15/9/14

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW

C O N T E N T S


No. 172/14 13-15.09.14
1. Eroglu says they struggled to make Cyprus a Turkish land and reiterates their “red lines”
2. Sibel Siber will be CTP’s candidate for the “presidential elections”
3. Former Barcelona President: A match between Catalonia and the breakaway regime is possible; Sertoglu comments on the agreement with KOP
4. Turkish Cypriots to launch an initiative against EU Commission’s decision to bind the Turkish Cypriot affairs to the Regional Policies Directorate-General
5. Turkish Cypriot businessmen, industrialists and building contractors held contacts in Brussels
6. Representatives of Turkish, Greek, Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot Chambers agreed on the establishment a joint arbitration center
7. German Minister of State Michael Roth: “This is the time for the solution”
8. Talip Atalay continues his contacts in Sweden
9. CAS workers to carry out a sitting protest in occupied Lefkosia upon Davutoglu’s illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus
10. So-called mayor of occupied Lefkosia municipality met with a US official
11. Denktas demands from the illegal Turkish Cypriot agency (TAK) to cover only the activities of the breakaway regime
12. The SAT / joint exercise of the special action teams of the breakaway regime and Turkey is taking place in the occupied area of Cyprus
13. Fashion TV to promote the occupation regime’s tourism; Statements by Serdar Denktas
14. Kerry’s contacts in Turkey; The Cyprus problem among the agenda; Turkey and the US to carry out joint fight against terrorism
15. Turkey’s EU Minister backs new Internet Law; He criticized ‘concerns’ of a foreign diplomat over the issue
16. President Erdogan to 'prioritize Turkey’s EU bid' after October
17. CHP’s Kilicdaroglu announced the “shadow cabinet” of the party


1. Eroglu says they struggled to make Cyprus a Turkish land and reiterates their “red lines”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.09.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has said that they struggled to make Cyprus a Turkish land and argued that their aim is to continue the existence of the so-called Turkish Cypriot state allegedly established in Cyprus, to secure that the Turkish Cypriots continue living in peace and security and to carry their cooperation with Turkey to the highest point. Eroglu made these statements at the Turkish municipality of Kemer, which organizeD the opening ceremony of a boulevard that has Eroglu’s name. The Mayor and the Deputy Governor District of Antalya were present at the ceremony. During his visit, Eroglu met also with the Mayor of Kemer, Mustafa Gul.


In his statements in the Turkish city, Eroglu alleged the following: “No one has the right to keep us under the roof of the Republic of Cyprus, which is occupied by the Greek Cypriots. We are exerting efforts for a state which will be composed of two founding states in Cyprus and its citizens will have equal rights”.


Eroglu claimed that the Turkish Cypriots have been excluded by force from the Republic of Cyprus and alleged that this is the reason for which now the Greek Cypriots, who call Turkey “occupier” in Cyprus, are the actual occupiers. Alleging that there are “two separate states” now in Cyprus, Eroglu added:
We are looking for an agreement at the negotiating table taking into consideration these realities. (…) There will be no return to the pre-1974 period. Turkey’s active and effective guarantees will continue. The citizenship of all those who have taken the TRNC citizenship will remain and they will become citizens of the partnership state, if we can establish it”. Eroglu said that the above are their “red lines”.
(I/Ts.)


2. Sibel Siber will be CTP’s candidate for the “presidential elections”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.09.14) reports that the “speaker” of the “assembly” Sibel Siber will be the sole candidate for the position of the candidate of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) as regards the “presidential elections” which will be held in April 2015.

According to the paper, following the decision of the party’s assembly, those who are interested to be CTP’s candidates should apply to the party expressing their interest for the position, Siber will issue her application this afternoon. The paper citing information writes that no other member of the party will apply for the position.


3. Former Barcelona President: A match between Catalonia and the breakaway regime is possible; Sertoglu comments on the agreement with KOP
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.09.14) reports that Joan Laporta, former President of Barcelona Sports Club and former member of the Catalonian parliament, has alleged that the “TRNC” [Translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus] and Catalonia, which is struggling for independence in Spain, should not be treated in a different way than Scotland, which is expected to hold a referendum for its independence this week. The self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas and the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot so-called football federation (“KTFF”), Hasan Sertoglu hosted a lunch yesterday for Laporta at Merit Hotel in occupied Keryneia.


