TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
123/15 03.07.2015
1. Statements by Akinci to foreign media in Brussels
2. Turkish official: “A second reunification
referendum in Cyprus could take place in early 2016”
3. NATO official calls Turkey to undertake initiatives
on the Cyprus problem
4. Paper
claims that Talat is seeking to establish a coalition government with the
National Unity Party
5.
“Existence movement” will convey a protest letter to Cyprus Archbishop
6. Nationalist
Turkish Cypriot politician seen to obtain Republic of Cyprus’ ID card and
passport
7.
The paper calls the “environment ministry” to find a solution on the
environmental disaster of the occupied Pentadaktylos mountain range caused by
stone quarries
8.
A cooperation protocol in legal system between Turkey and the breakaway regime
9. Davutoglu: “Turkey will not carry out military
operation in Syria unless national security is threatened”
1.Statements by Akincito foreign media in Brussels
Under the title
“If the determination continues, an early solution will be reached”, Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.07.15) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akincihas told foreign journalists
in Brussels that in case the determination and the momentum in the Cyprus
negotiations continue, the solution of the problem is possible within months,
not years. During his last day of
his visit in Brussels, Akinci talked to foreign correspondents, including
representatives from Reuters and Wall Street Journal and had an exclusive
interview with the Economist.
Akinci said that
during his visit in Brussels he had the opportunity to stress their
determination for reaching a solution which takes into consideration the
interests of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. Akinci noted that the
Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots have been seeing each other as enemies
for many years, but this should change. He said that this was valid for Greece
and Turkey as well and argued that many new possibilities will be created with
a new understanding.
Akinci
reiterated that the non-solution in Cyprus constitutes a problem for the EU as
well and argued that the continuation of the current situation for many decades
to come is unacceptable. He also expressed the view that a solution in Cyprus
will be “encouraging” for the peoples of the region.
The Turkish Cypriot leader reiterated that the Turkish
Cypriots want the development of their relations with the EU adding that this
is important from the point of view of their accession to the Union after a
possible solution. He said that the EU officials understand
this and he expects steps to be taken within the next few months for the
advancement of their relations.
Referring to the negotiations, Akinci said that the points of agreement and disagreement have been
clarified and efforts are being exerted
for agreeing on the issues in which different opinions exist.
Akinci noted thatthey expect the interconnection of
the electricity networks within the next six months and this will make possible the decrease of the
prices and the inclusion to the system of a more renewable energy
implementation. Referring to the problem
experienced in the mobile phones communication, Akici argued that having
such problems in these days is unconceivable and added that overcoming the technical problems might
take a few weeks, but the political decision has been taken. Akinci said that the completion of the
preparations for opening the crossing points in Deryneia and Apliki areas might
take a couple of months. Erhan
Ercin, member of Akinci’s delegation, added on this issue that these crossing
points should be included into the scope of the EU’s Green Line Regulation and
that they expect the European Commission to discuss the issue on its agenda. Akinci referred also to the problem
experienced in the radio frequencies and said that the issue is being discussed
at the technical committees’ level.
Referring to the
joint social activities of the two leaders, Akinci noted that the leaders
attach importance to the perceptions of the people and added that when the
people see the two leaders together “started to believe that something is
changing”.
Responding to a
question, Akinci argued that two seats
had been separated for the Turkish Cypriots at the European Parliament (EP) and
alleged that one of the improvements which could be made is to invite two
Turkish Cypriots to the EP’s sessions so as to be able to better see how the
body operates. He pointed out that there are thirty five chapters in the
process of the harmonization with the EU, but only in the twelve chapters work is being carried out for the
harmonization of the Turkish Cypriots. A move should be made on this issue, he
argued.
Referring to the cost of the solution in Cyprus,
Akinci said that this will be a
costly solution and that new settling places will be needed. He argued: “This will be a costly solution. No matter
how much we try to keep low the number of the people who will be displaced, new
settling places will be needed. This
means a great cost”.
As regards the issue of guarantees, Akinci said that the guarantees derive from an international
agreement and therefore Greece, Turkey, Britain, the Turkish Cypriots and the
Greek Cypriots. He noted that they
provide for the materialization of a multi-party meeting in September for
discussing the issue, but this depends on the progress to be achieved in the
negotiations by September. “If we agree on all issues which we have in
front of us, then we will find something mutually acceptable on the issue of
guarantees as well”, he added.
Akinci described
the natural gas found in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and the water to be
brought to the occupied area of the island from Turkey as a “great opportunity”
for the development of the relations between the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek
Cypriots, Turkey and Greece.
Asked about his
impression from his contacts with EU officials, Akinci said that he observed
the belief that the solution in Cyprus could be reached soon.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (03.07.15) reports that Akinci completed his contacts in Brussels
yesterday by meeting with Gianni Pittella, President of the Socialists and
Democrats’ Group at the EP.He also had a working lunch with officials of the
German Marshall Fund think tank. Akinci and his delegation departed from
Brussels yesterday.
(I/Ts.)
2.Turkish official: “A second reunification
referendum in Cyprus could take place in early 2016”
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (03.07.15) reports that a Turkish government source said on
Tuesday that a second simultaneous referendum on Cyprus reunification could
take place in early 2016 following negotiations between the two “entities’
Presidents”.
“We
are at the threshold of an important development,” said the source, who asked
not to be named. “The two leaders have started to get into substantial issues.
They are proceeding well and we hope the process will accelerate in the fall.
There might be a new referendum in the early months of 2016, depending on the
developments”, the source added.
(…)
The
source also said that if the Greek Cypriot side ceases claiming the island to
be a “Hellenic island” and focus on a “federation based on the equality of two
constituents states, a solution could be reached very quickly. “But even if not,the current status cannot
continue for another 50 years,” the source said. “That is the mood in the U.N.
as well. Then, the parties could sit and talk on a peaceful separation for two
independent states”, the source stated.
But
Ankara has entertained optimism for the time being, believing that a solution
could be near. “Such a development could improve Turkey’s relations with Greece
and the EU as well,” the source said. “An obstacle and a pretext blocking
Turkey’s relations with the West will be removed.”
Ankara also believes that a solution to the Cyprus
problem could improve peace and economic cooperation in the entire Eastern
Mediterranean with new sources of natural gas found off of Cyprus and Israel.
The statement of the Turkish official came on the same
day as the Greek Cypriot President, as the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos
Anastasiades is called, told Reuters that “negotiations to settle
Cyprusdivision are starting to show some progress”.
(…)
3.NATO official calls Turkey to undertake
initiatives on the Cyprus problem
Turkish daily Sabah (02.07.15-online in English)
reported that Jamie Shea, NATO's Deputy
Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, underlined that
Turkey's leadership is necessary as its strategic position enables it to act as
a leader in many issues throughout the region.
Shea,
who was invited to an exclusive conference, organized by Istanbul's Bahcesehir
University and NATO's Public Diplomacy Division on June 25 to hold the keynote speech, highlighted Turkey's
position and stated that Turkey can resolve many of the problems without NATO,
but NATO cannot solve them without Turkey.
He said that Turkey has had economic and political
stability and praised Turkish democracy for its success, especially with
regards to the representation of women in the Parliament, who now make up 20%
of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).
Referring
to the Cyprus problem, Shea said that the “elections” in the “TRNC” promised
opportunities to resolve the decades-old conflict on the island.
He
underscored that Turkey's role is key in issues like border security, energy
and refugees throughout the region including Syria, Cyprus, the Mediterranean,
and the Balkans and also touched upon Turkey's strategic role in energy. He
stated that issues which are considered as "immediate security priorities
for Turkey" also concern its NATO allies; underlining that intelligence
sharing between Turkey and its NATO allies regarding border crossings to Syria is
extremely valuable.
Shea
said that Turkey should preserve its leadership position regarding the Cyprus
issue and use initiatives the same way it did during the Annan Plan of 2004.
Shea
also stated that it was crucial for negotiations to restart between Turkey and
the European Union.
The conference entitled "Changing Region: The
role of Turkish Foreign Policy and Soft Power" was held in Istanbul, where
academics, policy makers from NATO, the EU and Turkey, analysts, and others
participated to discuss a number of issues including the changing regional
dynamics, NATO, EU relations, shifting power dynamics and challenges to border
security.
4. Paper
claims that Talat is seeking to establish a coalition government with the
National Unity Party
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper
(03.07.15) cites information from a very high source in the Republican Turkish
Party (CTP) according to which the newly elected chairman of the party, Mehmet
Ali Talat is seeking to establish a coalition government with the National
Unity Party (UBP).
According to the paper’s columnist Gokhan Altiner,
this is Talat’s preference but UBP does not see negatively this possibility at
all.
CTP and UBP delegation will hold a meeting today to
further discuss the issue, writes the paper adding that according to the
discussions held so far in case of a CTP-UBP coalition, UBP will get to elect
the “speaker” of the so-called assembly. CTP will get 6 “ministries” while UBP
will get 4. The chairman of UBP Huseyin Ozgurgun will not participate in the
“government”.
The paper writes that the reason that Talat wants to
co-operate with UBP is that every time his party cooperates with the Democratic
Party (DP) of Serdar Denktas, CTP ends up losing elections. Talat also believes
that the co-operation with Denktas hurt
in the end the party.
(CS)
5.
“Existence movement” will convey a protest letter to Cyprus Archbishop
Turkish
Cypriot daily Volkan (03.07.15) reports that the “existence movement in Cyprus”
(Varolus hareketi), in a press conference held yesterday, criticized Cyprus
Archbishop Chrysostomos II statements regarding the Turkish settlers in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, adding that the Archbishop’s
statements from time to time to the press are unacceptable and not suitable for
a religious man.
The
“existence movement” also announced that they will hold a protest on Saturday,
July 4, against the Archbishop’s statements. The protest will start at 11.00
from the “kugulu park” in the occupied part of Nicosia and they will walk until
the Ledra street check-point. Then, a delegation from the “movement” will cross
to the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus and will convey a
protest letter at the Archbishopric in Nicosia.
(DPs)
6. Nationalist
Turkish Cypriot politician seen to obtain Republic of Cyprus’ ID card and
passport
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (03.07.15)
reports that Ertugrul Hasipoglu, one of the most nationalist politicians in the
breakaway regime who in various cases accused the pro-solution Turkish Cypriots
of being “TRNC traitors” was seen in the free area of the Republicof Cyprus,
obtaining an ID card and a passport of the Republic.
The paper writes that Hasipoglu is known for his tough
political stance against the Greek Cypriots and his references and connection
for “motherland Turkey” therefore his recent actions created quite a reaction
in social media.
Hasipoglu who served as “minister of health” in 2013
is remembered of saying that the Turkish Cypriots do not need to receive health
services by the Republic of Cyprus, when it was announced that these services
had been stop offered for free. In the past he also stated that the solution in
Cyprus should be a two equal states solution, otherwise “everyone should take
its own road”.
(CS)
7.
The paper calls the “environment ministry” to find a solution on the
environmental disaster of the occupied Pentadaktylos mountain range caused by
stone quarries
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis (03.07.15) publishes a feature article on the quarries at
the occupied Pentadaktylos mountain range, stressing that the environmental
destruction is apparent more each passing day. The mountain range is disappearing
piece by piece every day.
The
paper calls the so-called ministry of environment to find a solution. It is
also reported that the activities of the stone quarries without a proper
supervision have caused this environmental disaster within a very short time.
On
the same issue, the paper reports that at this moment 36 stone quarries are
active and chew Pentadaktylos mountain range apart.
(DPs)
8.
A cooperation protocol in legal system between Turkey and the breakaway
regime
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris (03.07.15) reports that the so-called supreme court
of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus signed
cooperation protocols with Turkey’s Constitutional Court, the Court of
Conflicts and the Academy of Justice. The signing ceremonies were held in
Ankara on June 29 and 30.
According
to an announcement issued by the “supreme court”, the protocols aim to deepen
the cooperation on development and to run programmes in order to contribute on
strengthening legal researches. The protocols envisage the organization of
programmes on joint, seminars, joint education and research, the exchange of
specialists and the exchange of knowledge. The
protocols will also contribute to the cooperation on the fields of activity,
meaning to safeguard the participation in international symposiums and
scientific meetings. It is also reported that the “supreme court” will be able
to create contacts with international law organizations and higher judicial
bodies of third countries.
(DPs)
9.Davutoglu: “Turkey will not carry out military
operation in Syria unless national security is threatened”
Turkish daily Sabah (02.07.15-online in English)
reported that Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that he will not
plunge Turkey into an "adventure" in Syria unless there is a direct
threat to the country's national security.
Speaking during a live televised interview at Kanal 7
TV channel on Thursday, Davutoglu said that Turkey will not hesitate to take
military action in Syria if there is a direct threat to its national security,
but if a case like that does not occur no one should create speculations about
a military operation into Syria.
Davutoglu said that the direct threat would be imposed
by the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), Assad forces
or the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and underscore Turkey's readiness
for any development in Syria such as an attack to its soils or a refugee inflow
due to ongoing clashes.
(…)
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
(AC/ AM)
