TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 150/14 13. 08.14
1. Gul's return to party is natural, Erdogan says in farewell reception
2. Arinc warns AKP rookies to “calm down” over who will lead it after Erdogan’s term
3. CHP Deputies call for resignation of Kilicdaroglu over election defeat
4. Commentary assesses Gul’s return to AKP
5. Obama congratulates Erdogan on presidential victory
6. As Ebola death toll tops 1,000, Turkey takes precautionary measures
7. Measures against Ebola disease in the occupied area of Cyprus; Thermal cameras at the ports
8. Turkish Freedom and Solidarity Party: “We will stand by everyone who struggles to end the occupation in Cyprus”
9. Siber: I may run for “president”; Erk: Siber’s statement doesn’t bind CTP
10. Talat: The Cyprus negotiations have collapsed
11. Kucuk leaves the door open for a possible “candidacy” for the “presidential elections”
12. CTP has become full member of the Socialist International
13. A cooperation protocol between “Kyrenia University” and Kharkov University
14. The numbers of airplanes and passengers travelling to illegal Tymbou airport have increased
15. Mauremys Rivulata turtles in the occupied area of Cyprus in risk of extinction
1. Gul's return to party is natural, Erdogan says in farewell reception
Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.08.14) reports that president-elect Tayyip Erdogan says it is "natural" for outgoing President Gul to come back to ruling AK Party - which Gul and Erdogan co-founded - after his term ends this month.
The Justice and Development Party, commonly known as AK Party, will gather its Central Executive Committee on August 27 to elect their new chairman. Abdullah Gul can go back to AK Party only after August 28, the date he will finish his term as the president. Erdogan also said that it would be "wrong" to name one person as the AK Party chairman and another as prime minister. "The Central Executive Committee will gather on August 27 to resolve one issue, that is, who will become the new chairman of the party," said Erdogan.
At his farewell reception on Tuesday night, Gul thanked all government agencies for their work during his presidency, and praised Turkey’s democratic maturity. "Democracy is a process of perfection. This process includes addressing deficiencies and redressing failures through criticism and self-criticism, and amelioration of practices through reform," said Gul. "Leaving my post, I am seeing with joy that Turkey has reached to a democratic maturity level that allows it to rectify its mistakes." Gul also said that the current state of affairs on the international arena meant that “The existence of an ever-powerful, stable and prosperous Turkey is needed for regional and world peace.”
2. Arinc warns AKP rookies to “calm down” over who will lead it after Erdogan’s term
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (13.08.14) reports that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc urges younger members of the ruling party AKP to “calm down” after a row within the party occurred over who will lead it after Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s term.
As debate heats up, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, one of the founders of the party, has openly warned what he called the party’s “adolescents” to “calm down” after public reactions against outgoing President Abdullah Gul, who signaled his return to the party on Aug. 11. He had previously made similar warnings to the party’s younger members that led to a quarrel between himself and Yalcin Akdogan, one of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s top advisors, over the future of the AKP. “If the need emerges for a new leader with charisma and power who is able to move the masses in the run up to the 2015 elections, then we are a dynamic party. We would designate our new executives and then go for an extraordinary congress,” Arinc added.
The AKP’s next extraordinary congress is set to be convened on Aug. 27, a day before the official presidential handover. Arinc defended the timing of the congress, which has been widely interpreted as a deliberate move aimed at preventing outgoing President Abdullah Gul from immediately joining the party as leader. However, he also argued that all assessments - including the potential successor of the president-elect, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan - need to be reviewed in the run-up to the 2015 parliamentary elections, in an unveiled message to welcome Gul’s future leadership after potentially being elected as a lawmaker in the 2015 elections.
3. CHP Deputies call for resignation of Kilicdaroglu over election defeat
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (13.08.14) reports that following the election defeat of the presidential candidate jointly nominated by the leading opposition parties, some Deputies of the Republican People's Party (CHP) have called on the party's leader to resign, blaming the management of the party for the election defeat.
“The party chairman and his team should give up blaming only the voters. They should show the virtue of resigning from their posts,” Emine Ulker Tarhan, a CHP Deputy who had opposed the joint candidate from the beginning, said at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday. Tarhan, who was accompanied by several Deputies from the party, also called on delegates of the party to act together for an extraordinary party congress that will push for change in the party, saying, “We are calling on our congress delegates to do something for the future of our party.”
4. Commentary assesses Gul’s return to AKP
Turkish daily Vatan newspaper (12.08.14) publishes the following article by Rusen Cakir under the title: Gul's decision to return to the AKP.
