TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
80/15 01-04.05.15
1. Akıncı officially takes over the “presidency”;
Statements by Akinci and Eroglu during the handover ceremony
2. Akinci- Arinc’s joint press conference
3. Akinci
will visit Ankara on May 6
4. Akinci’s interview with Turkish Star newspaper; He
clarifies that some statements have not reflected what he said
5. Nami appointed as
negotiator
6. Nami is reportedly appointed
as negotiator upon Ankara’s wish; Reactions to Nami’s appointment
7. Cavusoglu on Akinci: Some
warnings could be given at the beginning
8. Cavusoglu responded to Kotzias’ statement
9. Bozkir says Turkey slowed
down the
EU membership process to the protect Turkish Cypriots' rights
10. Yildiz: Delivering Greek
Cyprus gas via Egypt not feasible
11. Turkey has given nearly
9 billion TL in direct aid to “TRNC” since 2006
12.
Talat to be a candidate for the CTP’ leadership
13. Nationalist MHP
announces election manifesto ahead of June 7
14. Erdogan says has right
to use state money to hold pre-election rallies
15. Turkish commentary draws
attention to lack of interest in EU membership during election process in
Turkey
1.Akıncı officially takes over the “presidency”;
Statements by Akinci and Eroglu during the handover ceremony
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper
(01.05.15) reported that the newly elected “TRNC president” Mustafa Akinci has
officially assumed his duties from the former “president” Dervis Eroglu in a
ceremony which took place at the so-called presidential palace.
As the paper writes, the handover ceremony was attended by a huge number
of Turkish Cypriot politicians, “ministers” and parliamentary deputies”,
political party representatives, “representatives” of civil society
organizations and others. Among the participants were the “speaker” of the
so-called assembly, Sibel Siber, the so-called prime minister Ozkan
Yorgancioglu, the former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, the so-called
Turkish ambassador in the occupied part of Nicosia Halil Ibrahim Akca, the “Turkish
Peace Forces Commander”in the occupied area of Cyprus, the “chief” of the
“Supreme court” Safak Oneri and others.
Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister, responsible for
Cyprus Affairs Bulent Arinc attended also the ceremony, representing the
Turkish government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
After the handover ceremony, both the former and the
new “presidents”delivered speeches addressing the guests.
Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, the former Turkish
Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu congratulated Mustafa Akinci for his election
success and wished him a productive five year term in his office in the
“presidency”.
Referring to his five year term in “presidency”,
Eroglu said that he is honored for serving the Turkish Cypriots.He alleged that
he had always followed a policy in order to preserve a safe environment and
security in the “country” and added that he has always followed a humanitarian
and realistic policy.
Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Eroglu
stated: “Together with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades we signed
the 11st of February 2014 joint declaration and we reached to the give and take
phase. It was an important development that the UNSG’s Special Advisor Eide
made statement and said that at the end of 2015 separate referendums would be
held. It was an important gain. What it should be done from now on is to reach
to a positive result which will lead to a comprehensive solution in the Cyprus
problem”.
Eroglu criticized also the Greek Cypriot side for its
intransigent attitude at the negotiating table and alleged that the Turkish
Cypriot side which is always in favor of the solution has suffered from the
so-called isolations.
Eroglu said that he always put the nation first and added
that he is ready to give advices to Akıncı if he requested.
On his part, the newly elected “president” Mustafa Akıncı, addressing the people,
started his speech by saying that he was aware of the major responsibility he
was taking on and thanked everyone for all their support.
Touching upon his vision which he shared during the “presidential
election” campaign period, Akıncı said that this vision was approved and
supported by the majority of the people and that his vision reflected the needs
and demands of the Turkish Cypriots.
“The status quo in Cyprus cannot be sustained;
this situation poses great threats against the peace and wellbeing of our
county and the whole region. As the 11th of February’s Joint
Declaration also outlined, Cyprus is in need for a bi-zonal, bi-communal
federation and this model will benefit both sides of the island. Such a
solution will also contribute to the stability of the whole region. In that
regard my main focus is a solution –oriented politics”, stated Akinci.
