TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 240/14 23.12.14
1. Eroglu’s statements on the halloumi cheese issue
2. Oz: Derya should say that Turkish soldiers did not rape Greek Cypriot women in 1974; Afrika publishes testimonies by eye witnesses
3. Two Turkish Cypriot Parties call on for the establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Cyprus
4. The breakaway regime’s “police” have bitten up Sener Elcil and then filed a “lawsuit” against him
5. Turkish General Staff issued a statement on Barbaros
6. The German Green Party and the Izmir Chamber of Commerce held contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus
7. Turkish daily allegedly reports that Russian nationals have bought 7,000 hectares of land in the occupied area of Cyprus; statements by the representative of Rightmove company in Cyprus
8. "No to Nuclear Platform" founded by 22 Turkish Cypriot organizations
9. Illegal GAU’s delegation due to Kazakhstan for contacts; A cooperation agreement has been signed with the Kazakhstan National University
10. Turkish Deputy PM Arinc says Turkey needs to mend Egypt ties
11. Turkish President Erdogan declares birth control ‘treason’
12. Iraqi oil key for Turkey, says energy minister
1. Eroglu’s statements on the halloumi cheese issue
Under the title: “The economy might be affected negatively”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (23.12.14) reports on statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, who in a meeting yesterday with the chairman and the members of the “executive board” of the “Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry” (“KTSO”), referred, inter alia, to the halloumi issue and said that they carried out contacts in the EU with the full assistance of the Union regarding the efforts exerted by the Greek Cypriot side towards the halloumi cheese. “There is absolutely nothing to say right now. What is important is for this problem to be tied up with our way of thinking. Otherwise, our economy will get a big blow”.
Referring to the issue of exports, Eroglu said that the difficulties experienced in the field of exports are related with the marketing and added that the “government” exerts efforts for the development of stimulus systems in order for the products being produced, to be marketed.
(AK)
2. Oz: Derya should say that Turkish soldiers did not rape Greek Cypriot women in 1974; Afrika publishes testimonies by eye witnesses
Under the title “They apologized, but he did not accept it”, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (23.12.14) reports that the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s (TGNA) Administrator and Deputy with the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Omer Faruk Oz was not satisfied with the statements made by the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the self-styled speaker of the “assembly” Sibel Siber as regards the reference by CTP’s “deputy” Dogus Derya that Greek Cypriot women had also been raped in 1974 during Turkey’s invasion of the island.
Speaking to TGNA’s Meclis TV, Oz insisted yesterday that Derya should issue an official statement saying that she did not imply that the Turkish army raped Greek Cypriot women. “If she says that she did not imply the Turkish army, then there will nothing more to be said”, he argued alleging that the Turkish army invaded Cyprus to bring peace to the entire island.
Replying to a question as to whether he will file an official complaint, Oz noted that if Derya implied that the Turkish army had committed rapes, then he will launch the “necessary procedure” through the so-called embassy of Turkey in the occupied part of Nicosia.
Recalling that Turkey has been sending money to the occupied area of Cyprus since 1974, Oz argued that until 2003 this money has been used for covering the breakaway regime’s current expenses, while after 2003 it was used to increase the standard of living of the Turkish Cypriot “people”. He added: “That is, we are exerting efforts to increase the quality of living of the Turks of north Cyprus, increase their promotion in the world and turn them into a self-sufficient country in all fields. We think that as long as this political stability continues in Turkey, political stability and development in north Cyprus will increase in parallel to this”.
Meanwhile, Sener Levent, Afrika’s publishing director, refers to the issue in his daily column today under the title “The rape in Turkish” and notes that Oz is lying when alleging that the Turkish army did not raped Greek Cypriot women in 1974. Levent notes that a Turkish captain named Esat Oktay Yildiran, who had participated in the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and afterwards served as commander in a prison in Diyarbakir, said that following to his Kurdish prisoners there: “In the Cyprus war in 1974 we organized an attack against a Greek Cypriot village. In this village I drank the blood of a Greek Cypriot child whom I beheaded. I will not be satisfied even if I drink your blood, the blood of the Kurds”.
