TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 223/14 28.11.14
1. Eroglu announces his candidacy for the forthcoming “presidential elections”
2. Olgun: Preparations should be made for the possible non-solution of the Cyprus problem
3. Eroglu: “There are two sides and two leaders with equal status at the negotiating table”
4. Cavusoglu alleges that the Greek Cypriots have failed in a “sincerity test’
5. Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriot building contractors will benefit when the fenced off town of Varosha will be opened
6. Straw: Cyprus' natural resources should be shared equally
7. Bozkir said that Sweden will make an effort for the resumption of the Cyprus talks
8. Illegal YDU’s rector to carry out a “historical speech” at the House of Lords
9. Denktas briefed the COMCEC on the economy of the breakaway regime
10. Mungan: The breakaway regime’s debt to Turkey is 7.5 billion dollars
11. Bank deposits in the occupied area of Cyprus increased by 14.3% in one year
12. Banners “contrary to the meaning of the day” will not be allowed on “special days”; Reactions from the political parties
13. The so-called Foreigners and Immigration Law has been unanimously approved by the “assembly
1. Eroglu announces his candidacy for the forthcoming “presidential elections”
According to illegal Bayrak television (28.11.14) the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has officially announced his intention to run for a second term in “office”.
Announcing his decision in a televised address to the “nation”, Eroglu said that he decided to run for his “re-election” in next April’s “presidential elections”, after careful considerations and deliberations as well as the encouragement of the UBP, DP- UG and various civil society organizations.
With the announcement, Eroglu has become the 4th candidate in the “presidential race” following Kudret Ozersay, Mustafa Akıncı and Sibel Siber.
Addressing the public today, Eroglu said that he was proud to have kept his promises when he was elected at the beginning of his term 5 years ago. “I promised to open the office of the president to the public. I did that…I promised to resume the negotiations as soon as I was elected…I did that…more importantly I did not run away from the negotiations process”, he said, adding that his “office” had contributed to numerous educational and social responsibility projects during his term in office.
Eroglu claimed that he had pursued a transparent policy regarding the Cyprus negotiations process, frequently holding meetings with representatives of political parties and members of civil society organizations, briefing them on the latest developments in the talks and the Cyprus problem.
Reminding that he had signed the 11th of February Joint Declaration with the Greek Cypriot leader, as he called President Nikos Anastasiades, Eroglu added that the signed document between the two sides was the most comprehensive of its kind since 1974. “It is my greatest wish that our collocutors share our sincerity towards reaching a solution and return to the negotiating table as soon as possible”, he added.
Pointing out that the Cyprus Turkish “people” desire a solution and would not give up their right to self -administration under any circumstances, Eroglu pointed out that he had decided to run for a second term following the extensive support and encouragement he had received from the National Unity Party, the Democratic Party -National Forces as well as a wide range of civil society organizations.
“I am fully aware of the trust, confidence and the support the people have in me. I am also aware of the critical role which I play in defending the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people at the negotiating table. Apart from domestic issues, I am fully aware of the important mission the presidency plays on the Cyprus problem. It is with these thoughts that I announce my intention to run for a second term” Eroglu said, vowing to do more for the “country” if re-elected.
Eroglu concluded his address by thanking all those who extended their support over the past 5 years and who continue to support him in his “re-election”.
2. Olgun: Preparations should be made for the possible non-solution of the Cyprus problem
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 28.11.14), Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ergun Olgun, evaluating his London contacts and the Cyprus negotiations process to the Ankara Anatolia news agency, has stated that preparations should be made for the possible non-solution of the Cyprus problem.
Noting that a crisis is being experienced at the negotiating table, he alleged: “If we couldn’t obtain a result in 50 years, experience a crisis like the one we are facing today and our collocutor is not sincere then it is natural for the Turkish Cypriots to think a different option.”
Reminding Britain’s recommendation of returning to the negotiating table for overcoming the current deadlock, Olgun said: “This is not enough for us. If you sit at the negotiating table just for the sake of sitting you cannot reach anywhere. Therefore, there is a need to reassess the whole process. If this is not done the return to the talks will be a failure”.
Olgun also stressed that the Cyprus problem is at a turning point.
Touching upon the Greek Cypriot side’s precondition of the withdrawal of Turkish vessels in the region, he said: “Our message to both the United Nations and the Greek Cypriot side is; we will withdraw the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa seismic research vessel as and when you stop your activities in the region. We are ready to do this simultaneously. However, do not expect from us to stop our activities unilaterally.”