Referring
to the meeting scheduled to be held with the UN’s Special Advisor in Cyprus
Espen Barth Eide next week, Akinci stated that they will try to contribute to
the preparing of the infrastructure for the resumption of the Cyprus
negotiation process. I believe that the solution opportunity which was missed
10 years ago exists again. The only thing needed for this, is both sides to
show a mutual will and to understand the mutual benefits of a solution, he
added. .
“The
Cyprus Republic which is under the control of the Greek Cypriots has
unilaterally entered the EU but due to wrong financial decisions have suffered
from an economic crisis. On the other hand, the natural gas discovered in the
Eastern Mediterranean has created new dynamics for a solution. However,
disputing over this gas, which has not even been excavated, is not the right
path to take. Instead, we need to share this wealth justly. With the solution,
transferring the gas to Europe via Turkey seems to be the most logical, the
most rational and cost effective way”, stated Akinci.
In
his speech, Akıncı also touched upon the importance of the implementation of
the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in parallel with the efforts for the
solution of the Cyprus problem and said that these measures will contribute to
the daily lives of the two communities.“In this framework, we will exert efforts
for the opening of the closed city of Varosha for settlement under the UN
supervision, and the simultaneous opening of the Famagusta port and Ercan
airport for direct trade and flights. I believe that the CBMs will contribute
to the efforts for a comprehensive solution. In this framework, the opening of
new crossing points and the mobile telephone connection of the two communities
is absolutely very important”, Akinci added.
(AK)
2.Akinci- Arinc’s joint press conference
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (01.05.15) under the
title: “We are more hopeful about the
solution”, reported that the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci and Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister, responsible for Cyprus Affairs,
Bulent Arinc, who carried out an “official” visit in the occupied area of
Cyprus in order to attend the “oath-taking ceremony” of Akinci, held a joint press conference, after their
face to face meeting and the meeting of their delegations.
Speaking during the press conference, Arinc said that they are now more hopeful
towards reaching to a result at the Cyprus negotiation talks.
Stating
that together with the “election” of Akinci as the “TRNC’s president” they have
become more hopeful in terms of a solution, Arinc noted that Turkey is prepared
to carry out its duties at the negotiating table.
Arinc stated also the following: "Turkey is a brother country that wants to share even its bread
with the Turkish Cypriots. There has
always been the relationship of elder brother and younger brother within our culture. This expresses affection, and sincerity.And
as the respected President has stated, a brotherly relationship expresses
respect and friendship. The relationship
of brotherhood exists in our traditions.
We respect this style of the President."
In his turn, the
newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci stated that he will work in
close relationship with the “government” and expressed his pleasure over
hosting Arinc in the “TRNC” on such an important day.
Stating that the “TRNC” has a “parliamentary system”,
Akinci said: "I have given one
promise to the people… I said that I am
going to be sensitive toward social issues as well. Consequently,
I am going to work in a close relationship with the government".
Referring to the face to face meeting he held with
Arinc, and to the inter-delegation meetings, Akinci said that the delegations discussed the ties between the two “countries”.
"I am convinced that they held an excellent and beneficial meeting",
Akinci stated.
As regards the issue of the occupation regime’s
relations with Turkey, Akinci said that he has the responsibility to do
whatever he can in terms of their relationship with Turkey and noted that he
held a face to face meeting with Arinc within this framework.
Akinci
said also that during his meeting with Arinc, the existing protocols between
the two “countries”, and the things that have been done within the scope of
these protocols, had been put on the table.
Indicating that Arinc's duties will come to an end
following the June elections in Turkey, Akinci said: "I want to convey to him my wishes for
health and well-being." Akinci also
thanked Arinc for the services he has provided to the Turkish Cypriot
community.
Arinc,
for his part, stated that he had taken part in the swearing in and transfer of
authority ceremonies on behalf of the Turkish government and the Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said that Akinci had been elected as a
“president” with a great success.
Pointing out to the fact that the “elections” had
taken place in a fair and equal way Arinc said:
"Even if the turnout was a bit low, the citizens exercised their votes
freely.The result of the elections
should be respected”, he noted.
