TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 182/14 27-29.09.14
1. Eroglu: Different views are raised about the Cyprus issue within the OIC
2. Eroglu met with the UNSG and asked for a three-party summit; Nami participated in the delegation
3. Nami met separately with Qatar and Turkey Foreign Ministers
4. Ozersay said that the increased international interest for the Cyprus problem made his hopes increased as well
5. Eide discussed Cyprus with Cavusoglu
6. Yorgancioglu: If the Cyprus problem is solved, the transferring of the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas to Europe via Turkey and Cyprus, is an option”
7. Ozgurgun stated that Eroglu is UBP’s only choice for the April 2015 “presidential elections”
8. Demirel is visiting the breakaway regime
9. Elcil: The CTP-DP “government” is ruled by Turkey’s authorities
10. Yildiz referred to Turkey's potential engagement with Mediterranean gas projects
11. Barroso: A breakthrough on the Cyprus talks will also facilitate Turkey’s accession process into the EU
12. The “chairman” of MUSIAD’s branch in the occupied area of Cyprus to attend a forum in the Netherlands
13. Data on the trade volume between Turkey and breakaway regime
14. Bulut Constructions Ltd chairman who deceived many customers in the breakaway regime cannot be found anywhere
15. Illegal GAU university attended a congress in Tataristan
16. Caglar and Ertugruloglu due to France for PACE’ meeting
17. Turkey gearing up fight against ISIS
18. CHP leader: We don’t want Turkish soldiers in foreign lands
1. Eroglu: Different views are raised about the Cyprus issue within the OIC
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 29.09.14), Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, evaluating his contacts with a press conference upon his return at the occupied airport of Tymvou, said he proposed to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to bring him and Anastasiades together at a tripartite summit in Geneva.
Providing information about his New York contacts, Eroglu reminded that he met with the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) İyad Madani. Stating that he had a long discussion with Madani, Eroglu said that different views from time to time were raised about the Cyprus issue within the OIC. He however expressed the hope that his meeting with the OIC Secretary General will be beneficial for future cooperation between the OIC and the “TRNC”.
Eroglu explained that the OIC’s Annual Foreign Ministers coordination meeting had failed to produce a final declaration because of the factionalism and polarization that emerged.
Eroglu also said that he had been initially scheduled to give a conference at the Columbia University upon an invitation by the university but that the event was cancelled due to security reasons. “I guess it was because of Greek Cypriot side’s pressures again”, Eroglu claimed.
“We are continuing the negotiations at the negotiating table towards reaching an agreement and at the same time the Greek Cypriot side is trying to prevent us from holding international contacts through their representation offices. I think this is terribly wrong. However the Columbia University cited security concerns rather than admitting it was pressured to cancel by the Greek Cypriot side. What is important is who was behind the message they were trying to give and as you all know it is the Greek Cypriot side”, Eroglu alleged.
Stressing that his meeting with the UN Secretary General was important for them during this visit, he said he held a sincere and fruitful meeting with Mr Ban. “We asked from him to get more involved in the negotiations. We asked him to convey his and his Special Advisor’s suggestions and thoughts separately not at the negotiating table but through shuttle diplomacy” Eroglu said.
Eroglu also announced that he had proposed for a tripartite summit from Ban. “We expressed the need to hold a summit in Geneva by taking the fact that the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser is based there. We proposed the summit to be chaired by the UN Secretary General. Although we have not received a response the matter is not closed.”
Stating that he met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar within the framework of his contacts in New York, Eroglu said: “Khar is well informed about the Cyprus issue and even asked about the water transfer project from Turkey to the TRNC.”
Eroglu also said that he found the chance to discuss the Cyprus issue with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in New York.
In response to a question, Eroglu noted that they were entering the third phase in the negotiations and added that this phase would include opening issues to bargaining. “At this phase of the negotiations, maybe views will emerge, positions will be determined and we will see whether or not we are close to an agreement. Even if we are not close to an agreement it is important that the two sides express their views directly to Ban and receive his response in the same manner”, he said.
