TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
98/15 28.05.15
1.
Nami says that they will soon launch the process
regarding the mines
2. “There is progress in the negotiations”
3. Akinci met with foreign Ambassadors
4. New
postponement for the trial of the couple who displayed the Republic of Cyprus'
flag
5.
Denktas proposed Mentes Gunduz to replace him for the “deputy prime minister”
post
6.
The “universities” contribute to the economy of the breakaway regime 1.3
billion dollars
7.
“North Cyprus Turkcell” includes the calls towards Turkey to domestic calls
8. Significant
amount of copper and gold were discovered in mine researchers in an army
controlled area in occupied Lefka
9. Cavusoglu held contacts in Kuwait; The resumption
of the Cyprus negotiation talks among the matters of discussion
10. Main opposition party CHP expresses concerns over
the security of the June elections; EP’s Rapporteur carries out contacts in
Turkey
11. Survey in Turkey indicates Turkey’s isolation to
the world and presents Israel and the US as biggest threats for Turkey
12. “Lone wolf syndrome in Turkish foreign policy”
1. Nami says that they will soon launch the process
regarding the mines
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (28.05.15) reports that Turkish Cypriot
negotiator, Ozdil Nami has said that
they are examining with the Turkish occupation army and the United Nations the
information conveyed by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus regarding
minefields established by the National Guard in 1974. In statements to Genc
TV, Nami noted that after this examination the sweeping activities will start
and added:
“At this stage I
cannot say that there are [mines] in this area and there are not in that. This work will be carried out in a sound
manner, but at least when we look at the areas generally – and the military
authorities have made a presentation to us about this- we see that it is not possible to have a minefield in many of them. For
example, huge buildings exist at places where a minefield appears on the map or
the fields have been ploughed for years etc. A detailed issue is the
following: For example many types of mines are made of metal and those made of
metal are most probably not functional after 40 years. On the other hand, those
made of plastic have a longer life. There are also anti-personnel [mines] which
are closer to the surface. It is not possible for them not to have exploded
after a so long period of time. However, there are also antitank [mines] which
might remain deep in the ground as long as a load is not put on them. All these are now being examined together
with the necessary authorities and the procedures will be launched soon”.
Nami said that
they conveyed to the military authorities the information submitted by
President Anastasiades during the first meeting between the leaders. The
military reportedly saw that this information was insufficient for carrying out
demining activities and briefed them in writing about the standards of the
information they wanted. He said that
they conveyed this information to the Greek Cypriot side, which searched its
archives and gave them the information they wanted in the format they wanted.
Referring to the negotiating process, Nami said that
they are hopeful about the future and that both leaders speak about a common
vision, without any
pressure to be exerted on any of them by anyone. He expressed the wish that
this positive climate continues and recalled of Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci’s statement that the most important thing is to reach a good result. “With this understanding we are going [to
the negotiations] cautiously optimistic”, he said adding that hoping is a good thing but “we do not want
to draw a rosy picture”. “We do not want to be disappointed if something goes
wrong. It is a difficult process”, he noted and added:
“The positive
reaction to the leaders the other day when they went to the south [Translator’s
note this is how he described the government-controlled area of the island]
through Lokmaci area, the positive energy shows to us that a change started in
the Greek Cypriot side and the public opinion polls also indicate this. These
are good developments, but we have before us issues which are not touched yet.
You will hear both good news and tension from the meetings. Everyone should be
psychologically prepared for these”.
Replying to a question, Nami said that both sides took
steps forward in a constructive manner showing respect to the convergences and
the gains achieved until today. He noted that everything has
not started from scratch.
(I/Ts.)
2. “There is progress in the negotiations”
Under the above
title, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.05.15) reports that Espen Barth Eide, UN
Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, wrote on his Tweeter account yesterday that there was a “good progress”
at the meeting between the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, Ozdil Nami and his Greek
Cypriot counterpart Andreas Mavroyiannis. The negotiators met at the UN
Good Offices Mission’s headquarters in the buffer zone in Nicosia.