Supporting
that Turkey's relations with Cyprus are based on the past, Arinc added: "Our ties are not like our relations
with any other country. We are people
who have supported one another on every issue, and who have waged the struggle
for survival together."
Noting
that Akinci follows a certain line in politics, Arinc said: "We observed with appreciation the
speeches he made a while ago".
Noting
that a new era is beginning on Cyprus, and that he is expecting positive
developments to take place in terms of politics, Arinc said: "Our only desire is to be able to attain
a Cyprus that is able to stand on its own feet, and whose economy has
developed."
(AK)
3. Akinci
will visit Ankara on May 6
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (02.05.15) reported that the Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will visit Ankara on Wednesday the 6th of May
2015.
Akinci
will be visiting Ankara upon Turkish President Erdogan’s invitation. According to the statement issued by the “presidency”
the newly appointed Turkish Cypriot
negotiator Ozdil Nami will be accompanying Akinci during his visit. Before
being appointed as the new negotiator Nami was expected to hold contacts in
Berlin this week, according to the paper.
4. Akinci’s interview with Turkish Star newspaper;
He clarifies that some statements have not reflected what he said
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (03.05.15, online) reports the following on an
interview given by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to Turkish Star
newspaper:
“Akinci has hit back at claims made by Greek
FM Kotzias that the treaty of guarantees on Cyprus can be terminated
unilaterally.
Commenting on a
statement made by Kotzias in which he said that Greece is not interested in
keeping guarantees in Cyprus, Akinci
said that there are five players on the aspect of the Cyprus problem.
‘There is
Turkey, Greece, Great Britain, South Cyprus and the TRNC. Therefore, one side
saying guarantees should be ended cannot end the other guarantors’ rights’.
Akinci told Star
newspaper that the Cyprus problem will now be the most important issue on his
agenda with negotiations expected to restart in mid-May.
‘Our hope is that these negotiations will
culminate in a positive result in 2015. We have discussed this issue with
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Arinc and Turkey’s wishes are in the same
direction.’
Akinci went on to question the willingness of the
Cypriot government to share power in a post-solution Cyprus. ‘The Greek Cypriot side operates under the
assumption that it is the only sovereign country and the sole protector of
citizens’ rights. I believe this is wrong.’
He added: ‘Natural gas is a wealth belonging jointly
to both communities and I believe that this resource can fund the solution.
It is wrong for it to be turned into a point of friction, even before it is
unearthed’.
‘If they accept
that on this island, they are politically equal with us, then we will have
overcome the most important obstacle. Agreement on all other issues will become
easier.’
Akinci also criticized the confidence-building
measures (CBMs) unilaterally announced by President Nicos Anastasiades earlier
this week. ‘It was hardly
appropriate to announce these through the press’, he said.
Some of the
press reports included the demining of areas in the Kerynia mountain range and
in particular around the Five Finger [Pentadaktylos] Mountains”.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (04.05.15) reports that Akinci issued a written statement noting
that in spite of the fact that in Star newspaper’s report there are some
correct expressions used by himself, in the title and in some subtitles the
paper used some expressions which do not reflect what he said.
Akinci noted
that the treaty of guarantees is an international agreement and the sides
concerned are Turkey, Greece, Britain, the Turkish Cypriot side and the Greek
Cypriot side. He noted that the current
agreement will be valid until there is no other final form approved by the
sides. He said that Greece cannot change the treaty unilaterally and added that if there is an agreement between the
sides, the treaty could take a new form. “I think that this is not the hottest
issue on the agenda right now”, he argued.
Referring to the
four-paragraph confidence measures package announced by President Anastasiades,
Akinci said that he wants to hear these measures by the President himself and
expressed the view that announcing the
measures to the press first was not a
very “elegant” thing to do. He noted that the measure regarding the
minefields on Pentadaktylos Mountains should have been materialized earlier and
added that if the Turkish side knows such places, it should also announce them
to the Greek Cypriot side. He said: “Of
course steps which will bring the two sides closer to each other and lead their
relations to a better level are positive. I do not want to react
negatively. Let me listen to them first”.
