TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No. 83/15 07.05.15
1. Erdogan-Akinci’s joint press
conference; “2015 to be year of the solution”
2.
Akinci’s contacts in Ankara
3. Turkey’s EU Minister:
There are developments on the Cyprus issue
4. Cicek urges Turkmenistan
to invite the “TRNC assembly”
5. Ozyigit: A historic
opportunity has emerged for the Cyprus settlement
6. KTTO supports Akinci and
his team
7. “The Cypriots are back on
the Island”
8. Candan comments on 2015 Progress
draft report on Turkey
9.
Harmanci: There are efforts for the opening of three more barricades
10. Ozersay: I will decide about forming a party in 5-6
weeks
11. Akmina Travel to bring 40
thousand German tourists in the occupied area of Cyprus; statements by Serdar
Denktas
12. Occupancy rate of hotels in
the occupied area of Cyprus has reached 56% for April
1.Erdogan-Akinci’s joint press
conference; “2015 to be year of the solution”
Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (07.05.15) reports on statements
made by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the newly elected Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci during their joint press conference yesterday,
following their meeting in Ankara.
According to the paper, both Erdogan and Akinci sent important messages on the Cyprus problem
and expressed the wish for 2015 to be the year of the solution.
In his statements Erdogan, expressed his pleasure to
have “president” Akinci and his accompanying delegation in Turkey and said:
"Mr. President is paying his first foreign visit to Turkey after assuming
his duties. I congratulate Mr. President once again for his success in the
elections and I wish him success. The presidential elections in north Cyprus
have proved once again the level of democracy in the TRNC”.
Supporting that the “elections” were held in a
transparent and peaceful environment where unity, solidarity and democracy
prevailed again, Erdogan added: "I
believe we will make significant progress in defending the legitimate rights of
Turkish Cypriots and reaching a fair and permanent solution on Cyprus, our
national cause."
Stating
that during his meeting with Akinci, they had the opportunity to discuss what
should be done and what kind of steps should be taken regarding the Cyprus
problem and the Cyprus negotiations which are expected to resume soon, Erdogan
emphasized that they maintain their determination to find a fair and permanent
solution to the Cyprus issue. "Our priority is to achieve a comprehensive
solution. We have supported all well-intentioned approaches and the efforts of
the UN and we will continue to do so", said Erdogan.
Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks which are
expected to resume in the next days, Erdogan said: "Our wish is to reach to a result the soonest possible within the
framework of the principles of the 11th February joint declaration.I
would like to underline a point here; It
is not possible to achieve any result with the unilateral efforts of the Turkish
Cypriot side. So far, our Turkish
Cypriot brothers have exerted all kinds of efforts, have shown a strong will
and proved that they are the side that wants a solution. The Greek Cypriot side
should quit from making this situation more difficult and show sincere efforts
towards a solution. If this happens, we believe 2015 can be the year of the
solution in Cyprus. This solution opportunity should not be wasted again like
it happened in 2004. The solution can only be reached on a negotiation table
within the framework of the United Nations. Trying to achieve an outcome in
other ways by pressuring Turkey or the Turkish Cypriots is in vain. As a
guarantor country, we will continue to support the efforts towards reaching a
fair and lasting solution, like we did so far. We will always be by the side of
Mr President and his negotiating team to be formed. Our unity and
solidarity is our real power. There is also one point that should not be
missed; a fair and lasting solution in
Cyprus is in the interests of not only the involved sides on the island but
also of the EU and the whole international community. In this regard, Greece
should join efforts with us and make the necessary contribution to pave the way
for a comprehensive solution. We will continue to encourage Greece towards this
direction."
Erdogan
stated also that together with Akinci, they discussed what steps should be
taken to further strengthen the ties of cooperation between the two “countries”.
"Until today, we had a very close relation and cooperation with both
President Eroglu and President Talat. We regularly reviewed all matters,
particularly our national cause, Cyprus, and we realized the decisions we
took”.