Eide
participated in this meeting and tweeted the following: “With Cyprus
negotiators @ozdilnami and @AMavroyiannis at their 5th meeting since
15 May. Good progress. Leaders to meet again tomorrow”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Akinci met with foreign Ambassadors
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (28.05.15) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci met separately yesterday
with the Ambassador of Italy to Nicosia, Guido Cerboni and the Australian High
Commissioner, Trevor Peacock.
In statements to
Kibris after the meeting, Ambassador Cerboni
said that they are optimistic about the new negotiating process, noting
that the solution of the Cyprus problem will be for the benefit of not only the
two communities in Cyprus, but also of the entire Europe. He pointed out that
they had a positive meeting with Akinci and wished him success in the difficult
duty that awaits him. The Italian
Ambassador further said that his country is ready to support the activities of
the UN on the Cyprus problem and the efforts of Espen Barth Eide, UN
Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
4. New
postponement for the trial of the couple who displayed the Republic of Cyprus'
flag
Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (28.05.15)
reports about the trial of Turkish Cypriot couple, Koray Basdogrultmaci and his
spouse Cinel Senem which is continuing at the "Famagusta district
court" in the breakaway regime. The Turkish Cypriot couple is facing
charges for displaying the Republic of Cyprus' flag outside their shop in
occupied Famagusta in June, 2013.
The paper writes that the “trial” was postponed for
June 4 and adds that some small noisy quarrels took place again out of the
court upon the couples’ arrival. Basdogrultmaci arrived at the court with his
car in which the Republic of Cyprus' flag was hanged, the paper writes.
In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris
newspaper (28.05.15) reports that the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP)
Abdullah Korkmazhan condemned the attacks that took place against the couple
during the “trial” of the case by “Grey wolfs”. Korkmazhan stated that the flag
displayed by the couple is not a “Greek Cypriot flag”, but the flag of the
Republic of Cyprus which is the common state of both the Greek Cypriots and the
Turkish Cypriots.
(CS)
5.
Denktas proposed Mentes Gunduz to replace him for the “deputy prime
minister” post
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli (28.05.15) reports that the name of Mentes Gunduz,
“deputy” with the Democrat Party (DP) has been proposed to take over the post
of the “deputy prime minister”, which is empty due to the recently resignation
of the leader of the DP Serdar Denktas.
According
to information from DP’s office, Denktas has conveyed to the self-styled prime
minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu his proposal.
(DPs)
6.
The “universities” contribute to the economy of the breakaway regime 1.3
billion dollars
According
to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (28.05.15), illegal Girne American University
(“GAU”) CEO and Vice Chancellor of the Board of Administrators Assist. Prof. Dr
Asım Vehbi said that the “universities” in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus contribute to the economy of the breakaway regime 1.3 billion dollars.
He argued that this number corresponds to the 28% of the “country’s revenue”.
Vehbi
also said that there are also 75 thousand students in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus from 120 different countries.
(DPs)
7.
“North Cyprus Turkcell” includes the calls towards Turkey to domestic calls
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli (28.05.15) reports that Aybars Karaatmaca the general
director of “North Cyprus Turkcell” - a mobile operator in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus- announced that their clients can make calls towards
Turkey by using their “minutes” in their packages without being charged with
extra abroad fees. This opening is for their clients who use mobile phones and
have package deals, he added.
(DPs)
8. Significant
amount of copper and gold were discovered in mine researchers in an army
controlled area in occupied Lefka
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.05.15)
reports that the “Manning operator ltd” completed the research-drilling works
in two spots at the occupied Lefka village and discovered significant amount of
copper and gold.
According to the paper, it is estimated that 1,485,000
tons of copper were found on the one spot and 2,970,000 tons on the other spot.
In addition, significant amount of gold was discovered at the area as well. The
director of the “Manning operator ltd” Oral Sonmez, alleged that the investment
of this project can bring 200 million dollars. However, Sonmez said that a big
portion of the reservations is located in an “army controlled areas” and
therefore the company must make the necessary negotiations with the breakaway
regime and Turkey.