2. Eroglu met with the UNSG and asked for a three-party summit; Nami participated in the delegation
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.09.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu met on Saturday with the UN Secretary-General (UNSG), Ban Ki-moon in New York and suggested the organization of a three-party summit in Geneva on the Cyprus problem with the participation of the UN, the “TRNC” and the “Greek Cypriot side”. In statements after the meeting, Eroglu said that they asked from Ban Ki-moon his more active involvement in the Cyprus negotiations and argued that they agree on the issue of the commencement of the negotiations the soonest.
Referring to the UNSG’s newly appointed Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, Eroglu said that they see a will in him in the direction of having a positive result in the negotiations. He alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are the side which accepted all the agreements approved by the UNSGs since 1968, while the Greek Cypriots always rejected these agreements.
Referring to the statement reportedly made by President Anastasiades and the Greek Foreign Minister during their address at the UN General Assembly that the solution which will be reached in the end of the negotiations should provide for the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu criticized these statements and described them as “annoying”. “In my view this is not an issue at the negotiating table”, he alleged and claimed: “This is a new partnership state having two founders and in two equal statuses. This is a UN parameter. They try to avoid it by saying that the Republic of Cyprus will be transformed into a federal republic. You know that the Republic of Cyprus was a republic they occupied by throwing us out of the partnership. The Greek Cypriots have become so impertinent as to carry this common state to be established to the UN General Assembly as the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus”.
Eroglu further alleged that the Greek Cypriot side should be “warned” on the issue of the continuation of the negotiations. He noted that from time to time pressures are exerted by some sides in the direction of signing an agreement. He alleged that these pressures should be exerted on the Greek Cypriots, who continuously use delaying tactics, and not on the Turkish Cypriots.
Referring to his meeting with the UNSG, Eroglu argued that Ban Ki-moon also thinks that this is the last stage of the negotiations and that they will exert a last effort for reaching a final agreement.
Eroglu reiterated the allegation that the so-called isolations and embargoes implemented on the ‘TRNC” should be lifted in order for being able to reach an agreement and claimed that as long as pressure is exerted on the Turkish Cypriots, reaching a result would be very difficult.
Referring to the Confidence Building Measures (CBM) and the issue of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha, Eroglu alleged: “From the very beginning, we know that when the Greek Cypriots refer to CBM they mean Varosha. Varosha cannot be a CBM. The Turkish Cypriot people have no benefit from this. The CBM should be steps for the benefit of both peoples”.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.09.14) reports that the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami, the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay, the breakaway regime’s “representative in New York, Mehmet Dana, Eroglu’s spokesman Osman Ertug and the member of the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team, Gunes Onar participated in Eroglu’s delegation during his meeting with the UNSG.
(I/Ts.)
3. Nami met separately with Qatar and Turkey Foreign Ministers
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (29.09.14) reports that self-styled minister of foreign affairs Ozdil Nami, within the framework of his contacts in New York, met with Halid Bin Muhammed El-Atiyye, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
According to a press release by the “information office”, Nami conveyed information to the Foreign Minister of Qatar regarding the latest stage of the Cyprus negotiation process.
Underlining that the problems currently being experienced in the region are worrying, Nami emphasized that finding a solution to the Cyprus problem would contribute to establishing peace and stability in the region.
Nami also invited the businesspeople of Qatar to invest in “north Cyprus” (translator’s note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus). The Foreign Minister of Qatar expressed his content for meeting once again with Nami, and mentioned that Qatar will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots in every field, emphasizing the importance of the solidarity of all the Muslims in the world.
