
Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper (07.07.14) reports on statements by Eroglu during
the festival and writes that Eroglu pointed out that despite what someone’s
say, they are not willing to give up Morfou.
(AK)
7. Nami goes to
Brussels for series of contacts
Turkish Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi newspaper
(07.07.14) reports that the self-styled foreign minister OzdilNami flew to Brussels today for series of “high level contacts”.
During his visit to Brussels Nami will be
accompanied by the “undersecretary of foreign ministry” ErhanErcin, “executive
assistant” HuseyinOzel and “second secretary” YasaYesilada.
8. Watson held
contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; he met with DP, UBP and Siber
According to illegal Bayrak television
(05.07.14) the President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
Sir Graham Watson paid yesterday a series of contacts in the “TRNC”
As part of his contacts in the occupied area of
Cyprus, Watson visited the “speaker” of the so-called assembly SibelSiber and
the so-called foreign minister OzdilNami.
Speaking during his meeting with Siber, Watson expressed happiness over being in
Cyprus during a time which the future of Cyprus is being discussed and the
possibility of a federation, that will be formed by two equal founding states
and will be bizonal and bicommunal, will emerge.
Explaining that as part of his contacts in the
“TRNC” he will hold meetings with leaders of two political parties which want
to further develop relations with the Liberal Democrat Party, Watson added that
in “south Cyprus” he will come together with United Democrats who are a member
of the Liberal Democrat Party.
He also
expressed happiness over having the opportunity to discuss with the “speaker”
of the “parliament” and “foreign Minister” the Cyprus negotiations process
which had restarted in 2014 on the basis of the joint statement agreed upon by the
two sides. He also expressed the belief that the peoples in Cyprus will
have a brighter future.
Also speaking, Siber noted that she had the
chance to meet with Watson in the past and said: “He is a valuable MP who approaches our problems and a solution with
maturity and who understands us well.”
“We keep on saying
that having contacts with us would contribute to peace and a solution. What we
expect from all parliamentarians at the EU, from foreigners and from the foreign
representatives in Cyprus is to have contacts with us and listen to us. Because
we say that a solution in the future will be between the two communities. It is
not enough only to listen to one community which can make its voice heard with
its state status. I am also calling on the Greek Cypriot Administration not to
protest such contacts because these contacts are necessary for a solution. We
are the representatives of this community elected through democratic elections.
Having contacts with us means listening to the voice of the community and this
will give a positive acceleration to the solution process”, she alleged.
Watson also met with officials from several
political parties in “TRNC”, as part of his contacts in the island.
Watson visited the Democratic
Party- National Forces (DP-UG) and the main opposition National Unity Party.
The leader of the Greek Cypriot United
Democrats Party (EDI) PraksulaAntoniaduKyriaku also accompanied Watson during
the visits.
Watson who was unable to meet with DP
leader and “deputy prime minister” SerdarDenktas who underwent an angiography
on Thursday, met instead with the “secretary general” of the DP-UG HasanTacoy
and the party’s “foreign relations secretary” SerhatKotak.
Speaking during the visit, Watson expressed his party’s view that the whole island should be included
in the European Union. Welcoming the increased involvement of the US in the
negotiations process, Watson said: “I hope that the two peoples in the island
will be unified soon”.
Tacoy for his part, expressed his party’s
desire to strengthen and develop relations with the Liberal Democrats in
Europe. “We desire to develop our relations with EDI for a solution in Cyprus
as well as a better future”, he said.
Watson and his delegation visited also the
National Unity Party (UBP) and met with occupied Lefkosia “deputy”
TahsinErtugruloglu and the “deputy” in occupied Famagusta HamzaErsan Saner.
9. Emekİnsaat
Construction company won the arbitration case against EU Program Support Office
According to Turkish
Cypriot daily KibrisPostasi (07.07.14, online in English) Emekİnsaat
(Construction Company) who started a legal battle against the EU Program
Support Office after suffering 8 million euro financial loss, won the
arbitration case.
Emekİnsaatwho
suffered a loss worth 8 million euro due to problems with the occupied
Famagusta Sewage System and Water Supply Network Project, won the arbitration
case which is finalized in UK courts.
Speaking to KibrisPostasi after the ruling was
made, the “chairman” of “Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association” (KTIMB)
Cafer Gurcafer accused occupied Famagusta Municipality and Turkish Cypriot “government”
for not standing beside Emekİnsaat during the process.
“All of the officials are responsible, no one
stood beside Emekİnsaat. In my opinion both Famagusta Municipality and our
government are guilty. I will be hard on their heels. They will pay the price”
said Gurcafer.
Emekİnsaatwhich was turned down by the local
courts due to EU’s legal impunity in the “north”, appealed to arbitration court
in UK on April 10. An arbitration case
was finalized on July 3 in favor of Emekİnsaat.