Levent gives also another example of Turkish atrocities in 1974:
“There are testimonies by other soldiers who had been sent to Cyprus during the 1974 operation. For example, [there is] Yalcin Kucuk, who afterwards became a well-known professor, researcher and writer. Look how he describes what he was told by a commander named Necati. This commander has never forgotten a rape which happened in front of his eyes. He cries every time he tells this [story]. A Greek Cypriot woman in Tymbou village was raped by two persons in front of the eyes of her mother and her child. Kucuk describes another incident. He cannot remember the name of the village. He says it was a village full of cypress and eucalyptus trees. He says the following: ‘Suddenly I heard gunfire near me and I saw two soldiers. They were shouting with pride. I have killed her, my commander, I have killed her. I headed towards the point they have shown. A young woman was looking at the ground moaning. Her hands were tied behind her back and her legs were open. A white liquid and blood was pouring out of her legs. They had emptied their guns on the woman’s belly. The fat that was pouring out from her belly was stack on her sex organs which were open and wounded’.
Your army did this sir, not animals, your army which could not behave even like animals. The Turkish soldiers. And now you ask for an apology? Go and ask apology from the Turkish soldiers who beheaded the Greek Cypriot child and drank his blood. Ask apology from your disgusting soldiers who emptied their guns on that young woman’s belly after they raped her. […]”
(I/Ts.)
3. Two Turkish Cypriot parties call on for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (23.12.14) reports that New Cyprus Party (YKP) issued a statement today reminding YKP’s General Assembly decisions taken on 7th of April 2012 regarding the urgency of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Cyprus.
YKP states that following the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) “deputy” Dogus Derya’s speech in the parliament last week which sparked heated public debate regarding the atrocities during the 50s, 60s and 70s and the need to face the past the issue was once again revealed. “Our party has been drawing attention to the issue for many years now" said YKP.
In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (23.12.14) reports that Abdullah Korkmazhan, the general secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) also said that a “Truth Commission” must be established in Cyprus. Korkmazhan stated that Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Latins, Manorites and Armenians of Cyprus are all Cypriots and are not the reason but the victims of the Cyprus problem. He said that in order to face history and deal with the past, a “Truth Commission” must be established, in the framework of the confidence building measures, in which every community must participate.
4. The breakaway regime’s “police” have bitten up Sener Elcil and then filed a “lawsuit” against him
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (23.12.14) reports that the “police” of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus have filed a “lawsuit” against Sener Elcil, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot primary school teachers trade union (KTOS), who went to the occupied Nicosia’s “police department” in order to file a complaint because he had been bitten up by the “police” during an activity last Saturday at the area of the Ledra Street (Lokmaci) barricade. According to the paper, it was alleged that Elcil has bitten up “police officers”.
Meanwhile the chairman of KTOS, Semen Saygun issued a statement yesterday criticizing the stance of the “police” during the above-mentioned activity and noted that the interference in this peaceful activity showed once more that “the biggest obstacle in front of the reunification of Cyprus is Turkey and its collaborators on the island”. Saygun asked the commander of the so-called security forces whether he was the one who has ordered for the participants in the activity to be bitten up and insulted.
(I/Ts.)
5. Turkish General Staff issued a statement on Barbaros
Turkish Cypriot Kibris Postasi newspaper (23.12.14) reports that the Turkish General Staff has issued a new statement regarding the activities of the Gokceada Frigate which is on a support mission to the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa research vessel currently conducting exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The statement said that the following: “The Gokceada Frigate from the Turkish Navy was continuing its support mission to the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa research vessel which is currently conducting exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean line with the license issued to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation by the TRNC government. […] The Bozcada Frigate was trailing and observing the Bahamas flagged SAIPEM-10000 oil drilling platform conducting oil exploration on behalf of the Greek Cypriot Administration at a distance of 5 nautical miles”.
6. The German Green Party and the Izmir Chamber of Commerce held contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (23.12.14) reports that Ozcan Mutlu, a Deputy of Turkish origin with the German Green Party, visited the “speaker” of the self-styled assembly and candidate in next year’s “presidential election”, Sibel Siber. In statements during the meeting held at Siber’s office in the “assembly”, Mutlu wished success to Siber in the “elections” noting that they want Siber to win because she is a person speaking the language of peace and wants peace in Cyprus. He noted that as Deputies of Turkish origin living in Europe, they will continue to do whatever they can for making the voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard in the European Union more loudly and strongly. He also underlined the importance they attach to the continuous lobbying activities by the Turkish Cypriots in European countries and their working in coordination with them.