The paper reports that Nami had also a working lunch with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. In statements to the paper, Nami said that the Turkish officials in every opportunity express their desire for obtaining a progress to the ongoing negotiation process for a Cyprus settlement. He also said that Cavusoglu told him that he conveyed to his Greek counterpart Turkey’s desire for a progress on the Cyprus talks. Nami added that Cavusoglu also called on Greece to show the same political will as Turkey for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Nami noted that they exchanged views with Cavusoglu regarding the steps that they will take after the negotiation process. He stressed that they also discussed the issue of improving the relations of “TRNC” with other international organizations and especially with the OIC, adding that he will meet with Cavusoglu in Ankara in the near future to discuss these issues. They will also hold a meeting with Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkir and Cavusoglu, where they will discuss the Cyprus talks and the participation of “North Cyprus” to the EU, Nami said.
Meanwhile, Nami, addressing the members of the OIC in a meeting in NY, called on them to take concrete steps in order to end the reportedly “isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots. He also called upon all the member states of OIC to further develop bilateral relations with the Turkish Cypriots in all fields such as direct transport, trade, tourism, culture, education, sports and in this respect, to exchange high-level visits with the Turkish Cypriot side.
4. Ozersay said that the increased international interest for the Cyprus problem made his hopes increased as well
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (27.09.14) reported that the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay, made statements to the paper prior to the meeting of the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Ozersay stated that the interest and determination of the international actors as regards the Cyprus problem has been increased and added that this development made his hopes to be increased as well.
He also said that there is a perception in the Greek Cypriot side that Turkey does not want a solution and called on the Greek Cypriot side to test Ankara on this “prejudice”. “Come lets test this, let us pass into the stage of the multi sided agreements in which Turkey will be included as well”, he stated.
Ozersay also said that if the USA really wants to help so that the Cyprus negotiations reach a result and if they want to play a more active role in the procedure, then they must keep equal distance. Commenting on the appointment of Espen Barth Eide, as UN Special Adviser on Cyprus, Ozersay said that this development is positive; however this is not an issue of Eide but an issue between the two sides in Cyprus.
He also said that a three-sided meeting which will include the UN Secretary General will be beneficial and added that a time table is needed for the new negotiation procedure.
5. Eide discussed Cyprus with Cavusoglu
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.09.14) reports that the UN Secretary-General’s (UNSG) Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide has discussed the Cyprus problem with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlut Cavusoglu.
In statements after the meeting Eide said that they are focused on the solution of the Cyprus problem. Asked whether they discussed the issue of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha within the framework of the Confidence Building Measures (CBM), Eide noted that Varosha was discussed but it is not a main issue of the negotiating process. He said that he is focused on the solution of the main problem of the island and the reunification of Cyprus through a negotiated solution. The Norwegian diplomat further noted that the solution of the Cyprus problem is urgent and progress should be achieved without further delay. He added that on 7 October he will return to the island with bridging proposals and they will start discussing all chapters with the sides.
Asked what is different at the current negotiating process comparing to the past, Eide replied that “now we have a structure on which the agreement and the core issues will be negotiated”.
Kibris writes that the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued no statement after the meeting, but according to information acquired by the paper’s correspondent in New York, Turkey expressed the allegation that it supports the negotiations in Cyprus and wants a solution as soon as possible. It is said that Cavusoglu discussed with his Greek counterpart the issue of the cross visits of the Cypriot negotiators in Athens and Ankara, but there is no concrete result on this matter.
(I/Ts.)
6. Yorgancioglu: If the Cyprus problem is solved, the transferring of the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas to Europe via Turkey and Cyprus, is an option”
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (28.09.14) reported that the so-called prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu in statements yesterday in Istanbul during a press conference organized by the Cypriot Businessmen and Professional Association (KIBISAD) said, inter alia, that Israeli gas should be channeled through Cyprus and Turkey to Europe adding that this will be the cheapest and the most logical way. “This will increase Europe’s power against Russia”, Yorgancioglu argued.
Speaking during the meeting, Yorgancioglu said that an outcome on the issue of the natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean that will be beneficial for everyone is necessary and added: “On the one hand a more quality and cheap natural gas will be consumed by people and on the other hand some countries which have problems among themselves will be able to solve them and be benefited. In spite of our problems we should succeed in this”.