“The Greek Cypriot side is demanding from us to accept their sole sovereignty. This is not possible. The Turkish side is still at the negotiating table and is not accepting any of the preconditions set forth by the Greek Cypriot side. If we mutually respect each other’s demands then the negotiations could continue”, he added.
Evaluating the British EU Minister David Lidington’s latest statements in Cyprus, Olgun criticized Lidington for referring to the sovereignty rights of only one side. “There is a position which was also included in the UN decisions that the continuation of the status quo in Cyprus is not acceptable and also a clear expression on the joint statement that the sovereignty arises from both sides. Therefore, we will express our discomfort to the British government against such a statement by Mr Lidington which only serves for the continuation of the status quo on the island”, he noted.
Also commenting on the former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw’s latest statement that the international community should accept the division of Cyprus, Olgun said: “We should be prepared for the possibility of a situation of a non-solution.”
He also added that it is a responsibility to be prepared for different scenarios and possibilities while building the future of the Turkish Cypriots.
3. Eroglu: “There are two sides and two leaders with equal status at the negotiating table”
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (28.11.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu briefed in a dinner which took place the night before yesterday the journalists of the “Turkish Cypriot press council” and the “Turkish Cypriot journalist community” on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.
According to the paper, Eroglu referred to the Cyprus negotiation process and evaluated his meetings with the UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide and the UK’s Europe Minister David Lidington, as well as his contacts in Turkey.
Expressing his pleasure over the fact that Turkey’s actions are parallel to the Turkish Cypriot side’s thoughts and concerns, Eroglu said: “Turkey is not in the position to make a concession on the natural gas issue. There is a commitment that ‘we will protect your oil exploration rights in this sea, and we will bring our platform to your island and carry out drillings’”.
Stating that they would not accept the Greek Cypriot side to be the decision maker for the Turkish Cypriots, Eroglu reiterated that they opposed to the transferring of the issue of the natural gas to the negotiating table and added that their proposal was to establish a common committee within the framework of the Confidence Building Measures. “If there is another proposal besides the proposal for the establishment of a common committee, we would like to hear it; but, by far, the Greek Cypriot side does not have any other proposal”, Eroglu added.
Accusing the Greek Cypriot side of rejecting all proposals, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side is waiting for Anastasiades in an empty negotiating table.
Stating that during his meeting with Eide he conveyed the Turkish Cypriot side’s wish for the resumption of the talks, Eroglu claimed that the Turkish Cypriot “people” want a solution of the Cyprus problem. He however, added that if the process prolongs, the Turkish Cypriot’s “people’s” hopes for the solution will be lost.
Referring to the efforts exerted by the Greek Cypriot side to prevent the Turkish Cypriot side to make openings to the world, Eroglu said that some countries do not accept the Greek Cypriot side’s recent pressure.
Eroglu underlined further that at the negotiating table there are two sides with “equal status” and two leaders, as well.
(AK)
4. Cavusoglu alleges that the Greek Cypriots have failed in a “sincerity test’
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.11.14) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu has argued that in case the Republic of Cyprus assures that it will stop drilling in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey will withdraw its ships from the area. Addressing yesterday a meeting of Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Diyarbakir, Cavusoglu alleged that Turkey wants a solution in Cyprus more than everyone and that it is “one step ahead” on this issue.
Claiming that they are supporting the establishment of a state which will be protecting the rights of both sides, just like the two leaders had stated, Cavusoglu said that when they ask the Greek Cypriots, Greece and the UN whether the Turkish Cypriot “people” have rights on the hydrocarbon reserves in Eastern Mediterranean, everyone says “yes”.
He alleged: “Very well, then why are you conducting a drilling alone ignoring the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people? ‘Let us continue doing it and if a solution is reached afterwards, we will share it’, they say. This is the mentality that exists. Is there a good will? There is no good will. The Greek Cypriot side could not pass this sincerity test”.
(I/Ts.)
5. Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriot building contractors will benefit when the fenced off town of Varosha will be opened
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (28.11.14) reports that the independent “candidate” for the upcoming “presidential elections” Mustafa Akinci within the framework of his “election campaign” visited yesterday the “Turkish Cypriot building contractors association”.