Akinci expressed the view that measures such as the
connection of the two sides’ cell phones, the commercial vehicles crossing over
to the government – controlled area of the island, the opening of more crossing
points and the lifting of what he called as obstacles on issues such as the
exports of halloumi-hellim cheese would be very useful and would really create
trust in the Turkish side.
(I/Ts.)
5. Nami appointed as
negotiator
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris (02.05.15) reported that the newly elected Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci announced that he will appoint the self-styled foreign
minister Ozdil Nami as his new negotiator in the Cyprus talks.
The
statement by the “president’s office” read as follow: “As I repeatedly stated
throughout my election campaign I believe that there is currently an important
window of opportunity for a settlement in Cyprus. In addition to having a
vision for EU membership and a settlement, I believe that Mr Nami, who has been
serving as ‘foreign minister, can make serious contributions to the
negotiations process with his experience and knowledge”.
According
to the statement, Akinci said that Nami accepted the appointment and he will
step down from his current post in the coming days.
On
the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (02.05.15) reported that
Nami, speaking to Ada TV, confirmed his appointment. He added that for a long
time now, they have struggled in order to be able to have a solution that will
defend the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot “people”. Nami also said
that a new excitement has been born, and they will try with all their strength
so 2015 to be a year of solution.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 03.05.15) reported
that Nami, assessing his new role as negotiator to paper’s reporter Eniz
Orakcioglu, said that this new job means an important responsibility.
Nami
said that he received positive reactions from the public and thanked everyone
for their support and faith in him. He noted that Akinci had pointed out that
there are many valuable people who can contribute to this process, adding that
with a good negotiating team they can lead this the best way possible. He
concluded by saying that for him to be brought in at this stage was an honour.
(DPs)
6. Nami is reportedly
appointed as negotiator upon Ankara’s wish; Reactions to Nami’s
appointment
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (02.05.15)
reports that Ozdil Nami, self-styled
foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, has been appointed to the post of the
Turkish Cypriot negotiator upon pressure exerted by Ankara. Under the title
“Ankara asked it, Ozdil Nami became negotiator”, the paper describes as “disappointing” this decision by the newly
elected Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, noting that Nami’s appointment
“shocked” Akinci’s supporters.
The paper writes that former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who is preparing to
undertake the leadership of the “ruling” Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has submitted a proposal to Nami to become
the new “prime minister” of the regime after Ozkan Yorgancioglu’s resignation.
Talat himself cannot undertake this duty because he is not a “deputy”.
According to Afrika, Nami preferred the
post of the negotiator and accepted Akinci’s proposal.
Under the title “When Ankara requested it, Ozdil Nami
became negotiator and not a prime minister”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
Postasi newspaper (04.05.15) reports that according to correspondence acquired
by the paper, Nami rejected Talat’s proposal after Akinci’s proposal and a
request by Turkish officials.
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (03.05.15)
reports that Mehmet Cakici, “deputy”
and former chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), has said that he was surprised by this decision, adding that he did not
expect any of the “deputies” to be appointed as negotiator. Pointing out
that this was Akinci’s opinion, Cakici
noted that he was expecting the appointment of a more neutral, independent and
young academician. However, Huseyin
Angolemli, “deputy” with the same party, described the decision as a correct one, pointing out that Nami is an
experienced person.
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (04.05.15)
reports that Ozkan Yorgancioglu,
self-styled prime minister of the regime and CTP’s chairman, described Nami’s appointment a “great
fortune” for the negotiating process, as he could significantly contribute
to the process because of his 10-15 year experience.
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (03.05.15)
reports that “everyone is satisfied” with Nami’s appointment and refers to
statements by political party officials.
Hasan Tacoy, general secretary of the Democratic Party (DP), said that Nami’s appointment was a positive
development and noted that he personally knows Nami’s abilities both as
negotiator and in the international relations. He said that he was
confident that Nami will execute his duties in the best possible manner.