“Why did [outgoing President Abdullah] Gul announce early his decision to return to the AKP [Justice and Development Party]? […] close circles have been saying and writing for a while now that in the event of Erdogan's being elected President, the special congress at which the AKP's new General Chairman would be elected would be held prior to the transfer of office ceremony, probably on 27 August. In such a situation, it would be impossible for Gul to come to the head of the party. It is clear that, for this reason, Gul wanted, by declaring his return home on the day that the AKP MYK [Central Executive Committee] meeting was held, to cause the date of the congress to be put off to a later date than the one being talked about. […]
Who is going to come to the head of the AKP and the government on 27 August? […] It is clear that the name of [Foreign Minister] Ahmet Davutoglu is being cited the most. Despite this, it would not be surprising, in this extremely critical time period, for Erdogan to choose a name much closer to himself. Looked at from this angle, it would be useful to keep names like [former Transportation Minister] Binali Yildirim and [former Parliamentary Speaker] Mehmet Ali Sahin in mind. […]
Could Gul ascend to the party leadership later?
It is certain that Gul, who is going to return to the AKP after 28 August, is going to be seen from the very first moment as a potential candidate for General Chairman and for Prime Minister. If a clear decline in the AKP is seen in the public opinion surveys that are conducted on a regular basis, then the AKP congress, which under normal conditions would be expected to be held in September of 2015, could be moved up until before the general elections, and Gul could be moved to the head of the party. […]
5. Obama congratulates Erdogan on presidential victory
Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.08.14) reports that U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday congratulated Turkey’s President-elect, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on his electoral victory in the country’s first direct presidential election.
In a phone call, Obama “praised the Prime Minister’s speech on Sunday and noted that as Turkey’s first directly elected President, the Prime Minister has a historic opportunity to further move Turkey forward,” according to a readout of the call provided by the White House. Both Obama and Erdogan agreed on the importance of close cooperation between their countries on Syria and Iraq, and the threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
6. As Ebola death toll tops 1,000, Turkey takes precautionary measures
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (13.08.14) reports that Turkey is on alert regarding Ebola, the lethal virus that killed over 1,000 people across the world, particularly in West African countries.
The Ministry of Health's Border Health Directorate reassured visitors to Turkey that all measures have been taken against a potential spillover of the Ebola outbreak, and passengers traveling from African countries are closely monitored against any health concerns. Apart from screening the passengers, the ministry urges all travelers from Africa to immediately go to a hospital in case of the emergence of any symptoms such as sudden and high fever, severe headache and fatigue and muscular pains. A few days after contracting the infection, the patient suffers from kidney and liver failure, which is followed by internal bleeding and death.
The Ministry has already issued a warning to Turkish citizens traveling to African countries gripped by the outbreak. Though no travel ban to those countries was imposed, the Ministry informed citizens about indications of the virus include symptoms that can emerge three weeks after the initial infection. Minister of Health Mehmet Muezzinoglu has stated that Turkey does not face any risk from the virus, and has taken precautions against a potential outbreak. The Turkish Foreign Ministry also warned citizens traveling to the countries hit by the outbreak to avoid crowded places, not to eat meat products and to pay greater attention to hygiene.
7. Measures against Ebola disease in the occupied area of Cyprus; Thermal cameras at the ports
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.08.14) reports that Omer Gur, “undersecretary” at the self-styled ministry of health of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, has said that his so-called ministry and the “Infection Coordination Committee” have taken measures against the Ebola disease in the occupied area of the island. In statements at a press conference yesterday, he noted that their priority is for the disease not entering into the occupied area of Cyprus and added that the measures will be taken along with every new development.
Gur said that the measures are put into force with the “Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council” (YODAK), the “migration department”, the self-styled ministry of transport, the so-called football federation, the illegal airport, the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and the “universities”.
Speaking at the same press conference, Emine Gulluelli, director of the so-called basic health services department, said that they will put into effect the practice of thermal cameras at the illegal seaports and airports in the occupied area of the island. She noted that measures have also been taken on the issue of carrying all possible Ebola cases to the center [the hospital].
Members of the “Infection Coordination Committee” were also present at the press conference.
