TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 199/14 25-27.10.14
1. Eroglu: Everyone will go his own way if Anastasiades does not return to the table; We rejected Greek Cypriot proposals for resumption of the talks
2. Turkish Cypriot political parties assess Eroglu’s statement that everyone will go his own way if Anastasiades does not return to the table
3. Arinc: There was no reason for the Greek Cypriots leaving the table; We are happy if we did something serious to scare them
4. Erk reacts to Davutoglu’s statement as regards the discussion of the “two state scenario” in Cyprus: “The Turkish Cypriots will decide this”
5. BKP: "The parties in parliament are being dragged behind AKP"
6. Turkey sends warships to “protect” Barbaros
7. Controversial statements by Yorgancioglu and Nami during 2011 and 2014 on the signing of the so-called continental shelf delimitation agreement shows their stance’ change
8. The spokesman of Turkey’s Foreign Ministry stated that the main aim of the Cyprus negotiation talks is to establish “two states” in the island with equal rights
9. Statements by Denktas and Cirali on the halloumi issue; Cirali warned that they will proceed to legal actions against companies manufacturing halloumi in Turkey
10. Serdar Denktas on the occupation regime’s tourism
11. MERS virus caused panic in the occupied area of Cyprus
12. Davutoglu condemned the recent deadly attack in Hakkari; “Reconciliation process is directed to the Kurdish community and not the PKK”
13. A journalist of Armenian origin has been appointed as Davutoglu’s senior advisor
1. Eroglu: Everyone will go his own way if Anastasiades does not return to the table; We rejected Greek Cypriot proposals for resumption of the talks
Under the front-page banner title “Tough warning”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (26.10.14) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has alleged that President Anastasiades should unconditionally return to the negotiating table, otherwise everyone in Cyprus “will go his own way”. Addressing a meeting in Istanbul, Eroglu reiterated the claim that the Greek Cypriots do not intent to share power and prosperity with the Turkish Cypriots and argued: “The Republic of Cyprus has unfortunately become a state recognized by the world. The Greek Cypriots have occupied the state and continue to play games in the international arena being at the position of both the guilty and the powerful”.
Eroglu reiterated the allegation that the Turkish Cypriots are the side which exerts efforts with good will in the direction of reaching an agreement at the negotiating table and the Greek Cypriot side is the one which allegedly rejects the agreements.
According to Eroglu, the Greek Cypriots “abandoned the table without any reason” and started making statements accusing Turkey in the world. He alleged: “Ships belonging to the Turkish Armed Forces, to the Turkish Naval Forces will of course go around in the Mediterranean. Of course, we also have the right for seismic explorations. We are also partners in the wealth which is under the sea in the area”.
Explaining what their struggle is about, Eroglu said that they are struggling for an agreement which will be protecting the rights of both the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey in Eastern Mediterranean. Eroglu noted that two elements are strengthening him at the negotiating table today. The one, he added, is the “guarantees of motherland Turkey and the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces” and the other is “our people and the TRNC state”.
Meanwhile, Kibris reports also that addressing the 9th general assembly of the Turkish Cypriot chamber of shopkeepers and craftsmen (KTEZO), Eroglu said that the Greek Cypriot side conveyed to them, though the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide, a proposal saying that “Turkey should withdraw its ships from the area for a three-month period”, but they did not accept it, because they thought that “if the Greek Cypriots have self-esteem, does Turkey not have self-esteem?” It was not possible to carry such a proposal to Turkey, he alleged, adding that they rejected the proposal because it would be tantamount to “playing with time”.
According to Eroglu, another Greek Cypriot proposal [conveyed by Eide] was to issue a joint statement saying that “the Turkish Cypriots have also rights on the natural gas to be found in Cyprus”, but this was also rejected because “the whole world knows and accepts” that the Turkish Cypriots have this right.
Eroglu went on and once more referred to proposals allegedly submitted by the Greek Cypriot side at the negotiating table on the issue of the territory.
(I/Ts.)