Ersin Tatar, “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP), has
recalled that during his “election” campaign Akinci had said that he had a
30-member negotiating delegation. He added: “Now he stated that he will appoint
Mr Nami as negotiator. Therefore, if Mr Nami’s appointment as a negotiator has
been imposed by some circles, the extent of this complying with Mr Akinci’s
standing upright is disputable”. Tatar described
as interesting Nami’s appointment noting that his views are different than
Akinci’s views on issues such as the occupied fenced off city of Varosha and
the Turkish NAVTEX instruction. “I wonder how they will solve this”, he said.
Abdullah Korkmazhan, general secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) said that they respect Akinci’s decision
adding that the important thing is the
materialization of his four-dimensioned vision announced before the
“elections”.
Finally, former Turkish Cypriot’s negotiator, Ergun Olgun said that the negotiator
should be very careful and behave in a diplomatic manner and added that he
should be a person who can and have the power to undertake initiatives and take
steps forward and a person who knows the Turkish Cypriot leader’s views and
thoughts. “In this direction, Ozdil Nami
is a good choice”, he noted.
(I/Ts.)
7. Cavusglu on Akinci:
Some warnings could be given at the beginning
Istanbul
HaberTurk (02.05.15) reports that the Turkish
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu gave an interview during the return flight
from Boznia-Herzegovina where he replied to questions about the issues occurred
between the new Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the Turkish
government. The interview was as follows:
“Question:
Is the polemic with the new president on the KKTC going to have a lasting and
adverse effect?
Cavusoglu: What
Mustafa Akinci said was not all that unpleasant. But some warnings could be
given at the beginning. I think that Akinci is going to work in close
cooperation with Turkey. Our attitude and Akinci's attitude concerning the
settlement process are the same.I spoke with him on the phone after he got
elected. His desire to work closely with Turkey is very good. He wants to come
to Turkey. In the end, motherland, baby nation. Naturally we have fraternal
feelings. The motherland will know its responsibilities. The baby nation will
know its responsibilities. We shall always continue on our path with this
understanding. Our goal is a settlement. It is not to belittle the KKTC. The
term baby nation is something the people of the KKTC have adopted. It expresses
the truth. There is no point in developing a complex over it. Turkey does not
have a superiority complex and the KKTC does not have an inferiority complex.”
8. Cavusoglu responded to
Kotzias’
statement
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 02.05.15), Turkish Foreign Minister
Mevlut Cavusoglu has called upon Greece to focus towards restarting the stalled
Cyprus negotiations process and to work towards achieving a settlement within a
year.
The
Turkish Foreign Minister’s remarks came in response to an earlier statement by
his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias
that Greece wanted to abandon its guarantor rights on Cyprus.
Replying
to a reporter’s question how he evaluates Kotzias’ statement during his visit
to Mersin, Cavusoglu said that Turkey is
a guarantor power in Cyprus on the basis of international treaties and agreements.
He added: “Greece should focus on encouraging the Greek Cypriot side to work
towards a solution and should play a positive role so that we can achieve
concrete results from the talks within a year”.
Noting
that Turkey will continue to be by the side of the “TRNC” (editor’s note: the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), Cavusoglu
expressed the hope for a settlement on the island.
“Let us reach a settlement
in Cyprus on the basis of two founding states. In other words let us reach a
settlement on the basis of the joint declaration signed by the two leaders in
Cyprus on February 2014. Only then will it be
possible to lower the number of troops on the island to around 600 as envisaged
by the 2004 Annan Plan. In any case, once the two communities start living
together and start sharing economic interests over natural gas and oil,
everything will start working out on its own”, he said.
The
Turkish Foreign Minister also expressed the view that Athens should look
positively on the introduction of confidence building measures.
Also
commenting on the summit held in Cyprus with Greece and Egypt, Cavusoglu claimed that no delineation
agreement or limitation agreement is valid in the Eastern Mediterranean in the
absence of Turkey. “We shall not allow it. This is extremely clear”, he said.
(DPs)
9. Bozkir says Turkey
slowed down the EU membership process to protect the Turkish Cypriots' rights
Ankara
Anatolia news agency (01.05.15) reported that Turkey's EU Minister Volkan Bozkir stated that Turkey's EU membership
bid has been at a standstill because of the Cyprus problem.