(CS)
9. Cavusoglu held contacts in Kuwait; The
resumption of the Cyprus negotiation talks among the matters of discussion
Ankara Anatolia news agency (29.05.15) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu
met with counterparts on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 42nd
Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC), to discuss terrorism and resolution of regional conflicts.
(…).
Turkish diplomatic sources said that during his
contacts in Kuwait, Cavusoglu met among
others with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah with whom
he discussed bilateral and regional cooperation as well as the start of peace
negotiations in Cyprus.
10. Main opposition party CHP expresses concerns
over the security of the June elections; EP’s Rapporteur carries out contacts
in Turkey
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (27.05.15) reported that the European Parliament's (EP) Rapporteur
for Turkey, Kati Piri, who met with main opposition Republican People's Party
(CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and other party officials on Wednesday,
said that the EU will closely monitor
the June 7 elections in Turkey, in what seems to be confirming widely held
concerns over election security.
Penning
down a draft of a critical report on Turkey, which is expected to be voted at
EP after the Turkish elections, Piri took a crucial visit to discuss with main
opposition party leader the conduct of free campaigning of the parliamentary
candidates and security at the polls ahead of parliamentary elections, that
many view could decide over the future shape of Turkey's political system.
Speaking to Today's Zaman on Wednesday, CHP parliamentary group Deputy Chairman
Levent Gok, who was also present at the meeting, said that the CHP shared its
concerns over the conduct of fair elections in Turkey with Piri.
“Piri told us
that the EU will closely monitor the elections in Turkey and make effort to
ensure ballot security,” said Gok.
CHP Deputy chairman Murat Ozcelik told reporters that
during the meeting, Kılıcdaroglu
complained to Piri about President Erdogan's holding of rallies to demand votes
for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), in clear violation of
a constitutional provision that requires a president to be impartial.
In
the guise of attending inauguration ceremonies of facilities across Turkey,
Erdogan, according to his critics, uses such events as rallies to woo voters to
support the ruling AK Party without naming it.
Ozcelik
added that during the meeting, the CHP conveyed to Piri the concerns of the
party about unethical election practices by the AK Party, as the recent surveys
indicate a dramatic fall of electoral support for the ruling party.
(…)
Speaking to the reporters after the meeting, Piri highlighted among other, the
importance of the ability of every parliamentary candidate to organize rallies
and hold election campaigns freely.
“On
election day, every voter should go to polls without fear of security at
polls,” said Piri.
The
EU Rapporteur also said she has concerns that negative developments might occur
in the case that the HDP does not get enough votes to pass the electoral
threshold of 10%, which is
required for parties to obtain seats in Parliament.
Previously,
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) announced that “observers
would be assigned to 33 provinces across Turkey to observe the elections.
Around 50 Deputies from 20 OSCE member states will monitor the forthcoming June
elections in Turkey”.
(…)
11.Survey in Turkey indicates Turkey’s isolation to
the world and presents Israel and the US as biggest threats for Turkey
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (27.05.15) reported that according to the results of a recent survey
of Turkish people's opinions about the country's foreign policy by İstanbul's
Kadir Has University, Israel and the US are considered the biggest threats to
the country, a finding in line with the traditional hostility toward these
countries in Turkey.
The rector of the university, Professor Mustafa Aydın,
hosted a group of columnists on Wednesday to reveal the results of the survey,
which was conducted in April among urban populations across Turkey, totaling
1,000 people.
In
response to a question concerning which country they see as the biggest threat
to Turkey, 42.6% of respondents said Israel, while 35.3% said the United
States. The same survey held
in 2013 found 37.1 and 41.7 disapproval rates, respectively, for these two
countries. These results indicate a
decrease in animosity toward the US and an increase toward Israel.
While 8.7% of respondents said that no country poses a
threat to Turkey, a significant portion of the population -- 38.9% -- said that “Turkey has no friends.”
This belief, however, is almost unchanged from the 2013 result, when the figure
stood at 38.6%.
