TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
91/15 19.05.15
1. Akinci’s
spokesman evaluates speculations on CBMs
2.
Erdogan’s spokesman: Turkey will take the necessary steps to ensure that 2015
is a year for Cyprus settlement
3. Denktas:
The Anglo-Americans will exert pressure for a solution in Cyprus
4. DP
replies to Bozkir: RaufDenktas was following a policy in harmony with the
Turkish Foreign Ministry
5. Turkish
Cypriot politicians met with a Kirgiz Deputy who is visiting the occupied area
of Cyprus
6. Caglar
evaluates the Cyprus problem and the issue of Varosha
7. Bozkir:
We expect Chapter 17 to be opened as soon as possible
8.
Archbishop Chrysostomos B’ sent a congratulatory message to Akinci
9. Akinci's
office releases cost of “election campaign”
10.
Revitalization of negotiations with the EU high on opposition parties’ agenda
11.
Columnist Murat Yetkin believes that Turkey’s election may change the political
landscape
1. Akinci’s
spokesman evaluates speculations on CBMs
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
Postasi Daily News (online, 19.05.15), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s
spokesman BarisBurcu evaluated the speculations regarding the Confidence
Building Measures (CBMs) in the Greek Cypriot press to “BRT”.
Burcu said that it was not just in the
Greek Cypriot side but several statements had also been made in the “north”
regarding this issue and it is necessary to get over these old habits.
He said that both sides have priorities and
proposals regarding the CBMs during the process; the important thing is the
criteria and the intention. Burcu explained that CBMs have to be for the
benefit of both sides and ones that can be implemented in a short term; he said
that until the work is finalised it will not be possible to make the necessary
announcements.
On the issue of opening more crossing
points, Burcu said that Akinci has the vision of opening up as many crossing
points as possible. He said that it will be defined, which crossing points will
benefit both sides and can be implemented quickly. The committee dealing with
this issue will convene on the 20th of May, he added.
2. Erdogan’s
spokesman: Turkey will take the necessary steps to ensure that 2015 is a year
for Cyprus settlement
Turkish daily Sabah (online, 19.05.15),
under the title “Turkey's presidential spokesman Kalin: Morsi death sentence is
the death of justice in Egypt”, reports that Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin, speaking at a news
conference at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, touched also upon the Cyprus negotiations and stated that Turkey will
take the necessary steps beside the Turkish Cypriots to ensure that 2015 is a
year to reach a resolution on the Cyprus issue. He underlined that
sincerity on both sides is a crucial factor and the Greek Cypriots should also
be as sincere as the Turkish Cypriots.
3. Denktas:
The Anglo-Americans will exert pressure for a solution in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper
(19.05.15) reports that SerdarDenktas,chairman
of the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG), has alleged that the Greek Cypriots may be forced to an agreement in
spite of the fact that they allegedly do not want one.According to Denktas, it
seems that the Anglo-Americans will exert a lot of pressure this time so that
the issue ends with an agreement. He claimed that the Greek Cypriots have no intention
to reach an agreement, but pressure will be exerted on both sides.
“This campaign has started, it is like
during the Annan Plan”, he claimed alleging that the developments regarding the
so-called Turkish Cypriot football federation are within this framework.
Explaining his concern about an agreement
which both sides will not be very willing to accept, Denktas wondered whether
such an agreement will lead to a solution or to a conflict.
Denktas
reiterated his position in favor of a “federation which will be established by
two states”, noting that “the two states are very important for us”. “The
reason for this is that they are the symbol of our equality”, he
claimed.
Denktas alleged: “They continuously give
the example of Germany and France. Germany
and France are two countries which fought for years. Now they are living in a
friendly manner within the EU, because they have produced respect to the
borders and the sovereignty of each other. Only if we can produce this in
Cyprus a viable solution can be realized”.
Denktas claimed that the mutual gestures
announced by the two leaders were not mutual. He said that he wants the
“people” to see the maps of the 28 minefields given by President Anastasiades
and argued that the “people” should know if these minefields have been cleaned
by the “security forces” in the past.
(I/Ts.)
4. DP
replies to Bozkir: RaufDenktas was following a policy in harmony with the
Turkish Foreign Ministry
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(19.05.15) reports that the Democratic
Party – National Forces (DP-UG) has said that late Turkish Cypriot leader
RaufDenktas was following a policy in harmony with the Turkish Ministry of
Foreign Affairs on the Cyprus problem. The party criticized the statement
made by the Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator, VolkanBozkir regarding
DP-UG’s chairman and self-styled deputy prime minister SerdarDenktas’
resignation from his post in the “government” saying that this decision was
untimely and implying that Denktas does not want a solution to the Cyprus
problem like his late father, who “was probably the reason of the non-solution
for many years”.
DP-UG argued that Bozkir has either not
read the reasons of Denktas’ resignation and the statements he had made after
the meeting of his party or he tries to “cover them up”.
Noting that
late RaufDenktas has always followed a policy in harmony with the Turkish
Foreign ministry, the party claimed that in 2005 Denktas withdrew from active
politics when he thought that he would not be able to work in harmony with the
policy that changed with the Justice and Development Party (AKP). “However,
he continued his guiding warnings on the Cyprus issue”, it added.
