TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 242/14 30.12.14
1.Eroglu:
“I am trying to maintain the situation that had emerged after the ‘peace
operation’”
2. Ertug accuses the Greek
Cypriot side of trying to create a gap between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots
3. Olgun and Onar discussed the latest developments on
the Cyprus problem in Ankara
4. Turkish Cypriot daily: Turkey will return to
Eastern Mediterranean to drill for natural gas when the Cyprus negotiations
reach a certain point
5. Korkmazhan called on Turkey
not to extend NAVTEX and the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating
table
6. Siber: “Even though the TRNC
is not recognized, it exists with democratic institutions”
7. Toros stressed the need for
lobby works for the extension of the GLR
8. Saner criticizes Denktas’
proposal about Cyprus Airways
9. The Grey wolves’ organization
opened a new office in occupied Morfou; Unpunished Zaroglu who threatened Derya
also participated in the event
10. Opinion poll shows that there
will be a second “presidential election round” with Eroglu and Akinci
11. A prohibition to imitation products into effect in
2015
12. Erdogan to use constitutional
prerogative to chair the cabinet meeting
According to illegal Bayrak television (29.12.14) the
Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu met with the Deputy Mayor of Sarıyer
district in Turkey, İsmail Erdem and a delegation composed by the “Cyprus war
veterans association”.
Speaking during the meeting, Eroglu said that the “Turkish peace operation”, as he called
the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, had been effective in establishing the “TRNC”
which allowed people to live under a “state” roof in peace and security.
Touching upon the Cyprus issue, Eroglu said: “Can we meet at a common point? This is
what we are trying to discuss at the negotiations table. Up until now we have
not been able to facilitate this opportunity”.
Eroglu alleged that due to their neighbor’s stance,
they have not been able to reach an agreement. “The agreements that emerge from time to time are rejected by the Greek
Cypriots at a referendum or are rejected on the day they emerge at the
negotiating table”, Eroglu claimed and added that 40 years had passed since the
“Turkish peace operation”.
“Compared to Cyprus 40 years ago, today, there is a
major difference. 40 years ago we made these lands our homeland and we have
constructed our homes here. We are determined to live on these lands and under
this state. We are living under the guarantee of Turkey and we have no concerns
regarding the future”, Eroglu added.
Noting that there are problems in all states, he said
that the “TRNC” is a young “state” and has problems and what’s important is to
overcome these problems and not lose what has been gained in the process.
Explaining that he was trying to
maintain the situation that had emerged after the “peace operation”, Eroglu said that this was done with the cooperation
of “motherland Turkey” and the “people”.
(…)
2.Ertug accuses the Greek
Cypriot side of trying to create a gap between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (30.12.14) reports that
Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu’s spokesperson Osman Ertug said that the
statements by the Cyprus Government Spokesman and Archbishop Chrysostomos aim
to create a gap between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.
In a written statement, Ertug, commenting on the
statements by Cyprus Government Spokesman that “Turkey considers only its own
interests and not of the Turkish Cypriots” and Archbishop Chrysostomos’
statement that “as long Turkey continues to talk about the realities there will
not be a Cyprus settlement”, claimed that these kind of statements are
interesting from the point that they show in what extend the Greek Cypriot side
is in disillusion and in an imaginary world.
Ertug accused the Greek Cypriot side of acting
unilaterally and hegemonic on the issue of hydrocarbons, like in other matters
too. He accused the Cyprus Spokesman and the Archbishop of not being sincere
when they attack Turkey, which cooperates with the Turkish Cypriots to defend their
“legitimate interests”.
3. Olgun and Onar discussed the latest developments
on the Cyprus problem in Ankara
Turkish Cypriot daily
Kibris newspaper (30.12.14) reports that the
Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ergun Olgun and Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu’s
adviser on political affairs, Gunes Onar discussed the latest developments as
regards the Cyprus problem yesterday in Ankara.
Olgun and Onar
discussed with Turkish officials the situation after the completion of Turkey’s
NAVTEX and the possible departure of Turkish Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa seismic
explorations vessel from Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Eastern
Mediterranean.
Under the title “New
crisis at the door”, the paper argues that while the NAVTEX announced by Turkey
on 3 October ends today, the Republic of Cyprus extended its own NAVTEX until
19 March, something which might cause a “crisis”.
(I/Ts.)
4. Turkish Cypriot daily: Turkey will return to
Eastern Mediterranean to drill for natural gas when the Cyprus negotiations
reach a certain point
Under the title
“While NAVTEX ends”, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan
newspaper (30.12.14) refers to the Turkish NAVTEX which ends today and the
possible departure of the Turkish Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa seismic explorations
vessel from Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Eastern Mediterranean and
reports, inter alia, the following:
“[…] The Greek Cypriot side has half-officially
announced that it will return to the table together with the NAXTEX ending as
of 31 December. Until now it seems that everything is all right. However,
is it really so? Will Turkey renounce
its rights in the area for the sake of the negotiations? First of all, let us accept that what is happening now in
the area is a debate of sovereignty. You remember that we had that famous
issue of ‘single sovereignty’. This is the one! The Greek Cypriot
Administration alleges that ‘I am the sole ruler, sovereign of Cyprus’. As for
the Turkish side, it is trying to explain to the other side the reality that
‘no you are not [the only ruler] I am also at least as equally sovereign as you
are’. Sovereignty is actually the whole problem.