In his statements, Laporta said that the reason of his visit to the occupied area of Cyprus is related to his profession as lawyer. He argued that he was unable to understand the so-called isolation implemented on the Turkish Cypriots in the field of sports and claimed that the Turkish Cypriot youth not being able to compete against the youth of other countries is “a great injustice”.


Laporta expressed their support to the process started between the Cyprus Football Association (CFA or KOP) and the Turkish Cyprus so-called federation (“KTFF”) alleging that the main reason for FIFA launching this process is that “it owes something to this country”. He said that he supports “KTFF’s” approach on the content of this process and referred to FIFA’s regulation providing for “one national team for each country”.


You should make well use of the process launched between Catalonia and Spain and you and KOP for reaching the target of FIFA membership”, he argued noting that Catalonia holds a friendly match every year upon FIFA’s permission, but “this is not a solution”.


Laporta alleged that holding a match between the breakaway regime and Catalonia is possible and in order for this to happen the two football “federations” should meet and make arrangements.


Laporta argued that this is the right time for Catalonia to gain its independence and claimed that 75% of the people in Catalonia want independence. “It is difficult to accept and understand why the Scottish people can go to the polls and Catalonia cannot”, he added.


In his statements, Denktas said that during their meeting they discussed ways of cooperation. As regards the process with KOP, Denktas noted that their common position with the “KTFF” is that equality should not be harmed and added that they have some disagreements but the decision will be taken by the “federation”. Referring to Laporta, Denktas said that “as of today we have a valuable friend by our side”.
Finally, Sertoglu said that Laporta’s visit should not be associated with the discussions between KOP and the “KTFF” and added that they will hold a press conference on this issue within the forthcoming weeks. Sertoglu argued that their aim is the successful conclusion of the process they have launched with KOP and noted: “If this job does not happen we have to think. We have to make plans regarding this. Of course, the aim is for this job to happen. I have not lost hope yet…”
(I/Ts.)

4. Turkish Cypriots to launch an initiative against EU Commission’s decision to bind the Turkish Cypriot affairs to the Regional Policies Directorate-General
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.09.14) reports that a delegation from the so-called assembly of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus will visit Strasbourg this week to launch an initiative as regards the decision of the European Commission to bind the Task Force for the Turkish Cypriot community to the Directorate-General for Regional Policies, instead of the Directorate-General for the Enlargement. The delegation is expected to meet with various groups in the European Parliament (EP) and MEPs and question the above-mentioned decision.


In statements to Kibris, Armagan Candan, so-called deputy with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) said that this arrangement should not constitute an obstacle for the continuation of direct contacts between the EU and the Turkish Cypriots. “Our expectation from the EU is the continuation of the autonomous relation established until today with the Turkish Cypriots”, he noted adding that a delegation from the ‘assembly” will hold contacts on the issue next (this) week.


Hasan Tacoy, general secretary of the Democratic Party (DP), argued that this decision “is trying to push” the Turkish Cypriots under the Republic of Cyprus and “present them” as part of the Republic of Cyprus. “I believe that the EP will not approve this”, he said adding that when the issue of the continuation of the Cyprus negotiations is taken into consideration, the “TRNC” should definitely be under the enlargement directorate-general, the harmonization efforts should continue and some projects should be developed for being harmonized with the EU.


Ersan Saner, self-styled deputy with the National Unity Party (UBP), argued that this behavior “presents the Turkish Cypriot side as any community”. He noted that the UBP cannot accept this and added that the aid would be granted through the Greek Cypriots. He alleged that the other aspect of the decision is related to the Cyprus talks and that the Greek Cypriots are trying to lead the negotiations to EU ground. “The Turkish Cypriot people should see clearly now what threats are ahead of us in case we slide to the EU ground”, he argued adding that they will not abandon the UN parameters and they will not accept the EU to interfere in this issue.


Deniz Birinci, foreign relations secretary of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), noted that the Directorate – General for the Enlargement exists for third countries which are candidates to join the EU and added that the occupied northern Cyprus’ status is not this. She said that this change will be made on an administrative issue and will not influence their legal status. She described the former arrangement as an “administrative mistake” and added: “This does not mean that the EU accepts us as a separate structure. This was an administrative mistake on behalf of the EU and it was changed”.


Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (15.09.14) reports that Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the TDP, said that the direct contact with the Turkish Cypriots should continue and that the decisions should contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem. He noted that some worries are expressed as regards pushing aside the Turkish Cypriots. He alleged that this includes a great danger and claimed: “Everyone should know that such an approach will make the division permanent”.
(I/Ts.)


5. Turkish Cypriot businessmen, industrialists and building contractors held contacts in Brussels
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.09.14) reports that the chairmen of the Turkish Cypriot Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the chairman of the Building Contractors’ Union, Fikri Toros, Ali Cirali and Cafer Gurcafer respectively, held contacts in Brussels between 9 and 11 September with high ranking EU officials.


According to a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, the Turkish Cypriot delegation expressed their views on the matters of the registration of halloumi/hellim cheese as geographical trade mark, the intensification of the Turkish Cypriots’ harmonization process with the EU, the expansion of the scope of the Green Line Regulation and the problems experienced with the investments projects materialized with funds granted by the EU.
(I/Ts.)


6. Representatives of Turkish, Greek, Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot Chambers agreed on the establishment a joint arbitration center
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (15.09.14) reports that the representatives of the Turkish, Greek and Cypriot private sectors have agreed to set up a joint arbitration center that will deal with the resolution of commercial conflicts, giving a boost to the efforts for the reunification of the Cyprus.
Business leaders from the “TRNC” and the Republic of Cyprus, as well as Turkey and Greece, made the decision when they met in Istanbul as part of the Nicosia Economic Forum to discuss cooperation opportunities to contribute to the resolution process.

The Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) chairman Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, his Greek counterpart, Constantine Michalos, and the chairmen of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot chambers, Fikri Toros and Phidias Pilides announced the agreed decision in the final declaration of the forum.

All four parties’ commerce chambers had agreed to start an initiative on establishing a cooperation mechanism and holding frequent meetings to enable closer communication.

The first forum meeting was held in June at the U.N.-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia and the next meeting will be in Athens in December, Hisarcıklıoglu announced.

7. German Minister of State Michael Roth: “This is the time for the solution”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.09.14) publishes an interview by the German Minister of State Michael Roth, prior to his official visit to Cyprus. According to the paper Roth stressed during the interview the importance of reaching a solution in Cyprus.

This the time for the solution”, he stated.

Roth stated that the natural gas is a great opportunity for the solution that has potentials and can create both economic and political gains in Cyprus and the region.
He also said that the EU-Turkey relations must be intensified and improved adding that this will benefit both Turkey and the EU.

8. Talip Atalay continues his contacts in Sweden
Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (15.09.14) reports that the leader of the “Religious Affairs department” in the occupied area of Cyprus Talip Ataly who carries a series of contacts in Sweden upon an invitation from the “Religious Social Democrats Community of Sweden”, visited Johan Berglund, responsible for Cyprus affairs at the Swedish Foreign Ministry.

According to a statement issued by the “religious affairs department”, the leader of the “Religious Social Democrats Community of Sweden”, Peter Weiderug and the chairman of the Association of Islam in Sweden, Tahir Akan were also present at the meeting.

Speaking during the meeting, Atalay stated, inter alia, that there are a lot of psychosocial barriers which prevent the solution of the Cyprus problem and stressed that the religious leaders have the responsibility to contribute in order for these barriers to be lifted.

Explaining with examples the efforts exerted by the two religious leaders in the island to contribute to the rebuilding of the mutual trust between the two communities through dialogue, Atalay said that the Church of the Greek Cyprus has an important gravity into the society and added that it would be very difficult for the people to accept an agreement which will be vetod by the Church. “The Church provides an important financial support to the Greek Cypriots the last two years, and it is for this reason that it is a key actor”, said Atalay.
AK

9. CAS workers to carry out a sitting protest in occupied Lefkosia upon Davutoglu’s illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (12.09.14) reported that 64 CAS workers, who were transferred from the “Cyprus Turkish Airlines” (“KTHY”) to Cyprus Airport Services, are carrying out a tent protest in front of the old “KTHY” building.

The protesters are requesting from the “government” to comply with the protocol within the framework of equality in the “constitution” and to apply the same solution model that they applied on the other KTHY workers.

Speaking on behalf of the former “KTHY victims”, Osman Yucelen in a written statement said: “We have gathered to say “Enough is enough” to our continuing victimization”.

