TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No.
09/15 15.01.15
1.
Turkish Foreign Minister on the Cyprus problem and ties with Russia
2.
Statements by Cavusoglu and Eroglu at a joint press conference in the occupied
part of Nicosia
3.
Cavusoglu met with Nami, Yorgancioglu and Siber
4.
Eide: I did not deceive anyone regarding the renewal of the NAVTEX
5. Cicek met with IPU’ President;
He asked for the “speaker” of the so-called assembly of the occupation regime
to be invited to IPU’s meetings
6.
Akinci holds event forhis “presidential
campaign”
7. So-called foreign ministry
demands explanations from the “KTFF” concerning the transferring of a Greek
Cypriot football player to a Turkish Cypriot club
8. “Vaccination is the remedy for
the animals contracted with LSD disease and not their killings”
9. The occupation regime participates to a tourism
fair in the Netherlands
10.
Turkish PM calls reprinting of Charlie Hebdo cartoons “deliberate provocation”
11.
Turkish court rules to block web pages featuring Charlie Hebdo cover
12.
Turkey moves to ban Twitter, Facebook again
13. The
Turkish government introduces transparency reform package to combat
irregularities
14.
Freedom of speech in Turkey is limited every passing day
15.
Demirtas: HDP will run in national election as a party
1. Turkish
Foreign Minister on the Cyprus problem and ties with Russia
Ankara Anatolia news agency (14.01.15) reported that Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu
stated that Turkey and the “government of the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus” as he called the breakaway regime have strongly opposed any "unilateral
move by the Greek-Cypriot administration to explore any hydrocarbon resources
around the island” and added that “natural resources of the island should be
exploited in a fair manner”. "Because the Turkish Cypriots also have the
right to the oil and gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean," said
Cavusoglu. He also stated that “the Turkish Cypriot government maintains its
firm stand that the resources of the island of Cyprus belong to both
communities and that the Turkish Cypriots will not give up their rights to
those resources”.
Cavusoglu pointed out that both Greece and the Greek
Cypriot administration are undergoing political change, "This is the
biggest obstacle to constructive steps for the politicians in both
countries."
Cavusoglu made the remarks in an exclusive interview
with The Anadolu Agency's Editors' Desk at its headquarters in Ankara.
He also stated that Turkey’s relations with Russia
does not mean that Ankara recognizes the annexation of the Crimea. The Foreign
Minister also said that Turkey is making an effort at establishing dialogue
between Kiev and Moscow. Russia is Turkey's largest trading partner after
Germany, Cavusoglu pointed out.
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika
(15.01.15) reports that Cavusoglu, in his interview to A.A., reiterated
Turkey’s proposal on the issue of exploitation the natural wealth in Cyprus. He
said that they proposed to establish a joint committee, but the Greek Cypriot
side rejected it by saying that this means recognition of the “TRNC”
(translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus). Cavusoglu added that they proposed the establishment of a private
committee, which was rejected again.
He went on saying that now Greece also stepped in and
wonders how they can find solution with Athens. He added: “First, let us put an
additional article at the joint declaration of February 11. Then let us resume
the negotiations and let us finish this job. We accept this. Let us deposit the
right of the Turkish Cypriot people into a trust account under the protection
of the UN or the World Bank. We accept these, as long as we find a solution.
However, once more the Greek Cypriot side did not pass the sincerity test. We
hope that they will understand soon their mistake and we will find a solution.
The negotiations will continue too.”
2. Statements
by Cavusoglu and Eroglu at a joint press conference in the occupied part of
Nicosia
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.01.15)
reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut
Cavusoglu has alleged that they want Cyprus to be an island of peace and
prosperity with the solution of the Cyprus problem and that they exert sincere
efforts and take positive steps on this issue. “There should be a response
to this, come and let us solve this issue all together and turn Cyprus into an
island of peace and stability”, said Cavusoglu speaking yesterday at a joint
press conference with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in the occupied
part of Nicosia.