In her statements, Siber expressed her satisfaction with Mutlu’s visit and alleged that efforts are continuously exerted in the direction of preventing the international contacts of the Turkish Cypriot representatives and for this reason their voice is not satisfactorily heard. She said that the contribution of European Deputies of Turkish origin in making the voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard is important.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (23.12.14) reports that Siber met also with the chairman of Izmir’s Chamber of Commerce, Ekrem Demirtas. During the meeting she said that regional trade will contribute to peace and solution in Cyprus. She noted that the economic cooperation will positively contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem, arguing that “exactly this is a confidence building measure”. Siber said that they have called on the Greek Cypriot leadership not to put obstacles on the Direct Trade Regulation and expressed the view that halloumi-hellim cheese is a “common product of both peoples”.
In his statements Demirtas said that crises might cause opportunities and wished for the existing developments to speed up the efforts for unifying Cyprus.
Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (23.12.14) reports that Demirtas met also with the self-styled foreign minister of the regime, Ozdil Nami and proposed that priority in Cyprus should be given to economic, social and cultural problems and added that the solution [of the Cyprus problem] should be thought afterwards. He argued that international tourism and promotion activities should be held, the illegal Tymbou airport should be given to the control of the United Nations and open for international traffic. In response to this, he added, the issue of opening the Turkish airspace to the Greek Cypriots [as he called the Republic of Cyprus] should be considered. He said that the occupied ports of Keryneia and Famagusta should open and in return Turkey could open its ports to Cypriot vessels. He noted that in case the ports open, three million more tourists could visit the “TRNC”. He argued that the Green Line Regulation should be developed and the Direct Trade Regulation should be approved by the EU Commission.
In his statement, Nami said that they are exerting efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, to market their products internationally and to promote their “universities. Nami added that his “ministry” works also in the direction of developing their trade relations and international cooperation and to attract investments to the occupied area of Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
7. Turkish daily allegedly reports that Russian nationals have bought 7,000 hectares of land in the occupied area of Cyprus; statements by the representative of Rightmove company in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (22.12.14-online in English) reported that according to the Turkish daily Vatan newspaper, Russian nationals are believed to have bought around 7,000 hectares of land in the occupied area of Cyprus.
The paper claims that after the Israeli’s, Greek Cypriots and Arabs, the Russians are buying up coastal areas in occupied Keryneia, Famagusta, Morfou, Karpasia, Akanthou, Rizokarpaso, Komi Kepir, Kalogrea, Bahceli, Gialousa and Livera in order to build luxury holiday homes there.
It is believed that 17,000 Russians have paid approximately 90 million euro for the properties.
The TC Estate Agents Union (KTEB) said that in the last seven years, 2014 has been the best year in the sales of real estate and that around 6,000 Russians have purchased 25,000 properties this year.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (23.12.14) reports that the statements made the other day to the paper by the chairman of the “Turkish Cypriot Real Estate Agent’s Union”, Hasan Sungur, who has said that they should take measures in order to prohibit the Russians who want to buy immovable property in the occupied area of Cyprus in order not to have the same fate with the British citizens, had a big influence.
Speaking to the paper on the issue, the Representative of Rightmove Cyprus, Jakup Bzadek confirmed the Russian’s interest and preference to buy real estate properties in the “TRNC”.
Bzadek pointed out however, that some companies prevent the Russian customers who are visiting the “country” to search for the prices in order to buy real estate properties, and as a result of that, the foreigners who cannot make research about the real estate property prices, buy property in high value prices.
Bzadek went on and stressed the need for preventing the frauds.
Giving information about the real estate market, Bzadek said that the foreigners and especially the Russians prefer “north Cyprus” for buying real estate properties since the prices are lower comparing with the “south”.
Bzadek stressed further the need for the customers who are interested to buy properties to be very careful and added that they should first sign a contract and then proceed to the purchase of the property.
(AK)
8. "No to Nuclear Platform" founded by 22 Turkish Cypriot organizations
Turkish Cypriot Kibris Postasi newspaper (23.12.14) reports that 22 civil society organizations, unions and three political parties have announced the foundation of the “No to Nuclear Platform”.
The Platform’s spokesperson Hasan Sarpten and several members held a press conference at the Doctors’ Union building in the occupied part of Nicosia and announced the foundation of the platform. Speaking during the press conference on behalf of the Platform Sarpten criticized Turkey’s plans to build a nuclear plant in Mersin Akkuyu located 90 km away from Cyprus and emphasized the environmental inconveniences of nuclear plants as well as its potential hazards to human health.
