11/2/15

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW



TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S


No. 28/15                                                                                                       11.02.15
1. Eroglu: The permanent solution in Cyprus passes through the acceptance of the Turkish Cypriots as a “sovereign people”
2. Izcan: The Turkish Cypriot side’s and Ankara’s stance prevents the implementation of EU’s Direct Trade Regulation
3. Turkish Deputy PM Bulent Arinc to participate in the foundation ceremony of the first stage of new terminal at illegal Tymbou airport
4. Turkish warship continues watching the drilling activities for natural gas in Cyprus’ EEZ
5. Interview by KSP’ “presidential candidate”
6. One thousand nine persons were benefited by the “foreigners and migration law”
7. The “KTFF” gave a deadline for finding solution to their problem and warned that otherwise it will apply to KOP for membership
8. A second mosque to be constructed in occupied Agios Sergios village
9. TC local councils take part in EU council meeting in Portugal
10. YKP to hold protest in support of Greece
11. "Cyprus will be affected from Akkuyu's routine operations"
12. Agreements signed between Turkey, Colombia to boost relations
13. Turkey announces new acting national intelligence chief
14. Only Christian and Jewish children exempt from Turkey’s religious education

1. Eroglu: The permanent solution in Cyprus passes through the acceptance of the Turkish Cypriots as a “sovereign people”
Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper (11.02.15) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has alleged that reaching a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem passes through the acceptance of the Turkish Cypriots as a “sovereign people” and their political equality. In statements the night before yesterday during “pre-election” meetings at villages in the occupied area of Nicosia, Eroglu argued, inter alia, the following:

“[…] We have absolutely no difference with the Greek Cypriot people. It is not true that Eroglu was elected and time was lost and that during [Translator’s note: Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali] Talat’s period self-confidence and respect existed, like some candidates are saying. And [these statements] have no other use than describing wrongly and harming us in the world. If we say that the establishment of the TRNC [Translator’s note: The breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus] was wrong, the world will not want to understand us. Behold, now we have in front of us a candidate who finds that the establishment of the TRNC was correct and against him there is a candidate supported by those who say that they cried with sorrow the night the TRNC was established […]”.

Eroglu claimed also that a solution in Cyprus is possible if the Greek Cypriot leadership wants a just agreement in the light of “today’s realities”.
(I/Ts.)

2. Izcan: The Turkish Cypriot side’s and Ankara’s stance prevents the implementation of EU’s Direct Trade Regulation
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.02.15) reports that Izzet Izcan, chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), has said thatthe demand of Ozdil Nami, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, as regards the lifting of the so-called isolations allegedly implemented on Turkish Cypriots by placing the [EU’s] Direct Trade Regulation into effect “aims at misleading and deceiving the people”.
In a written statement issued yesterday, Izcan criticized Nami’s statements on this matter [Translator’s note: See Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10/02/2014, Item 1] and recalled that the European Council’s legal service decided that the above-mentioned Regulation is not legal. Izcan argued that it is not possible for this Regulation to be implemented or come onto the agenda.

Pointing out that the obstacles in front of the Turkish Cypriot community’s conducting direct trade will be lifted with the return of the [occupied fenced off] city of Varosha [to its legal owners] and the simultaneous opening of the Famagusta port and the illegal Tymbou airport within the framework of Confidence Building Measures, Izcan said:
“The Turkish Cypriot side and Ankara reject the implementation of the above. They are interested in the separatist structure becoming permanent and upgrading its status”.

Arguing that the EU, the UN and the Greek Cypriot side accepted the opening of Famagusta Port and Tymbou airport with the return of Varosha, Izcan noted: “The reason of the isolation we experience and of not being able to conduct direct trade before the comprehensive solution is the separatist policies”.

Izcan said that the comprehensive solution is the only way out for the Turkish Cypriot community and all quests outside this will have no result.
(I/Ts.)