2. Turkish Cypriot political parties assess Eroglu’s statement that everyone will go his own way if Anastasiades does not return to the table
Under the title “Which is our way?”, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (27.10.14) publishes statements by representatives of Turkish Cypriot political parties and organizations commenting Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu’s allegation that President Anastasiades should unconditionally return to the negotiating table, otherwise everyone in Cyprus “will go his own way”.
Responding to the paper’s questions, Faiz Sucuoglu, “deputy” with the National Unity party (UBP) alleged that Eroglu insists on President Anastasiades returning to the negotiating table and that if the Greek Cypriot side returns to the table by making some concessions, this could contribute in the negotiating process.
Asim Akansoy, “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) said that all arguments outside the federal Cyprus are a “figment of imagination” and are not something which will protect the interests of the Turkish Cypriots.
Another “deputy” of the CTP, Erkut Sahali, said that Eroglu is acting contrary to the promise he has given in his letter to the UN Secretary – General that he would remain faithful to the agreements reached during the Talat – Christofias period.
Hasan Tacoy, general secretary of the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG) argued that Eroglu wanted to emphasize that if President Anastasiades continues the same stance, there will be no issue called “the Cyprus problem”. He said that this is a message to President Anastasiades, similar to the messages given by the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami.
Zeki Celer, “deputy” with the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that President Anastasiades “should be convinced” to return to the table.
Ali Cirali, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot “chamber of industry”, argued that Eroglu is right to an extent and that a time limit should be put to the negotiations.
Koral Asim, foreign relations’ secretary of Dev-Is trade union, said that Eroglu has always wanted two states in Cyprus and this is what he has in his mind now.
Ahmet Kaptan, chairman of KTAMS trade union, accused Eroglu of not protecting the people’s interest, but only his own interests and those of the “stooges who are surrounding him”.
Okan Dagli, spokesperson of the Famagusta Initiative, said that Eroglu has been supporting two states in Cyprus from the very beginning and added that this is not possible to happen, since the negotiations will continue until a federal solution is reached in Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
3. Arinc: There was no reason for the Greek Cypriots leaving the table; We are happy if we did something serious to scare them
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (26.10.14) reports that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has argued that the Greek Cypriots left the negotiating table because Turkey is holding explorations for oil. Addressing a meeting of the Justice and Development party (AKP) in Istanbul, Arinc claimed:
“If we do something so serious as to scare and make them fear, then we are happy. There is no reason for leaving the table. Sit and talk and if cooperation can be made in Cyprus, do it. However, we harass [them]. There has been a blue jeans advertisement in the past that was saying ‘we are mounting up’. With the things that Turkey does, it makes them say that ‘these are mounting up’. This of course has a danger. If they are mounting up, something must be done. The recent conflicts, the tumult, a lot of calculations from inside the country and traps aim at preventing Turkey which is mounting up. Those, who are wise, know these calculations and are taking measures against them”.
(I/Ts.)
4. Erk reacts to Davutoglu’s statement as regards the discussion of the “two state scenario” in Cyprus: “The Turkish Cypriots will decide this”
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (27.10.14) reports that Kutlay Erk, general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), reacted against the statement recently made by the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu who addressing the Greek Cypriots said “let us talk the two state scenario” in Cyprus.
In an interview with Halkin Sesi, Erk was reminded of Davutoglu’s statement and was asked whether the CTP would discuss a “two state solution”. Erk replied, inter alia, the following:
“Now, I say this with all my respect to the Turkish Prime Minister esteemed Davutoglu: The Turkish Cypriot authorities decide on what we will discuss and they should be the ones who will say this to the whole world. If there will be a change of route in the Cyprus problem, the Turkish Cypriots will decide it, and the Turkish Cypriots’ authorities will share it with the world. Moreover, we, as CTP, in no way want to enter into a two state solution process and we do not believe that this is the correct solution model. And this is also a solution model which in not in accord with the UN criteria. Moreover, discussions on this solution model have been carried out for decades or efforts have been exerted for this to be discussed and were not successful. That is, the Turkish Cypriot policy has tried all possibilities in the past for the two-state model and did not succeed. Therefore, we want achievable targets. We want solution, we want lasting peace the soonest on the island and we still believe that we can establish a united federal Cyprus under the UN parameters. (…) A statement in this direction by the Turkish Prime Minister is [tantamount to] getting ahead of our president. We think that the TRNC president is the one who should be ahead, as responsible negotiator, as the person that determines and carries out the policies”.