"If we had a mentality
of sacrificing the Turkish Cypriots, we would now probably have become an EU
member," Bozkir said in a live TV interview on
Turkey's state broadcaster TRT on Thursday evening. Bozkir said Turkey had to slow down its EU membership bid in order to
preserve the Turkish Cypriots and their rights.
He
took the opportunity to say that he had congratulated the new Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci. Bozkir said Akinci's remarks were
"unfortunate," adding that he wished Akinci would come to Turkey.
"Here we can develop a
common strategy," he said. "He can sit at the negotiation table with
powerful backing from Turkey. Hopefully, the Cyprus problem can be
solved."
10. Yildiz: Delivering
Greek Cyprus gas via Egypt not feasible
Ankara
Anatolia news agency (01.05.15) reported that Turkey’s Energy and Natural
Resources Minister, Taner Yildiz has
deemed that delivering natural gas from the Republic of Cyprus via Egypt was
not feasible.
“It
is said that they will bring the gas to Egypt as liquefied natural gas [LNG],”
Yildiz said, during a breakfast organized for economic journalists in Kayseri.
“When declining oil prices and high cost of LNG are taken into consideration, I
do not find this decision feasible for them. This decision represents only a
political obstinacy.” He said delivering gas through Egypt would be a decision
taken purposefully so as not to pass the natural gas via Turkey.
In addition, Hurriyet Daily
News (04.05.15) reports that Professor Volkan Ediger, director of the Centre
for Energy and Sustainable Development at Kadir Has University, stated that
precious loneliness, which has been used by the Justice and Development Party
(AKP) to justify Turkey's contentious relations with some of its neighbours, is
working against the country's energy interests, according to an energy expert.
Ediger stated the following:
“In the course of the last 10 years, southern
Cyprus has signed three agreements on exclusive economic zones (EEZ) with three
of its neighbours: Israel, Egypt and Lebanon. What did we do? We did almost
nothing. There is no doubt that unless there is stability in the region, these
energy resources will not be exploited. Syria is at war, and there is
contention between Turkey and Israel and contention between southern Cyprus and
northern Cyprus. If that is the case, so long as Turkey is not in the equation,
the cooperation between Israel, Egypt, southern Cyprus and Greece will not be
taken too seriously. But let's not
forget that southern Cyprus has been active on the issue. It has created a
win-win situation by involving eight or nine countries. It has signed
agreements with three countries; by inviting Total, it brings France into the
picture, with ENI, Italy, and with Nobel, the U.S. Southern Cyprus is in an
alliance with seven or eight countries. What are the countries that we are
allied to? Zero. Perhaps Turkey is counting on the fact that not much can take
place in the end without Turkey being included in the picture. Perhaps. Or
perhaps these are not issues we focus on. […] The fact that the leaders of southern Cyprus, Greece and Egypt met
[last week] is proof that we have lost our influence in the region. The Greek
Cypriots have got the Israelis and the Egyptians on their side, while we are in
a hostile relationship with Egypt, Israel and Syria. “I guess you are alluding
to precious loneliness, he said.
11. Turkey has given
nearly 9 billion TL in direct aid to “TRNC” since 2006
Turkish
daily Sabah (online, 01.05.15) reported that the Turkish state has granted TL 9
billion ($ 3.36 billion) in total to “Turkish Cyprus” (editor’s note: the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) over the last
10 years. Also, the foreign trade volume between them has reached $1.3 billion
The “TRNC” received almost
TL 9 billion ($3.36 billion) in direct state assistance for security,
investment and credit from Turkey since 2006, according to figures compiled by
Anadolu Agency. Trade figures also show that Turkey
has played an important role in developing the “TRNC’s economy”. Bilateral
foreign trade volume, which is one of the main factors showing the bourgeoning
economic ties, annual trade between “TRNC” and Turkey has increased by 60%
between 2005 and 2014 to TL 1.3 billion.
Despite
the global economic crisis, positive developments in foreign trade have
highlighted the importance of Turkey for the “TRNC's economy”.
According to the data of the
Turkish Statistics Institute, despite certain “sanctions and embargoes”, the
foreign trade volume between the two countries increased by 60% between
2005-2014, reaching $1.3 billion and the “TRNC” received both investment and
loan incentives from Turkey along with other similar grants, totalling nearly
TL 9 billion.
