TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
81/15 05.05.15
1. Akinci after his meeting
with Eide: “An important opportunity has arisen”
2. Ozdil Nami officially assumed
duties as the Turkish Cypriot side’s negotiator
3. The team of the new
Turkish Cypriot leader is appointed
4. CTP party assembly will
designate the new “foreign minister”
5.
Former Turkish Foreign Minister Turkmen praised Akinci for his will for
solution and said that Cyprus is no longer a two communities problem
6. Commentaries in Turkish
press view the need for Turkey to revise Cyprus policies
7. Yildiz: the natural gas
cannot be submitted to the world with an enforcement project
8. Ozgurgun described as
unacceptable the membership of the KTFF to KOP
9. The French Ambassador to
Cyprus visited the KTFF
10. The occupation regime was
represented at the SMIIC’ meeting in Dubai
11. New Cittaslow office was
inaugurated in occupied Agios Sergios
12. Erdogan, waving Quran,
implicitly asks crowds to vote for AK Party
1. Akinci after his
meeting with Eide: “An important opportunity has arisen”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris (05.05.15) reports that the newly elected Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci in his first meeting yesterday with the UNSG Special
Adviser for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide said that he wants the resumption of a new,
determined process, adding that “an important opportunity has arisen”.
Speaking
in a joint press conference after his meeting with Eide, Akinci said that an
opportunity which was lost 10 years ago during the EU process is captured
again. He also said that with his election, a new positive atmosphere has been
created within the Turkish Cypriot community, the Greek Cypriot one as well as
within the international community.
Eide
also said that the talks are representing the best opportunity after 10 years
for resolving the Cyprus problem and added: “I feel a new positive air. I
believe that this process will reach a real solution”. He noted that he had a rather constructed meeting
with Akinci.
Akinci
said that the Cyprus talks will resume after the meeting with Cyprus President
Anastasiades on Monday night and they will discuss with Eide how they can push
forward the new process.
Akinci
said that he had a beneficial meeting with Eide, adding that it was not
possible to enter in details in their first meeting, but they discussed how the
process can be progressed. He also said that he hopes to resume a positive and
constructive process for the future of both sides in Cyprus.
Noting
that he will visit Ankara on May 6, Akinci said that it will be very beneficial
for them to talk with the Turkish officials, meaning that the works to be
carried out in the upcoming process will be in a close cooperation and
consultation. In this sense, they will hold the visit on Wednesday, Akinci
added.
Akinci
said that he will hold a second meeting with Eide on Friday, May 8.
Eide,
for his part, said that the UN, who intends to go until the end of this
process, has thought all the dimensions of the problem.
Noting
that they will inform the concerned sides on their views particularly on the
guarantor ship issue, Eide said: “As I said, this is a Cypriot process.
However, some issues regarding the guarantors should also be included in this
process.”
Eide
said that he will announce the date of the resumption of the Cyprus talks,
after the meeting with both leaders on May 11. He repeated that the owners of
this process are the Cypriots.
He
further said that Turkey and Turkish officials share the view that a Cyprus
settlement will be also for their benefit.
(DPs)
2. Ozdil Nami officially
assumed duties as the Turkish Cypriot side’s negotiator
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (05.05.15)
reports that Ozdil Nami has officially
assumed his duties as the negotiator of the Turkish Cypriot side.
As the paper writes, the former negotiator Ergun Olgun
handed over the negotiator post to Nami in a ceremony which took place
yesterday at the presence of the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa
Akinci.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Akinci thanked
Olgun for his contribution and services as negotiator.
On his part, Olgun congratulated Akinci for his
election victory and expressed optimism for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
“I believe that the motivation for the solution of the Cyprus problem has
increased and a fair and lasting solution which will ease the fears of both
communities and will satisfy the need of both sides is possible”, said Ergun.
Also speaking, Nami
thanked Olgun for their cooperation while serving at the “ministry” and assured
that he will continue to serve and respect the Turkish Cypriot’s rights and
interests.
(AK)
3. The team of the new
Turkish Cypriot leader is appointed
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (05.05.15) reports that the Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci appointed his team. Akinci has appointed Gurdal
Hudaoglu as the “presidential under-secretary”,
Baris Burcu his spokesman and
Cenk Gurcag as his private secretary.