The members of the Platform are:
Biologist Association, Doctors’ Union, Chamber of Environmental Engineers, Chamber of Landscape Architects, Green Action Group, Friends of Karpas, Dieticians Union, MS Association, Association for Cancer Patients, Universal Patients Rights Association, Feminist Workshop, Baraka Culture Centre, Path to Independence Organization, Kuskor, Guc-sen, Kamu-sen, Cam-Sev, Union of Writers and Artists, Tip-İs, BKP, YKP, TDP.
9. Illegal GAU’s delegation due to Kazakhstan for contacts; A cooperation agreement has been signed with the Kazakhstan National University
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (22.12.14-online in English) reported that a delegation from the illegal American University of Keryneia (“GAU”) composed by the “founding rector and chairman of the board of directors” Serhat Akpinar, alongside the “deputy chairman of the board” Olgun Ustun and the “medical faculty founding Dean” Prof. Dr Ferhat Erisir went to Kazakhstan to hold various contacts.
The delegation met with the rector of the Abai Kazakhstan National University, Prof. Dr Praliev.
Issuing a statement on the issue, the illegal GAU said that the “university” has signed an agreement with Abai Kazakhstan National University envisaging for the students of both universities to be able to attain a double diploma on joint programs; the exchange of students and academicians between the two universities as well as student’s attendance to joint academic organizations and scientific studies.
During their visit, the delegation was invited to establish a university in Kazakhstan by the Alma-Ata University and to jointly attend the “knowledge village” in Dubai.
10. Turkish Deputy PM Arinc says Turkey needs to mend Egypt ties
Turkish daily Today's Zaman (23.12.14) reports that Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has said that Turkey needs to mend its ties with Egypt, but the Minister added that it should be Egypt which should first break the deadlock. Arinc's remarks came on Monday during an interview with TV channel Al Jazeera Turk.
Arinc also said that Turkey's relations with the Gulf States will be improved sooner rather than later. Turkey's relationship with a number of Gulf countries has been sour due to Erdogan's criticism of Egyptian President Sisi. During the 2014 UN Security Council election for five non-permanent seats in October, Saudi Arabia and Egypt reportedly lobbied against Turkey's bid for a place. Arinc also said that the first step to fix the relationship between Turkey and Egypt should come from Egypt, but noted that it is equally important that both sides prepare the conditions to mend ties.
11. Turkish President Erdogan declares birth control ‘treason’
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (23.12.14) reports that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan after expressing his staunch opposition against abortions, C-sections and morning-after pills, has now tackled the contraception issue by declaring that it is “treason to the country,” in remarks that are likely to revive controversy on reproductive health.
“They betrayed this country for years by [promoting] birth control and attempting to dry up our [next] generations,” Erdogan said.
Addressing the bride and groom at the wedding ceremony of the son of businessman Mustafa Kefeli on Dec. 21, he advised the newlyweds that using contraceptive methods was a betrayal to Turkey's ambition to make itself a flourishing nation with a growing young population.
“One [child] would be strange, two means rivalry, three means balance and four means abundance. And God takes care of the rest,” he said, relating ostensible words of wisdom from an elderly man in the Central Anatolian district of Beypazari.
Erdogan has previously suggested limits to abortion rights, the morning-after pill and Caesarian sections. He stood clear about slamming contraception, while criticizing women’s attempts to deter pregnancy.
12. Iraqi oil key for Turkey, says energy minister
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (23.12.14) reports that Turkey is about to make new deals with new companies, which will be of great importance to Iraqi oil, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said at the opening meeting of the World Energy Outlook 2014 report of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
“We are about to make new deals with new companies regarding Iraqi oil,” he said, without giving more details. He also said that the Turkish authorities will hold a high-level strategic cooperation meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi during his upcoming visit, where further details will be discussed. “The IEA expects the daily oil demand will increase by 14 million barrels by 2040, of which 4 million barrels will be provided by Iraq. Turkey cannot be indifferent to this,” he added.