Gur said that the measures at the “airports” will be taken at three different places: on the airplane, at the entrance to the “airport” and at the “migration police”. He noted that they have planned in detail how they will treat possible diseased persons, which specialists will examine them and how and where they will be transferred. He said that they have also planned the training of their personnel and added that the evaluations are made according to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Replying to a question, Gur said that the disease has not occurred in the occupied area of Cyprus. He noted that the students from Western Africa will start coming to the occupied area of Cyprus in September and added that except for these Western African students, the majority of them coming from Nigeria, football players from Africa are employed in the occupied area of Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
8. Turkish Freedom and Solidarity Party: “We will stand by everyone who struggles to end the occupation in Cyprus”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (12.08.14) reported that Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP), one of the leading actors of Turkish revolutionism sent a solidarity message for the “Independent Cyprus” event which will take place on the 14th of August in occupied Lefkosia.
In its message, ODP said: “As long as the Island wide struggle continues and grows against Turkey, Greece, UK, NATO in short against all imperialist powers, the winners will not only be Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots but also will be the victory of all communities in Cyprus who struggle for an independent country.”
ODP also said that all the armed forces should leave the Island and the US and British bases should be closed. “Cyprus should be governed by Cypriots. We will stand by all Cypriots who struggle for an independent Cyprus where people fight against policies that damage workers” read ODP's message. In their message ODP also said that Ankara's policies on Cyprus turned it to a casino adding that Cyprus is still suffering from Turkey's neoliberal exploitation policies. "We will stand by everyone who struggles to end the occupation in Cyprus" read the message.
9. Siber: I may run for “president”; Erk: Siber’s statement doesn’t bind CTP
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 12.08.14), the self-styled speaker of the assembly of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus Sibel Siber has given the green light regarding her possible “candidacy” for next year’s “presidential election”.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, where she briefed members of the press on the “parliament’s performance” over the past year, Sibel said that a number of changes made to the “assembly’s bylaws” had contributed to increasing “parliament’s” efficiency. She said that the problem of achieving quorum for the “parliamentary sessions” had mostly been solved.
Explaining that the “parliament’s” website had been redesigned and a social media page opened, Siber said that a number of arrangements had also been introduced to allow the press to follow the parliament’s work more comfortably. She also said that a number of advisors previously excused had been reassigned duties in “parliament” so as to benefit from their experiences and knowledge.
Siber also pointed out that her “office” had taken on a number of social responsibility projects as well as the restoration and opening of a modern art museum, the restoration of the Dr Fazıl Kucuk museum, the construction of a hiking and bike track in the “parliament forest” and the publishing of archived Turkish newspapers on the “parliament’s website”.
She also provided information regarding her visits abroad and the “laws” passed by “parliament” over the past year.
Responding to a question as to whether or not she will be running for “president” in next year’s “elections”, Siber said that she had entered politics to serve the people. “I have never demanded a political position…However whatever duty I take on I carry it out with a great sense of responsibility” she said, adding that she could consider running for “president” if she saw public support for her “candidacy”. “Preserving the confidence and trust of the people is my greatest goal. Work to be carried out by the party as well as opinion polls will help me decide whether or not I will run for president”, Siber said.
Meanwhile, the general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Kutlay Erk, commenting on Siber’s statement to the paper, said that Siber’s statement on a possible “candidacy” for the upcoming “presidential elections” in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is only a personal statement, adding that these kinds of statements don’t bind the CTP. He noted that CTP will share with the public what road will follow on the “elections”.
Erk also explained that the process on the “elections” will be completed by the end of August, and they will announce their decision to the public at the beginning of September.
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 13.08.14) the self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, in statements before the “council of ministers” meeting, commented on the CTP-BG “candidates” for the “presidential elections”. He noted that the process has begun in CTP-BG for the “presidential elections” and that the processes should be finalised in the first or second week of September.
He completed his statement by saying: “The requests for candidacy should wait.”
10. Talat: The Cyprus negotiations have collapsed
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (13.08.14) reports that the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat has alleged that the USA has never said that the key of the Cyprus problem is in Turkey, but is aware of Turkey’s importance. In statements during a television program, Talat referred to what is described as allegation that the US Vice President, Joe Biden has said that the key to the solution in Cyprus is in Turkey. Talat claimed that statements, which say that the only determinant in the Cyprus problem is Turkey, are “extremely wrong” and described as “figment of imagination” the views which say that the Cyprus problem will be solved with the election of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the presidency of Turkey.
Talat alleged that the reason for the non-solution should be searched in Cyprus and that “the key is here”. According to Talat, it could be said that the keys are actually five, that is, the three guarantor powers of the Republic of Cyprus and the two communities. “However, the center is Cyprus”, he argued.