“Considering that in the following period there will be a solution on the Cyprus problem, it is obvious that the country will need new investments and investors”, he stated and recalled that in case the problem is to be solved, one possibility exists for the natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean. That is to be transferred to Europe via Turkey and Cyprus. "We, Turkey, Greece and Israel should take responsibility to smooth the disputes in a way that everybody will benefit. This should not be perceived as Israeli gas, or natural gas of south or north Cyprus. There is a need and the important points about the issue are the price, producers, consumers, how the need will be met and the risks”, Yorgancioglu added.
Replying to questions regarding the number of students in the occupied area of Cyprus, Yorgancioglu reminded that most of the students in the past who were studying in the occupied area of Cyprus were coming from Turkey and added that still Turkey ranks in the first place buts its percentages are reduce.
Regarding the occupation regime’s tourism, Yorgancioglu said that the tourism is increasing day by day. “Comparing to last year figures, 120 thousand more people have entered to the TRNC. Education together with tourism is developing”.
Yorgancioglu stated further that the so-called ministry of energy is in contact with the “Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authorities” and added that after completing their contacts they will proceed to the opening of a tender for a 20 megawatt renewable energy station.
(AK)
7. Ozgurgun stated that Eroglu is UBP’s only choice for the April 2015 “presidential elections”
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (29.09.14) reports that Huseyin Ozgurgun, the chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP) stated that the April 2015 “presidential elections” are very important “for the country, the party and the future”, adding that the current Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu shall run for the “presidency”.
Ozgurgun, who was speaking at an UBP’ meeting in occupied Morfou, stated that the other two “candidates for the “elections” may act in a way that would bring Turkey in a very difficult position in case they are elected, therefore UBP’s choice is extremely important. “One may give Varosha the following of his election day, bringing Turkey in a very difficult position. Therefore, we need a very strong leader. Therefore there is no hesitation for UBP on the choice of our leader Dervis Eroglu”, Ozgurgun stated.
8. Demirel is visiting the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (29.09.14) reports that the 9th Turkish President Suleyman Demirel is illegally visiting the breakaway regime, escorted by Cavit Caglar, a former Turkish Minister.
Demirel who was received at the illegal Tymvou airport by many Turkish Cypriot “officials” will have a meeting on Tuesday with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and will visit Rauf Denktas mausoleum on the same day.
9. Elcil: The CTP-DP “government” is ruled by Turkey’s authorities
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 26.09.14), the General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ trade union (KTOS) Sener Elcil, in a press release, said that the issues regarding education are continuing.
The press release is as follows: “The CTP-BG (Republican Turkish Party-United Forces) and DP-UG (Democratic Party-National Forces) government (editor’s note: the coalition government of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) which is unable to control the flowing of population into the ‘country’, which is unable to provide a sufficient budget to education, which provides 10 times more budget to religious investment and mosque constructions rather than state schools, who is ruled by the authorities of Turkey, is continuing to create problems with the education system.
Despite the well-meant efforts and supports we have put forward, the education ‘minister’, who was unable to overcome the issues, has found the solution of blaming the system and resigned. The CTP-BG and DP-UG ‘government’ is under the guidance of the Turkish ‘embassy’, and is incapable of completing the teaching staff, resulting in the continuation of the problems. The explanation that Arabacioglu put forth in his press release shows that he fears the responsibility and as a result he has escaped. With the resignation of the ‘minister’ it is open that the issues regarding education and the agenda are expected to be changed. Our union does not have the time for lies and slanders. It is a reality that our children are spending their time at schools with fewer teachers. Within this framework we would like to inform the public that if the need of teachers is not fulfilled at our schools, we will respond to this by a protest.”
10. Yildiz referred to Turkey's potential engagement with Mediterranean gas projects
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (26.09.14), Turkey is not in cooperation with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, (ISIL), neither by buying oil from it nor by other political means, said Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz on Friday.
Yildiz answered questions during the inauguration of the Anatolia Agency's 'Energy Desk.'