Yucelen said that they will continue their struggle and protests and added that on September 16th, when Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is to visit the island, they will carry out a sitting protest at the illegal Tymbou “Ercan” airport roundabout.

10. So-called mayor of occupied Lefkosia municipality met with a US official
According to illegal Bayrak television (13.09.14) the “mayor” of the occupied Lefkosia municipality Mehmet Harmancı met with the Deputy Political Chief at the US Embassy in Cyprus Victor Marsh.

Embassy employee Murat Bulbulcu accompanied Mr Marsh during the meeting.

According to a statement released by the “municipality”, the meeting between the two men was held at the Lefkoşa Turkish Municipality.

During the meeting, the latest political developments on the island were discussed.

Harmancı noted that the occupied Lefkosia municipality, which had international recognition, had put its signature on a variety of bi-communal projects both in the past and currently as well.

During the visit, Harmancı pointed to the importance of exchanging views with representatives of countries that were carrying out active politics in Cyprus.

11. Denktas demands from the illegal Turkish Cypriot agency (TAK) to cover only the activities of the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (15.09.14) reports that the self-styled deputy prime minister and the “minister of economy and tourism” of the breakaway regime Serdar Denktas decided that due to lack of personnel of TAK (the illegal Turkish Cypriot news agency), only the activities and news regarding the self-styled government should be covered by the illegal news agency.

According to the paper, Denktas sent a letter to TAK administrative board, saying that until the issue of the lack of personnel is solved, the persons working at the illegal news agency should only cover foreign news and “government” statements or activities. Denktas also asks from the board to follow his demand on the issue.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (15.09.14) writes that this move by Denktas is censorship and reports that the TAK administrative board rejected his demand.

12. The SAT / joint exercise of the special action teams of the breakaway regime and Turkey is taking place in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.09.14) reports that the SAT / joint exercise of the special action teams of the breakaway regime and Turkey is taking place in the occupied area of Cyprus between 15-25 of September.

The paper writes that the Turkish Naval Forces Commandership SAT teams and the occupation forces in the breakaway regime will participate in the exercise.

13. Fashion TV to promote the occupation regime’s tourism; Statements by Serdar Denktas
Under the title: “The TRNC to be promoted by Fashion TV”, Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper (15.09.14) reports that the so-called deputy prime minister and “minister of economy, tourism, culture and sport” Serdar Denktas has announced the signing of an agreement with Fashion TV for the promotion of the occupation regime’s tourism.

According to the paper, Denktas has announced in a press conference organized yesterday at Merit Premium Hotel that they reached to an agreement with the director of Fashion TV, Alona Fischbein for the promotion of the “TRNC”. The former chairman of Barcelona Team Club and also one of the lawyers of Fashion TV, Joan Laporta attended also the press conference.

Stressing that the “TRNC’s tourism” will be promoted by Fashion TV, Denktas added that totally 33 million people will be able to watch the advertisements to be broadcast by Fashion TV.

14. Kerry’s contacts in Turkey; The Cyprus problem among the agenda; Turkey and the US to carry out joint fight against terrorism
Under the title: “Cyprus has been discussed as well”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.09.14) reports on the two day visit of the US Secretary of State, Jonh Kerry in Turkey after his Europe and Middle East tour, to get a coordinated strategy in fight against ISIL.

According to the paper, as it was made known, during Kerry’s meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkey’s Foreign Minister, the Cyprus problem was among the matters of discussion.

Other issues being discussed during the meetings were also the developments in Iraq, in Syria, other regional issues and bilateral ties, the Cyprus problem, the developments in the Middle East, Armenia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Yeni Safak (13.09.14-online in English) reported that Turkish President Erdogan and U.S. State Secretary John Kerry, during their meeting in Ankara on Friday, agreed to continue a joint fight against terrorist groups in the Middle East as before.

The two leaders also confirmed logistical support to Syrian opposition and humanitarian aid to Syria.

Kerry came to Turkey on Friday for a two-day trip following his visits to Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
A Jeddah communique was signed after an international meeting which foresees a coordinated campaign including military measures against the Islamic States in Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL. Turkey, for its part, refrained from signing the treaty.
15. Turkey’s EU Minister backs new Internet Law; He criticized ‘concerns’ of a foreign diplomat over the issue
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (14.09.14) reported that Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkır has criticized the concerns of an Ankara-based foreign diplomat over the recently passed Internet law, saying he has not received any criticism from EU diplomats on the issue.