(I/Ts.)
5. BKP: "The parties in parliament are being dragged behind AKP"
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (24.10.14-online in English) reported that Izzet Izcan, chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), in a written statement said that the political parties that are being represented at the “parliament” consciously are dragged behind the tension politics of the AKP, and are making statements, like a choir, that are straining the atmosphere.
“Everyone should act more calmly and responsibly during these days of crisis. Both sides are against the solution and are adding fuel to the flames, trying to form a conundrum. In such a situation the groups which are claiming that they want a solution and peace should not be dragged behind the status quo but should be trying to turn out the fire”, Izcan said, calling at the same time all actors that want a solution to focus on ending this crisis atmosphere.
“The AKP government who had sent war ships to the surroundings of Cyprus and caused political tension is the one who is responsible for the Greek Cypriot side’s withdrawal from the negotiations”, added İzcan, and alleged that President Anastasiades who abandoned the negotiation table is as erroneous as Turkey’s tension politics.
“The road to escaping the crisis is open and clear. Turkey should withdraw their war ships from Cyprus’ seas immediately. After this, Anastasiades should return to the negotiation table. Confidence Building Measures should be actualized in parallel with the recommencing comprehensive solution period,” said Izcan, calling both sides to be constructive and calm.
6. Turkey sends warships to “protect” Barbaros
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (27.10.14) reports that the Turkish General Staff has announced that, within the framework of the “Mediterranean Shield Operation”, the TCG Goksu warship of the Turkish Naval Forces had carried out the duty of “protecting and supporting” Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa seismic explorations vessel, which is carrying out [illegally and by violating the international law] explorations for oil and natural gas in the south sea of Cyprus, due to a “license” given by the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus to Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).
According to the statement of the Turkish General Staff, TCG Zipkin warship continues to observe SAIPEM-10000 drilling platform, which is working in the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), from a distance of nine kilometers.
(I/Ts.)
7. Controversial statements by Yorgancioglu and Nami during 2011 and 2014 on the signing of the so-called continental shelf delimitation agreement shows their stance’ change
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (25.10.14) under the front-page title: “Yesterday like this, today like that” compares statementS made in 2011 by the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) Ozkan Yorgancioglu as well as by Ozdil Nami, CTP’s foreign relations secretary during that period, who both condemned and expressed strong criticism on the signing of the “continental shelf delimitation agreement” between Turkey and the breakaway regime.
According to the paper, Yorgancioglu in a statement on September, October and December of 2011, said: “The continental shelf delimitation agreement signed between Eroglu and Erdogan disregards the Turkish Cypriot people’s will. It mortifies our honor and pride. It escalates the tension in the continental shelf. As prime minister, I would like to recall that I will vote against this agreement”.
Meanwhile, in statements on the issue on February 2014, Yorgancioglu said: “It is unnecessary the fever in the south after the exploration activities of Barbaros vessel. The main point of dispute started due to the fact that the south does not abide by the agreements made. There are problems since the Turkish Cypriots rights in the island are converted. Similar ships were present in the region in the past on behalf of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots”.
Also, commenting on October 2011 on the issue, Nami has said the following: “The Turkish Cypriot people’s existence, identity and will are disregarded by the continental shelf delimitation agreement. The context of the agreement ignores our rights and interests. Great disrespect. We should be aware in which extend and on which criteria the agreement protects the Turkish Cypriot people’s rights”.
In statement on May and October 2014, Nami under the title of the so-called foreign minister states: “The released statement by the UN after the unilateral reaction statement by the Greek Cypriot administration concerning the continental shelf delimitation agreement is not worthwhile. The Greek Cypriot leader is eager for a fight of battle with the Turkish Cypriot side. The Turkish Cypriots were expelled by force by the Republic of Cyprus… We have rights towards all energy resources in the island”.
AK
8. The spokesman of Turkey’s Foreign Ministry stated that the main aim of the Cyprus negotiation talks is to establish “two states” in the island with equal rights
Ankara Anatolia news agency (24.10.14) reported that on Friday, Turkey rejected Greek accusations of sea law violations in the waters around Cyprus.