3. Turkish Deputy PM Bulent Arinc to participate in the foundation ceremony of the  first stage of new terminal at illegal Tymbou airport
Turkish Cypriot Star Kibris newspaper (11.02.15) reports that the self-styled
ministry of transport and works, Hasan Tacoy stated  that the foundations for the first stage of the new terminal building of the illegal Tymbou airport will be laid on Thursday in a ceremony.

He also stated that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc will participate in the foundation ceremony.

4. Turkish warship continues watching the drilling activities for natural gas in Cyprus’ EEZ
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.02.15) reports that according to information published on the Turkish General Staff’s website under the title “daily activities”, the TCG Gelibolu warship continued watching SAIPEM-10000 drilling platform, which is carrying out drilling activities for natural gas in the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the sea area south of the island. The Turkish warship has reportedly watched the platform from a distance of five nautical miles (nine kilometers) within the framework of its duties during the “Mediterranean Shield Operation”.
(I/Ts.) 

5. Interview by KSP’ “presidential candidate”
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.02.15) publishes an exclusive interview by the “presidential candidate” of the Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP) Mustafa Onurer, who evaluated several internal and external issues and developments as well as his decision to be a “presidential candidate”. 
In his statements, Onurer said, inter alia, that in case he is be elected, that will mean that the “people will stand up on their own feet”. He said that the first thing he would do for this "country", is to terminate ties with imperialists.
He added that a "state" cannot be an independent "state" if it does not have its own economy, army, police force, and fire services.
Supporting that all the “presidential candidates” besides him are in favor of the continuation of the current status quo, as it was formed after 1974, Onurer pointed out that he opposes to this status quo and stressed that he is the “candidate” who together with the “people” will resist that.
Asked to comment on the allegations that his political positions are close to those of Akinci, Onurer said that this is not true and explained: “Mr. Akinci does not support and cannot support the concept of democracy, sovereignty and the struggle against the imperialist capital. Akinci refers to the protection of the rights of occupying forces like all the others. Turkey has no rights in the north part of the island as well as in the whole of the island”.
Supporting also the view that the “country” is not administrated by the “people” but by Turkey, Onurer explained that this is one of the most important reasons for being a “presidential candidate”. He said that he would try to change the current structure with the power which derives from the "people" and also will struggle in order to create a "country" which its "people" will be able to dominate.  
(AK)

6. One thousand nine persons were benefited by the “foreigners and migration law”
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (11.02.15) reports that according to the self-styled minister of interior, 1,009 persons benefited by the "law of foreigners and immigration", known as "immigration amnesty law" in the breakaway regime.

The results came out after all the applications regarding the "law” were completed on the last day which was on February 8.

7. The “KTFF” gave a deadline for finding solution to their problem and warned that otherwise it will apply to KOP for membership
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (11.02.15) reports in its sport-pages that during the extraordinary meeting of the “Turkish Cypriot Football Federation” (KTFF) which took place last night, the members of the “federation” gave a 45-day deadline to Turkey and the “TRNC” to find a solution on the problems experienced with players who want to play in the Turkish league.
According to the paper, the “KTFF” has decided unanimously that in case no solution is found to their problem soon they will apply for membership to the Cyprus Football Association (KOP) in order for their players and clubs to gain international recognition.
(AK)

8.A second mosque to be constructed in occupied Agios Sergios village
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (11.02.15) reports that the occupation regime has launched works for the construction of a mosque in the occupied village of Agios Sergios, the second one in the village.

According to the paper, the new mosque is to be constructed in the plot of land where the Agios Sergios Vakhos church is located. The construction of the mosque will be financed by the “Turkish embassy” in the occupied area of Cyprus.

The paper wonders what the reason for the construction of a new mosque in occupied Sergios village is since there is already one and describes this decision as though-provoking.

Agios Sergios Vakhos church has been used for some period as the headquarters of the “Agios Sergios Cultural and Environment Association” and in spite of the fact that the “association” demanded its restoration, it has not been restored yet.