Referring to those who say that either he is “elected” in next year’s “presidential elections” in the occupied area of Cyprus or the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu makes no difference since anyway Turkey’s wish is what happens, Talat alleged that “these campaigns support Eroglu”.
Responding to a question, Talat argued that the negotiations have come to a deadlock now and added that he expects no progress. He noted that pressure could be exerted by the world through Turkey. According to Talat Turkey might be directed towards the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, but no result should be expected from this. Talat argued that Turkey could be interested in the issue only when it sees that a result could be achieved.
Replying to another question, Talat alleged that the approach of the UN in Cyprus is ‘very passive” and argued that not much should be expected from this organization. According to Talat, the Turkish Cypriot side is the one that will cause activity on this issue.
Asked whether he would prefer a framework agreement or an overall solution, Talat responded that he prefers the overall solution, but under these circumstances of deadlock, a framework agreement could be discussed. “Perhaps, this is a way out”, he argued.
(I/Ts.)
11. Kucuk leaves the door open for a possible “candidacy” for the “presidential elections”
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (13.08.14) reports that self-styled former prime minister Irsen Kucuk, who could not even be elected as “deputy” at 2013 “parliamentary elections”, said that he has not decided yet whether he will be or not a candidate on the “presidential elections” that will be held next year.
Participating in a programme at Turkish Cypriot private channel Kibris TV with Serhat Incirli, Kucuk said that although there have been requests from circles to be a “candidate”, it is too early to talk on this issue.
Criticizing the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu on the Cyprus talks, Kucuk said that he sees the performance of Eroglu at the negotiation table very week, adding that the negotiations have been “vanished”.
12. CTP has become full member of the Socialist International
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (13.08.14), the Turkish Cypriot political party Republican Turkish Party (CTP) has become a full member of the Socialist International (SI).
The paper also reports that during the meeting of the Socialist International, which took place last month in Mexico City, the application of CTP for a membership status was approved.
The General Secretary of the SI Luis Ayala informed the leader of the CTP Ozkan Yorgancioglu that the CTP has been upgraded to full membership of the SI by sending him a letter.
13. A cooperation protocol between “Kyrenia University” and Kharkov University
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (13.08.14) reports that a cooperation protocol was signed between the illegal University of Kyrenia and Kharkov University, the famous university of Ukraine specializing on radio-electronics since 1921.
According to a press release by the “public relations directorate of the University of Kyrenia”, the cooperation protocol between “University of Kyrenia” and Kharkov University was signed by Mrs Cemre S. Gunsel, the “founding rector of the university of Kyrenia”, and Mr Murat Omarov, representative of Rector from Kharkov Radio-Electronics University.
The protocol signed between parties includes education and research studies, exchange of students and teaching staff, conducting joint research, organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops, and especially focusing on designing radio-electronic devices for vessel and satellite systems, cyber threats, cyber security of informatics and information systems as well as other research issues relevant to objectives of both institutions.
14. The numbers of airplanes and passengers travelling to illegal Tymbou airport have increased
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.08.14) reports that the number of passengers serviced at illegal Tymbou airport increased by 7.18% in the first seven months of 2014 reaching 1.757.018 in comparison to 1.639.341 in the same period of 2013.
The number of passengers coming to the illegal airport in the period January-July 2014 increased by 6.97% in comparison to the same period of 2013, raising from 806.148 to 862.355. During the same period of 2014 894.663 persons departed from Tymbou comparing to 833.193 who departed last year.
During the first seven months of 2013, 6.215 airplanes landed at illegal Tymbou airport and 6.211 departed. During the same period of 2014, the relevant numbers were 6.970 landings and 6.970 departures.
(I/Ts.)
15. Mauremys Rivulata turtles in the occupied area of Cyprus in risk of extinction
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (13.08.14) reports that the striped turtles (Mauremys Rivulata) whose habitats are in Pediaios river are in threat of extinction because there are no attempts to protect them.
Turkish Cypriot biologist Nazim Kasot’s article examining the Mauremys Rivulata biology and ecology which was published in the “Cyprus Researches Magazine” (Kibris Arastirmalar Dergisi) brings to attention the risks the species are face to face with. Biologist association leader Hasan Sarpten emphasized that even though the species is under protection there are no attempts of protecting them.
Although Pediaios river carries importance for the reproduction of the striped turtles, it is also a hindrance. Kasot has said: “Soon it will be impossible to see the turtles in Pediaios river”. Kasot in his article about the biology and ecology of the turtles writes that there have been no attempts of protecting the species and if immediate action is not taken it will be impossible for us to see turtles at Pediaios river.