“In the framework of our deals with Baghdad and Arbil, we will see an increase in trade with Iraq. We have a better understanding of how appropriate these deals are. Iraq’s instability affects us; Iraq’s stability therefore matters a lot to us. Turkey will continue to make the biggest contribution to the normalization of Iraq, as we do today,” Yildiz stated.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
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1. Eroglu’s statements on the halloumi cheese issue
2. Oz: Derya should say that Turkish soldiers did not rape Greek Cypriot women in 1974; Afrika publishes testimonies by eye witnesses
3. Two Turkish Cypriot Parties call on for the establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Cyprus
4. The breakaway regime’s “police” have bitten up Sener Elcil and then filed a “lawsuit” against him
5. Turkish General Staff issued a statement on Barbaros
6. The German Green Party and the Izmir Chamber of Commerce held contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus
7. Turkish daily allegedly reports that Russian nationals have bought 7,000 hectares of land in the occupied area of Cyprus; statements by the representative of Rightmove company in Cyprus
8. "No to Nuclear Platform" founded by 22 Turkish Cypriot organizations
9. Illegal GAU’s delegation due to Kazakhstan for contacts; A cooperation agreement has been signed with the Kazakhstan National University
10. Turkish Deputy PM Arinc says Turkey needs to mend Egypt ties
11. Turkish President Erdogan declares birth control ‘treason’
12. Iraqi oil key for Turkey, says energy minister
1. Eroglu’s statements on the halloumi cheese issue
Under the title: “The economy might be affected negatively”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (23.12.14) reports on statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, who in a meeting yesterday with the chairman and the members of the “executive board” of the “Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry” (“KTSO”), referred, inter alia, to the halloumi issue and said that they carried out contacts in the EU with the full assistance of the Union regarding the efforts exerted by the Greek Cypriot side towards the halloumi cheese. “There is absolutely nothing to say right now. What is important is for this problem to be tied up with our way of thinking. Otherwise, our economy will get a big blow”.
Referring to the issue of exports, Eroglu said that the difficulties experienced in the field of exports are related with the marketing and added that the “government” exerts efforts for the development of stimulus systems in order for the products being produced, to be marketed.
(AK)
2. Oz: Derya should say that Turkish soldiers did not rape Greek Cypriot women in 1974; Afrika publishes testimonies by eye witnesses
Under the title “They apologized, but he did not accept it”, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (23.12.14) reports that the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s (TGNA) Administrator and Deputy with the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Omer Faruk Oz was not satisfied with the statements made by the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the self-styled speaker of the “assembly” Sibel Siber as regards the reference by CTP’s “deputy” Dogus Derya that Greek Cypriot women had also been raped in 1974 during Turkey’s invasion of the island.
Speaking to TGNA’s Meclis TV, Oz insisted yesterday that Derya should issue an official statement saying that she did not imply that the Turkish army raped Greek Cypriot women. “If she says that she did not imply the Turkish army, then there will nothing more to be said”, he argued alleging that the Turkish army invaded Cyprus to bring peace to the entire island.
Replying to a question as to whether he will file an official complaint, Oz noted that if Derya implied that the Turkish army had committed rapes, then he will launch the “necessary procedure” through the so-called embassy of Turkey in the occupied part of Nicosia.
Recalling that Turkey has been sending money to the occupied area of Cyprus since 1974, Oz argued that until 2003 this money has been used for covering the breakaway regime’s current expenses, while after 2003 it was used to increase the standard of living of the Turkish Cypriot “people”. He added: “That is, we are exerting efforts to increase the quality of living of the Turks of north Cyprus, increase their promotion in the world and turn them into a self-sufficient country in all fields. We think that as long as this political stability continues in Turkey, political stability and development in north Cyprus will increase in parallel to this”.
Meanwhile, Sener Levent, Afrika’s publishing director, refers to the issue in his daily column today under the title “The rape in Turkish” and notes that Oz is lying when alleging that the Turkish army did not raped Greek Cypriot women in 1974. Levent notes that a Turkish captain named Esat Oktay Yildiran, who had participated in the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and afterwards served as commander in a prison in Diyarbakir, said that following to his Kurdish prisoners there: “In the Cyprus war in 1974 we organized an attack against a Greek Cypriot village. In this village I drank the blood of a Greek Cypriot child whom I beheaded. I will not be satisfied even if I drink your blood, the blood of the Kurds”.