4. CTP party assembly
will designate the new “foreign minister”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris (05.05.15) reports that it is expected the party assembly
of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) to decide tonight who will be the new
“foreign minister” of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus after the appointment of Ozdil Nami as negotiator.
Supposedly,
the names, which are featured, is the name of the general secretary of CTP
Kutlay Erk, as well as the names of three “deputies” with CTP, Armagan Candan,
Tufan Erhuman and Mehmet Caglar.
The
paper also reports that there is also the possibility the post to remain empty
for almost two months until the general assembly of CTP.
Asked
to comment on this, Erk said that the issue will be discussed in the party
assembly and be evaluated.
(DPs)
5. Former
Turkish Foreign Minister Turkmen praised Akinci for his will for solution and
said that Cyprus is no longer a two
communities problem
Turkish daily Taraf newspaper (04.05.15) published an
interview by the former Turkish Foreign Minister Ilter Turkmen who evaluated
the election of the new Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the recent
developments on the island.
Turkmen stated that reaching a solution in Cyprus
after the election of Mustafa Akinci is very possible and added that Akinci has
the mind to fight for the solution despite Erdogan. He said that Akinci, who he
described as a liberal pro-solution politician is the choice of the “people” in
the “TRNC” for a solution. “Despite the
polemic he faces Akinci will fight for the solution and Turkey must be pleased
with this”, he said, adding that Turkey
must respect and support Akinci.
He
went on and said that the Cyprus problem is no longer “a two community” problem
since the issue of natural gas came into the picture and added that in order
for “northern Cyprus” to be benefited from the natural gas, it must be a part of a federal, single state.
He said that he was surprised to watch the issue of
motherland-daughter land country that occurred between Akinci and Erdogan, and
said that the Turkish President’s reaction on the issue was rather hard and not
necessary.
He added that the solution of the Cyprus problem will
help Turkey’s EU bid and added that Turkey needs the EU even more nowadays.
Turkmen said that President Nicos Anastasiades is a
pro solution politician as well and that negotiations will continue from the point
that were left. He added that the solution will be similar to the Annan Plan
and added that the establishment of a federal state consisting of the federated
states is very possible.
(CS)
6. Commentaries in
Turkish press view the need for Turkey to revise Cyprus policies
Turkish
commentaries refer on the crisis occurred between the new Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci and the Turkish government and suggest that Turkey must
revise its Cyprus policy.
Under the title “Here is the
Chance”, Fehmi Koru writes the following in HaberTurk (04.05.15):
It
seems that had it not been for the Presidents' war of words, Cyprus would not
have come onto our agenda at all…
Despite
the fact that Mustafa Akinci, known for his "leftist" and
"pro-solution" identity, he came out of the presidential election on
the island with a victory amounting to 60.50%. An important political incident
is going to take place on Cyprus, which we know as the "baby
homeland," there is going to be a parliamentary or a presidential
election, and this is not going to be discussed both beforehand and afterwards
in Turkey… It is astonishing. It used to
be that, before every important event involving Cyprus, programs that lasted
until morning would be broadcast on the TV channels in this country…
But we are so caught up in
our own internal affairs that the latest election, held in two rounds just two
weeks apart, and which appears likely to bring about fundamental changes on
Cyprus, which is believed to be of strategic importance for Turkey, did not
even come onto the agenda of the debate in the country.
Until,
that is, criticisms directed at the newly elected President Mustafa Akinci,
accompanied by the term "baby homeland," came out of the mouth of
President [Recep] Tayyip Erdogan, and his Cypriot counterpart – even if he did
not abandon courtesy – then gave a response that did not stop short of saying
what he had to say…
The war of words can be
considered an indication that Ankara had been expecting a different result to
come out of the ballot boxes.
For
Turkey, Cyprus has for quite some time now not been in its old place in the
ranking of priorities. […] Did the AKP
not look for ways of overcoming the impasse that had taken place because of the
historical personality of [former Turkish Cypriot "President"] Rauf
Denktas by using the "Anan Plan"?
Did
the fact that the great majority of the Greek Cypriots voted "no" in
the referendum (2004) on the plan, which bore the name of the [former] UN
Secretary General, and which drew support of 75% from the Turkish Cypriot side,
not cause great pleasure for Ankara?