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1. Gul's return to party is natural, Erdogan says in farewell reception
2. Arinc warns AKP rookies to “calm down” over who will lead it after Erdogan’s term
3. CHP Deputies call for resignation of Kilicdaroglu over election defeat
4. Commentary assesses Gul’s return to AKP
5. Obama congratulates Erdogan on presidential victory
6. As Ebola death toll tops 1,000, Turkey takes precautionary measures
7. Measures against Ebola disease in the occupied area of Cyprus; Thermal cameras at the ports
8. Turkish Freedom and Solidarity Party: “We will stand by everyone who struggles to end the occupation in Cyprus”
9. Siber: I may run for “president”; Erk: Siber’s statement doesn’t bind CTP
10. Talat: The Cyprus negotiations have collapsed
11. Kucuk leaves the door open for a possible “candidacy” for the “presidential elections”
12. CTP has become full member of the Socialist International
13. A cooperation protocol between “Kyrenia University” and Kharkov University
14. The numbers of airplanes and passengers travelling to illegal Tymbou airport have increased
15. Mauremys Rivulata turtles in the occupied area of Cyprus in risk of extinction
1. Gul's return to party is natural, Erdogan says in farewell reception
Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.08.14) reports that president-elect Tayyip Erdogan says it is "natural" for outgoing President Gul to come back to ruling AK Party - which Gul and Erdogan co-founded - after his term ends this month.
The Justice and Development Party, commonly known as AK Party, will gather its Central Executive Committee on August 27 to elect their new chairman. Abdullah Gul can go back to AK Party only after August 28, the date he will finish his term as the president. Erdogan also said that it would be "wrong" to name one person as the AK Party chairman and another as prime minister. "The Central Executive Committee will gather on August 27 to resolve one issue, that is, who will become the new chairman of the party," said Erdogan.
At his farewell reception on Tuesday night, Gul thanked all government agencies for their work during his presidency, and praised Turkey’s democratic maturity. "Democracy is a process of perfection. This process includes addressing deficiencies and redressing failures through criticism and self-criticism, and amelioration of practices through reform," said Gul. "Leaving my post, I am seeing with joy that Turkey has reached to a democratic maturity level that allows it to rectify its mistakes." Gul also said that the current state of affairs on the international arena meant that “The existence of an ever-powerful, stable and prosperous Turkey is needed for regional and world peace.”
2. Arinc warns AKP rookies to “calm down” over who will lead it after Erdogan’s term
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (13.08.14) reports that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc urges younger members of the ruling party AKP to “calm down” after a row within the party occurred over who will lead it after Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s term.
As debate heats up, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, one of the founders of the party, has openly warned what he called the party’s “adolescents” to “calm down” after public reactions against outgoing President Abdullah Gul, who signaled his return to the party on Aug. 11. He had previously made similar warnings to the party’s younger members that led to a quarrel between himself and Yalcin Akdogan, one of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s top advisors, over the future of the AKP. “If the need emerges for a new leader with charisma and power who is able to move the masses in the run up to the 2015 elections, then we are a dynamic party. We would designate our new executives and then go for an extraordinary congress,” Arinc added.
The AKP’s next extraordinary congress is set to be convened on Aug. 27, a day before the official presidential handover. Arinc defended the timing of the congress, which has been widely interpreted as a deliberate move aimed at preventing outgoing President Abdullah Gul from immediately joining the party as leader. However, he also argued that all assessments - including the potential successor of the president-elect, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan - need to be reviewed in the run-up to the 2015 parliamentary elections, in an unveiled message to welcome Gul’s future leadership after potentially being elected as a lawmaker in the 2015 elections.
3. CHP Deputies call for resignation of Kilicdaroglu over election defeat
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (13.08.14) reports that following the election defeat of the presidential candidate jointly nominated by the leading opposition parties, some Deputies of the Republican People's Party (CHP) have called on the party's leader to resign, blaming the management of the party for the election defeat.
“The party chairman and his team should give up blaming only the voters. They should show the virtue of resigning from their posts,” Emine Ulker Tarhan, a CHP Deputy who had opposed the joint candidate from the beginning, said at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday. Tarhan, who was accompanied by several Deputies from the party, also called on delegates of the party to act together for an extraordinary party congress that will push for change in the party, saying, “We are calling on our congress delegates to do something for the future of our party.”
4. Commentary assesses Gul’s return to AKP
Turkish daily Vatan newspaper (12.08.14) publishes the following article by Rusen Cakir under the title: Gul's decision to return to the AKP.