Levent gives also another example of Turkish atrocities in 1974:
“There are testimonies by other soldiers who had been sent to Cyprus during the 1974 operation. For example, [there is] Yalcin Kucuk, who afterwards became a well-known professor, researcher and writer. Look how he describes what he was told by a commander named Necati. This commander has never forgotten a rape which happened in front of his eyes. He cries every time he tells this [story]. A Greek Cypriot woman in Tymbou village was raped by two persons in front of the eyes of her mother and her child. Kucuk describes another incident. He cannot remember the name of the village. He says it was a village full of cypress and eucalyptus trees. He says the following: ‘Suddenly I heard gunfire near me and I saw two soldiers. They were shouting with pride. I have killed her, my commander, I have killed her. I headed towards the point they have shown. A young woman was looking at the ground moaning. Her hands were tied behind her back and her legs were open. A white liquid and blood was pouring out of her legs. They had emptied their guns on the woman’s belly. The fat that was pouring out from her belly was stack on her sex organs which were open and wounded’.
Your army did this sir, not animals, your army which could not behave even like animals. The Turkish soldiers. And now you ask for an apology? Go and ask apology from the Turkish soldiers who beheaded the Greek Cypriot child and drank his blood. Ask apology from your disgusting soldiers who emptied their guns on that young woman’s belly after they raped her. […]”
(I/Ts.)
3. Two Turkish Cypriot parties call on for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (23.12.14) reports that New Cyprus Party (YKP) issued a statement today reminding YKP’s General Assembly decisions taken on 7th of April 2012 regarding the urgency of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Cyprus.
YKP states that following the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) “deputy” Dogus Derya’s speech in the parliament last week which sparked heated public debate regarding the atrocities during the 50s, 60s and 70s and the need to face the past the issue was once again revealed. “Our party has been drawing attention to the issue for many years now" said YKP.
In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (23.12.14) reports that Abdullah Korkmazhan, the general secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) also said that a “Truth Commission” must be established in Cyprus. Korkmazhan stated that Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Latins, Manorites and Armenians of Cyprus are all Cypriots and are not the reason but the victims of the Cyprus problem. He said that in order to face history and deal with the past, a “Truth Commission” must be established, in the framework of the confidence building measures, in which every community must participate.
4. The breakaway regime’s “police” have bitten up Sener Elcil and then filed a “lawsuit” against him
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (23.12.14) reports that the “police” of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus have filed a “lawsuit” against Sener Elcil, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot primary school teachers trade union (KTOS), who went to the occupied Nicosia’s “police department” in order to file a complaint because he had been bitten up by the “police” during an activity last Saturday at the area of the Ledra Street (Lokmaci) barricade. According to the paper, it was alleged that Elcil has bitten up “police officers”.
Meanwhile the chairman of KTOS, Semen Saygun issued a statement yesterday criticizing the stance of the “police” during the above-mentioned activity and noted that the interference in this peaceful activity showed once more that “the biggest obstacle in front of the reunification of Cyprus is Turkey and its collaborators on the island”. Saygun asked the commander of the so-called security forces whether he was the one who has ordered for the participants in the activity to be bitten up and insulted.
(I/Ts.)
5. Turkish General Staff issued a statement on Barbaros
Turkish Cypriot Kibris Postasi newspaper (23.12.14) reports that the Turkish General Staff has issued a new statement regarding the activities of the Gokceada Frigate which is on a support mission to the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa research vessel currently conducting exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The statement said that the following: “The Gokceada Frigate from the Turkish Navy was continuing its support mission to the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa research vessel which is currently conducting exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean line with the license issued to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation by the TRNC government. […] The Bozcada Frigate was trailing and observing the Bahamas flagged SAIPEM-10000 oil drilling platform conducting oil exploration on behalf of the Greek Cypriot Administration at a distance of 5 nautical miles”.
6. The German Green Party and the Izmir Chamber of Commerce held contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (23.12.14) reports that Ozcan Mutlu, a Deputy of Turkish origin with the German Green Party, visited the “speaker” of the self-styled assembly and candidate in next year’s “presidential election”, Sibel Siber. In statements during the meeting held at Siber’s office in the “assembly”, Mutlu wished success to Siber in the “elections” noting that they want Siber to win because she is a person speaking the language of peace and wants peace in Cyprus. He noted that as Deputies of Turkish origin living in Europe, they will continue to do whatever they can for making the voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard in the European Union more loudly and strongly. He also underlined the importance they attach to the continuous lobbying activities by the Turkish Cypriots in European countries and their working in coordination with them.