As
of last year, mineral oils and fuels were the two product groups most exported
from Turkey to the “TRNC”, equalling $402 million, followed by boilers,
machinery and mechanical devices worth $71 billion and plastic products worth
$57.2 million.
Products
sold by the “TRNC” to Turkey last year were mostly dairy products, eggs, honey
and other animal products, equalling $27 million. While imports of fresh fruit
were around $15 billion, iron and steel imports were around $8.8 million.
One
of the most important economic areas between Turkey and the “TRNC” was Turkey's
support for the “TRNC” to achieve a balanced budget. Further, Turkey's stance
was supporting the payment of the “TRNC government officers' wages and helping
out with government expenses”. Since 2006, 2013 was the year in which the
highest grant was awarded to “TRNC”, equalling TL 1.7 billion.
The development of the
economy and social life on the island was also due to the increase in the
number of students. The number of universities increased in the “TRNC” and
between the 2013 and 2014 academic year, the number of students increased by
13% to 62,726, out of which 34,858 were Turkish citizens.
Turkey's support for the “TRNC” was not only limited to grants for the budget
and foreign trade, but also the "TRNC Drinking Water Procurement
Project", which ensured that drinking water and water for irrigation is
delivered to the island through 80-kilometer-long pipes.
Turkish
daily Cumhuriyet (02.05.15) published the following table showing Turkey’s aid
distribution during 2006-2015:
|
Years
|
Security
|
Investment
|
Credit
|
incentives
|
Total
(million TL)
|
|
2006
|
0
|
0
|
250
|
45
|
295
|
|
2007
|
125
|
210
|
225
|
40
|
600
|
|
2008
|
136
|
200
|
225
|
0
|
561
|
|
2009
|
160
|
150
|
293
|
33
|
636
|
|
2010
|
180
|
225
|
590
|
15
|
1,010
|
|
2011
|
185
|
235
|
500
|
20
|
940
|
|
2012
|
185
|
403
|
400
|
1
|
989
|
|
2013
|
206
|
1,055
|
415
|
1
|
1,677
|
|
2014
|
237
|
544
|
416
|
10
|
1,207
|
|
2015
|
250
|
366
|
406
|
10
|
1,032
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
8,947
|
(DPs)
12. Talat
to be a candidate for the CTP’ leadership
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (04.05.15)
reports that the former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat announced that
he will be a candidate for the leadership of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP)
at the party’s congress which will be held on June 14.
In the framework of his announcement, Talat issued a 25-point manifesto as regards
the future of CTP and his role. Some of the main points of this manifesto are
as follows:
“1. CTP will be the pioneer for change in the country
2. Support will
be given to federation efforts
3. Securing public participation in the process
4. Establish a timetable for civilianization of the
police force
5. Continue sensitive friendly-brotherly relations
with Turkey
6. Administration for the water coming from
Turkey. Opposed to privatization”
(CS)
13. Nationalist MHP
announces election manifesto ahead of June 7
Turkish
daily Sabah newspaper (04.05.15) reports that under its main election slogan "Walk with us Turkey", the
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) announced its election manifesto almost a
month before the June 7 parliamentary elections through a meeting held in
Ankara on Sunday.
The
MHP, the third largest party in terms of votes in 2011's general elections, was
the last major party to announce its election manifesto. As expected, the MHP's
main election promise is using all means to end the terror without dialogue or
mutual steps, and the party promises to end Turkey's on-going reconciliation
process. However, the party also put forward a comprehensive economic promises
package along with its high profile candidates such as former Central Bank
Governor Durmus Yilmaz.
Starting
on May 6, the MHP will speed up its election campaign with meetings in around
60 provinces, while the party will reportedly spend 40 million Turkish liras
($14.8 million) for its campaign.
Speaking
on Turkey's current system debate, Bahceli denounced the presidential system
put forward by AK Party and stated that the June 7 elections will bring an end
to this debate. The MHP's manifesto states that the parliamentary system based
on Turkey's unitary state structure is the most suitable way of governance for
the Turkish people.