Did
Turkey's theses not begin to be listened to more attentively in the
international arena in conjunction with the (2005) election of Mehmet Ali Talat
to replace Denktas as KKTC ["Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"]
President?
We
know that the answers to all of these questions are "yes." Diplomacy
is the art of making the best of every new situation.
The
election of Mustafa Akinci to the office of the KKTC Presidency, with high
support from the people on Cyprus, could also bring a diplomatic easing similar
to the situations that came about following the Anan Plan and the past election
of Talat to the same office. On condition, of course, that the mistakes that
prevented the moral high ground that was gained in those periods from being
crowned with a "solution" are not repeated…[…]
Akinci's
presidency could shift the balances once again in favor of the KKTC and
Turkey. And the most positive impact of
this would be felt no doubt by Turkey and the politicians in Ankara. […]
Let
us see the realities, and let us revise our foreign policy, beginning with our
stances regarding Cyprus, along the lines of the rational principles that
became evident immediately following the 2002 elections.
Under the title “Cyprus
taboo in Turkey”, Nuray Mert writes the following in Hurriyet Daily News
(04.05.15):
“The
Cyprus issue has long been a taboo in Turkey, and Cyprus is still a matter of
national interest that is not to be discussed freely. Apart from legal and
psychological pressures, this taboo has been created by the nationalism of the
left and right. After all, it was the coalition government of Islamist National
Salvation Party (MSP) and the social democratic Republican People’s Party
(CHP), who were the champions of militarily intervention in 1974.
[…]
The
recent presidential elections in northern Cyprus could be a new chance for a
political solution in Cyprus, since the left-wing, pro-solution Mustafa Akinci
won a majority. Nonetheless, the political circumstances have dramatically
changed in Turkey as a result of the governing party’s authoritarian and
nationalist sway. That is why Akinci’s statement on the need for more equal
relations with Turkey in his victory speech outraged President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan and his supporters. Erdogan and some AKP politicians reacted in a very
patronizing way by reminding Akinci that it was Turkey who saved Cypriots and
that Cyprus needs Turkey’s economic assistance. Moreover, Akinci and indeed his
voters were accused of being Western pawns against Turkey. Some political
observers think that the severe reaction of the governing party is due to the
coming elections and the need for nationalist votes. It can be partly true, but
the nationalist understanding of the Cyprus issue in terms of Turkey’s
strategic interest is not particular to the governing party but the expression
of a more popular view. After all, the governing party’s support for the Anan
plan was opposed at the time (2004) by many secular nationalists and social
democrats.
In
short, as the authoritarian and nationalist sway of the President and his
governing party seems to have become an obstacle in the way of a peaceful
solution in Cyprus, it is also the Turkish nationalist view in general on the
Cyprus issue that has become another hindrance on fostering supportive public
opinion concerning a peaceful solution in Cyprus. It is time to start
questioning the so-called “conquest of Cyprus,” inquire why the military
intervention turned into de facto partition and Turkish settlement on the
island and ask the opinions of the Turkish Cypriots on the “forced isolation”
from the world and so on.
Unless
we feel brave enough to engage in an open discussion on those matters without
fear of being accused of treason, we will further contribute to the sufferings
of the Turkish Cypriots. Unless we are more concerned by the welfare of the
islanders rather than Turkey’s so-called “strategic interests,” the prospect of
a peaceful solution in Cyprus will continue to be held ransom by the populist
politics of Turkish nationalism. Moreover, under the circumstances, the Cyprus
issue will once again be a pillar of authoritarian politics in Turkey.”
7. Yildiz: the natural
gas cannot be submitted to the world with an enforcement project
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris (05.05.15) reports that Turkey’s Energy and Natural
Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said that the natural gas cannot be submitted
to the world with an enforcement project.
Addressing
the “Geopolitical energy arena, shifting dynamics” conference in Ankara, Yildiz
said that Turkey is located in a close region to the countries that produce oil
and natural gas, adding that this situation is the cause of new opportunities
but also for problems. He claimed that the political situation of Turkey,
Israel, the Greek Cypriot Administration, as he refers to the Republic of
Cyprus and the breakaway regime in Cyprus reveals certain impasse regarding the
energy projects. Yildiz claimed that it is against the international law to
make activities in an area that has not become prominent yet in the
international law, meaning the EEZ’s. He added that the natural gas and the oil
belong to the whole people of Cyprus.