In his statement, Cavusoglu argued that the solution of the Cyprus problem is one
of the priorities of the Turkish foreign policy and it will continue to be
so. Cavusoglu claimed that Turkey will continue to support the so-called
efforts of the Turkish Cypriot side for a solution and the UN initiatives. He
alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side shows the necessary political will for
the negotiations reaching a result the soonest and added that this is not
possible only with the efforts of the Turkish side.
Referring to the hydrocarbons explorations in the
Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Eastern Mediterranean, Cavusoglu said that it would not be
possible not to react against what he called as “the unilateral activities
which the Greek Cypriot side carries out without taking into consideration the
Turkish Cypriot side’s legitimate rights and interests”. He alleged: “After
the Greek Cypriot side left the table, we
put forward constructive proposals together with the TRNC. We aimed at
discussing the natural resources issue in a manner which will protect the
rights of the Turkish Cypriots and at the return of the Greek Cypriots to the
negotiating table”.
Noting that they have worked on these proposals with
Greece and UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide,
Cavusoglu claimed that after the end of their seismic explorations [in Cyprus’
EEZ] and of the [illegal] Turkish NAVTEX on 30 December, they were expecting
the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, to end its
drilling activities, but the Greek Cypriot side renewed its NAVTEX and expanded
the area in which it carries out its activities.
“With the
statement issued on 5 January, we saw that the Greek Cypriot leader
Anastasiades stance has not changed”, he alleged claiming that after this
statement the self-styled government of the breakaway regime decided to
continue its activities in the area with Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel within
the framework of the license it had granted to Turkish Petroleum Corporation
(TPAO).” Now we are expecting for the Greek Cypriot side to correct its
mistake the soonest”, he argued alleging
that the Greek Cypriot side should return to the negotiating table adopting a
clear stance on the issue of a new partnership, which will be formed on the
basis of political equality with the free will of the “two peoples”.
He claimed: “Our priority is for a just solution to be
reached to the Cyprus problem in a manner which will guarantee the political
equality of the Turkish Cypriot side. We see as indispensable the protection of
the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot side, mainly the natural
resources”.
According
to Cavusoglu, what is the Turkish side actually opposing is what he called as
“unilateral drilling activities of the Greek Cypriot side. Replying to a
question, Cavusoglu said that it is not important who carries out the drilling
activities, that is, whether these activities are carried out by a private
company or the state, adding that what is important is the sharing of the
income.
In his statements, Eroglu said that they have submitted a proposal to the Greek Foreign
Minister and the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister regarding the establishment of a
company by Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots which will have a say on everything
regarding the natural gas, from its extraction until its marketing.
Referring to the Cyprus talks, he alleged that in
spite of what he called as negative stance of the Greek Cypriot side, the
Turkish Cypriot side tries to leave the door for the negotiations open and
continue its constructive stance. He said that the Turkish NAVTEX ended on 31
December and that Eide asked the Turkish
side not to take any step or make an announcement until 5 January. He alleged
that they responded positively to Eide’s request in order to give an
opportunity to his efforts until 5 January. In spite of this, he argued, the
statement issued by President Anastasiades on 5 January asked the Turkish
Cypriots and Turkey to accept what he called as “the sovereignty of the Greek
Cypriot side”, knowing that neither Turkey nor the Turkish Cypriots would accept
this and that sovereignty lays in the foundation of the Cyprus problem. He
alleged that this demand aimed at President Anastasiades “camouflaging” his
abandoning the negotiating table and therefore the solution at the most
critical stage of the discussions, the process of the give and take.
Eroglu argued that both the UN Secretary – General and
the international community see the current period as the last chance for
finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and expressed the hope for the term of
office of the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus to be renewed for the last time
in the end of this month.
(I/Ts.)
3. Cavusoglu
met with Nami, Yorgancioglu and Siber
According to illegal Bayrak television (15.01.15), the
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who paid yesterday an illegal visit
to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, had separate meetings with
self-styled minister of foreign affairs Ozdil Nami, self-styled prime minister
OzkanYorgancioglu and self-styled parliamentary speaker SibelSiber.