The Greek Foreign Ministry accused Turkey of violating the law of the sea by sending an oil and gas exploration ship to the eastern Mediterranean in the first week of October.
"Greece's logic is wrong and Greece is undermining the Cyprus peace talks", Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgic said in a written statement on Friday.
Greece is in a "misperception" about the peace talks for the island, the statement said.
The Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos had stated that Turkey sabotaged negotiations between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, which were suspended by the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades early this month following reports that a Turkish warship had been sent to monitor Greek Cypriot hydrocarbon exploration.
The Greek Foreign Minister has stated that Turkey attempted to create a crisis by sending the ship at a time when the international community's attention was focused on combat with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and crises in both the southern and eastern regions of Europe.
Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot government have strongly opposed any unilateral move by the Greek Cypriot administration to explore any hydrocarbon resources around the island, saying that its natural resources should be exploited in a fair manner under a united Cyprus.
“The main aim of the talks is to establish two states in the island with equal rights”, Bilgic said, adding that "Ignoring that and legitimizing the actions of the Greek side clearly cannot help anything”.
Bilgic also recalled that steps taken in the eastern Mediterranean while ignoring the international law will only cause more problems.
9. Statements by Denktas and Cirali on the halloumi issue; Cirali warned that they will proceed to legal actions against companies manufacturing halloumi in Turkey
According to illegal Bayrak television (25.10.14) the discussions regarding the registration and production of the local cheese halloumi are still continuing.
In statements on the issue, the so-called deputy prime minister and “minister of economy, tourism, culture and sports” Serdar Denktas, referred to the tension created between the local cheese manufactures in the occupied area of Cyprus about the halloumi cheese product.
Denktas noted that a decision has been taken on halloumi and will be set into force 6 months later. “From that day forward, manufacturing of the halloumi with that specific name will not be able to take place outside of Cyprus and legal proceedings will take place against those who do not pay heed”, he said.
“A decision has been made and will come into force 6 months later. We have started to inform the people regarding this issue. Hellim [halloumi] can be made within the specified criterion in northern Cyprus”, said Denktas said.
He noted that the cheese made very similarly to halloumi will not be banned; he, however, added that the producers will not be able to use the name “hellim” on their product while exporting abroad.
Denktas said that once “the law” comes into force, legal proceedings against those who continue to sell halloumi cheese abroad without meeting the criteria, will begin.
Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (25.10.14) the registration of the local Cypriot cheese halloumi and its production was taken up in Antalya during a panel discussion organized within the framework of the Antalya Local Products Fair.
The “Turkish Cypriot chamber of industry” took part in the panel discussion entitled: ‘The key to local development, local produce panel”.
Delivering a speech there, the chairman of the “chamber” Ali Cıralı referred to the geographical indications of the halloumi cheese while the “head” of the “hellim inspection council” Kemal Ozturk delivered a speech regarding the practices of the “halloumi cheese” and the practices of the geographical indications.
During his speech, Cıralı spoke about the process followed while trying to register the product and noted that halloumi is a common local product that is produced in Cyprus by both communities and that problems are being experienced while manufacturing the product.
Cıralı also warned that they will take legal actions if halloumi cheese is continued to be produced in Turkey.
10. Serdar Denktas on the occupation regime’s tourism
According to illegal Bayrak television (25.10.14) the so-called “deputy prime minister, minister of economy, tourism, culture and sports”, Serdar Denktas met with the “head” of the “Turkish Cypriot Travel Agencies Association” Orhan Tolun and the “head” of the “Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Association Huseyin Aktıg.
During the visit, both men informed Denktas regarding the developments taking place in the “tourism sector” and their initiatives for the industry.
Speaking during the meeting, Denktas noted that positive results had been achieved in tourism this year, but added that what was important was to strengthen the “foundation” in order for the developments to continue throughout the entire year.
Explaining that winter tourism had also been successful this year, Denktas said that apart from casino tourism there was a need to further develop the tourism sector and added that projects regarding health tourism have been brought to light as well.
He also noted that one of the biggest problems in the “country” was the environmental pollution and the half-finished constructions that are scattered all over the “country”.