Among
countries that are considered friendly, Azerbaijan at 37.5% ranks first,
followed by the “TRNC” at 8.9% and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 6%.
Although
Turkey is officially a candidate country for European Union membership, 10.2%
of respondents said that the EU countries constitute a threat to Turkey, though that is a slight decrease from 12.8% in 2013.
Following Israel and the US, Syria at 22.1% and Armenia at 20.3% rank as the
top threats for Turkey.
When
respondents were asked whether they want Turkey to become an EU member, 42.4%
said yes, with over 20% undecided. This is in comparison to the 2013 results,
when 47.5% supported the EU membership. According to Associate Professor Sinem
Akgül Açıkmeşe, such a decline has been in place over the last decade.
Furthermore, seven out of every 10 people in Turkey believes that Turkey's EU
membership has been blocked. When asked about the reason why Turkey's
membership bid has been blocked, 46.2% of the people cite a “difference in
religion and identity” between Turkey and the EU, a slight increase from the
2013 results.
Only 9.8% believe that there is no alternative to the
EU for Turkey, while 27.7% of respondents favored the establishment of a
“Turkic union.”
Although a significant majority of society, 85.1% says
that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is a terrorist
organization, 24.1% say that it does not pose a threat to Turkey. A total of
65.4% believe that ISIL is a threat, while 10.5% are undecided.
(…)
When it comes to the President's role in foreign
policy formation, the study also had striking findings. Compared to the 2013
results, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was Prime Minister, the people's
perception that the President has a role in influencing in foreign policy has
risen. Only 7.7% of respondents said
that the President influences foreign policy in Turkey in 2013, while the
figure now stands at 28.4%
12.“Lone wolf syndrome in Turkish foreign policy”
Under the above title, Murat Yetkin, columnist in
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (28.05.15) publishes the following
commentary, on Erdogan’s authoritarian behavior and practices, which he
considered as the reasons for Turkey’s loneliness.
Following is the commentary:
“Do you know
why Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has continued to slam the New York Times
ever since its recent editorial, accusing it of ‘interfering’ in Turkish
politics and using language like ‘Who do you think you are?’ and ‘Know your
place’?
Because,
as the country heads to critical parliamentary elections on June 7, this kind
of rhetoric works in domestic politics.
It
is the same reason why Erdogan finds a reason to hit out at ‘Western
imperialists’ and their plans in the region, even while Turkey is an effective
member of the Western military alliance NATO. It is the same reason why he
denounces the U.S. and the European Union over “double standards” when it comes
to Turkey, making this an everyday issue in his rallies.
This
helps to consolidate votes and it makes foreign issues a factor in domestic
politics, along with the main issue of the economy. It appeals to the nationalistic
pride of Turkish voters.
A
recent survey conducted by Istanbul’s Kadir Has University about public
perceptions of Turkish foreign policy revealed that nearly 39% of Turks think
the country has no friends.(…)
That
‘surrounded by enemies and conspired against’ mood is also clear in Turks’
alliance perception.
(…)When Dr İbrahim Kalın - the Foreign policy
Advisor of President Erdogan, and now also Deputy Secretary General of the
Presidency - came up with the concept of ‘precious loneliness’ as the
government was being criticized domestically and internationally for losing
friends in the neighborhood, many people interpreted it as an unconvincing
justification of foreign policy failure. But it may be much more than that. It
is turning out to be a domestic political leverage, which not only reflects the
foreign policy perceptions of the average Turk but also manipulates them toward
the ballot box.
Erdogan’s recent ‘The World is Bigger than Five’
campaign is an example of this. He actually had a point when he raised the
issue of unfair representation in the five-member U.N. Security Council. The
campaign had no international effect, but it did appeal to the national pride
of ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) supporters, working as a
consolidating agent.
Given
the perceptions profile of Turkish voters, it is not realistic to expect
dramatic shifts in the AK Party’s foreign policy if it stays in power after
June 7. In fact, perhaps, according to survey, we should start calling it
Erdogan’s foreign policy”
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(AK/
AM)