Speaking after the meeting with Cavusoglu, Nami said
that Cavusoglu’s visit had been very fruitful as he had found the opportunity
to discuss in depth particularly the Cyprus problem and issues relating to the
two “governments”.
Claiming that they as the “TRNC” and Turkish
government have done everything they could to persuade the Greek Cypriot leader
to return to the negotiations without any preconditions, Nami alleged that the
Turkish Cypriot side’s strong will to find a comprehensive solution to the
Cyprus problem has not changed adding that both Cyprus and the region is in
dire need of a settlement.
“We are forming policies on a wide spectrum. We hope
that South Cyprus (editor’s note: the Republic of Cyprus) will follow a similar
example and focus on the solution process that we are much in need of and not
on the hydrocarbons issue”, Nami alleged.
Cavusoglu, for his part, pointed to the importance of
the timing of his visit, stating that this visit’s main purpose is to show
Turkey’s never ending support to the “TRNC” (editor’s note: the breakaway
regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish Cypriot
“people”.
“If the Greek Cypriot side wants a permanent solution
to the Cyprus problem then it must return to the table without any
preconditions”, claimed Cavusoglu, adding that Motherland Turkey will never
allow the Turkish Cypriot “people” to be victimized and that all collocutors
have been made aware of this fact.
During his visit to Yorgancioglu, Cavusoglu reiterated
that Turkey as in the past will continue to support and defend the just cause
of the Turkish Cypriot “people”.
“We will continue to work to strengthen the TRNC’s
economic infrastructure and for it to take its rightful place amongst the
international arena”, said Cavusoglu.
Yorgancioglu, for his part, said that they are very
pleased with the stance displayed by the Turkish government regarding the
solution process of the Cyprus problem and added: “The Turkish Cypriot people
have rights on the island and in its natural resources. We are working together
so that the Turkish Cypriot people can exercise these rights”.
Speaking after the visit with Siber, Cavusoglu said
that he had found the opportunity to exchange views regarding the latest
developments on the Cyprus issue during his visit in Cyprus. “We have found the
opportunity to discuss in detail the latest phase reached in the Cyprus
negotiations process and the efforts that have been made after the Greek
Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades withdrew from the talks”, Cavusoglu added.
“Within the framework of my visit I also found the
opportunity to discuss the TRNC’s economic development, growth and
international status among other topics” he said.
Siber, for her part, claimed that although the “TRNC”
is under isolation and reportedly embargoes, it is an existing entity with
democratic institutions, adding: “Listen to the voices of our democratically
elected representatives, listen to us. We are a society that wants peace and
has a strong will towards a solution. Therefore the international community
should hear our voice and not prevent our international recognition”. She
concluded by saying that hopefully common sense will prevail and the problems
of the people will come to an end.
4. Eide:
I did not deceive anyone regarding the renewal of the NAVTEX
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (15.01.15)
reports whether the UN Special Advisor Espen Barth Eide has ‘deceived’ anyone
regarding the renewal of the NAVTEX.
According to the paper, Eide responded to the claims
that he deceived and made false promises with regards to the renewed NAVTEX, on
the day Cavusoglu visited illegally the occupied area of the island. A Greek
Cypriot top level official told Kibris Postasi recently that Turkey had
deceived Eide and he in turn passed on the information to the Greek Cypriot
side; Eide denied these rumours. Cavusoglu upon being reminded about the
statement during his visit, noted that the claims were untrue.
Cavusoglu pointed out that they had made several moves
with Eide alongside Greece; however they were opposed to the Greek Cypriots’
positions on exploration work. No one is denying the Turkish Cypriots’ rights –
Anastasiades despite saying this, is not protecting those rights, Cavusoglu
added.