Gurcafer criticized the “government”, the EU
and the occupied Famagusta and said that
things would not go this far if “north Cyprus laws” allowed local companies to
seek justice here.
“Emekİnsaat became the scape goat during this
process despite being the ones who suffered from injustice” said Gurcafer and
added that there are many Turkish Cypriot contractors that suffer from problems
with the EU Program Support Office but not all of them have the means to appeal
to arbitration.
Gurcafer said that just before the decision of
arbitration case was announced EU officials had contacted KTIMB and requested a
meeting. “EU officials are coming to meet with us on 9 July. They contacted us
the day before the decision was announced, so they probably knew the decision
before hand so that’s why they decided to meet with us”, added Gurcafer.
10.Turkey’s
government announced a road map for the return of PKK militants
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (07.07.14)
reports that daily Sabah reported today
that the Turkish government’s road map for a new wave of efforts to find a
peaceful solution to the Kurdish question, includes the return of Kurdistan
Workers’ Party (PKK) militants to Turkey, between one to three years.
The government will
take action after the parliamentary approval on a bill that mainly offers legal
protection for the actors in the ongoing process, as the draft is expected to
be voted on this week. The plans will be put into effect by the beginning of
next year, Sabah
also said.
The plan includes
paving the way for the return of the militants who were not involved in armed
action and are now in Europe or northern Iraq in one year.
The number of militants at Kandil is estimated
at 5,000.
The PKK members who immigrated to European
countries, particularly to Germany, France and Sweden, or those who have
already founded businesses in northern Iraq, will return in two years, while
the duration for those with an Interpol Red Notice on their name will be three
years.
However, another plan will be valid for key PKK
members who are known by name in Turkey.
The newspaper also noted that Deputy Prime
Minister BesirAtalay said that the government was working on a scheduled action
plan for the “[militants’] return.”
11. Article in
Vatan argues that Ankara changed position on the issue of Kurdish independence
Turkish daily Vatan newspaper (05.07.14)
published an article by RusenCakir under the title: “Why does Ankara no longer
fear and independent Kurdistan?”, in which he argues that Ankara changed
position on the issue of Kurdish independence. The article is as follows:
“ […] Interestingly enough, up until very
recently Turkey used to be named as the first country that would oppose any
Kurdish declaration of independence. Accordingly, it was asserted that
Washington was working very hard both openly and clandestinely to convince
Ankara to accept an independent Kurdistan. But given where we are now, if Arbil
were to declare independence Ankara is pretty near the bottom of the list of
those countries that would object. I do not think that this is "an
American project." While intense economic relations with the Iraqi Kurds
starting with oil deals are extremely important, America has not been the key
in the Kurds getting to this point.
What actually lies behind Ankara not being as
uncomfortable as it used to be with the thought of an "independent
Kurdistan" and in fact being able to take up positions of encouragement
from time to time is the fact that the notion of forming an independent state
has surprisingly few proponents among the Kurds in Turkey. We need to look for the
reasons why an independent state is not acceptable even though the Kurd
political movement is as powerful as it is in Abdullah Ocalan and the ideas he
developed after being imprisoned on ImraliIsland […]
In terms of population and social, economic and
cultural levels the country that is most important for the Kurds is
indisputably Turkey. Therefore, it would be unreal to expect the Kurds in
Turkey to continue as they are now with no status whatsoever once an
independent Kurdish state is formed in Iraq. Besides, like I said before, the
formation of an independent Kurdistan will definitely cause the idea of a
separate state to flourish again among the Kurds in Turkey.
If the plan is not to see Turkey divided, the
solution process needs to be brought to a rapid conclusion in such a way as to
grant the Kurds a status they will be happy with. And while doing all this, the
Kurds in Iraq, Syria and even Iran should be taken into consideration. […]”
12. CHP seeks
Socialist International support to follow voting process in Europe
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (06.07.14) reports
that the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has sought support
from the Socialist International (SI) and the Progressive Alliance to encourage
Turkish citizens living in Europe to cast their votes in the upcoming Turkey’s
presidential election on Aug. 10.
The CHP asked both the SI and the Progressive
to follow and observe the voting process in their respective countries.
With around 2.8 million Turkish citizens
eligible to vote living abroad, all main political parties have been trying to
remind Turks about the importance of the upcoming elections for Turkish
democracy, writes the paper.
13. Erdogan’s
presidency logo includes prophet’s name in Arabic, according to a Turkish
Minister
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (06.07.14) reported
that the official presidential election campaign logo of Prime Minister
RecepTayyipErdogan includes the name of the Prophet Muhammed in Arabic, Finance
Minister Mehmet Simsek said.
“Did you know that ‘Muhammed’ in Arabic is used
in the logo of our presidential candidate, Mr. Erdogan?” Simsekwrote via his
Twitter account. The logo stirred a
debate after it was first shared with the public, with many suggesting that it
resembled the logo used in U.S. President Barack Obama’s campaigns in 2008 and
2012.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