Referring to the water transfer project from Turkey to
the occupied area of Cyprus, Erdogan underlined that Turkey is carrying out a
grand project, which can be described as the project of the century, to
permanently meet the “TRNC's” need for water. “With the Water Supply Project,
we will annually transport 75 million cubic meters of water from Dragon Creek
to Gecitkoy [Panagra] via an 81 kilometer-long pipeline under the Mediterranean
Sea. The project is about to be completed. I hope it will be finished in July
or August this year. In the same way, we will be by the side of our Turkish
Cypriot brothers and continue to support them with economic aid in all fields
and for developing their tourism and education”.
Emphasizing
that they will always protect the “legitimate rights” of Turkish Cypriots in
the Cyprus cause, which is their struggle for equality and rights, Erdogan
said: "We will overcome all difficulties together as we have always done
and we will march towards a brighter future. Nobody should have any concerns or
doubts about that."
Noting that he believes they, with President Akinci
and his team, will maintain their cooperation and regular and close
consultation, President Erdogan ended his speech as follows: "I welcome
President Mustafa Akinci and his delegation once again and I wish him success
in this difficult and important duty he assumed during such a critical
time".
On his part, Akinci
called the President of the Republic of Cyprus to join the vision of the
solution with him and stated that they will be in close cooperation, dialogue
and consultation with Turkey in order to lead the process to a successful
result.
Noting
that the Cyprus problem is in a crucial point, Akinci said that the positive
atmosphere which was created in the international community especially after
his election victory encourages them.
Akinci
pointed out that the solution is not possible to be reached only with the
Turkish Cypriot side’s goodwill and wishes that President Nicos Anastasiades
will share his vision for a solution.
Recalling
that Anastasiades has said yes to the Annan plan in 2004 and afterwards he has
changed his stance, Akinci assured that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue
to show a sincere stance and exert efforts towards finding a solution to the
Cyprus problem and expressed the wish that 2015 will be the year of the
solution.
Supporting that the solution is a mutual need of both
sides and that a possible solution will be for the interest of everyone, Akinci said that the issue of natural gas
in the Eastern Mediterranean should not be a means of disputes but it should be
turned to a connective element for the future. “The economic crisis experienced
in the Greek Cypriot side due to their admission to the EU, can constitute an
additional motivation for the solution. The Greek Cypriots should have the
perception of the need for the solution. I hope that they will understand the
necessity for the solution. If this happens, we will do all necessary to reach
a solution which will be for the interest not only of the Turkish Cypriots and
the Greek Cypriots but also for Greece and for all the actors in the region”.
Stating
that with the cooperation of Turkey they will try to turn Cyprus to an island
of stability for the Eastern Mediterranean, Akinci added that his vision is also
to have a close cooperation with Turkey in order to have the best possible
results in the Cyprus negotiation talks to be launched soon.
Akinci concluded his statements by thanking Turkey for
its interest and support and said that they will continue their path with the
Turkish leadership.
(AK)
2. Akinci’s
contacts in Ankara
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (07.05.15)ον
about the contacts of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in Ankara.
Speaking at illegal Tymbou Airport before his
departure, Akinci said that the Cyprus negotiations process is expected to
restart soon following his meeting this Monday with President Nicos
Anastasiades.
Following the welcoming ceremony at Ankara Esenboga
Airport, Akinci first met with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. No statements
were made after the meeting. Akinci later visited the mausoleum of Mustafa
Kemal Ataturk and also attended a lunch given in his honor by the Turkish
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.
3. Turkey’s EU Minister:
There are developments on the Cyprus issue
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris (07.05.15) reports that Turkey’s EU Minister and
Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkir said that there are developments on the Cyprus
issue.
Speaking
in a meeting with the Maltepe Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MASIAD)
in Istanbul, Bozkir, referring to Turkey’s EU process, claimed that officially
14 chapters have opened; one chapter had been closed and because of the Cyprus
issue, 17 chapters remained blocked.