5. Cicek met with IPU’
President; He asked for the “speaker” of the so-called assembly of the
occupation regime to be invited to IPU’s meetings
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.01.15)
reports that the Speaker of the Turkish
National Assembly (TBMM) CemilCicek met with the President of the
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Saber Chowdhury and his accompanied delegation.
As the paper writes, the Palestine-Israel issue and the Cyprus problem were the matters of
discussion.
Speaking during the meeting, Cicek said that the “Greek Cypriot administration” as he called the
Republic of Cyprus is represented to international organizations of behalf of
the whole island, while, as he alleged, the “TRNC” which is in favor of peace
and in spite of the fact that it had proved it during the period of 2004, is
under “isolation”.
Claiming that it is because of the Greek Cypriot
side’s intransigent stance that it was not possible for peace to be reached in
the island, Cicek said that the “TRNC” attends the European Council meetings
and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Islamic Cooperation Organization (ICO)
only as an observer and stated the following: “My request is for the speaker of the TRNC assembly to be invited to
IPU’ meetings. This is not fair to happen, it conduce to unfair results and
punishes those who support peace”.
According
to the paper, Chowdhury noted very carefully Cicek’s words about the “TRNC”.
(AK)
6. Akinci
holds event for his “presidential campaign”
Turkish Cypriot Kibris Postasi newspaper 915.01.15) reports
that independent candidate Mustafa Akinci held an event at the illegal Near
East University Ataturk Cultural Centre to kick off his campaign. Several
“Social Democracy Party” (TDP) “deputies” such as Mehmet Cakici, Huseyin
Angolemli and Zeki Celer attended as well as the TDP party leader Cemal
Ozyigit. United Cyprus Party (BKP) leader Izzet Izcan, “Lefkosia Turkish
Municipality” mayor Mehmet Harmanci and KTOEOS general secretary Sener Elcil
were amongst the spectators.
In his speech, Akinci said that many people noted that
he had been successful as “mayor” and it was time for him to take the
“presidency”. He also said that the Turkish Cypriots are calling for change.
Akinci
went on to say that a solution based policy is needed as the status quo is full
of threats. He pointed out however that the two sides needed to understand one
another in order to move forward and said that a solution is also an economic
way out. Akinci explained that it was
necessary to take an initiative on the matter of Varosha – as this would lead
the way for employment for the youth and give the public a breathing space.
This could be carried out under UN observation.
He noted that as well as the Cyprus problem, the
“president’s” duties also extended to the community and their issues. Akinci
said he wanted to be part of the internal matters.
On
relations with Turkey, Akinci said this is of the utmost importance and added
that relations depend on mutual respect. He pointed out that in relations with
Turkey, you should not be the one that surrenders or fights but one that
negotiates; he noted there is a need for civilianization and democratization
and it is time to get over the motherland-child country understanding. “Let’s
live as people”, he said.
7. So-called foreign ministry
demands explanations from the “KTFF” concerning the transferring of a Greek
Cypriot football player to a Turkish Cypriot club
Under the title: “Tragicomic”,
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.01.15) reports in its sport pages
that a new development has occurred
concerning the transferring of the Greek Cypriot footballer Demetris Vasiliou
which was transferred to the Turkish Cypriot football club of the occupied
Kythrea last September.
The
paper reports that the UN’s Security Council, issuing a report six months ago
regarding the opening made by the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation (KTFF)
which envisaged the transferring of Vasiliou to the club, welcomed this action
and evaluated it as very positive. The UN’s report said further that this gesture was a positive
development that would contribute to the peace in football.
The
paper describes as tragic-comical the fact that the so-called foreign ministry
has discovered the Vasiliou issue after six months from the UN report and has
asked for explanations on the matter from the “KTFF”.
(AK)
8.“Vaccination is the remedy
for the animals contracted with LSD disease and not their killings”
Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis
newspaper (15.01.15) reports about the animals being contracted with the LSD
disease in the occupied area of Cyprus and writes that it has been decided for
the vaccination of all the animals in
order to prevent the spreading of the disease.
