TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 183/14 30.09.14
1. Cavusoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Ban Ki-moon
2. Eroglu: I don’t think about the “presidential elections” at
this moment
3. Akinci announces his vision in view of next year’s “elections”
4. Yorgancioglu: The natural gas reserves off the island has put
the Turkish side in a better position this time
5. British High Commissioner Todd visits KTTO
6. Erk: “We will administrate this water”
7. The “Union of the Relatives of Missing Persons” demands by all
countries involved in the Cyprus problem to open their archives
8. The breakaway regime participates in the South African Solar
Challenge 2014 race using its “flag”
9. One more case of cheating by a constructor in the occupied area
of Cyprus
10. Yildiz will visit Moscow to discuss Russia’s economic
investments in Turkey
11. Barroso: I would like chapters 23 and 24 to be opened as soon
as possible
12. Turkish tanks take up position on Syrian border
13. Erdogan: Drugs to spread if religious courses abolished
1. Cavusoglu discussed the Cyprus
problem with Ban Ki-moon
Illegal Bayrak television (30.09.14)
reports that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu held a
meeting with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the site of the UN General
Assembly in New York. The Cyprus problem was among the issues discussed between
them during the meeting.
Ban stated that the UN will continue to offer their
assistance to the Cyprus negotiations and added that more progress must be made
in the issues where conciliation was achieved before. He also referred to the
appointment of Espen Barth Eide as the new UN Special Envoy and added that Eide
is very capable and will give acceleration to the progress.
On his part, Cavusoglu stated that both Turkey and the
Turkish Cypriot leader DervisErogluhave demonstrated their will for a solution
and stressed the importance of taking confidence building measures.
2. Eroglu: I don’t think about the “presidential elections” at
this moment
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris (30.09.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu said that he has not announced his
“candidacy” yet for the upcoming “presidential elections”.
Evaluating
his contacts in New York in a press conference upon his arrival at the occupied
airport of Tymbou, Eroglu said that he
had no time to think about the upcoming “presidential elections” as he is
concentrating on the 3rd phase of the Cyprus negotiations process that they had
entered. He added: “At this moment I am not in the position to think about
the elections. With the arrival of Eide, there is a hope for acceleration of
the negotiations. It is an aspect. My
focus is on the proposals I will submit on the table, the proposals that the
Greek Cypriots will submit on the table, and to intensify our works regarding
these with my team. For this reason I am not thinking about the
presidential elections.”
He
concluded by saying that when the day comes and makes his decision regarding
his “candidacy” then he will not keep it secret from his “people”.
3. Akinci announces his vision in view of next year’s “elections”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (30.09.14) reports that Mustafa Akinci, who has announced that he will be running as
candidate in the “presidential elections” which will be held next year in the
occupied area of Cyprus, visited
yesterday Turk-Sen trade union and announced his vision in view of the April
2015 “elections”, during statements
he made prior to his meeting with ArslanBicakli, the union’s chairman.
Akinci
announced his vision on four fields, writes the paper, adding that he said that
in case he is “elected” he will follow a
policy focused on the solution of the Cyprus problem. Akinci expressed the
belief that Confidence Building Measures
(CBM) which will further facilitate the comprehensive solution should be
submitted at the negotiating table. He
underlined the necessity of producing new formulas that will “overcome the
difficulties in the sea and air transport” in return of the opening of the
occupied fenced off city of Varosha.
“If you look at what is said, everyone wants
a solution, but if you recall that in the past those who say these had been
saying that ‘the non-solution is a solution’, a big difference arouses”, he
noted. He further added that it is
difficult to believe that those who rejected the plan submitted in 2004 are now
in favour of the solution. “How can
you find a solution with politicians who say that ‘I am not giving back even a
single small stone’” he wondered and pointed out that consistency should exist between words and deeds.
Akinci
argued that the Greek Cypriot side should also seriously seek a solution and
alleged that the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the Republic of Cyprus,
“unilaterally” joined the EU due to what he called as mistakes by the Turkish
side ten years ago. He claimed that everyone, Turkey, Greece, the EU and the
Greek Cypriots took what they wanted during that process. Only the Turkish
Cypriots remained outside, he argued.