Bozkir
also said that there are developments on the Cyprus issue, hoping that a
solution picture will show up. Bozkir said that if a solution is found until
the end of the year, 17 chapters will open and all of them will be completed
within 2 years.
Meanwhile,
Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.05.15) reported that Turkey and the EU will
begin negotiations to expand the customs union between the two trade partners
next January, Bozkir announced on Wednesday.
"The
Customs Union Agreement, which was signed 20 years ago between Turkey and the
EU, does not include agriculture, the services sector and public
procurement," Bozkir told a press conference in Istanbul.
He
added: "We have been holding negotiations with the [European] Commission
for 15 months for a new structure that includes those sectors. We decided to
update the agreement". Turkey wants to expand the union to boost trade
with the EU to $300 billion, Bozkir said.
Bozkir
stressed the importance of the talks and of visa liberalization that would
allow Turks to visit EU countries without a visa. He added that Economy
Minister Nihat Zeybekci and EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom would meet
next week to sign an agreement on the renewal of talks.
(DPs)
4. Cicek urges
Turkmenistan to invite the “TRNC assembly”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris (07.05.15) reports that Turkish Parliamentary Speaker
Cemil Cicek said that they want to secure a lasting peace in Cyprus, adding
that the Greek Cypriot side has returned to the negotiating table again.
Speaking
during his official visit to Turkmenistan, Cicek referred to the reportedly
isolations imposed on the “TRNC” ” (translator’s note: the breakaway regime in
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus). He claimed that “The TRNC is some
sort of an open air prison. Embargoes and isolations are imposed on it”.
Cicek
called on the Turkmen officials to help and added that any contact with the
“TRNC” will help ease the “isolation of the Turkish Cypriots”. He noted that
unbiased politics are important adding that Turkmenistan ‘brothers’ live in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
Cicek
also said that “opening the door” at “parliamentary level visits” from the
“TRNC” is beneficial, claiming that they (“TRNC assembly delegation”) are
visiting many countries and holding bilateral contacts. He noted that if they
(“TRNC assembly delegation”) also visit Turkmenistan, it will be useful for
them.
(DPs)
5. Ozyigit: A historic
opportunity has emerged for the Cyprus settlement
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis (07.05.15) reports that the leader of the Social
Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit said that a historic opportunity has
emerged for the solution of the Cyprus problem, adding that great
responsibility and duty fell on all concerned sides to take the process forward
in order not to miss this opportunity.
In
a written statement, Ozyigit said that a positive atmosphere on the island has
been created with the election of Mustafa Akinci and that the UN Special Adviser
Espen Barth Eide’s statements following his meetings with both leaders have
been also encouraging.
Noting
that the two leaders will decide the date of the resumption of the talks when
they meet for dinner on May 11th, Ozyigit expressed the desire to see the
current historic opportunity to be concluded with a just and lasting solution.
Stating that the fundamental parameters of the solution are clear in the joint
declaration of February 11, Ozyigit said that this was signed as a federation,
which includes a single citizenship, a single identity and a single sovereignty
based on the bi-zonal, bi-communal political equality. He explained that
Akinci’s vision is in accord with these parameters.
Noting
that two technical desks, which will work on confidence building measures, may
be set up once the talks begin parallel to the Cyprus talks, Ozyigit said that
these committees could discuss the possibility of opening the fenced off town
of Varosha in exchange for direct flights to the occupied airport of Tymbou.
Commenting
on the statement by Cyprus President Anastasiades that natural gas may pass
through Turkey, Ozyigit described it as a positive development.
(DPs)
6. KTTO supports Akinci
and his team
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis (07.05.15) reports that the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of
Commerce (KTTO) said that the election of Mustafa Akinci as a Turkish Cypriot
leader gave the strong message to the international community that the Turkish
Cypriot community continues to desire a solution in Cyprus.