I criticize the anonymous Ankara-based diplomat’s attempt to put Turkey down with threatening statements. The head of the EU delegation to Turkey is a very significant diplomat and his duty is to help Turkey. It is not right to give messages through media statements,” said Bozkır upon questions during his visit to Lisbon.

"I guess an odd person has decided to make statements outside of his business, although I have spoken to the head of the EU delegation to Turkey [Stefano Manservisi] every day, he has not mentioned these [criticisms] to me," he added.

An Ankara-based foreign diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Hürriyet Daily News on Sept. 11 that the recent legal changes allowing Turkey’s telecommunication authority to monitor web users and the sites they visit without a court order is “very worrying,” adding that they had unofficially conveyed those concerns to the Turkish government.

However, Bozkır stressed that the Telecommunications Directorate (TİB) would not violate privacy and stressed that the legislation is a matter of “state security.” The EU Minister also said that the new Internet law does not conflict with the EU acquis.

He added that he understood that all EU representatives had been informed that the new Internet law is “the end of the world for Turkey and will affect the EU bid negatively,” and stressed that he will inform EU diplomats and politicians during his visits to Strasbourg and Brussels next week that this belief is wrong.
(…)

16. President Erdogan to 'prioritize Turkey’s EU bid' after October
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (14.09.14) reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aims to focus on Turkey’s EU bid with visits to European capitals, starting in October.

Speaking during a meeting with the editors of pro-government media outlets on September 13, Erdogan has said that he is planning to carry out frequent visits to European capitals after the Parliament reopens on October 1, in a bid to accelerate Turkey’s European Union accession process.

Erdogan listed his current areas of primary concern under five titles: The new Constitution, the Kurdish resolution process, the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the EU process and foreign policy, and the fight against the "parallel state."
(…)

One of the areas Erdogan also prioritizes is Turkey’s foreign policy, and plans to hold his visits abroad on weekdays and his visits in Turkey during weekends. He will begin his European tour of the Baltics after October 1, the opening day of the legislative year, before heading to other prominent European countries. His visit to Europe aims at accelerating Turkey's bogged-down EU accession process, as well as benefiting from Italy’s term Presidency, which will end on December 31, 2014. Italy is in favor of Turkey's EU bid.

Erdogan will also visit a number of African countries and will attend a summit between African countries and Turkey; he will then visit Latin American countries in a bid to seek votes for Turkey’s ongoing bid to be elected to temporary membership of the U.N. Security Council.

Erdogan will also attend the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York on Sept. 21-26, where he is expected to once again meet U.S. President Barack Obama and other top leaders regarding the international community’s endeavor to destroy ISIL militants in Iraq and Syria.
(…)

17. CHP’s Kilicdaroglu announced the “shadow cabinet” of the party
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (14.09.14) the chairman of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Kemal Kılıcdaroglu, has renewed nearly half of the party's management to take it to the 2015 parliamentary elections.

The new shadow Cabinet was announced on September 14, one day after the 60-seated Party Assembly held its first meeting under Kılıcdaroglu’s renewed leadership.

According to a statement issued by the CHP, Deputy Head Gursel Tekin will continue to serve as the party’s secretary-general.

The new list of Deputy Leaders and their areas of responsibility is as follows:
Tekin Bingol: Party organization and its structuring abroad;
Haluk Koc: Administrative and financial affairs;
Bulent Tezcan: Election and legal issues;
Seyhan Erdogdu: Inter-party education;
Sezgin Tanrıkulu: Human rights;
Veli Agbaba: Local governance;
Yakup Akkaya: Trade unions and other civil society organizations;
Faik Oztrak: Business groups;
Selin Sayek Boke: Economic policies;
Burhan Senatalar: Social policies;
Safak Pavey: Environmental policies;
Sencer Ayata: Research and development;
Ercan Karakas: Culture and arts;
Mehmet Bekaraoglu: Public relations;
Enis Berberoglu: Communication and media.

(…)Meanwhile, Kılıcdaroglu is planning to appoint two chief advisers to work directly with him: Murat Ozcelik on foreign policy and the Kurdish peace process and Erdogan Toprak on policy planning. Both recently failed to be elected to the Party Assembly and thus cannot be appointed as Deputy leaders.
(…)



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