Referring to the natural gas reserves found in Cyprus’ exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) and the economic crisis experienced in the
government-controlled area of the island, Akinci described these two elements
as being “encouraging” for a solution and
added: “The big states have always a Plan B. Other formulas could be produced
here. Therefore, we have to be alert and to definitely push for a rational
federative system which targets the feasible”.
Akinci criticized the fact that a visit of a technical committee
could not be realized to the occupied fenced off city of Varosha because of the
proposal to include a Greek Cypriot member in this committee
and argued: “Behaviours that go beyond the ordinary are needed [for the Turkish
Cypriot side]. You cannot take a step otherwise. The Greek Cypriot side also
needs to go beyond the ordinary. They are at the position of being the only
owners of the Republic of Cyprus for years. However, the approaches which you
will bring should push them to the solution”.
Akinci said that his second “vision” is a healthy relation with
Turkey, a relation with “a distinctive
personality”. He argued that the
“institutions and organizations” of the Turkish Cypriots should be accepted and
treated as equal by Turkey. Within this framework, the “institutions” of
the “TRNC” should be administered in a better way, he said, referring to the
cases of the Turkish Cypriot “airlines”, the occupied Nicosia “municipality”
and the “Cyprus Airport Services”.
Referring
to his other two “visions”, Akinci noted that the third one is that the “president” should be impartial and not
interfere in the internal affairs of the political parties and the fourth is
that the “people’s” problems, such as the environment, employment,
preventing traffic accidents e.t.c., should
become the priority of the “president”.
(I/Ts.)
4. Yorgancioglu: The natural gas reserves off the island has
put the Turkish side in a better position this time
Under
the title “Turkish Cyprus at better advantage in talks this time around”,
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 29.09.14) reported that self-styled prime
minister OzkanYorgancioglu, in an interview with the paper, said that “Cyprus
has great natural gas potential, and with the Middle East region riddled with
clashes and warfare, the TRNC (editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) is better off this time around in the
ongoing talks for a settlement on the island”.
Evaluating
the Cyprus talks, Yorgancioglu said: “‘Turkish Cyprus’ currently has a better
advantage in the peace talks, as opposed to its situation in past negotiation
processes, which all failed”. He also
said that Anastasiades should prepare the Greek Cypriots for a joint solution
on the island, adding: “I don't think that they are working hard enough
regarding this matter. As talks are going on for a settlement, they should also
explain to their own people what a potential settlement might be like”.
He also said that the natural gas reserves off the island, coupled
with conflict in nearby countries, has put the Turkish side in a better
position this time.
If the island turns up good amounts of natural gas, it will most
likely have to be transported through Turkey to Europe, giving both the Greek
side and the EU an important incentive to push for a comprehensive settlement
on the island.
He
said that the island's natural resources can improve the quality of life for
both “peoples” and increase their income. “We believe that it is time that this
turns into practice and not stay as a thought anymore. This is an outcome
expected not only by Turkish and Greek Cypriots, but also by Turkey, Greece and
EU member states.”
He
said that “Turkish Cyprus”, whose residents voted in favour of the
reunification Annan plan, was motivated by the prospects of an EU membership.
Greek Cypriots voted against the plan. “We missed the train at that time,"
he said. "This happened because the Greek Cypriots were admitted [into the
EU] before a settlement was achieved, but now there is the natural gas option,
which will improve the quality of life of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.”
He
concluded that the two leaders should be persistent and determined to bring the
peace talks to a successful completion.
5. British High Commissioner Todd visits KTTO
According
to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily
News (online, 29.09.14), British High Commissioner Damian Roderic Todd,
visited the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO)
FikriToros on Monday at the KTTO building in the occupied part of Lefkosia.
Speaking
during Todd’s visit, Toros expressed his gratitude for High Commissioner Todd’s
visit. Sharing information about the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce’s
history and the chamber’s activities and operations, Toros also touched upon
the Cyprus negotiations. He stressed the importance of the period and stated
that as KTTO they have been putting significant effort for the business world
to contribute.