Recalling that between 1972 and 2011,
Bozkir has been at the highest posts of the Turkish Foreign Ministry where the
Turkish policy for Cyprus was formed, the DP-UG claimed that by showing Denktas, who defended this
policy during his whole life, as the reason of the non-solution “is something
more than a political gaffe, it is unfortunately a political unawareness”.
(I/Ts.)
5.Turkish Cypriot politicians met with a Kirgiz Deputy who is
visiting the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (19.05.15) reports that Turkish Cypriot
politicians met with the chairman of the Fatherland Party of Kirgizstan
DasatbekDjumabekov who is visiting the occupied area of Cyprus. Djumabekov was
accompanied during his visit with Tayseer Al Shanaleh, who is the
“representative of Kirgizstan” in the breakaway regime.
During the
meeting he held with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Djumabekov said
that they wanted to establish a friendship group between the “parliaments of
the two countries” but this was prevented by some circles. He also said that he
hopes that the Turkic world will be united soon and that the “TRNC” will take
its place in this union. On his part, Akinci stated that it is important to hold
contacts and added that if a friendship group is established, then the efforts
for solving the Cyprus problem would be strengthened.
Djumabekov
met also with “prime minister” OzkanYorgancioglu and stated during the meeting
that he wants to strengthen the cooperation between Kirgizstan and the
breakaway regime.
Djumabekov
further met with the “speaker of the assembly”, SibelSiber. Djumabekov referred
during the meeting to the “brotherhood relations between the two peoples” and
added that every time he visits the occupied area of Cyprus “it feels like
home”.
(CS)
6.Caglar
evaluates the Cyprus problem and the issue of Varosha
Under the title: “Varosha is a part of
the comprehensive solution”, Turkish Cypriot daily HaberalKibrisli (19.05.15)
reports that Mehmet Caglar, “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party-United
Forces (CTP-BG) in occupied Morfou, in statements yesterday to a televised
program broadcast by Genc TV, referred to the Cyprus negotiation process and
the issue of Varosha.
Caglar
stated, inter alia, that the Cyprus problem does not derive from the issue of
Varosha and added that Varosha is a part of the comprehensive solution of the
Cyprus problem. He added that he does not consider the issue of Varosha as the
main issue of the Cyprus problem and stated that the main issue of the Cyprus
problem is that of Governance and Power Sharing.
Caglar also expressed his optimism as regards the negotiation process and pointed
out to the need for both sides to show decisiveness and goodwill towards the
solution. He added that the international players will also contribute in order
to achieve progress.
Concerning the issue of Varosha, Caglar
said that it can progress together with the negotiation process. He stressed, however,
that the need not to forget Varosha is a part of the comprehensive solution.
Caglar referred also to the CTP’s
general congress which is scheduled to take place on June 14 and stated that he
will support Talat’s candidacy to undertake the leadership of the party.
(AK)
7. Bozkir:
We expect Chapter 17 to be opened as soon as possible
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency
(18.05.15), Turkey's bid for EU membership could move forward "very
soon", EU Enlargement Commissioner, Johannes Hahn, said Monday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Turkey’s chief EU negotiator,
VolkanBozkir, in Brussels on Monday, Hahn said: "I think it might be
possible to open Chapter 17 very soon." Each "chapter", or policy
areas, addresses specific issues in the accession process. "Chapter
17" is on the economic and monetary policy.
"We have concluded our internal work
and we will submit at the latest in early June our report to the council and
[I] hope we will get approval soon so we can start and open this chapter,"
Hahn told the news conference.
Out of 35 policy areas, 14 have been opened
and 17 remain blocked, including the ones on economic and monetary policy and
on education and culture.
"I would like to stress Turkey does
and will do her part in [the] accession process. However, the pace of
negotiations is not promising, because some countries have raised
obstacles," Turkey's chief EU negotiator, Bozkir, told the news conference.
"We
expect this chapter [Chapter 17] to be opened as soon as possible", Bozkir
said. "We are ready to intensify dialogue for deepening Turkey [and EU]
relations."
Furthermore, Turkey and the European Union
have said that membership talks remain a “cornerstone” in their relations. The
statement came ahead of a fresh EU-Turkey Association Council meeting in
Brussels on Monday.
It was also revealed on Sunday that Turkey
is to receive 18 million euro ($20.5 million) from the EU to support the
country as it shelters almost two million refugees from Syria.
"Turkey and the EU are key partners
and strategic allies in our region. Accession negotiations remain the
cornerstone of EU-Turkey relations," according to the statement signed by
Cavusoglu, Bozkir, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Hahn.
The statement – released after a working
dinner in Brussels on Sunday – added that specific discussions took place on
how to further progress towards opening Chapter 17 on economic and monetary
policy.
The EU also
welcomed the resumption of the Cyprus settlement talks last Friday and agreed
to continue to give "full, resolute and practical support to the efforts
of UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide to make
real progress on this essential dossier in the coming weeks and months".