According to the paper, the cost for the vaccination
of the 66 thousands cattle in the occupied area of Cyprus is approximately 500
million TL, however, the paper points out that the LSD disease vaccine is not
found yet and adds that as soon as it will be found it will be delivered from
Turkey.
The paper writes that the so-called veterinary
department has already launched efforts in order for the transferring of
vaccines from Turkey and it is expected that these to be transferred in 15
days.
In statements on the issue, the chairman of the
“Turkish Cypriot animal breeders union”, Mustafa Naimoglulari referred to the
meeting which was held yesterday with the participation of all related
organizations and pointed out that it would not be enough the vaccination of
the animals contracted with the LSD disease to take place only in the “north”
but also in the “south” as well. “There are also animals in the buffer zone.
And for this reason, the vaccination of the animals in the south is a
precondition. At the same time, the newborn animals should be vaccinated as
well”.
(AK)
9. The occupation regime participates to a tourism
fair in the Netherlands
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.01.15)
reports that the occupation regime
attends the “Vaakantiebeurs 2015 Tourism fair”, which is the biggest fair
taking place in Utrecht, in the Netherlands, with the participation of the
Benelux countries.
The fair opened yesterday and will remain open until
January 18. The occupation regime attends
the fair with its own stand.According to a statement issued by the
so-called ministry of economy, tourism, culture and sports, several tour
operators, tourist agents, aviation companies and media representative from
different countries attend the fair.
The
occupation regime has distributed tourist maps, CD’s and several leaflets for
its promotion. As the paper
writes, the number of visitors last year was 125 thousand while this number is
expected to see an increase for this year.
(AK)
10. Turkish
PM calls reprinting of Charlie Hebdo cartoons “deliberate provocation”
Hurriyet Daily News (15.01.15) reports that Turkish
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has strongly criticized daily Cumhuriyet for
reprinting the Charlie Hebdo cartoon featuring the Prophet Muhammad, saying
that freedom of expression “does not grant anybody the right to insult
another’s beliefs.”
Cumhuriyet’s move to print a selection of Charlie
Hebdo caricatures has “nothing to do with freedom of expression,” Davutoğlu
said on Jan. 15.
“Freedom of the press does not mean freedom to insult.
In particular, if it is an insult against a Prophet who has been a ‘mercy to
the worlds,’ and who has a much greater meaning than our personalities and
characters, this is not freedom of the press,” Davutoğlu said, using a verse
from the Quran when using the description “mercy to the worlds.” “It is obvious
that people who can even take an insult against them with tolerance and
patience cannot take it to the same extent when there is an insult against the
Prophet. If some are printing a caricature that features an insult to the
Prophet, when this is the situation, when there is such sensitivity in Turkey,
then there is a provocation here,” he added.
11. Turkish
court rules to block web pages featuring Charlie Hebdo cover
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (15.01.15) reports that a Diyarbakır court has ruled to block web
pages featuring a controversial cover of the French satire magazine Charlie
Hebdo, which became the target of a fatal attack last week.
The Diyarbakır 2nd Criminal Court of Peace blocked
access to the web pages of some online news portals for republishing the cover
of the magazine's new issue, which portrays the Prophet Muhammad.
A
lawyer from the Diyarbakır Bar Association, Ercan Ezgin, filed a petition on
Tuesday with the Diyarbakır 2nd Criminal Court of Peace, requesting a media ban
to be issued against the websites that republished the new Charlie Hebdo cover.
Considering the petition of the lawyer, the court decided to block access to
the web pages.
In addition, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (15.01.15)
reports that AKP Deputy Yalcın Akdogan
accused Cumhuriyet of “open provocation” for its support to the French
magazine. Minutes after Akdogan’s message, a group called the Muslim
Anatolian Youth openly urged its supporters to attack Cumhuriyet. The newspaper
itself featured the threats as its headline story in the evening.
12. Turkey
moves to ban Twitter, Facebook again
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (15.01.14) reports that Turkish authorities have warned that all
websites publishing alleged records related to Syrian-bound trucks belonging to
the Turkish intelligence agency that were stopped by a prosecutor last year
will be banned, presaging a possible new ban on Twitter and Facebook.