He said allegations that Turkey was colluding with ISIL were introduced to "damage" Turkey's international standing. "Of course the hostages are important for us and the actions towards ensuring their safe return were successful but I have to say that Turkey supporting ISIL is unacceptable by us."
"ISIL oil cannot be sold through Turkey. That is not the road we follow," Yildiz said. He added that the Turkish Ministry of Customs and Trade continued efforts to curb down smuggling of any kind, Yildiz said.
"The allegations that smuggled ISIL oil [from Iraq] comes to Turkey [...] is untrue," he added. "It is out of the question that Turkey will supply any kind of financial support for ISIL. Neither politically nor technically is that acceptable," Yildiz said.
The Turkish Energy Minister also touched upon Turkey's potential engagement with Mediterranean gas projects and said that "Turkey will not have a policy preventing the private sector from talks with Israel on natural gas discoveries in the Mediterranean Sea."
"Turkey is the most advantageous route for Eastern Mediterranean gas in offshore Israel and Cyprus; however, Turkey has to approach this subject without misusing the advantages. There are more important problems than that, issues related to the tragedy of Gaza," he said, referring to the Israeli onslaught last August in the Palestinian enclave which killed more than 2,200 people.
The main market for the Mediterranean gas is the European market and another alternative route, Egypt, stands in a lower position when it comes to pricing mechanisms and quantity, he said.
"Israel knows that well. Turkey is very clear. Turkey said that it can work on economic feasibility if the political feasibility can be achieved, and Turkey also stated that those two aspects are inseparable. A statement like ‘Let’s develop energy policies alone and Palestine issue is a different one’ is not acceptable."
Yıldiz also denied allegations by a German daily that Turkey sold jet fuel to Israel, and was seeking for technology to build an atomic bomb. "These allegations do not reflect the truth and are complete lies. Turkey does not deserve intentional accusations that aim to destroy its political dignity," said Yildiz.
11. Barroso: A breakthrough on the Cyprus talks will also facilitate Turkey’s accession process into the EU
Under the title “EU and Turkey are bound to succeed together, says Barroso”, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 29.09.14) reports that the new head of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, might be sceptical of Turkey’s accession to the European Union, but the process is tied to institutions and not individuals, outgoing head Manuel Barroso has indicated, suggesting Ankara and Brussels “are bound to succeed together”.
Barroso will be in Turkey Sept. 29 to attend the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Unlocking Resources for Regional Development, although the visit is also serving as a de facto farewell tour for the veteran diplomat.
Asked to rate Turkey’s overall performance as a candidate country since the start of the negotiations in 2005, Barroso said: “Let me start by saying that EU-Turkey relations are almost as old as the EU itself! We are close partners – and it is absolutely critical that we sustain and deepen this partnership. I think both Europeans and Turks understand this shared interest very well.
Turkey has gone through tremendous changes over the past 10 years. The most spectacular change obviously concerns the economy. Turkey has become a much wealthier country and qualified as a functioning market economy, one of the economic criteria for EU accession.
Turkey has also made progress in its alignment with the EU legislation. As regards the political criteria, as you know, the picture is mixed, with a number of undisputed achievements on the one hand, but also a number of concerns over the rule of law and fundamental freedoms on the other.”
Referring to the new EU strategy plan by Turkey’s government, Barroso, said that they would like to see this clear European commitment on the Turkish side and they therefore they look forward to seeing detailed action plans and timelines.
Asked to comment whether the Turkish government lived up to its promise regarding the independence or impartiality of the judiciary, Barroso said: “Let me refer you to the numerous statements made over the year by the Commission, which reflect our persistent preoccupation on these issues and the concerns expressed at the occasion of the Association Council in June. A detailed assessment will be provided in the upcoming progress report.
Fortunately, the Turkish Constitutional Court overturned a number of the most damaging legal provisions, adopted in haste, including the ban on Twitter and YouTube. All these reinforces the need for a closer engagement between Turkey and the Commission, as well as the Council of Europe, on the rule of law and fundamental rights.