(DPs)
8. Ozgurgun described as unacceptable
the membership of the KTFF to KOP
Under the title: “If there is KOP, there is also the
KTFF”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (05.05.15) reports on statements
by the chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun.
Evaluating to the paper the statements made by the
chairman of the Turkish Cypriot “football association” (KTTF) Hasan Sertoglu
that they have completed all preparation for their membership to KOP and convey
their demand to FIFA, Ozgurgun said: “If
there is KOP, there is also the KTFF. These two are equal, and if both
participate to a common league with equal conditions, then we do not have any
objection. A two federation, bizonal system should exist in Cyprus and above
this one federation. These two federations will have equal status and will
establish a joint federation and attend a joint league. This is the solution.
They, however, say to us: come and fall under KOP. The message they sent to us
is to ‘give in’”.
Ozgurgun added also the following: “They say to us today that the Turkish
Cypriots should be under the umbrella of the Republic of Cyprus and to continue
the existence of the Republic of Cyprus. What they propose is a political
solution and this is unacceptable”, said Ozgurgun.
(…)
(AK)
9. The French Ambassador to
Cyprus visited the KTFF
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (05.05.15) reports
that the Ambassador of France to Nicosia
Jean Luc Florent paid a visit yesterday to the Turkish Cypriot "football
federation" (KTFF) where he met with the chairman of the “federation”
Hasan Sertoglu.
During the meeting which lasted for an hour, Sertoglu and Florent discussed the
developments related with the process of membership of the Turkish Cypriot
“football federation” to the Cyprus Football Association (KOP).
The
new draft regulation of the “federation” which was prepared taking into
consideration FIFA and UEFA’s regulations was also being discussed during the
meeting. After the meeting,
the French Ambassador wished Sertoglu success to the process, writes the paper.
(AK)
10. The occupation regime was
represented at the SMIIC’ meeting in Dubai
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (05.05.15)
reports that the “deputy prime ministry, ministry of economy, culture and
sports” represented the occupation regime at the meeting of the Standards and
Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) which took place in Dubai.
According to the paper, the “ministry” was represented
by the “general coordinator” Orcun Kamali and the economist expert Mehmet Uluc.
(AK)
11. New Cittaslow office
was inaugurated in occupied Agios Sergios
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (05.05.15) reports that Cittaslow city
inaugurated their new Cittaslow office in the occupied Agios Sergios
village. Attending the ceremony was the
Mayor of the Izmir-Seferhisar council Tunc Soyer.
Speaking
at the event, Soyer, who is also deputy head of the World Cittaslow
Organisation, stated that he had started on this journey with the Agios Sergios
“municipality” two years ago and that it
was exciting that “the TRNC flag flew alongside 30 other countries in Holland”.
12. Erdogan, waving
Quran, implicitly asks crowds to vote for AK Party
Hurriyet
Daily News (05.05.15) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has
accused both the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the
Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) of "religious indifference," while
also praising Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) for
preventing the presence of fundamentalist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic
State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Erdogan
recalled that CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu suggested he was "exploiting
the Quran like Evren did," referring to Kenan Evren, the leader of the
military coup d'état in 1980 and a former president. " Kilicdaroglu, I have grown up with the
Quran and I live with the Quran," the President said, holding a copy of
the Quran in his hand and showing it to the crowd. "What place the Quran has in your life
is obvious," he added, apparently addressing Kilicdaroglu.
Erdogan
also had some pointed words for HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtas.
Turkish
daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (05.05.15) reports that Erdogan waving a copy of
the Quran while addressing the crowd at a rally in Siirt province on Monday,
has been criticized for abusing Islam for political purposes and seeking
support for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
Similarly,
Erdogan, who also held a copy of Quran as he addressed the crowd in the largely
Kurdish-populated city of Diyarbakir on Saturday, is being accused of misusing
religion for political gain and of favouring the AK Party, violating the
impartiality that his presidential title requires according to the
Constitution.
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