TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 185/14 03.10.14
1. Ozersay announces his candidature for next year’s “elections”
2. Eroglu: I will decide about my “candidacy” in November
3. Eroglu on the Cyprus talks
4. Nami met with Gerry Connolly and Serdar Kilic in Washington
5. Bozkir alleges that the exploitation of Cyprus’ natural resources by the Republic of Cyprus “is not in accordance with justice”
6. CTP – DP “coalition government” marks 1st year in “office”
7. Eroglu met with the US Ambassador Koenig
8. Charter flights from Finland to the occupied area of Cyprus will begin in February 2015
9. FEMA criticized the occupation regime’s ties with the Republic of Turkey
10. Turkish Parliament ratifies motion on Syria and Iraq
11. CHP: Motion is actually against Syria, not ISIL
12. NATO’s new Secretary-General to visit Turkey
13. Turkish Constitutional Court strips Internet authority of right to close websites
14. Turkey’s bar associations filed a complaint for annulment of headscarf in schools
15. Foreign athletes will attend Dr Fazil Kucuk Sport Games in the occupied area of Cyprus
1. Ozersay announces his candidature for next year’s “elections”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.10.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, Kudret Ozersay has announced his candidature for next year’s “presidential elections”. In statements yesterday to Suleyman Erguclu, KIBRIS Media Group’s General Publishing Director, Ozersay said that his decision to run in next April’s “elections” was final.
Noting that he would be at the post of the negotiator until the day on which the so-called high election board determined the timetable for the “elections”, Ozersay added that the first person with whom he has shared his decision was the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu, who told him that he would evaluate this decision.
Ozersay recalled that in past “presidential elections”, a self-styled prime minister and a “deputy prime minister” had both been candidates and remained at their posts until the “election” procedure.
Pointing out that the negotiations are now entering an important phase, Ozersay said that he would continue exercising his duty unless Eroglu decided differently. He recalled that he has been actively participating in the Cyprus talks for 12 years and at the highest level because he believes in the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.
Referring to Eroglu’s possible candidature, Ozersay said that he did not know Eroglu’s intentions adding that the Turkish Cypriot leader had already announced that he would share his views with the public in a month’s time.
He noted that he decided to run in the “elections” because he thought that courage should be shown and a real will for doing some things in the “country”. Underlining that he would be an independent candidate, Ozersay said that because of his current position [as Turkish Cypriot negotiator], he was not able to announce his “vision” or to commit to specific things he would do, adding “but the time to do this will come”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Eroglu: I will decide about my “candidacy” in November
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 02.10.14), the branch of occupied Lefkosia of the National Unity Party (UBP) headed by its chairman “deputy” Faiz Sucuoglu visited on Thursday the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.
During the meeting Sucuoglu conveyed its branch’s decision to support Eroglu if he decides to run in the upcoming “presidential elections”.
Speaking during the visit, Sucuoglu pointed out that the Cyprus talks had entered a critical phase and said “we took a unanimous decision at this critical stage to support your candidacy as a result of your experience and widespread public support.”
Expressing that they had been supporting Eroglu’s policies, Sucuoglu said: “We are reaffirming our trust to you, Mr President, as you are always pursuing a one step ahead policy on the Cyprus issue, working towards protecting the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people.”
For his part, Eroglu pointed out that the decision of the UBP “Lefkosia branch” would be encouraging for him during his evaluation of whether or not to run for “re-election”.
He however added that he would make his final decision in November.
Stressing that with the arrival of the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Aide to the island the negotiations process might intensify after the Bayram holiday, Eroglu said: “Since I am currently focusing mainly on the negotiations process, I will think and decide about my candidacy in November.”
Stating that he was honoured by the decision of the UBP “Lefkosia branch”, Eroglu expressed the view that no one could win the “presidential elections” without the support of a strong party.
3. Eroglu on the Cyprus talks
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 03.10.14) , Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has announced that the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide will arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday, the 7th of October and will hold three days of meetings. Eide will meet with Eroglu on the 8th of October and the two leaders on the 9th.
Eroglu also said that he will brief the “assembly” on the course of the negotiations process, on Monday, the 13th of October.
Speaking during a visit paid to him today, Eroglu said that a great struggle has been waged to protect the interests of their “people”. “We are working to reach an agreement that will enable the Turkish Cypriot people to live in a democratic atmosphere that has been created by their own free will but not an agreement that will force them to live under the control of the Greek Cypriots”, he added.