During the meeting, Akinci said that the “building contractors association” has a very serious responsibility on the Cyprus settlement, because it is an important professional “association” for the construction of Cyprus. He noted that with the commencement of the political will for reunification of Cyprus, it has come into focus the great works, which will be created for contractors on both sides, explaining that the most pleasant developments will be for the contractors and the unemployed youth, because on the moment steps start to be taken on the fenced off town of Varosha, they will not stay out from the projects of rebuilding Varosha, as well as the buffer zone.
Referring to the natural resources, Akinci said that the wealth of the natural gas belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, adding that it is not enough to say “of course, we will also protect the rights of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots”. This issue cannot be discussed on the basis that on the one hand Cyprus is owned by the Greek Cypriots and on the other hand, the Turkish Cypriots the citizens, Akinci said, adding that they should discuss from now the issue of the federal republic that will be established, as two equal communities. He concluded by saying that the federative system should be able to founded on the basis of the political equality of both communities.
6. Straw: Cyprus' natural resources should be shared equally
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (27.11.14), former U.K. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, speaking to the agency on the side-lines of the Britain Technology Summit in Istanbul on Thursday, said that Cyprus' natural resources should be shared equally. There should be an equal division of natural resources on and around the island, Straw said.
According to Straw, the EU's decision to make the Republic of Cyprus a member state had a "fundamental defect," as the EU accepted the Greek Cypriot administration (editor’s note: the Cyprus Government) as the only sovereign power on the island. "It appeared to be a decision which said that the Greek Cypriot administration has sovereignty of the whole island. But in practice, they don't have," Straw explained.
"It would be better if there could be an agreement between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots to divide the island. But, I don’t think that's going to happen," Straw predicted.
The former Minister claimed that the Greek Cypriot side would not give up the current status quo, since "they have the benefits of partition without any disadvantages".
Straw thinks that the international community should recognize the island as divided, a move which would force the “Greek Cypriot administration” to "make the necessary compromises". "The irony of this is that if partition was agreed, I think relations between north and south would improve, because there would be a new reality," he alleged.
Straw claimed: "Everything I know about the talks suggests to me that ultimately that Greek Cypriots will say 'no’."
7. Bozkir said that Sweden will make an effort for the resumption of the Cyprus talks
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (27.11.14), Turkey is conducting important negotiations with Sweden, which is one of the most supportive countries of Turkey’s EU accession, Turkey’s chief EU Negotiator Volkan Bozkir said on Thursday.
Bozkir met with Sweden’s Parliament Speaker Urban Ahlin in Stockholm. Bozkir also met with Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom.
''We spoke about the solution to the Cyprus problem and its impact on Turkey’s EU accession,'' Bozkir said. "Sweden seems ready to make an effort to provide all kinds of help and to start the negotiations about the island again."
8. Illegal YDU’s rector to carry out a “historical speech” at the House of Lords
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (28.11.14) reports that the “founding rector” of the illegal Near East university (YDU) Dr Suat I. Gunsel has been invited to attend a meeting on the highest level at the British Parliament, and will be the first one that will deliver a speech at the House of Lords.
According to a statement issued by the “press and public relation’s department” of the illegal YDU, Gursel, together with other prominent figures on education investment field, will attend an international meeting which is scheduled to take place on December 1st at the House of Lords, and also will deliver a speech about the historical contribution of the “YDU university” to the global education and science.
The international event is organized by Lord John Kevin Sharkey, member of the Liberal Democrats at the British Parliament and member of the House of Lords.
Gursel and his accompanying delegation will depart for London today. During his visit in London, Gursel will be awarded by the Anglo-Turkish Healthcare Professionals Association and attend a luncheon offered in his honor by the chairman of the Turkish-British Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Emma Edhem.
(AK)
9. Denktas briefed the COMCEC on the economy of the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (28.11.14) reports that the self-styled deputy prime minister and minister of economy, tourism, culture and sports Serdar Denktas delivered a speech yesterday at the ministerial meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), which was held in Istanbul. The paper also reports that Denktas met also with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the ministerial meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Denktas thanked Dr Iyad Ameen Madani and all the officials from the organization for their support and contribution on the “just case” of the Turkish Cypriots and on the Islam worldwide. He also thanked Erdogan for his support to the “TRNC” (translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus).
Referring to the economy of the “TRNC” and the long term cooperation held between the “TRNC” and the OIC on many levels, Denktas said that their exports with country members of the OIC are 32% and their imports are 5%, adding that this is equivalent to more than 75 million dollars of trading volume.
Explaining that 40% of their economy is made up of higher education, Denktas said that there are 11 “universities” and 73,894 students from 116 different countries.