Twitter has quickly removed the content, while many
other websites have not yet complied.
On Jan. 2, 2015, two Syria-bound trucks belonging to Turkey’s
National Intelligence Organization (MİT) were stopped by a prosecutor who
sought to have the gendarmerie search the vehicles. The following month, a
Turkish court issued a ban on the publication of news related to the incident. A
number of documents were leaked online on Jan. 13. The signed proceedings
related to the search allegedly show that arms belonging to MİT were found in
the trucks. Speculation has been rife that the arms were destined for jihadists
in Syria.
On Jan. 14, Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme
Council (RTUK) recalled a March 2014 government decree that banned the coverage
of the issue, referring to Law No. 6112. According to an article in the law,
Turkey's prime minister or a cabinet minister has the authority to impose a gag
order on the media "in cases obviously required by national security or
when public order is very likely to be broken."
13. The
Turkish government introduces transparency reform package to combat
irregularities
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (15.01.15) reports that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu,
speaking at a press conference yesterday in Ankara, announced a major new
reform package to improve transparency within state institutions, including the
judiciary, politics, economy and the media.
The package, which aims to adopt EU norms in
transparency, was discussed in Tuesday's cabinet meeting, which also assessed
the 10th development plan and structural transformation for strong and balanced
growth. Aiming for the government's 2023 targets, Davutoglu said: "The new reform package is to serve and meet the
needs of Turkish citizens and to protect their judicial rights through
transparency." He added: "Transparency must not only be seen as a
matter of political organizations because transparency is a matter of a
mindset. The battle against corruption is also a matter of belief. We have
recently signed an agreement with the U.N. regarding combating
corruption." Regarding the freedom of the media, Davutoglu said that
Turkey established a law that follows EU standards.
The new Public
Transparency Package includes numerous topics especially emphasizing the
transparency of government institutions, judiciary and other authorities.
14. Freedom
of speech in Turkey is limited every passing day
The Turkish press reports on an incident that shows
the limitation of freedom of speech.
Hurriyet Daily News (15.01.15) reports that a Turkish model has been questioned by a
prosecutor for allegedly “insulting” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan” on her
Instagram account, after she shared a satirical poem published in a popular
magazine.
Merve Buyuksarac, an industrial designer and writer
who was crowned Miss Turkey in 2006, went to testify at the courthouse in
Istanbul’s Caglayan neighborhood on Jan. 14.
Buyuksarac told the prosecutor that she "may have quoted a poem”
from the weekly humour magazine Uykusuz, but deleted it soon afterward when one
of her friends warned that such messages could bring about criminal procedures
in Turkey.
In addition, the paper also reports that Turkey’s media watchdog has fined two music channels
for airing music videos with scenes of sexuality, citing Turkish Sexual Health
Institute head Cem Kece’s controversial recent remarks on homosexuality. The Supreme Board of Radio and Television
(RTUK) fined Genc TV for the music video of Elliphant’s “One More,” which
features a scene of two women kissing.
15. Demirtas:
HDP will run in national election as a party
Turkish daily Sabah (15.01.15) reports that the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)
Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtas harshly denied allegations in a televised
interview on HaberTurk on Tuesday that the main opposition Republican People's
Party (CHP) and HDP would create an alliance for the upcoming national elections,
and said that the HDP party would run alone in the election. As the party is at
risk of losing seats in Parliament due to the ten-percent election threshold,
Demirtas announced that the party would run in the election under the HDP
umbrella instead of running as independent candidates.
The HDP has occupied the Turkish political agenda due
to the ten% threshold, as its votes hover around the threshold. Following the
Constitutional Court's decision not to lower the ten-percent election threshold
for political parties to enter Parliament in recent weeks, polls were issued
asking whether the party would be able to pass the election threshold. In the
interview, Demirtas announced that the HDP's votes are around 9.5 %.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