“Why did [outgoing President Abdullah] Gul announce early his decision to return to the AKP [Justice and Development Party]? […] close circles have been saying and writing for a while now that in the event of Erdogan's being elected President, the special congress at which the AKP's new General Chairman would be elected would be held prior to the transfer of office ceremony, probably on 27 August. In such a situation, it would be impossible for Gul to come to the head of the party. It is clear that, for this reason, Gul wanted, by declaring his return home on the day that the AKP MYK [Central Executive Committee] meeting was held, to cause the date of the congress to be put off to a later date than the one being talked about. […]
Who is going to come to the head of the AKP and the government on 27 August? […] It is clear that the name of [Foreign Minister] Ahmet Davutoglu is being cited the most. Despite this, it would not be surprising, in this extremely critical time period, for Erdogan to choose a name much closer to himself. Looked at from this angle, it would be useful to keep names like [former Transportation Minister] Binali Yildirim and [former Parliamentary Speaker] Mehmet Ali Sahin in mind. […]
Could Gul ascend to the party leadership later?
It is certain that Gul, who is going to return to the AKP after 28 August, is going to be seen from the very first moment as a potential candidate for General Chairman and for Prime Minister. If a clear decline in the AKP is seen in the public opinion surveys that are conducted on a regular basis, then the AKP congress, which under normal conditions would be expected to be held in September of 2015, could be moved up until before the general elections, and Gul could be moved to the head of the party. […]
5. Obama congratulates Erdogan on presidential victory
Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.08.14) reports that U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday congratulated Turkey’s President-elect, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on his electoral victory in the country’s first direct presidential election.
In a phone call, Obama “praised the Prime Minister’s speech on Sunday and noted that as Turkey’s first directly elected President, the Prime Minister has a historic opportunity to further move Turkey forward,” according to a readout of the call provided by the White House. Both Obama and Erdogan agreed on the importance of close cooperation between their countries on Syria and Iraq, and the threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
6. As Ebola death toll tops 1,000, Turkey takes precautionary measures
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (13.08.14) reports that Turkey is on alert regarding Ebola, the lethal virus that killed over 1,000 people across the world, particularly in West African countries.
The Ministry of Health's Border Health Directorate reassured visitors to Turkey that all measures have been taken against a potential spillover of the Ebola outbreak, and passengers traveling from African countries are closely monitored against any health concerns. Apart from screening the passengers, the ministry urges all travelers from Africa to immediately go to a hospital in case of the emergence of any symptoms such as sudden and high fever, severe headache and fatigue and muscular pains. A few days after contracting the infection, the patient suffers from kidney and liver failure, which is followed by internal bleeding and death.
The Ministry has already issued a warning to Turkish citizens traveling to African countries gripped by the outbreak. Though no travel ban to those countries was imposed, the Ministry informed citizens about indications of the virus include symptoms that can emerge three weeks after the initial infection. Minister of Health Mehmet Muezzinoglu has stated that Turkey does not face any risk from the virus, and has taken precautions against a potential outbreak. The Turkish Foreign Ministry also warned citizens traveling to the countries hit by the outbreak to avoid crowded places, not to eat meat products and to pay greater attention to hygiene.
7. Measures against Ebola disease in the occupied area of Cyprus; Thermal cameras at the ports
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.08.14) reports that Omer Gur, “undersecretary” at the self-styled ministry of health of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, has said that his so-called ministry and the “Infection Coordination Committee” have taken measures against the Ebola disease in the occupied area of the island. In statements at a press conference yesterday, he noted that their priority is for the disease not entering into the occupied area of Cyprus and added that the measures will be taken along with every new development.
Gur said that the measures are put into force with the “Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council” (YODAK), the “migration department”, the self-styled ministry of transport, the so-called football federation, the illegal airport, the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and the “universities”.
Speaking at the same press conference, Emine Gulluelli, director of the so-called basic health services department, said that they will put into effect the practice of thermal cameras at the illegal seaports and airports in the occupied area of the island. She noted that measures have also been taken on the issue of carrying all possible Ebola cases to the center [the hospital].
Members of the “Infection Coordination Committee” were also present at the press conference.