Claiming that the proposals put forward by the Greek Cypriot side at the negotiating table are intensifying day by day, he alleged that proposals which ignore the existence of the Turkish Cypriots are coming to the table.
“I believe that if the Greek Cypriot side really wanted a solution it wouldn’t put forward such extreme proposals.” Eroglu claimed.
Eroglu also expressed the hope for finalizing the negotiations process in a way that he sees as acceptable.
4. Nami met with Gerry Connolly and Serdar Kilic in Washington
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 02.10.14), self-styled minister of foreign affairs Ozdil Nami met with Gerry Connolly, a member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs at the US House of Representatives, and the Co-President of the Turkish Friendship Group as part of his contacts in Washington DC.
During the meeting, Nami briefed Connolly on the latest stage reached in the Cyprus talks.
Also receiving information from Connolly about the of the Foreign Affairs Committee on Turkey, the “TRNC” (editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and the region, Nami also exchanged views with Connolly on ways of further developing relations between the “TRNC” and the Foreign Affairs Committee in the future.
As part of his other contacts in Washington, Nami also discussed with the Turkish Ambassador to Washington Serdar Kilic during a lunch meeting the relations between the “TRNC” and Turkey.
Also coming together with MUSİAD officials, Nami pointed to the importance of developing trade relations with the US for Turkish Cypriot businessmen.
Nami also gave an interview on the Cyprus issue to one of major television networks in the US, Fox TV.
Moreover, Nami gave an interview to the Voice of America station on his last day visit in Washington.
Nami gave information regarding the Cyprus problem, the Cyprus negotiations process, the US’s role in the region and the effects the hydrocarbon sources will have on the Cyprus issue.
According to a press release by the “foreign ministry”, within the framework of his Washington contacts, Nami also took part in a panel discussion that was attended by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank, a variety of corporations and experts on issues related to the Mediterranean region.
During the panel discussion Foreign Minister Nami drew attention to the importance of the US supporting the Cyprus solution process in order for real progress to be made and added that the US should support the two sides equally.
‘Bilateral action only further upsets the balance and damages the process’ said Nami and added that if a solution is found to the Cyprus problem it will aid in decreasing tensions in the region.
He said that his contacts in Washington had been very fruitful in giving clear messages on the Cyprus negotiations process and the Turkish Cypriot sides’ perspective towards a solution, noting that the US was closely following the developments on the Cyprus issue and the Cyprus negotiations process.
5. Bozkir alleges that the exploitation of Cyprus’ natural resources by the Republic of Cyprus “is not in accordance with justice”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.10.14) reports that Volkan Bozkir, the Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator, has alleged that the exploitation of Cyprus’ natural resources by Cyprus “is not in accordance with justice”. Responding to a question yesterday in Ankara, Bozkir claimed: “We are definitely against the exploitation of the natural resources only by the Greek Administration of South Cyprus [Translator’s note: This is the term used to describe the Republic of Cyprus]. This is not in accordance with justice and will reach dimensions that will harm the negotiations for solving the Cyprus problem. For this reason we insist on the issue of the joint exploitation of these resources and the production of these values for the whole island of Cyprus”.
Bozkir said that the issue of natural resources was an important element which would contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Referring to EU’s Progress Report on Turkey which is expected to be announced on 8 October, Bozkir argued that should the 14 chapters, which have been “politically blocked” because of the Cyprus problem, open, Turkey could open ten chapters within few months.
As regards the EU’s Progress Report on Turkey, Bozkir said: “Of course there will be criticism, but first of all, this should be constructive, fair and its style should be correct. If they prepared a report in a style which offended us, we would find it difficult to face this. However, I think that there will be no problem on this issue”.
Bozkir pointed out that the customs union was an important element in Turkey’s relations with the EU adding that 72% of the foreign investors in Turkey come from the EU, while 45% of Turkey’s exports are directed to EU member states.
Bozkir referred to the ongoing discussions between the EU and the USA on trade agreements and argued that in case these discussions are not concluded in the way Turkey wants, their country might be harmed and this is why they are cooperating with their Ministry of Economy to prevent this from happening.
(I/Ts.)
6. CTP – DP “coalition government” marks 1st year in “office”
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 02.10.14), the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) and the Democrat Party - National Forces (DP- UG) “coalition government” has completed its first year in “office”.
Self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu and the self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar briefed reporters on the “government’s activities” over the past year at a press conference held on Thursday.
Reading out a list of the “government’s achievements”, Yorgancioglu said that their greatest accomplishments were in the area of environment as it had passed “legislation” allowing solar energy systems to be installed in homes and workplaces.
He also said that work on using whey water and solid sewage to produce energy had reached the tender stage.
Pointing out that one of the “government’s” first actions when assuming “office” a year ago was to cancel the entry into the “country” of a riot control vehicle, Yorgancioglu also said that a “draft law” had been prepared to bring the “police” under civilian authority.
Also praising “the government’s contributions to improving the economy, its success in raising exports and lowering imports as well as closing the budget deficit gap and public expenditures”, Yorgancioglu said that a committee had been established to oversee all issues related to halloumi production, including its registration as a co-Cypriot product of origin in the EU.
Yorgancioglu also mentioned that “a series of reforms, laws and bylaws had been passed by the council of ministers which improved the state’s collection of unpaid taxes and revenues as well as giving low interest rate loans to small businesses and enterprises”.
On the issue of tourism, he said that the “TRNC” had been represented at a number of the world’s largest tourism fairs and that efforts by the “ministry of tourism culture and sports” to further promote the “TRNC” at all levels continue.
Yorgancioglu also boasted the introduction of a new chipped ID system which will come into service by the end of this year.
The meeting ended following a Q&A session during which Yorgancioglu and Denktas answered reporters’ questions on issues relating to the economy, the arrival of water from Turkey as well as other domestic issues recently on the country’s agenda.
Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (03.10.14) reports that Yorgancioglu underlined the important role that the so-called foreign ministry played in the preparation of the Joint Declaration statement signed between the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot leader on 11th of February. He also stressed the importance of the regular meetings the “ministry” held with employers’ organizations and trade unions for the continuation of the Cyprus talks.
Yorgancioglu recalled the meetings that so-called foreign minister Nami held with the United States Secretary of State and other officials in Washington D.C, adding that it was the first time they held high contacts on this level.
Yorgancioglu added that the “foreign minister” met also with high level advisors of the German Chancellor and the EU officials in Brussels. He added that Nami also held bilateral talks in Strasbourg and occupied Nicosia and played an effective role in several meetings.
Yorgancioglu also stated that they signed a protocol with the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) in the field of education, environment and health, adding that “they achieved to attend this meeting in a ministerial level” and also to organize several international events.
The so-called prime minister referred also to the meeting being held for the first time between delegations in Brussels and occupied Nicosia with the participation of the European Commissioner Stefan Fule and stressed that they achieved the extension of the financial aid coverage to the Turkish Cypriots.
Also, Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper (03.10.14) reports that speaking during the press conference, Denktas referred to the Cyprus problem and said that no hopes were left for the solution of the Cyprus problem, due to the stance of the Greek Cypriot side.
Stressing that they opposed everything that would be considered a casus belli including ISIL, Denktas said that a possible war in the region would negatively affect the “TRNC’s economy”.
7. Eroglu met with the US Ambassador Koenig
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 02.10.14), Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu met yesterday with the U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, John M. Koenig, and his delegation.
The U.S. delegation was greeted by Eroglu’s undersecretary Hasan Gungor. The Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay and Eroglu’s spokesperson Osman Ertug were present at the meeting. The meeting was closed to the press.
8. Charter flights from Finland to the occupied area of Cyprus will begin in February 2015
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.10.14) reports that charter flights from Finland to the occupied area of Cyprus will start in February 2015, in spite of what the paper’s describes as “obstacles posed by the Greek Cypriots” to prevent tourists from visiting the occupied area of the island. The flights will be carried out twice a week.
Within the framework of an agreement between a company named Northern Travel (NTL), which brings tourists from Europe to the occupied area of Cyprus on charter flights, and a firm named Cypernsun, the former’s partner in Finland, celebrities from the above mentioned country and members of the press have been brought to the occupied area of the island, with the aim of promoting occupied Cyprus in Finland.
These Finnish celebrities, who visited the occupied area of Cyprus on 29 September, 2014 and stayed for four days, are three models (Bea Toivinnen, Krista Haapalainen and Milla Romppanen), a fashion designer (Teuvo Tapani Loman) and a singer (Niko Mikael Helenius).
Huseyin Oscar, director of Northern Travel Ltd and Oscar Hotel, told Kibris that their new target is the Scandinavian countries. He thanked the self-styled ministry of tourism and Turkey’s Aid Delegation for contributing in their efforts of holding charter flights to the occupied area of Cyprus.
Finally, Kemal Ozturk, general director of Cypernsun, stated that in spite of all obstacles they will include in their charter flights countries such as Denmark, Sweden and Norway. He said that they have launched a “broad advertising campaign” in all newspapers, TV stations and other places in Finland.
(I/Ts.)
9. FEMA criticized the occupation regime’s ties with the Republic of Turkey
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (03.10.14) the Feminist Workshop (FEMA) in a statement yesterday strongly criticized Turkey’s ties with the “TRNC”. It stressed the need for measures to be taken in order to lift all the obstacles that do not allow the Turkish Cypriots to have a substantial position in the development of several projects related with “organizations” in the “country”. It also stressed the need to eliminate the equality status of Turkey in its relations with the “TRNC”.
Recalling the latest statement made by the so-called minister of environment and natural resources, Hamit Bakirci, regarding the water to be transferred to the occupied area of Cyprus from Turkey, the Feminist Workshop criticized the ties between the “governments” of Turkey and the “TRNC”.
Criticizing Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu who stated during his first trip in the occupied area of Cyprus that the water to be transferred, would be managed by companies specialized in this field, the Workshop argued that Turkey via guardians tries to administer the north part of Cyprus.
“It is an unquestionable reality that the privatization policy followed by Turkey in the framework of the equal conditions in the northern part of Cyprus, as well as similar practices like the one followed on the water issue, will result in Turkish capital monopoly” (…)”.
(AK)
10. Turkish Parliament ratifies motion on Syria and Iraq
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (02.10.14), Turkish lawmakers authorized the government on Thursday to deploy troops to Syria and Iraq to fight any group threatening the country.
The motion, submitted by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's Cabinet, received support from 298 members of the 550-seat Parliament, with 98 voting against. The governing AK party (the ruling Justice and Development Party) holds an overwhelming majority in the body, with 312 seats.
The Nationalist Movement Party -- the third-largest party in the Parliament -- supported the motion. But the main opposition Republican People's Party and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party voted against it.
In addition to threats to the country, the motion mentioned the threat to the Suleyman Shah tomb in Syria, where the grandfather of the Ottoman Empire’s founder is buried.
The tomb, a Turkish enclave guarded by Turkish troops, lies in territory largely controlled by the militant group called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.10.14) reports that Turkey is set to start negotiations with U.S. officials on the issue of cooperation with coalition forces against the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), following the Parliament’s vote for the motion authorizing the government to deploy troops to foreign countries and allow the deployment of military forces from other countries.
Considering the matter urgent, a security summit was scheduled for after the voting of the motions late Oct. 2 under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and with the participation of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Ozel along with other top military and civilian officials to mull over the next steps Turkey will take. Top Turkish officials are expected to mull over the position Turkey will adopt on potential demands from the United States.
Unlike the mandate in March 1, 2003, which would have allowed the U.S. military to invade Iraq from Turkish soil but was rejected by the Turkish Parliament, this time Ankara has first sought authorization from Parliament before sitting at the negotiating table with Washington.
President Barack Obama’s special representatives in dealing with the ISIL threat, former Gen. John Allen, and deputy undersecretary of the State Department, Ambassador McGurk, are expected to visit Turkey in the coming weeks as part of their regional tour.
Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 02.10.14) reports that the Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Ozel said that there would be an instant intervention by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in case of an emergency at the Tomb of Suleiman Shah and that the TSK would deliver airstrikes within two minutes upon notification of an Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) threat to the Turkish exclave.
11. CHP: Motion is actually against Syria, not ISIL
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 02.10.14), the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu said that the motion brought to Parliament by the government was not aimed at broadening the struggle against terror, but was directed against Syria itself.
“We would support a motion on the struggle against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant [ISIL] or the Kurdistan Workers’ Party [PKK], in short, against terrorist organizations. This was also what the Western coalition was looking for: A struggle against the terrorist organization of ISIL,” Kilicdaroglu said during an Ankara meeting on October 2 with journalists from the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
“But this is not the motion that came to Parliament. On the contrary, it is about fighting against Syria,” he added,
The CHP leader said there was a perception in the West that Turkey was "backing ISIL". “This perception is correct. ISIL has offices in Turkey. They have units that gather members in Turkey. All of this is well known,” Kilicdaroglu said, adding that he was also against sending Turkish soldiers to another country.
“Turkey should take an open stance if it wants to fight against ISIL,” he said. The main opposition leader was speaking before the motion was voted on in Parliament.
On the same issue, Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 02.10.14) reports that the motion was opposed by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).
The CHP argues that the motion is aimed at the Syrian regime, not ISIL. “The government sees developments in the region as an excuse to engage in armed confrontation with the Syrian regime and is using ISIL as a pretext to that end,” CHP Deputy Chairman Faruk Logoglu said in a speech on behalf of his party in Parliament before the vote.
Logoglu dismissed the government’s argument that Turkey is facing security threats from the Syrian regime, saying that this claim is not backed by evidence.
The HDP's Ertugrul Kurkcu also argued that the government is not concerned about fighting ISIL, accusing it of turning a blind eye to the group's massacres in Syria and recruitment of militants in Turkey. “You have no intention of fighting ISIL,” Kurkcu told Parliament.
12. NATO’s new Secretary-General to visit Turkey
Turkish daily Milliyet newspaper (02.10.14) reported that the former Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg who undertook officially his new duty as NATO’s Secretary-General, said during his first press conference that he will visit Turkey on October 8-10.
The former two-term Norwegian Prime Minister assumed his new duties on Wednesday as the 13th NATO Secretary-General.
The 55-year-old is the second Scandinavian NATO chief in a row, succeeding former Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
(AK)
13. Turkish Constitutional Court strips Internet authority of right to close websites
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 02.10.14) reports that the Constitutional Court has ruled as “unconstitutional” the Telecommunications Directorate’s (TİB) authority to close websites within four hours on the basis of national security, protecting public order, or preventing crime.
The extraordinary authority was granted to the TİB after an amendment to the Internet Law was passed in Parliament on Sept. 10, sparking protests from Internet rights groups.
The latest Constitutional Court order is also binding for all sites already closed down due to the same law.
The main opposition Republican People’s Party had appealed to the Constitutional Court on Sept. 15 to annul the changes, arguing that they further restricted Internet use in Turkey and increased the government’s control of web traffic.
The restrictions had drawn reactions from Turkey’s opposition and international organizations, who voiced concerns that freedom of expression and the right to freely communicate in private would be jeopardized.
The changes also authorized the TİB to store data in-house and to turn over data to relevant institutions upon a court decision, sparking concerns that Internet surfing would come under the full-time surveillance of the government.
14. Turkey’s bar associations filed a complaint for annulment of headscarf in schools
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 02.10.14), the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB) filed a criminal complaint to the Council of State to annul the government’s decision to allow girls attending fifth-grade and upper school classes to wear headscarves.
A government decree changing the regulation on the dress code in public schools was published on Sept. 27 in the Official Gazette, allowing girls as young as 10 to attend classes wearing headscarves.
In its complaint, the TBB argued that the right to education could conflict with the principle of secularism, and called for the annulment of the amendment in the regulation. It stressed that the recent regulation contradicts with Turkey’s civil code, recalling that its age of adulthood is set at 18.
“This amendment means the violation of secularism, which is a fundamental part of the Republic and is mentioned in the second article of the Constitution, which is confirmed to be not open to change in the fourth article of the Constitution,” the TBB complaint read.
Teachers’ union Egitim-Sen also filed a lawsuit to the Council of State on Sept. 30 for the cancellation of the permission for the headscarf in schools.
15. Foreign athletes will attend Dr Fazil Kucuk Sport Games in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (03.10.14) reports in its sport pages that in the framework of the “14th International Dr Fazil Kucuk Sport Games” which will be launched in the occupied area of Cyprus on October 10, foreign athletes from federations which are bound to the European Bocce Association, will attend the Dr Fazil Kucuk Bocce Championship.
According to the paper, 25 athletes from 5 different countries (Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Switzerland and Turkey) accompanied by the chairman of their respective federations will arrive in the occupied area of Cyprus on October 9.
The Dr Fazil Kucuk Bocce Championship will take place between October 10-11.
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