Just
like other opposition parties, the MHP's election manifesto includes important
promises in the economy field. Bahceli said that the MHP's economy promises
will cost TL 71.9 billion. MHP promises to increase employment by 4.5 million
people to 29.1 million, which currently stands at 25.4 million as of January
2015 data. Subcontracted government employees will be hired permanently, the
manifesto says, while promising 700,000 additional jobs per year.
Cemevis, houses of worship for Turkey's Alevi
community, will be granted legal status and will benefit from government aid,
the manifesto says.
The
party aims to double both the economic growth and GDP per capita by reaching an
average 6.6% growth rate per year and $20,000 per person. Public lands will be
allocated to poor citizens, the manifesto states, and the MHP's earlier project
of "Hilal Kart", a social aid card to be given to families, is also
included within the manifesto.
The party also promises to increase disability
pensions to TL 400 and pensions paid for people who are 65 and over to TL 350.
Each successful student will be provided with a TL 10,000 interest-free loan to
be collected after employment.
14. Erdogan says has
right to use state money to hold pre-election rallies
Turkish
daily Today's Zaman (03.05.15) reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, who has already been criticized harshly by the opposition for
participating in current political campaigns in favour of the ruling Justice
and Development Party despite his duty to be "impartial" under the
Turkish Constitution, has said that he has the right to use state resources to
conduct campaign rallies across Turkey ahead of the June 7 parliamentary
elections.
Speaking during a rally in
the south-eastern province of Diyarbakir on Saturday, Erdogan said: “Are you
asking with whose money I am holding rallies? I am holding [them] with state
money. It is my legal right. I am standing here as the president of this
country. I am here after I took 52% of the vote,"
referring to criticism by pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) leader
Selahattin Demirtas. In an election campaign speech to Turkish voters in Paris,
Demirtas said Erdogan is committing a crime by violating the Constitution,
which dictates that the President be politically impartial.
15. Turkish commentary draws
attention to lack of interest in EU membership in the election process in
Turkey
Turkish
daily Today's Zaman (04.05.15) published a
commentary by Ali Yurttagul under the title “A Deafening Silence on the EU
Front” in which attention is drawn on the fact that there is lack on Turkey’s
EU bid during the election campaign in Turkey:
“It's really no surprise
that the European Union and topics surrounding Turkey's quest for accession are
barely mentioned on election platforms and in manifestos. The talks, which have
been going for 10 years now, are at an impasse; the entire concept of
membership has lost most of its believability for people. The process itself,
which officially began back in December 1999 with the Helsinki Summit, has
fallen so far into the background that even the press hardly deigns to touch it
these days.
In
the meantime, the relative lack of interest in the entire issue is vividly
reflected in the election manifestos and platforms we are hearing these days
from various political parties. Unlike a
decade ago, the EU is no longer being linked broadly with topics like peace,
democracy, social and basic rights, and economic development and prosperity. At
most, the EU and the topic of a possible Turkish membership fall under the
category of “foreign policy” in election platforms. And in that category, the
quest for accession is not included in the first sentences, but sprinkled
lightly into later paragraphs.
Quite
a few factors come into play where the EU's fall from the Turkish agenda is
concerned […]Also, the EU's stance when
it comes to Cyprus has made it difficult for Turkish opposition parties to
criticize the ruling party on the topic of accession talks. Brussels has shown
nothing but one-sidedness and inconsistency, and has ultimately wound up
alienating Northern Cyprus, despite the latter's support for the United Nations
project.
Yet
another factor making things more complicated when it comes to Turkey and the
EU is the economic crisis, particularly the Greek situation. Voices on the
right and the left of the Turkish vista point out now that the EU, rather than
being the font of prosperity and development that many had professed it to be,
might in fact end up being a source of crisis, or perhaps the main factor
responsible for an economic crisis. To further this view, many influential
Justice and Development Party (AKP) politicians, as well as journalists writing
for the pro-government media, talk frequently of the “collapsing West” these
days, reflecting a possible revival of the old Welfare Party (RP) spirit. […]”
---------------------------------------------------
TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
(CS/ AM)