8.Archbishop
Chrysostomos B’ sent a congratulatory message to Akinci
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper
(19.05.15) reports that the head of the “Religious affairs department” in the
occupied area of Cyprus TalipAtalay has conveyed yesterday during his meeting
with the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Archbishop
Chrysostomos’ congratulatory letter.
According to a statement issued by the
so-called presidency, in the letter, the Archbishop congratulated Akinci for
his election victory, using the following expression: “May God give you the
power to fulfill your responsibilities”.
The Archbishop expressed also hopes in
his letter that Akinci will work for the benefit of the whole of Cyprus and its
“people”, the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and
Latins.
(AK)
9. Akinci's
office releases cost of “election campaign”
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
Postasi Daily News (online, 18.05.15), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci’s working office has released
figures of the amount of spending he made for his “election campaign”.
Akinci is believed to have spent 725,203TL
on his campaign; 236,599TL of this went to media.
Private funds from Akinci himself,
organisational contribution from the TDP (Socialist Democrat Party) as well as
promotional sales and contributions from volunteers amounted to 725,203TL.
10. Revitalization
of negotiations with the EU high on opposition parties’ agenda
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online,
18.05.15) with the above title reported that in the election manifestos
published by the opposition parties ahead of the June 7 elections, the parties
vow to give momentum to Turkey's bid to accede to the European Union, a process
that has stalled due to the Justice and Development Party's (AKP) policies,
which have been viewed by the EU as not being in line with the country's
commitments to enter the EU.
Speaking to Today's Zaman on Monday, main
opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Adana Deputy and former Turkish
Ambassador to the US, Faruk Logoglu, commented on the party's vision for
Turkey's accession to the EU in the next parliamentary term by saying that the
CHP considers Turkey's entry into the EU as a strategic goal.
Noting that Turkey's EU accession process
is viewed by the CHP as a continuation of the modernization of the country
since its foundation in 1923, Logoglu
said that during the next parliamentary term the CHP will pursue policies with
regard to Turkey's efforts to enter the EU. “Accession to the EU will serve
the interests of Turkey in terms of economic and political aspects. [Turkey's
entry to the EU] will also contribute to the improvement of relations between
the Muslim and Christian world,” said Logoglu.
Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Deputy
Chairman, NazmiGur, told Today's Zaman on Monday that during the next term in
Parliament, the HDP will prop up policies that contribute to Turkey's accession
to the EU. “The HDP has been one of the
parties that supported Turkey's EU accession process. When EU standards, such
as basic human rights, the rule of law and an independent judiciary, are taken
into account, we think that this process is indispensable for Turkey. In this
regard, we will lend support to Turkey's bid to accede to the EU during the
next term in Parliament," said Gur.
He also criticized the AK Party by saying
that due to the party's mistakes in foreign policy, Turkey's EU process has
come to a halt. “We think that during the AK Party's rule, Turkey lost its
perspective on the EU due to the different choices [made by the party] in
foreign policy,” said Gur.
The
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) underlines in its election manifesto that
Turkey should not make compromises on several issues such as Cyprus or the
normalization of relations with Armenia. The MHP maintains that Turkey's
EU bid is not an indispensable policy goal and that the EU needs to recognize Turkey's “national sensitivities”.
11. Columnist
Murat Yetkin believes that Turkey’s election may change the political landscape
Under the title “Political tension rising
ahead of Turkey’s election”, columnist Murat Yetkin writing in Turkish daily Hurriyet
Daily News (online, 19.05.15) said that the bombing of election offices of the
Kurdish problem-focused Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in the southern cities
of Adana and Mersin on May 18 has added to already rising political tension
ahead of Turkey’s June 7 general election.
Yetkin, in the following commentary,
believes that the upcoming Turkey’s general elections are very critical:
“HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtas was quick
to accuse the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) over the attack,
adding that it was not the first time the party’s offices had been attacked.
The most recent attacks are particularly important because they came just
before HDP rallies in Adana and Mersin, just three weeks before the election.
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu condemned
the bombings categorically, saying he immediately has given orders to the
security forces to catch those responsible.
The HDP
position has a critical importance for this election. If it manages to overcome
the 10% threshold, the entire balance of representation in the 550-seat
parliament will change. It would make it almost impossible for
President Tayyip Erdogan to see an AKP-led constitutional change in parliament
based on a shift from the parliamentary system to a strong presidential system.
There is more: If the HDP gets into
parliament and the other two opposition parties, the social democratic main
opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party
(MHP), manage to increase their votes by just a few percent, the AKP may not be
able to form a one-party government.
(…)
As the elections approach, pressure in
other fields like the media is also rising. (…)
The government does not hide that it is
uncomfortable with media coverage of opposition parties, regardless of whether
this coverage is incomparable to the coverage of the ruling AKP overall. The
AKP uses a considerable budget to promote its ads on public and private TV
stations, in addition to the hours-long live coverage of daily speeches
delivered by both Erdogan and Davutoglu. The HDP, the CHP and the MHP all
complain about the unfair TV coverage of public broadcaster TRT, despite its
constitutionally binding law on impartiality. (…)”
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/
AM)