In her statements, Siber expressed her satisfaction with Mutlu’s visit and alleged that efforts are continuously exerted in the direction of preventing the international contacts of the Turkish Cypriot representatives and for this reason their voice is not satisfactorily heard. She said that the contribution of European Deputies of Turkish origin in making the voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard is important.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (23.12.14) reports that Siber met also with the chairman of Izmir’s Chamber of Commerce, Ekrem Demirtas. During the meeting she said that regional trade will contribute to peace and solution in Cyprus. She noted that the economic cooperation will positively contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem, arguing that “exactly this is a confidence building measure”. Siber said that they have called on the Greek Cypriot leadership not to put obstacles on the Direct Trade Regulation and expressed the view that halloumi-hellim cheese is a “common product of both peoples”.
In his statements Demirtas said that crises might cause opportunities and wished for the existing developments to speed up the efforts for unifying Cyprus.
Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (23.12.14) reports that Demirtas met also with the self-styled foreign minister of the regime, Ozdil Nami and proposed that priority in Cyprus should be given to economic, social and cultural problems and added that the solution [of the Cyprus problem] should be thought afterwards. He argued that international tourism and promotion activities should be held, the illegal Tymbou airport should be given to the control of the United Nations and open for international traffic. In response to this, he added, the issue of opening the Turkish airspace to the Greek Cypriots [as he called the Republic of Cyprus] should be considered. He said that the occupied ports of Keryneia and Famagusta should open and in return Turkey could open its ports to Cypriot vessels. He noted that in case the ports open, three million more tourists could visit the “TRNC”. He argued that the Green Line Regulation should be developed and the Direct Trade Regulation should be approved by the EU Commission.
In his statement, Nami said that they are exerting efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, to market their products internationally and to promote their “universities. Nami added that his “ministry” works also in the direction of developing their trade relations and international cooperation and to attract investments to the occupied area of Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
7. Turkish daily allegedly reports that Russian nationals have bought 7,000 hectares of land in the occupied area of Cyprus; statements by the representative of Rightmove company in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (22.12.14-online in English) reported that according to the Turkish daily Vatan newspaper, Russian nationals are believed to have bought around 7,000 hectares of land in the occupied area of Cyprus.
The paper claims that after the Israeli’s, Greek Cypriots and Arabs, the Russians are buying up coastal areas in occupied Keryneia, Famagusta, Morfou, Karpasia, Akanthou, Rizokarpaso, Komi Kepir, Kalogrea, Bahceli, Gialousa and Livera in order to build luxury holiday homes there.
It is believed that 17,000 Russians have paid approximately 90 million euro for the properties.
The TC Estate Agents Union (KTEB) said that in the last seven years, 2014 has been the best year in the sales of real estate and that around 6,000 Russians have purchased 25,000 properties this year.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (23.12.14) reports that the statements made the other day to the paper by the chairman of the “Turkish Cypriot Real Estate Agent’s Union”, Hasan Sungur, who has said that they should take measures in order to prohibit the Russians who want to buy immovable property in the occupied area of Cyprus in order not to have the same fate with the British citizens, had a big influence.
Speaking to the paper on the issue, the Representative of Rightmove Cyprus, Jakup Bzadek confirmed the Russian’s interest and preference to buy real estate properties in the “TRNC”.
Bzadek pointed out however, that some companies prevent the Russian customers who are visiting the “country” to search for the prices in order to buy real estate properties, and as a result of that, the foreigners who cannot make research about the real estate property prices, buy property in high value prices.
Bzadek went on and stressed the need for preventing the frauds.
Giving information about the real estate market, Bzadek said that the foreigners and especially the Russians prefer “north Cyprus” for buying real estate properties since the prices are lower comparing with the “south”.
Bzadek stressed further the need for the customers who are interested to buy properties to be very careful and added that they should first sign a contract and then proceed to the purchase of the property.
(AK)
8. "No to Nuclear Platform" founded by 22 Turkish Cypriot organizations
Turkish Cypriot Kibris Postasi newspaper (23.12.14) reports that 22 civil society organizations, unions and three political parties have announced the foundation of the “No to Nuclear Platform”.
The Platform’s spokesperson Hasan Sarpten and several members held a press conference at the Doctors’ Union building in the occupied part of Nicosia and announced the foundation of the platform. Speaking during the press conference on behalf of the Platform Sarpten criticized Turkey’s plans to build a nuclear plant in Mersin Akkuyu located 90 km away from Cyprus and emphasized the environmental inconveniences of nuclear plants as well as its potential hazards to human health.