Gur said that the measures at the “airports” will be taken at three different places: on the airplane, at the entrance to the “airport” and at the “migration police”. He noted that they have planned in detail how they will treat possible diseased persons, which specialists will examine them and how and where they will be transferred. He said that they have also planned the training of their personnel and added that the evaluations are made according to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Replying to a question, Gur said that the disease has not occurred in the occupied area of Cyprus. He noted that the students from Western Africa will start coming to the occupied area of Cyprus in September and added that except for these Western African students, the majority of them coming from Nigeria, football players from Africa are employed in the occupied area of Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
8. Turkish Freedom and Solidarity Party: “We will stand by everyone who struggles to end the occupation in Cyprus”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (12.08.14) reported that Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP), one of the leading actors of Turkish revolutionism sent a solidarity message for the “Independent Cyprus” event which will take place on the 14th of August in occupied Lefkosia.
In its message, ODP said: “As long as the Island wide struggle continues and grows against Turkey, Greece, UK, NATO in short against all imperialist powers, the winners will not only be Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots but also will be the victory of all communities in Cyprus who struggle for an independent country.”
ODP also said that all the armed forces should leave the Island and the US and British bases should be closed. “Cyprus should be governed by Cypriots. We will stand by all Cypriots who struggle for an independent Cyprus where people fight against policies that damage workers” read ODP's message. In their message ODP also said that Ankara's policies on Cyprus turned it to a casino adding that Cyprus is still suffering from Turkey's neoliberal exploitation policies. "We will stand by everyone who struggles to end the occupation in Cyprus" read the message.
9. Siber: I may run for “president”; Erk: Siber’s statement doesn’t bind CTP
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 12.08.14), the self-styled speaker of the assembly of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus Sibel Siber has given the green light regarding her possible “candidacy” for next year’s “presidential election”.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, where she briefed members of the press on the “parliament’s performance” over the past year, Sibel said that a number of changes made to the “assembly’s bylaws” had contributed to increasing “parliament’s” efficiency. She said that the problem of achieving quorum for the “parliamentary sessions” had mostly been solved.
Explaining that the “parliament’s” website had been redesigned and a social media page opened, Siber said that a number of arrangements had also been introduced to allow the press to follow the parliament’s work more comfortably. She also said that a number of advisors previously excused had been reassigned duties in “parliament” so as to benefit from their experiences and knowledge.
Siber also pointed out that her “office” had taken on a number of social responsibility projects as well as the restoration and opening of a modern art museum, the restoration of the Dr Fazıl Kucuk museum, the construction of a hiking and bike track in the “parliament forest” and the publishing of archived Turkish newspapers on the “parliament’s website”.
She also provided information regarding her visits abroad and the “laws” passed by “parliament” over the past year.
Responding to a question as to whether or not she will be running for “president” in next year’s “elections”, Siber said that she had entered politics to serve the people. “I have never demanded a political position…However whatever duty I take on I carry it out with a great sense of responsibility” she said, adding that she could consider running for “president” if she saw public support for her “candidacy”. “Preserving the confidence and trust of the people is my greatest goal. Work to be carried out by the party as well as opinion polls will help me decide whether or not I will run for president”, Siber said.
Meanwhile, the general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Kutlay Erk, commenting on Siber’s statement to the paper, said that Siber’s statement on a possible “candidacy” for the upcoming “presidential elections” in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is only a personal statement, adding that these kinds of statements don’t bind the CTP. He noted that CTP will share with the public what road will follow on the “elections”.
Erk also explained that the process on the “elections” will be completed by the end of August, and they will announce their decision to the public at the beginning of September.
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 13.08.14) the self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, in statements before the “council of ministers” meeting, commented on the CTP-BG “candidates” for the “presidential elections”. He noted that the process has begun in CTP-BG for the “presidential elections” and that the processes should be finalised in the first or second week of September.
He completed his statement by saying: “The requests for candidacy should wait.”
10. Talat: The Cyprus negotiations have collapsed
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (13.08.14) reports that the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat has alleged that the USA has never said that the key of the Cyprus problem is in Turkey, but is aware of Turkey’s importance. In statements during a television program, Talat referred to what is described as allegation that the US Vice President, Joe Biden has said that the key to the solution in Cyprus is in Turkey. Talat claimed that statements, which say that the only determinant in the Cyprus problem is Turkey, are “extremely wrong” and described as “figment of imagination” the views which say that the Cyprus problem will be solved with the election of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the presidency of Turkey.
Talat alleged that the reason for the non-solution should be searched in Cyprus and that “the key is here”. According to Talat, it could be said that the keys are actually five, that is, the three guarantor powers of the Republic of Cyprus and the two communities. “However, the center is Cyprus”, he argued.