Toros
also informed Todd about the chamber’s activities aiming to increase the trust
between the two communities, stating that they will continue their activities
regarding this subject, carrying out all duties on their part. Toros also asked
for the British High Commissioner’s full support so that they can realize their
activities.
Speaking
during the meeting, Todd thanked Toros for the briefing regarding KTTO’s
activities and the roles the chamber has undertaken during the negotiations.
6. Erk: “We will administrate this water”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (30.09.14) reports that the general
secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) KutlayErk stated that he finds
odd the statements that the Turkish Cypriots cannot administrate the water which
will be transferred from Turkey. Erk was participating in a television program.
“We will administrate this water”, Erk stated and added that the
Turkish Cypriots are capable of doing so and it would be a tragedy if they
transferred this right to someone else. “From time to time there are statements
by Turkish officials that we cannot do this job; I say that we should have
confidence in our ability”, Erk said.
Asked
if the “minister of environment and natural resources” HamitBakirci, who said
that the Turkish Cypriots have not the necessary knowledge and infrastructure
to administrate the weathershould resign, Erk said that Bakircishould resign.
7.The “Union of the Relatives of Missing Persons”
demands by all countries involved in the Cyprus problem to open their archives
Under the title:
“Open the archives”, Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris Postasi (30.09.14) reports in its front page that the “Union of
the Relatives of the Missing Persons in Cyprus” has stated that they believe
that the fate of the missing persons is in the archives of the states involved
in the Cyprus problem and asked for the opening of those archives.
As the paper
points out, the union was established with the aim to function towards the
direction of contributing and encouraging the efforts for finding the missing
persons and to contribute to the formation of a news system on the issue.
The union proposed further the establishment of an
“Investigation and Confrontation of the Truth Committee” stressing that 50
years are enough for them to wait.
According to the Union, the autonomous Committee
of Missing Persons (CMP) confronts the issue of the missing persons as
a “job”, adding that this situation increases their
pain.
The Union
underlines also that they believe that the fate of their relatives is hidden
into the archives of the Republic of Cyprus, the “Turkish Cypriot
administration”, Greece, Turkey and the UK.
(AK)
8.The breakaway regime participates in the South African Solar
Challenge 2014 race using its “flag”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (30.09.14) reports that the illegal Near East
University (YDU) is participating with a solar car in the South African Solar
Challenge 2014 race which is taking place in the city of Bloemfontein.
According
to the paper, the founder of YDU Suat İ.
Günsel stated that the breakaway regime participates in the race as “TRNC” and
with its own “flag”.
9.One more case of cheating by a constructor in the
occupied area of Cyprus
Under the title:
“We will lose our residences”, Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (30.09.14) reports that the residents of Olivia
Site in the occupied area of Cyprus faces the threat to lose their houses since
the occupied Keryneia “Land Registry offices” has decided to put for sale on
November 2, 2014 four plots of land into which the site is constructed.
According to the
paper, the residents of the apartments of this site were shocked by this
decision and expressed fears that they will live a similar disaster with that
of Kulaksiz case.
The paper points out that the spokesman of the
residents of the Olivia Site, Izzet Turkmen has stated that the residents
bought their apartments in 2008 by a developer called MithatPaksoy and
explained that the residents were deceived by this person who went
bankrupt.
(AK)
10. Yildiz will visit Moscow to discuss Russia’s economic
investments in Turkey
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (29.09.14), Turkish Energy Minister TanerYildiz said that Russia will continue with
its $22 billion nuclear energy investment in Turkey, and both countries will
strengthen economic cooperation despite their differences in outlook regarding
regional political issues.
Speaking
at the World Economic Forum's Special Meeting entitled "Unlocking
Resources for Regional Development" in Istanbul,Yildiz said that he will visit Moscow on Wednesday to discuss Russia's
economic investments in Turkey.
The
Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project is estimated to cost around $20 billion and
a total of $3.5 billion worth of equipment is expected to be used in the
construction process, of which $1.8 billion will be spent this year alone.