Finding natural gas and earning money is not a problem. The Greek Cypriot side has launched a big maneuver.
While doing this, it took Russia by its side. They had considered using
Russia’s big dreams on the energy issue in the area for their own political
interests. In the beginning everything seemed all right. However, the recent
approach between Turkey and Russia spoiled all their calculations. The ship was
capsized. Meanwhile, let us not pass over the issue without saying that what is
happening between Turkey and Russia is actually an American plan. This is another story, we will write about it
later.
At the point we have
come today, the Greek Cypriot side will
have to sit at the negotiating table again with the ending of the NAVTEX on 31
December. Until Turkey takes another step or steps. What will these steps be?
First of all, a drilling will definitely begin in the area. Let no one be
surprised about this. First, however,
the negotiations coming to a certain point is a precondition. The negotiating
process will reach a certain point and Turkey will come to the area again. What will the Greek Cypriot side do?If it
is wise, it will not leave the table this time. Because the point which we say
that the negotiations will reach is the point where this issue will not be
possible to be settled through negotiations. There could be no leaving the
table when the UN is ready to declare this reality to the whole world.On the
other hand, Turkey is in the area again. Is it not really difficult? In any
case, the Strategic Depth is something like that”.
(I/Ts.)
5.Korkmazhan called on Turkey
not to extend NAVTEX and the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating
table
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (29.12.14-online
in English) reported that the general secretary of the United Cyprus Party
(BKP) Abdullah Korkmazhan, in a written
statement, called on Turkey not to extend the NAVTEX and the Greek Cypriot side
to return to the negotiating table.
Korkmazhan said that it was
obvious that the policy of tension and military force did not favored anyone
and added that if the NAVTEX is not extended beyond December 30th, it will open
the way once more for dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
Korkmazhan underlined that an early and comprehensive
settlement is in the interest of all sides concerned, adding thatthe natural gas and energy resources could
be a catalyst for peace in the region and the solution of the Cyprus problem.
6. Siber: “Even though the
TRNC is not recognized, it exists with democratic institutions”
According to illegal Bayrak television (29.12.14) the
“speaker” of the so-called assembly Sibel Siber evaluatedto illegal TAK news
agency both internal and external issues in the “TRNC”.
Siber said that the
“government” gave great importance to foreign relations and lobbying activities
and added that even though the “TRNC” is not recognized, it exists with its democratic
“institutions”.
“They must pay attention to the voices that the people
have chosen, therefore we will do all we can and take on more active
approaches”, said Siber.
Referring to the efforts that
have been made towards the local cheese hellim, Siber said that the UN
Secretary General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide had taken the
issue to the European Commission and this had been met with wide-spread reactions
from “south Cyprus”.
“Instead of sitting and waiting
and getting angry at negative outcomes, we should be taking more initiatives.
Instead of saying no one recognizes us, no one listens to us, they don’t give
us our rights, we should insist on making our voice heard and take on a
position where we establish channels of communication”, Sibel said and added
that this is the only way the Turkish Cypriot “people” can make their voice
heard.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, Siber said that the problem
had been continuing for half a century and noted that the problem didn’t only belong
to the Turkish Cypriots.
(…)
7. Toros stressed the need for
lobby works for the extension of the GLR
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi
(29.12.14), the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce Fikri
Toros, issuing a message for the New Year.
Toros said that they will carry
out efforts to increase trade contacts and cooperate with foreign partners in
Turkey and the Middle East in order to increase exports in the coming year.
Toros said
further that they will continue to give the message of the importance of
motivation on a settlement, in light of joint resources and cultural values. He
added that their work would continue for joint interests on natural resources,
water from Turkey and local products such as hellim.
Toros also pointed to the
importance of lobby work on the Green Line Regulation (GLR) for the purpose of
extending it and allowing trade vehicles and products to cross into the
“south”.
8.Saner criticizes Denktas’
proposal about Cyprus Airways
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (29.12.14-online
in English) reported that Ersan Saner, “deputy” with the National Unity Party
(UBP), in statements during the “parliamentary session” of the so-called
assembly, condemned the so-called “deputy prime minister” and “minister of
tourism, culture and sports”, Serdar Denktas for the recent statements he made
regarding the running of the Greek Cypriot side’s national carrier “Cyprus
Airways”.
Referring to Denktas’ proposal, Saner said: “They will laugh at you. You should be the
last person to talk about this”. Saner claimed that the CTP and DP were the ones responsible for the bankruptcy of the “Turkish
Cypriot airlines. He also criticized the committee established to research the
bankruptcy of the “Turkish Cypriot airlines”.
Saner said that Denktas should
establish his own airlines first and then look into the running of the Cyprus
Airways jointly with the Greek Cypriot side.