11. MERS virus caused panic in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (27.10.14), as well as all Turkish Cypriot dailies referred on the panic in the occupied area of Cyprus after the death of an 83 old woman, who lost her life by the MERS virus, known as the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome.
According to the paper, after this incident, 5 more persons suffering from the same symptoms of the virus went into the hospital for treatment.
The paper writes that the virus which possibly was transferred from Saudi Arabia has created panic in the “country”.
Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (27.10.14) the so-called health minister Ahmet Gulle has made a statement regarding the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome – MERS.
Gulle said that the MERS virus is a viral respiratory illness and during the incubation period is not contagious and added that the virus showed itself through high body temperature, sever coughing and chest pains.
Noting that with early detection chances of recovery from the illness iss quite high, he said that those who are travelling to Saudi Arabia and those regions should become aware of the illness and take the necessary precautionary measures.
Explaining that there were six patients in hospital who all returned from Saudi Arabia and were admitted to hospital with respiratory problems, Gulle said that unfortunately one patient had died but they are not sure whether or not the patient had died due to the virus.
“The other patients aren’t that ill and their chances of recovering is high. We will be getting in contact with those who travelled on the same plane with these patients and see whether or not they are carrying similar symptoms. Everyone must be sensitive and aware of this issue. There is no need for panic and if there are any symptoms, we are calling for those people to come to the hospital and seek treatment”, said Gulle.
12. Davutoglu condemned the recent deadly attack in Hakkari; “Reconciliation process is directed to the Kurdish community and not the PKK”
According to Turkish daily Sabah (26.10.14-online in English) Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said during his visit to the southeastern city of Kahramanmaras on Sunday that the reconciliation process is directed to the Kurdish community, not the PKK, which is believed to be responsible for the latest deadly attack against three Turkish soldiers in the southeastern city of Hakkari over the weekend.
Urging all sides to do their part, Davutoglu said that the belief that there is a security gap due to the reconciliation process is completely wrong. He said that Ankara has been sensitive since the beginning of the process to refrain from harming it, but no negotiation is possible over public order.
He stipulated that the PKK must lay down its arms to see the reconciliation process reach fruition. “Public order is the first article on the road map [for the reconciliation process]”, Davutoglu said, adding that public order is of the utmost importance to the government.
“The addressee of the process is not the PKK or HDP [Peoples' Democratic Party], but the Kurdish people of this country. They are content with the government”, he said.
Davutoglu echoed the government's sentiments that Ankara is still committed to completing the reconciliation process with the same determination as always. “No process is successful if there is no public order. The priority is public order. The reconciliation process is a step taken to ensure national unity, not a process that forms a basis for public disorder”, he said.
(…)
Meanwhile, in statements during a meeting with non-governmental organizations in Kayseri over the weekend, Davutoglu said that he gave instructions to Hakkari Governor Yakup Canbolat to find the perpetrators of the attacks on the soldiers and bring them before justice.
"The reconciliation process is not the process of tolerance toward such attackers or bandits," Davutoglu said, adding that the PKK is also a threat to peaceful Kurdish citizens living in predominantly Kurdish cities. He also invited all citizens in Turkey to act together against terrorism.
(…)
13. A journalist of Armenian origin has been appointed as Davutoglu’s senior advisor
According to Turkish daily Yeni Safak (25.10.14-online in English) an intellectual and journalist of Armenian descent, Etyen Mahvupyan, has been appointed as senior advisor to Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
According to official sources, Davutoglu personally offered the task to Mahcupyan last week after his meeting with the Commission of Wise Men, a commission composed of intellectuals and well-liked public figures, which was formed to explain the ongoing peace process with Kurds to the public by touring around the country.
Mahcupyan accepted the Prime Minister's offer and became the Prime Minister’s first non-Muslim advisor who will deal with the ongoing settlement process, relations with Armenia, and promoting relations with the circles which were distant to the government. Mahcupyan is known particularly for his opposition to the presence of the parallel state in Turkey.
The Armenian intellectual's views on Turkey's democratization and demilitarization process as well as public-related issues have reportedly had quite an impact on the Prime Minister's decision.
(…)
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