If
the project license is approved, the reactor construction is estimated to begin
in 2016, and be operational by 2020 with the entire plant being fully
operational by 2023.
Yildiz
also said that despite the political instability in the Middle East, the
conflicts will not prevent Turkey becoming an energy hub in the near future.
"With the international projects that Turkey participates in, the country
will shine as a symbol of stability in the region and will continue to make
such projects lighten the political burden," he added.
11. Barroso: I would like chapters 23 and 24 to be opened as soon
as possible
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (30.09.14), the European Union will continue to
enlarge, the outgoing European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has
told the World Economic Forum in Istanbul.
"EU's
enlargement will continue because a bigger Europe is a stronger Europe,"
he said, touching upon Turkey's bid to join the union, ongoing since
negotiations began in 2005.
Barroso, former Prime Minister of
Portugal, added: "I would like new
chapters to be opened as soon as possible, in particular chapters 23 and
24." These chapters focus on the ‘judiciary and fundamental rights’
and ‘justice, freedom and security.’ Opening discussions on these areas is
expected to be the first step in re-launching the long-stalled talks.
Barroso
also identified Turkey as the largest recipient of pre-accession assistance,
receiving 4.8 billion euro ($6.1 billion) between 2007 and 2013. It will
receive a further 4.5 billion euro over in the next six years.
12. Turkish tanks take up position on Syrian border
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 29.09.14), Turkish tanks took up
position on a hill overlooking the besieged Syrian border town of Kobane on
Sept. 29 after several shells hit Turkish territory as militants of the Islamic
State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fired on the town, a Reuters correspondent
said.
At
least 15 tanks were positioned, some with their guns pointed towards Syrian
territory, near a Turkish military base just northwest of Kobane. Plumes of
smoke rose up as shells hit both the eastern and western sides of the city.
More
tanks and armoured vehicles moved towards the Syrian border after at least two
shells hit Turkish territory on Sept. 29, without causing damage.
The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that ISIL fighters had advanced within
five kilometers of Kobane on Sept. 29. "It is the closest distance ISIL
has come so far," said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the London-based
monitor.
Meanwhile,
the Turkish Parliament is set to discuss joining the anti-ISIL coalition. The
government said Sept. 29 it was likely to submit motions to parliament within
24 hours requesting extended mandates for military action in Iraq and Syria, so
Ankara can join the U.S.-led international coalition against ISIL militants.
"The
motions have not yet been sent to parliament. They may come tomorrow,"
Parliamentary Speaker CemilÇiçek was quoted as saying by NTV television. Prime
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said the motions will be debated on Oct. 2.
13. Erdogan: Drugs to spread if religion courses abolished
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 29.09.14) drugs, violence and
racism would spread among the youth if Turkey’s compulsory religion courses are
abolished by the government, President RecepTayyip Erdogan claimed on Sept. 29.
Speaking
at a symposium on combating drugs in Istanbul, Erdogan defended religious education in schools by saying that children
with a lack of religious and moral education tried to fill the “gap” with other
things. “Sometimes they use drugs, sometimes violence and sometimes
organized violence, which turns into terrorism,” he said.
The
existence of a religious culture and classes on morality must not be opened to
discussion, said Erdogan, adding that religious education in schools helped in
the fight against “drug addiction, terrorism, violence, racism, anti-Semitism
and Islamophobia.”
Erdogan also said compulsory physics and chemistry courses are not
being questioned by the European Union, while they question the necessity of
compulsory religion classes.
Erdogan’s
remarks came after a European Court of Human Rights’ (ECHR) ruling on Sept. 16
which stated that the Turkish education system is “still inadequately equipped
to ensure respect for parents’ convictions” and therefore violated the “right
to education,” in a case that stemmed from Alevi complaints about mandatory
religion classes.
Erdogan slammed the ECHR decision. “This is an incorrect ruling
and there is no similar example in the West,” the President said.
“The mandatory physics classes, the mandatory chemistry classes are not sources
of debate anywhere around the world, but everybody talks about the religious
courses.”
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