In
a written statement issued yesterday, KTTO has also welcomed the appointment of
Ozdil Nami as the new Turkish Cypriot negotiator for the Cyprus talks. The
statement read: “The appointment of Ozdil Nami as Akinci’s chief negotiator has
only contributed to further reinforcing his positive perception of the Turkish
Cypriot ‘people’. It has also shown to the international community that the
Turkish Cypriots are committed towards the success of the process”.
KTTO
also noted that Nami’s appointment is a positive step in terms of showing that
Akinci can work with people from different political backgrounds.
(DPs)
7.“The Cypriots are back on
the Island”
Under
the above title Cengiz Aktar writes the following in Taraf (05.05.15):
“Mustafa
Akinci was always an outsider and in the end he was vindicated. What makes him
different from the other candidates is his distance from all the centres of
rule starting with Ankara. This distance gives his words value and now it makes
his policies effective. It is the language of independence. It is also the
reason why he is belittled and scorned by Ankara. "Akinci is the answer
for the will to oppose the status quo and stalemate." Could this be a
rally cry that Ankara can stomach? Whichever
way you look at it, Akinci's election signals failure for Turkey's colonial
policy and the easy option taken by many political and academic circles that
argue "no settlement is the best settlement." Even the colonists in
the KKTC have become Cypriot.
If
we look at the Greek Cypriot side, nothing has worked for them. Not relying on
mainland Greece like they did at first, not being members of the Euro or the
EU, not their tactic of trying to fix the problem by using the EU to press on
Turkey, not the policy of isolating northern Cyprus, not the fossil fuel
lottery in the southern territorial waters, not even the strategy of going it
alone in their tiny corner of the world.
[…]
Akinci
and Anastashiades are not going to start from scratch. A formula of sorts
exists for laying the foundation for a federal Cyprus. Just as with Kashmir and
Jerusalem so much has been said and written over the decades with respect to a
settlement on Cyprus. The Annan Plan is an encyclopaedia in its own right. The
basis for an agreement on many topics has been established over the many years
of talks. This time it is understood that progress is going to be made through
trust-building measures being decided on and put into effect. Instead of a
system of talks taking place behind closed doors, talks that are not public and
that are ultimately tiring, it looks like it is going to proceed using concrete
topics that are of direct interest to the people. This method will be able to
eliminate any underhanded manipulation on Ankara's part. […]
The
other topic on the agenda is guarantor rights, something Ankara expresses all
the time. The Guarantee Treaty signed by the United Kingdom, Turkey and Greece
in 1960 guarantees the existence of the two communities and Cyprus's
independence. It guarantees that Cyprus will not form a union with another
country (such as Turkey of Greece) and that the island will not become divided.
The treaty does not give Turkey rights over the KKTC, contrary to the arguments
being made by Ankara in seeking rights to explore for fossil fuels and the
thinking of a certain individual who has been expressing his ideas about
Cyprus. Furthermore, this is a guarantor status that means nothing once the
island is divided. All the same, Turkey has used the Guarantee Treaty to justify
all its actions including the military intervention. As such the treaty has
always been one of Ankara's red lines in the talks. Greece for its part
maintains that the Guarantee Treaty was voided after Cyprus joined the EU. Just
recently Foreign Minister Kochas repeated that Greece no longer wanted to be a
guarantor. If the United Kingdom follows suit Ankara could be left all on its
own. Furthermore, Anastasiades' proposals include Cyprus joining NATO, which is
a serious alternative to the Guarantee Treaty.
The
only obstacle to the historic momentum that has taken place with Akinci being
made "president" is Ankara's ill-tempered attitude. Be that as it
may, Turkey is pretty much all alone in the region and the world and has little
to no chance of being able to influence or sabotage the momentum that has been
built up on the island and off it. The new state that will be formed on Cyprus
in spite of Ankara could be formed in such a way as to increase Turkey's
isolation.”
8. Candan comments on
2015 Progress draft report on Turkey
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris (07.05.15) reports that Armagan Candan, “deputy” with the
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and self-styled chairman of the EU harmonization
committee of the “assembly”, said that one important amendment has been
included in the 2015 Progress Report on Turkey, prepared by the European
Commission.
Candan
said that the amendment concerns the election of Mustafa Akinci as Turkish
Cypriot leader and the paragraph reads that they welcome the election of the
new Turkish Cypriot leader as well as the resumption of the Cyprus talks.
(DPs)
9.
Harmanci: There are efforts for the opening of three more barricades
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (07.05.15)
reports that the “mayor” of the occupied part of Lefkosia Mehmet Harmanci went
to Izmir upon an invitation of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce (ITO) where he
held meetings with the Chamber’s officials as well as the mayor of the city.
Speaking during the meeting with ITO chairman Ekrem
Demirtas, Harmanci gave information about the potentials and the obstacles as
regards trade in Cyprus and asked for help for lifting the obstacles. He went
on and added that the opening of three more barricades is required and added
that efforts continue towards this direction. He also said that with the
election of the new Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci a more positive
atmosphere is created that will help on this issue. He also said that the
people of the chamber of commerce of the two sides on the island want the
opening of more barricades and wish for a more relaxed cooperation between the
two sides. .
(CS)
10. Ozersay: I will decide about forming a party in
5-6 weeks
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (07.05.15) reports that Kudret Ozersay stated that he will decide in the next 5-6 weeks if
he will establish a party. He made these statements speaking to SIMFM.
“If
we can meet the expectation of the society and the necessary conditions of our vision
are safeguarded, then we will consider the establishment of a party”, Ozersay
stated. However, he said that the decision has not been made yet. He also
stated that he will hold contacts with some civil society organisations.
Evaluating
the results of the “presidential elections”, Ozersay said that even he wonders
how he had received 21%. As he said he believes that this is a serious message
that the “people” send asking for changes to be made. He said that everyone is
expecting him to forming a party after these result, but he is going to think a
lot on the issue before deciding. He said that there is definitely a need for a
political party; however it will be wrong to base the issue only on the results
of the “presidential elections”.
(CS)
11. Akmina Travel to bring 40
thousand German tourists in the occupied area of Cyprus; statements by Serdar
Denktas
Under the title: “Tourism is very important for the
country”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (07.05.15) reports that the “deputy prime minister, minister of
economy, tourism, culture and sports” Serdar Denktas, in statements to the
paper, gave information about the congress “Destination meets online” which is
expected to start tomorrow and finish on May 10 at the Cratos Premium hotel in
occupied Keryneia.
The
congress will be held by Akmina Travel club, one of the most important tourist
professionals in Germany, which plans to bring around 40 thousand tourists to
the “TRNC” with charter flights.
As
the paper writes, Akmina Travel has completed the preparatory work for a
project which aims to bring 40 thousand German tourists to the “TRNC” from four
different cities of Germany with charter flights which are scheduled to be
launched on April 2016.
According to the paper, a group of 120 German
professionals from Akmina Travel will be arriving today to the “TRNC” in order
to attend the congress, which will take place in this framework. The team will
also carry out contacts with tourist representatives in the “TRNC”.
In statements on the issue, Denktas described as very important the operation to be launched as of
April 2016 to bring German tourists in the “TRNC” and added that as “ministry”
they pay a great importance to the increase of German tourists in the
“country”.
(AK)
12. Occupancy rate of hotels
in the occupied area of Cyprus has reached 56% for April
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (07.05.15)
reports that the occupancy rate of the hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus
has increased by 11% in the month of April and reached to 56%.
According to a statement by the Turkish Cypriot
Hoteliers Association (KITOB), the occupancy rate for five star hotels
increased by 6% compared to the same period last year and 11% compared with
last month and thus reached to 70%
(AK)
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