9. The Grey wolves
organization opened a new office in occupied Morfou; Unpunished Zaroglu who
threatened Derya also participated in the event
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (30.12.14)
reports that the Hearths of the Ideal (grey wolves) organization conducted an
inauguration ceremony for its new office in occupied Morfou.
According to the paper, Zorlu Tore “deputy” with the
National Unity Party (UBP) and also representatives of various civil society
organizations participated in the event while the Turkish Cypriot leaderDervis
Eroglu sent a congratulation message.
This is the fourth office of the grey wolves’
organization since it has already opened offices in occupied Lefkosia,
Famagusta and Keryneia.
Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika
newspaper (30.12.14) reports thatBertan Zaroglu, the chairman of the “Hattay
(Alexandretta) Settlers Association”, was also present at the inauguration
ceremony of the grey wolves’ officein Morfou. Zaroglu, writes the paper, who
insulted heavily in social media the "deputy" with the Republican
Turkish Party (CTP) Dogus Derya for her statements on the rapes conducted by
Turkish soldiers in 1974 and even issued threats against her life,“on one hand
threats the intellectuals among the Turkish Cypriot community and on the other
hand makes appearances as official guest in various events”. Zaroglu also
issued threats against another Turkish Cypriot intellectual, Mahmut Anayasa.
The paper writes that no severe measures were taken
against Zaroglu, neither by the “government” nor by the “police” despite the
severe insults and threats issued by him. It also writes that Zaroglu who is
known as part of Eroglu’s circle, will support Kudret Ozersay in the
forthcoming “presidential elections”.
10. Opinion poll shows that
there will be a second “presidential election round” with Eroglu and Akinci
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (30.12.14)
publishes an opinion poll regarding the
forthcoming “presidential elections” to be conducted in the breakaway regime in
April and notes that according to the results there is going to be a second
round in the “elections” between the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and
the independent candidate Mustafa Akinci.
The paper writes that the
candidate of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Sibel Siber, not only does not
pass in the second round, but comes fourth, while independent candidate Kudret
Ozersay comes third. The paper also notes that the number of the persons who
say that are “undecided”, or that they will not cast a vote is extremely high.
No information was given by the paper as regards how
the opinion poll was conducted.
The results of the poll are as follows:
|
Candidate
|
Percentage %
|
|
Dervis Eroglu
|
17.6
|
|
Mustafa Akinci
|
14.9
|
|
Kudret Ozersay
|
13.7
|
|
Sibel Siber
|
12.6
|
|
Undecided
|
25.7
|
|
Will not vote
|
15.5
|
11. A prohibition to imitation products into effect in
2015
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris (30.12.14) reports that the proposal of the “security
product law” will come into effect in 2015. The “law” envisages that there will
be inspections and prohibitions on the selling of imitation products and all
the products which are imported in “North Cyprus” (translator’s note: the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), like clothes, electronics, bags and building
materials should be certified with ISO, TSE and CE certifications.
Meanwhile,
former self-styled finance minister Ersin Tatar said that this limitation will
be very bad for the shopkeepers, especially in a place like the “TRNC” which is
under “embargoes”. He added that the implementation of these certifications in
“south Cyprus” (translator’s note: the government controlled area of the
Republic of Cyprus) is normal, because it is an EU country, but it is an
injustice to impose on “TRNC” these kinds of international standards. He
explained that imitations products are being sold in Turkey and these are
brought to “TRNC” via “legal ways” by paying the “custom duty”. He added that
this prohibition will cast a blow to the economy, because these imitation
products are keeping alive the shopkeepers.
12. Erdogan to use
constitutional prerogative to chair the cabinet meeting
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper
(29.12.14-online in English) reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has
announced on Monday that he will be leading the cabinet meeting for a one off
session on January 19 to evaluate the current situation.
Erdogan made the announcement after a meeting with the
Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-İs) in Ankara on Monday.
"The President symbolizes
the head of state in Turkey and I will lead the cabinet on January 19 in
Bestepe - -the newly built Presidential Palace", Erdogan said, noting that
he is constitutionally entitled to chairing such a meeting although former
Presidents have not made use of the prerogative.
He stated that Turkey is governed
by a constitutional framework and noted that he is entitled to use his
authority in accordance with the constitution.
Erdogan warned critiques against establishing tutelage
over the Presidency by claiming that he is not entitled to chair such meetings.
A provision in the Turkish Constitution permits the
President to hold meetings with the cabinet when deemed necessary. Accordingly,
the President is not constitutionally obliged to indicate when he will chair
such a meeting and could decide to chair a cabinet meeting only an hour before
the meeting.
Likewise, he is entitled to call the cabinet to hold a
meeting whenever he deems it necessary and is not obliged to share when he will
use his prerogative with the Prime Minister. The frequency of holding such
meetings is also under the discretion of the President even though former
Presidents have not made use of this prerogative.
Erdogan's announcement is
interpreted by many circles as a step to a Presidential system of governance
where a head of government is also the head of state. The Presidential system was signaled when Erdogan
became the first President to be elected by popular vote in the August 10th
Presidential elections.
(…)
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