The members of the Platform are:
Biologist Association, Doctors’ Union, Chamber of Environmental Engineers, Chamber of Landscape Architects, Green Action Group, Friends of Karpas, Dieticians Union, MS Association, Association for Cancer Patients, Universal Patients Rights Association, Feminist Workshop, Baraka Culture Centre, Path to Independence Organization, Kuskor, Guc-sen, Kamu-sen, Cam-Sev, Union of Writers and Artists, Tip-İs, BKP, YKP, TDP.
9. Illegal GAU’s delegation due to Kazakhstan for contacts; A cooperation agreement has been signed with the Kazakhstan National University
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (22.12.14-online in English) reported that a delegation from the illegal American University of Keryneia (“GAU”) composed by the “founding rector and chairman of the board of directors” Serhat Akpinar, alongside the “deputy chairman of the board” Olgun Ustun and the “medical faculty founding Dean” Prof. Dr Ferhat Erisir went to Kazakhstan to hold various contacts.
The delegation met with the rector of the Abai Kazakhstan National University, Prof. Dr Praliev.
Issuing a statement on the issue, the illegal GAU said that the “university” has signed an agreement with Abai Kazakhstan National University envisaging for the students of both universities to be able to attain a double diploma on joint programs; the exchange of students and academicians between the two universities as well as student’s attendance to joint academic organizations and scientific studies.
During their visit, the delegation was invited to establish a university in Kazakhstan by the Alma-Ata University and to jointly attend the “knowledge village” in Dubai.
10. Turkish Deputy PM Arinc says Turkey needs to mend Egypt ties
Turkish daily Today's Zaman (23.12.14) reports that Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has said that Turkey needs to mend its ties with Egypt, but the Minister added that it should be Egypt which should first break the deadlock. Arinc's remarks came on Monday during an interview with TV channel Al Jazeera Turk.
Arinc also said that Turkey's relations with the Gulf States will be improved sooner rather than later. Turkey's relationship with a number of Gulf countries has been sour due to Erdogan's criticism of Egyptian President Sisi. During the 2014 UN Security Council election for five non-permanent seats in October, Saudi Arabia and Egypt reportedly lobbied against Turkey's bid for a place. Arinc also said that the first step to fix the relationship between Turkey and Egypt should come from Egypt, but noted that it is equally important that both sides prepare the conditions to mend ties.
11. Turkish President Erdogan declares birth control ‘treason’
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (23.12.14) reports that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan after expressing his staunch opposition against abortions, C-sections and morning-after pills, has now tackled the contraception issue by declaring that it is “treason to the country,” in remarks that are likely to revive controversy on reproductive health.
“They betrayed this country for years by [promoting] birth control and attempting to dry up our [next] generations,” Erdogan said.
Addressing the bride and groom at the wedding ceremony of the son of businessman Mustafa Kefeli on Dec. 21, he advised the newlyweds that using contraceptive methods was a betrayal to Turkey's ambition to make itself a flourishing nation with a growing young population.
“One [child] would be strange, two means rivalry, three means balance and four means abundance. And God takes care of the rest,” he said, relating ostensible words of wisdom from an elderly man in the Central Anatolian district of Beypazari.
Erdogan has previously suggested limits to abortion rights, the morning-after pill and Caesarian sections. He stood clear about slamming contraception, while criticizing women’s attempts to deter pregnancy.
12. Iraqi oil key for Turkey, says energy minister
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (23.12.14) reports that Turkey is about to make new deals with new companies, which will be of great importance to Iraqi oil, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said at the opening meeting of the World Energy Outlook 2014 report of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
“We are about to make new deals with new companies regarding Iraqi oil,” he said, without giving more details. He also said that the Turkish authorities will hold a high-level strategic cooperation meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi during his upcoming visit, where further details will be discussed. “The IEA expects the daily oil demand will increase by 14 million barrels by 2040, of which 4 million barrels will be provided by Iraq. Turkey cannot be indifferent to this,” he added.
“In the framework of our deals with Baghdad and Arbil, we will see an increase in trade with Iraq. We have a better understanding of how appropriate these deals are. Iraq’s instability affects us; Iraq’s stability therefore matters a lot to us. Turkey will continue to make the biggest contribution to the normalization of Iraq, as we do today,” Yildiz stated.
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