Referring to those who say that either he is “elected” in next year’s “presidential elections” in the occupied area of Cyprus or the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu makes no difference since anyway Turkey’s wish is what happens, Talat alleged that “these campaigns support Eroglu”.
Responding to a question, Talat argued that the negotiations have come to a deadlock now and added that he expects no progress. He noted that pressure could be exerted by the world through Turkey. According to Talat Turkey might be directed towards the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, but no result should be expected from this. Talat argued that Turkey could be interested in the issue only when it sees that a result could be achieved.
Replying to another question, Talat alleged that the approach of the UN in Cyprus is ‘very passive” and argued that not much should be expected from this organization. According to Talat, the Turkish Cypriot side is the one that will cause activity on this issue.
Asked whether he would prefer a framework agreement or an overall solution, Talat responded that he prefers the overall solution, but under these circumstances of deadlock, a framework agreement could be discussed. “Perhaps, this is a way out”, he argued.
(I/Ts.)
11. Kucuk leaves the door open for a possible “candidacy” for the “presidential elections”
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (13.08.14) reports that self-styled former prime minister Irsen Kucuk, who could not even be elected as “deputy” at 2013 “parliamentary elections”, said that he has not decided yet whether he will be or not a candidate on the “presidential elections” that will be held next year.
Participating in a programme at Turkish Cypriot private channel Kibris TV with Serhat Incirli, Kucuk said that although there have been requests from circles to be a “candidate”, it is too early to talk on this issue.
Criticizing the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu on the Cyprus talks, Kucuk said that he sees the performance of Eroglu at the negotiation table very week, adding that the negotiations have been “vanished”.
12. CTP has become full member of the Socialist International
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (13.08.14), the Turkish Cypriot political party Republican Turkish Party (CTP) has become a full member of the Socialist International (SI).
The paper also reports that during the meeting of the Socialist International, which took place last month in Mexico City, the application of CTP for a membership status was approved.
The General Secretary of the SI Luis Ayala informed the leader of the CTP Ozkan Yorgancioglu that the CTP has been upgraded to full membership of the SI by sending him a letter.
13. A cooperation protocol between “Kyrenia University” and Kharkov University
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (13.08.14) reports that a cooperation protocol was signed between the illegal University of Kyrenia and Kharkov University, the famous university of Ukraine specializing on radio-electronics since 1921.
According to a press release by the “public relations directorate of the University of Kyrenia”, the cooperation protocol between “University of Kyrenia” and Kharkov University was signed by Mrs Cemre S. Gunsel, the “founding rector of the university of Kyrenia”, and Mr Murat Omarov, representative of Rector from Kharkov Radio-Electronics University.
The protocol signed between parties includes education and research studies, exchange of students and teaching staff, conducting joint research, organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops, and especially focusing on designing radio-electronic devices for vessel and satellite systems, cyber threats, cyber security of informatics and information systems as well as other research issues relevant to objectives of both institutions.
14. The numbers of airplanes and passengers travelling to illegal Tymbou airport have increased
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.08.14) reports that the number of passengers serviced at illegal Tymbou airport increased by 7.18% in the first seven months of 2014 reaching 1.757.018 in comparison to 1.639.341 in the same period of 2013.
The number of passengers coming to the illegal airport in the period January-July 2014 increased by 6.97% in comparison to the same period of 2013, raising from 806.148 to 862.355. During the same period of 2014 894.663 persons departed from Tymbou comparing to 833.193 who departed last year.
During the first seven months of 2013, 6.215 airplanes landed at illegal Tymbou airport and 6.211 departed. During the same period of 2014, the relevant numbers were 6.970 landings and 6.970 departures.
(I/Ts.)
15. Mauremys Rivulata turtles in the occupied area of Cyprus in risk of extinction
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (13.08.14) reports that the striped turtles (Mauremys Rivulata) whose habitats are in Pediaios river are in threat of extinction because there are no attempts to protect them.
Turkish Cypriot biologist Nazim Kasot’s article examining the Mauremys Rivulata biology and ecology which was published in the “Cyprus Researches Magazine” (Kibris Arastirmalar Dergisi) brings to attention the risks the species are face to face with. Biologist association leader Hasan Sarpten emphasized that even though the species is under protection there are no attempts of protecting them.
Although Pediaios river carries importance for the reproduction of the striped turtles, it is also a hindrance. Kasot has said: “Soon it will be impossible to see the turtles in Pediaios river”. Kasot in his article about the biology and ecology of the turtles writes that there have been no attempts of protecting the species and if immediate action is not taken it will be impossible for us to see turtles at Pediaios river.
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