We need to be realistic: at this stage we need to move forward on the accession negotiations; and this is only possible if Turkey seriously addresses the shortcomings regarding the rule of law and fundamental rights. A breakthrough on the Cyprus settlement talks will also greatly facilitate this process.”
In the question “is Turkey still important for the EU? What happens if Europe loses Turkey?”, Barroso replied: “As I said before: Turkey is and remains a key partner for the EU. This has been repeated many times by the Council of the EU and by the Commission, and I’m sure this will again be one of the central messages of the upcoming progress report.”
12. The “chairman” of MUSIAD’s branch in the occupied area of Cyprus to attend a forum in the Netherlands
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (28.09.14) reported that the “chairman” of the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) branch in the occupied area of Cyprus, Okyay Sadikoglu will attend the meetings of Turkey-Netherland Business Forum and the MUSIAD Europe General Administrative Board which will be launched in the Netherlands.
According to a statement issued by MUSIAD Cyprus, the general chairman of MUSIAD Nail Olpak will accompany Sadikoglu during the two-day forum.
In the framework of the forum, Dutch and Turkish businessmen will carry out bilateral talks, while, the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Ankara and the Ambassador of Turkey in the Netherlands are expected to deliver speeches.
(AK)
13. Data on the trade volume between Turkey and breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (29.09.14) reports that for the seven-month period January-July 2014 the “TRNC”, breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, exported goods of 55.5 million US dollars to Turkey, while its imports from this country reached 669 million dollars. According to data issued by the Turkish Ministry of Economy, the deficit in the regime’s trade volume with Turkey increased by 7.06 % in comparison to the same period of 2013 and reached 614 million dollars.
The trade volume between Turkey and the occupied area of Cyprus increased to 725 million dollars during the seven months of 2014. The exports of the regime to Turkey increased by 27.7% (of 12 million dollars) in 2014 comparing to 2013, while its imports from Turkey increased by 8.5% (or 53 million dollars).
The paper writes that the volume of trade between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus was 965 thousand dollars in the first seven months of 2013 and fell to 153 thousand dollars during the same period this year.
(I/Ts.)
14. Bulut Constructions Ltd chairman who deceived many customers in the breakaway regime cannot be found anywhere
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (29.09.14) reports that the customers who bought houses from the Bulut Constructions Ltd, a Turkey-based company which is active in the real estate’s business, are crying out that the firm has deceived them and now they try to organize in order to fight for their rights.
According to the paper, the houses the customers received did not equal the price they paid for them and despite their efforts to find Temel Bulut, the chairman of the Bulut Constructions Ltd and get their money back, they cannot reach him.
Afrika notes that the firm was strongly supported by the “Turkish Embassy” in the occupied part of Lefkosia and the breakaway regime as well, and writes this paved the way to Bulut Constructions Ltd to deceive people.
15. Illegal GAU university attended a congress in Tataristan
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (28.09.14) reported that the “dean” of the Faculty of Communication of the illegal American University of Keryneia, Dr Elif Asude Tunca has attended the 12th International Congress of Social Sciences in Turkic World which took place in the town of Kazan in Tataristan, between August 31- September 6.
Tunca was the only attendant from Cyprus writes the paper.
(AK)
16. Caglar and Ertugruloglu due to France for PACE’ meeting
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (27.09.14) reported that the “deputy” of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) Mehmet Caglar and the “deputy” of the National Unity Party in occupied Lefkosia, Tahsin Ertugruloglu will attend the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s autumn session and committee works which are to take place in Strasburg, France between September 29- October 3.
Caglar and Ertugruloglu will attend the meetings according to a decision taken by the so-called presidency council.
(AK)
17. Turkey gearing up fight against ISIS
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 28.09.14) reported that Turkey’s top leaders have begun deploying sharper rhetoric against extremist jihadists in Iraq and Syria, with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu calling them “barbaric” and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underlining “the obligation to fight” against them.