Providing information about the economy of the “TRNC” during his speech, he said the liberal economic system in the “country” is providing several investment subsidies for direct placements as well as qualified and young labour force options.
Reminding that “North Cyprus” with its small but fast growing economy offers many economic advantages for both domestic and foreign investors, he said investors are being supported through constructive and supportive government policies.
Noting that tourism is another sector which makes important contributions to their economy, Denktas provided information about the historical and natural beauties of the “TRNC”, as well as the hotel bed capacity.
Finally, he thanked the OIC member countries for their sincere support to the Turkish Cypriot “people” in every field.
10. Mungan: The breakaway regime’s debt to Turkey is 7.5 billion dollars
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.11.14) reports that in statements to columnist Hasan Hasturer, Zeren Mungan, the self-styled minister of finance of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that the regime’s debt to Turkey is 7.5 billion US dollars, not including the donations. He said that the internal loans of the regime from banks in the occupied area of the island reach 3.5 billion Turkish liras (TL) and that the regime guaranteed loans which have reached one billion TL.
Referring to the regime’s debt to Turkey, Mungan said that no demand has been submitted until now regarding this debt’s payment and added: “Reducing Turkey’s aid is not a target. The target is to reduce its contribution to the current expenses. The contribution to the current budget, which was 285 million TL last year, has been reduced to 216 million TL with a decrease of about 70 million TL. If the budget discipline is preserved, we will meet our current budget ourselves within five years. And this clearly means that no aid will be asked from Turkey for paying the salaries”.
Mungan said that this year the 13th salary will be paid without drawing an advance payment from next year’s “budget”, like they have been doing for years. He further noted that his “ministry” is paying all its debts on time.
(I/Ts.)
11. Bank deposits in the occupied area of Cyprus increased by 14.3% in one year
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.11.14) reports that bank deposits in the occupied area of Cyprus have increased by 14.3% in one year. According to breakaway regime’s “central bank” bulletin for the third quarter of 2014, 22 banks with 225 branches and 2,833 personnel are operating in the banking sector in the occupied area of Cyprus. The total deposits for one year reached 11,511 million Turkish liras (TL), showing an increase of 14.3%, and the gross credits reached 9,063 million TL with an increase of 17.8%.
(I/Ts.)
12. Banners “contrary to the meaning of the day” will not be allowed on “special days”; Reactions from the political parties
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (28.11.14) reports that Pervin Gurler, acting chief of the “police” of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has referred to the “banner crisis” that occurred during the celebrations of the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) on 15 November and said that from now on special days no view will be allowed except for “banners which note the meaning and the importance of the day”.
Speaking yesterday at the “assembly”, Asim Akansoy, “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG), criticized the “police’s” stance on 15 November noting that “this practice was not fair and correct”. He recalled that during the celebrations on 29 October a banner had also been opened on the same issue but expressing the opposite view without any interference by the “police”.
Mustafa Arabacioglu, “deputy” with the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG), said that the measures” taken by the “police” were correct and that a “different incident” might have happened if the “necessary measures” had not been taken. He noted that if there is use of disproportionate force, this could be condemned and that they are not against the freedom of expression.
Under the title “A ‘police state’ announcement by Gurler”, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.11.14) reports that Huseyin Angolemli, “deputy” with the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that the “police” exerted physical violence against the young protesters who had opened a banner [in favor of the conscientious objection]. “What Mrs Pervin said could happen in countries where fascism exist”, he noted.
Faiz Sucuoglu, “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP), said that they should examine whether the “laws” give the “police” the right to do such a thing. If they do, he noted, there is nothing to be said, but if they do not, this is a situation that must be discussed.
(I/Ts.)
13. The so-called foreigners and immigration law has been unanimously approved by the “assembly”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (28.11.14) reports that the so-called assembly approved yesterday anonymously the amendment draft bill for the “Foreigners and Immigration Law”.
As the paper writes, all foreigners who live in the occupied area of Cyprus without an immigration permit will be benefited.
The law envisages that all the unregistered and illegals in the "TRNC" will be given the legal status on condition that they will pay the minimum wage that is 1,530 TL. At the same time, writes the paper, “they will have other rights and advantages, since they will be legalized without being necessary for them to go abroad”. Also, those who have left the "country" will have the right to return back and bring their families as well.
The paper underlines that the “law” has been prepared with the aim that the students who study in the “TRNC” to be able to continue their studies and bring also their families.
(AK)
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