Also, under the title: “One flag in each hill and one mosque in each neighborhood”, the paper commenting in its inside column called “Kalay” on the same issue, condemns the construction of a second mosque in the occupied village of Agios Sergios and asks for an answer on the reasons why a second mosque is necessary in the village and why it is constructed in the yard of the church.
“What will finally happen in this country? Are those who are sitting at the seats of the “assembly” aware about this?”, the paper adds.
(AK)

9.TC local councils take part in EU council meeting in Portugal
Turkish Cypriots Kibris Postasi newspaper (11.01.15) reports that the “Turkish Cypriot Municipalities Union” attended a meeting of the European Council Committee of Local Administrations and Authorities in Portugal for the first time.

The “TC union” attended the meeting as representatives of the “Turkish Cypriot Local Administrative Representatives”. “Gonyeli mayor” and president of the Union Ahmet Benli and “Famagusta mayor” Mahmut Ozcinar represented the “TC local councils” at these meetings.

10. YKP to hold protest in support of Greece
Turkish Cypriots Kibris Postasi newspaper (11.01.15) reports that the New Cyprus party (YKP) is planning a protest on Sunday, on the week the Eurogroup and European Council are to hold official meetings. The YKP is holding the protest in solidarity with the Greek public.

11. "Cyprus will be affected from Akkuyu's routine operations"
Turkish Cypriots Kibris Postasi newspaper (11.01.15) reports that Cyprus will be affected from the nuclear plant which is being built in Mersin Akkuyu said the final declaration of the “Nuclear Plants and Their Effects” conference which took place last month in occupied Lefkosia.

In the declaration it is stated that a possible accident at the plant would cause environmental damage in Cyprus, however it was added that even routine operations of the plant would can environmental and health hazards in Cyprus.

According to the declaration which cites a study conducted by the Turkish Chamber of Architects and Engineers (TMMOB) assessing Akkuyu’s risks, Cyprus is listed as the first place to be affected negativelyby the routine operations of the plant. In the report of the study it is also said that Cyprus would be the first place to be affected by radiation in case of an accident.

12. Agreements signed between Turkey, Colombia to boost relations
Turkish Sabah newspaper (11.02.15) reports that in a joint press conference following their meeting on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon announced a number of agreements signed between the two nations.

"We have signed cooperation agreements in various fields including in the agricultural, livestock and fishing industries" Calderon said, adding that Turkey has become Europe's leading nation in these fields.

The agreements include the Turkey-Colombia Cooperation Framework Agreement, a plan for cultural cooperation, a memorandum of agreement in the tourism sector and a memorandum of understanding in the agricultural field.The Turkish president also said that the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) will establish a branch in Colombia soon.

13. Turkey announces new acting national intelligence chief
Turkish Sabah newspaper (11.02.15) reports that former MIT deputy secretary İsmail Hakki Musa has become the new acting head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT), the prime minister's office announced, after ex-chief Hakan Fidan resigned a few days ago. Fidan resigned from his post, effective Tuesday, in order to run in the June 7 general elections, the prime minister's office said.

14. Only Christian and Jewish children exempt from Turkey’s religious education 
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (11.02.15) reports that Turkey’s compulsory religious education classes in schools are again being debated, with the authorities saying that only Christian and Jewish students will be exempt from compulsory Sunni Islam courses at school.

According to the directive sent by the Education Ministry’s Religious Education Directorate, the “religion” field of a child’s identity card will be checked to decide whether they are allowed to opt out of religious education classes. If the field is left empty, or if any religion other than Christianity and Judaism is written, then the student will be obliged to take the class. The European Court of Human Rights’ (ECHR)  had ruled in a Sept. 16, 2014 decision that the Turkish education system was “still inadequately equipped to ensure respect for parents’ convictions” and violated the “right to education,” in a case stemming from Alevi complaints about compulsory religious classes. Turkey appealed to the ECHR’s Grand Chamber, the court’s office of appeal, on Dec. 18, 2014, the last day available to do so, requesting that the case be reviewed.

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