“We must make this struggle against all terrorist organizations in the region and against this understanding targeting Iraq and Syria,” Erdogan said in an address to the World Economic Forum meeting in Istanbul Sept. 28, in an apparent reference to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The comments by Erdogan, who held intense meetings with world leaders last week, including U.S. President Barack Obama, echo what he said earlier that “Turkey will do whatever needed” in the fight against ISIL.
Davutoglu also decried the organization yesterday. “The common point of those who link ISIL to Islam is their ignorance. On the one hand, the barbarism ISIL is now committing today is the product of its own ignorance. The civilizations Islam and Islamic communities have developed cannot be linked with ISIL,” Davutoglu said in a lengthy lecture he delivered on the occasion of the opening of the academic year at 19 Mayıs University in Samsun. “ISIL cannot be linked to Islam.”
Despite its apparent opposition to ISIL, Turkey’s government has frequently been accused of supporting the group, especially after manifestly obstructing the Kurdish defense of Kobane against a jihadist onslaught.
Erdogan and Davutoglu’s remarks came as Turkey is mulling its potential contribution to a U.S.-led military campaign against ISIL. The Parliament will meet on Oct. 2 to discuss motions that authorize the Turkish army to conduct cross-border operations into Syria and Iraq. But before that, the country’s top civilian and military officials are expected to come together under Erdogan’s leadership to revise Turkey’s road map in participating in the military campaign, as well as its ambitions to establish safe havens inside Syria and no-fly zones over Syrian airspace. Recalling that Turkey succeeded in safely freeing 49 hostages from the hands of ISIL, Erdoğan said: “We had said we would have a different road map once we save our hostages. Now a different road map is being put in place, it will Inshallah begin [to be implemented].”
Erdogan also touched on his discussions with leaders at the U.N. last week when he met leaders of prominent countries dealing with the ISIL problem. “All leaders, either in private talks or bilateral meetings, have all said ‘Turkey must be in’ and ‘We can only handle this by leading a team that includes Turkey,” he said. “There is a [worldwide] need for Turkey and its views, warnings and particularly its power for the resolution of this regional crisis.”
One other reason why Turkey should be engaged in the struggle, Erdogan said, was the unending refugee influx from Syria into Turkey. “[Dealing with the problem] is a necessity. People keep on migrating,” Erdogan said, recalling that the number of refugees seeking shelter in Turkey had already exceeded 1.5 million.
Turkey is calling on Western partners to establish safe havens inside Syrian territory to provide humanitarian assistance to them in their own country.
Such a move also requires the establishment of no-fly zones with international approval for the “protection of Syrians,” he said, although Kurdish leaders have questioned Turkey’s insistence on a no-fly zone given that ISIL does not have planes.
18. CHP leader: We don’t want Turkish soldiers in foreign lands
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 27.09.14) reported that Turkey’s main opposition leader has said that his party is against the Turkish military’s possible operations in neighbouring countries.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sept. 26 gave the clearest signal yet of Turkey's readiness to join a possible ground operation against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
“Related countries are now planning a ground operation,” Erdogan said, while mentioning Oct. 2 as the key date the Turkish Parliament is expected to vote on a new motion to expand the scope of motions authorizing the army to conduct cross-border operations into Iraq and Syria.
“We will first check the content of the motions,” Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu told reporters on Sept. 27 when asked about the possibility of the Turkish military getting involved in a ground operation in Syria and Iraq.
“We don’t want the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to enter the territory of another country, we don’t want it to be a part of a war,” he said.
Kilicdaroglu also criticized the government and President Erdogan. “Turkey has a mountain of problems, but he [Erdogan] goes to the U.N. and makes a speech in front of empty rows,” the CHP leader said.
“There is trouble called a ISIL, which has been killing many people and is also a threat to Turkey. The government could not even call it a terrorist group until recently. Our 49 citizens were kept hostage at the hands of ISIL for 101 days. Turkey has no dignity in the region, in the West, but what do we discuss? They try to put a headscarf on five-year-old, seven-year-old kids.”
----------------------------------------------------
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio
