TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 218/14 21.11.14
1. Eroglu: “If we protect Morfou, more developments, investments and progress will happen”
2. The so-called assembly approved the resignation of the three “DP’s deputies”; Change on the distribution of the “seats”
3. TUSİAD chairman calls Turkey to carry out trade with the Republic of Cyprus and contribute to the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem
4. Dincyurek’s contacts in Turkey; He met with Eroglu, Arinc and Gulluce and Yildiz
5. Siber: “I will be elected on the first round of the April 2015 presidential elections”
6. Turkish Cypriot Businessmen Association will launch a series of initiatives abroad as regards the halloumi issue
7. “Protest day” in the breakaway regime yesterday
8. Administration member of Ergenekon organization is visiting the occupied area of Cyprus
9. The historical Asomatos Church in occupied Rizokarpaso is used as a sheep pen
10. Erdogan: “Turkey-Algeria trade could rise to $10 billion”
11. Turkey-Africa summit kicks off in Guinea; Erdogan and Cavusoglu attend the summit
1. Eroglu: “If we protect Morfou, more developments, investments and progress will happen”
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (21.11.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu stated that more developments, investments and progress will take place in occupied Morfou if they protect the region. He also said that the responsibility of the current and future “governments” is to focus on Morfou.
Eroglu made these statements speaking during an open panel discussion organized by the so called Morfou municipality, under the title “Problems of Morfou Municipality and Solution Suggestions”, which aimed to find the problems in the region and to discuss and to determine solution suggestions.
“I believe that the future of Morfou will be brilliant if we can protect it,” he said, adding that they would do everything in their hands to benefit from the formulas created in this open session and provide others to benefit from them too.
Eroglu also said that he did not attend the event so as to promote his election campaign. “But some media organs made news in this way”, he stated.
2. The so-called assembly approved the resignation of the three “DP’s deputies”; Change on the distribution of the “seats”
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (21.11.14) reports that the resignation of the three “deputies” of the Democratic Party-National Forces (DP-UG), Ahmet Kasif, “deputy” in occupied Lefkosia, Hamit Bakirci, “deputy” in occupied Trikomo and Ergun Serdaroglu, “deputy” in occupied Keryneia, were read out and approved yesterday during the meeting of the so-called assembly.
According to the paper, the three “deputies” submitted their resignations to the “speaker” of the so-called assembly, Sibel Siber who approved them.
After the resignations of the three so-called deputies, the “seats” of the “coalition-government” in the “assembly” has been reduced to 29.
The distribution of the seats at the so-called assembly is as follows:
Republican Turkish Party-UF (CTP-BG): 21
Democratic Party-National Forces (DP-UG): 8
National Unity Party (UBP): 15
Social Democrat Party (TDP): 3
Independents: 3
AK
3. TUSİAD chairman calls Turkey to carry out trade with the Republic of Cyprus and contribute to the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (20.11.14) reported that at a conference organized by the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TUSİAD), and the Washington-based Brookings Institution, TUSİAD President Haluk Dincer urged a revival of accession negotiations with the European Union, underlining the need for progress in the rule of law and freedoms, in order to meet the political criteria of EU membership.
The conference titled “Turkey-EU Relations: Future Scenarios” took place in İstanbul on Thursday.
The conference emphasized the interdependence of Turkey and the EU, in spite of the stall in the negotiations, due to both internal EU issues and domestic problems in Turkey.
Delivering the opening speech, Dincer stated that Turkey's EU membership has always been a priority for the business world and went on to say that there has been a regression in Turkey's adherence to the EU's political criteria but that this goal has served as an important anchor for Turkey for a long time. “We have to make progress in terms of the freedoms of the media and expression,” Dincer said, emphasizing that without democracy, an economy based on high consumption is not sustainable.
Dincer also said that TUSİAD is concerned about the perception that there is a divergence in interests between Turkey and the EU since the organization believes that there is no concrete alternative to full membership.
Describing the EU as an important driving force in terms of progress, Dincer put the blame for the stall in negotiations not only on Turkey but also the EU. He drew attention to the long and slow history of Turkey's journey to the EU, saying that there is no clear timeline for membership even though Turkey's negotiations officially started nine years ago.
“Negotiations must be revived,” Dincer said and urged both Turkey and the EU, saying that Chapters 23 and 24 are the first chapters that should be opened.
Meanwhile, underlining that welfare and high consumption could not be sustained without democracy, Dincer said that a number of steps that Turkey took in the early 2000s toward harmonization with the EU in areas of democratization and the economy have started to be taken back. He gave the example of the public procurement law and economic regulations, and also asked the government to consider lifting the ban on Greek Cypriot trade once again, highlighting that this would not mean politically recognizing “Greek Cyprus”, as he called the Republic of Cyprus.
Dincer said that although many years have passed in Turkey-EU relations, no tangible calendar has ever been set, stressing that accession negotiations should be revived.
Dincer listed a number of factors that have affected the accession negotiations, placing the decline of the EU’s enlargement perspective after the euro crisis and the EU Commission’s failure to foresee any enlargement in the coming five years as the most important factors that could affect both parties.
Dincer stressed that the future of the Cyprus negotiations, which also involved international actors, was a determining factor, and emphasized that Turkey "should display a more constructive attitude."
“Agreements on readmission and visa facilitation had a positive effect on the public as part of EU-Turkey negotiations”, Dincer said, adding that efforts to lift the "political blockades" of some EU countries could also contribute to negotiations.
Dincer said further that Turkey should focus on fulfilling the preconditions of the chapters that do not have such political barriers ahead of them.
He emphasized that TUSİAD "did not agree with the understanding that democracy, economic growth and prosperity is a zero-sum game. “It is a global fact that welfare and high amounts of consumption are not sustainable in the long-run without democracy”, he said.
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4. Dincyurek’s contacts in Turkey; He met with Eroglu, Arinc and Gulluce and Yildiz
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper (21.11.14) the so-called minister of environment and natural resources held yesterday a series of contacts in Ankara and Istanbul.
According to the paper, Dincyurek met first with the Turkish Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs Veysel Eroglu. The meeting lasted for one hour.
In a statement prior to the meeting, Dincyurek referred to “motherland Turkey’s” support to the Turkish Cypriots in all fields throughout the history.
Referring especially to the water pipeline project envisaging the transferring of water from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus, Dincyurek said that the “century project” was a vision going back to the government of then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and then continued by the government of the current Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Describing the project as an important one that will help to improve the quality of life in the “TRNC” and will also strengthen the socio-economic structure of the “country”, Dincyurek said that everyone is excited and expects the project to be completed soon.
Also speaking, Eroglu said that the “TRNC” is very important for Turkey and added that Turkey will continue to protect the Turkish Cypriots “rights and interests”.
Regarding the water project, Eroglu said that “agriculture, tourism and industry will develop in the TRNC, once the project is completed”.
As part of his contacts in Turkey, Dincyurek also met with Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister, Responsible for Cyprus Affairs Bulent Arinc.
The so-called ambassador of the occupied area of Cyprus in Ankara, Fazil Can Korkut, as well as other “officials” of the so-called ministry of environment and natural resources attended the meeting.
In statements during the meeting, Dincyurek said that they carry out contacts in Ankara in order to exchange views with Turkish officials on further steps to be taken about the issue of the water project, since, as he said few days were left for the completion of the project.
Also, speaking, Arinc said that in the framework of his meeting with Dincyurek, they had the chance to discuss Turkey’s ties with the “TRNC” as well as the water project.
Arinc expressed his satisfaction of the works which are taking place for the completion of the water project and added that the project will be completed with success.
Meanwhile, Dincyurek held also a meeting with Turkey’s Minister for Environment and City Planning, Idris Gulluce.
In statements prior to the meeting, Dincyurek referred to the issue of hydrocarbons in the island, alleging that the Turkish Cypriots will continue to show a modest and constructive stance. “It is out of question for us to give up our rights”, he added.
Furthermore, according to illegal Bayrak television (21.11.14) Dincyurek completed his contacts in the Turkish capital Ankara and moved on to Istanbul where he met with the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yıldız.
Both gave important messages on the energy resources surrounding Cyprus.
Speaking a joint press conference following a working breakfast, Yıldız said that they had a fruitful exchange of ideas on issues such as mining.
He said that they agreed to cooperate in the field of human resources.
Stating that they always believed that energy could be used as an instrument for establishing peace, Yildiz reminded that the Republic of Turkey is a state of law and that all exploration and activities conducted off the coast of the island is in line with an agreement reached with the “TRNC”.
Evaluating his contacts in Turkey to a televised program broadcast by Turkish State Television (TRT-TURK) and to illegal BRT, the so-called minister said that during his contacts with Arinc, Eroglu and Gulluce, they had discussed the water project and determined a roadmap for the future.
Stating that he had also held important contacts regarding the environment, he added that during the meeting with his “Turkish counterpart” Gulluce, the ground work for a cooperation protocol in the field of environment was completed. Dincyurek added that this protocol will be signed in the first week of December during a visit to the island by a technical delegation from the Turkish Environment Ministry.
Supporting that all resources around Cyprus belong to both Turkish and Greek Cypriots, Dincyurek said: “We have a say on the matter and we shall be pursuing our rights”.
Dincyurek also accused the Greek Cypriot side for adopting an intransigent stance in the negotiation process. He described the withdrawal of the Greek Cypriot side from the Cyprus negotiation talks, by using as an excuse Turkey’s seismic exploration activities, as interesting and said that similar exploration activities have been going on in the region for years.
AK
5. Siber: “I will be elected on the first round of the April 2015 presidential elections”
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (21.11.14) reports that the “speaker of the assembly” and “presidential candidate” of the Republican Turkish Party (UBP) Sibel Siber, stated that she believes that she will be elected “president” from the first round of the April 2015 as “presidential elections”.
Sibel who was speaking during a television program stated that the “people” will vote for her because they need change and also need “clear and trustworthy politics for the country”.
Siber also said that the person to be elected on the “presidential elections” will have two hats to fill, one being the “president of the TRNC” and the other being the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community and added that in case she is elected she will not only focus on the negotiations, but will also deal with internal issues.
6. Turkish Cypriot Businessmen Association will launch a series of initiatives abroad as regards the halloumi issue
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (21.11.14) reports that Ilker Zugurt, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen Association (KTIAK) stated that KTIAK will offer its assistance to the initiatives taken by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry as regards the halloumi issue.
Zugurt stated that they will launch a series of initiative abroad starting from Brussels and continue to civil society organizations and institutions in foreign countries. He went on and added that the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce should not be left alone on their efforts and called on other institutions in the breakaway regime to take initiatives on the halloumi issue as well.
7. “Protest day” in the breakaway regime yesterday
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (21.11.14) reports that two protests took place yesterday in front of the “assembly” of the breakaway regime.
The members of the “Say Stop to the Immigration Law Initiative”, who are against the new “Immigration law”, gathered at Kugulu Park in occupied Lefkosia and walked to the “parliament” where they threw suitcases where the name of the “deputies” were written in the “assembly’s” yard.
In addition, the paper also writes that citrus producers protested in front of the “parliament” to attract interest to the problems of the sector. The protestors brought trucks and vehicles from occupied Morfou and attempted to enter the self-styled assembly with their vehicles.
The citrus producers who were protesting with the slogan; “Resist against extinction,” met the “police’s” intervention. After the protestors tried to enter the “parliament” by forcing the door the “police” put a barrier in front of the “parliament”.
8. Administration member of Ergenekon organization is visiting the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (21.11.14) reports that Sedar Peker, who is one of the administration members of the terrorist Ergenekon organization, and who is involved in many criminal acts in Turkey, is visiting the occupied area of Cyprus.
According to the paper, Peker will visit the tomb of Nazim Sheikh. A newspaper, which Yeni Duzen does not name published an announcement of Peker’s visit and the time of his arrival at the illegal Tymvou airport. In the paper’s announcement Peker is addressed as “our leader”.
Yeni Duzen wonders if there is a connection between Peker’s visit and the forthcoming April 2015 “presidential elections” of the breakaway regime.
9. The historical Asomatos Church in occupied Rizokarpaso is used as a sheep pen
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (21.11.14) reports that the historical Asomatos Church in occupied Rizokarpaso which is open for tourist visits, since it is under the control of the self-styled antiquities department, is used as a sheep pen.
The paper, which publishes photos of sheep at the church yard, wonders if the “authorities” of the breakaway regime are aware of the situation.
10. Erdogan: “Turkey-Algeria trade could rise to $10 billion”
Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.11.14) reported that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who paid an official visit to Algeria, said on Thursday that the value of trade between Turkey and Algeria could rise to $10 billion. “We can increase this value to $10 billion within a short time, and enhance our cooperation in the military, political, economic, commercial and cultural fields”, Erdogan said.
Speaking at a press conference, Erdogan said that the current value of trade in goods between Turkey and Algeria was $4.5 billion, and that he believed the two countries could achieve great things together.
Erdogan said that he and his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika had made a careful evaluation of the relationship between Turkey and Algeria in talks held on Wednesday and Thursday, during his official visit to the African country.
Meanwhile, Erdogan, during his visit last year to Algeria, had agreed to help restore the mosque, which is closed since 2007.
President Erdogan has left Algeria on Wednesday and traveled to Equatorial Guinea to participate in the Turkey-Africa summit.
11. Turkey-Africa summit kicks off in Guinea; Erdogan and Cavusoglu attend the summit
Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.11.14) reported that the second Turkey-Africa cooperation summit entitled “The New Model of Partnership for the Strengthening of Sustainable Development and Integration”, kicked off on Wednesday in Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea, at the ambassadorial level.
(…)Ambassadors and experts from both Turkey and Africa are currently drawing up documents for consideration by Cabinet Ministers on Thursday before their adoption by heads of state and government on Friday.
They are expected to consider a "Joint Implementation Plan of Africa-Turkey Partnership 2015-2018," featuring key areas of cooperation.
Ambassadors and experts will also look into a "Matrix of Key Priority Projects of the Africa-Turkey Partnership 2015-2018" with the aim of discussing the way forward on proposed key priority projects.
Seven short-term projects have been proposed by the African side from the agreed overall Joint Implementation Plan 2015-2018.
The summit – which has prompted the first-ever visit to Equatorial Guinea by a Turkish President – will advance to the Ministerial level on Thursday before being wrapped up by heads of state the following day.
Two hundred business leaders, along with a delegation led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and including Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, are attending the three-day summit, in addition to leaders from several African countries.
Mauritania – current chair of the African Union – and Ethiopia – the union's outgoing chair – are both attending this year's summit, along with Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Libya, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt.
Thirty-two other African countries are attending the event as observers. Also, most invited countries are being represented at the event by their respective heads of state.
The Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, however, is not expected to attend the summit.
The priority areas of partnership for the period ending 2018 will be health, cultural exchange, trade and investment, scholarships, peace and security.
Speaking at the 2nd Turkey-Africa Summit on Friday, Cavusoglu said that Turkey-Africa trade will hit the mark of $50 billion in a period of five years from 2015. “In the last decade, the total volume of Turkey’s trade with Sub-Saharan Africa has increased tenfold”.
(…) “In 2013 Turkey's bilateral trade volume has reached $23 billion and our joint aim is to reach the target of $50 billion by 2018,” he said.
Stating that Turkish investments in Africa are employing local human resources, using local products as components and selling products in third countries, Cavusoglu added that the summit will contribute enormously in enhancing political, cultural and economic partnership.
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