TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
162/15 27.08.2015
1. Akinci comments on the property issue
2. Talat: The negotiations are advancing extremely
positively
3. Colak: The Cyprus settlement will have a financial
cost
4. Turkish Cypriot daily reveals the two “military
reasons” behind the “crisis” that prevents the opening of the Deryneia crossing
point
5. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister carries out contacts
in the occupied area of Cyprus; a secured network system is established in the
“foreign ministry”
6. A protest from “Cyprus existence movement” against
Colak’s statements
7. The TMT association: Akinci’s and Eide’s statements
worried the people
8. Self-styled economy minister will attend the 84th
Izmir International Fair
9. A new “university” is founded in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus
10. Ten Turkish Cypriot rally racers will participate in
the Cyprus Rally 2015
11. Davutoglu made cabinet offers; HDP joins; MHP cracks
12. Polls show AKP short of votes needed to form
government alone
13. Turkish airstrikes inflict 'heaviest blow' on PKK
14. Turcas Petrol CEO: Turkey, Cyprus and Israel have the
opportunity to reach a 'sui generis' agreement
1. Akinci
comments on the property issue
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 26.08.15), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, during a meeting
with a delegation from the “Cyprus Turkish Contractors Association” led by its
president Cafer Gurcafer, said that the individual’s right to property is not
something new and that there are a lot of misconstrued reports in the press
regarding the settlement of the property dispute.
Speaking during the visit, Akinci
highlighted the importance of the association and drew attention to the support
it is giving to the ongoing solution process.
Commenting on recent speculations in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the property issue, Akinci said: “The individual’s right to
property is something which has been recognized in the past. This is not something
new. But there are attempts to portray things differently. As if recognizing or
respecting the individual’s right to property means that only the former owner
of a property in question will have the choice to decide what will happen with
that property. This will not be the case as I have made clear in the joint
statement we made.”
Akinci also claimed that the “TRNC
Immovable Property Commission” has been set up on the basis of recognizing the
individual’s right to property. “Turkey paid TitinaLouzidu 1 million euro
because her right to property as an individual was recognized. If you don’t
recognize the right to property then how can you exchange property? This is why
all this smoke needs to be cleared”, he added.
He also explained how the property
commission to be set up after a settlement will work, adding: “Property
disputes will be settled through a property commission on the basis of
criteria. The commission will be made up of an equal number of Turkish and
Greek Cypriots. The Commission will decide on the basis of the criteria which
we shall determine. We shall be discussing those criteria”.
He also noted: “Cases like the Demopulos
case at the European Court of Human Rights have recognized that people who have
been occupying and using a property for long years too have rights over the
property in question. Of course we are aware that the people who have spent an
entire lifetime, who have set up their homes and businesses on disputed
properties have rights and need to be protected.
It was out of the question however to say
that we drew the line in 1974 and that’s it. We can’t say that we will neither
pay compensation nor exchange property. We have a problem which is why we have
been trying to negotiate a settlement for years.”
Akinci also pointed out that it is
important to find common ground and a mutually acceptable settlement without
imposing one sides’ demands on the other and added: “We must remember that the
settlement to be reached will be a bi-zonal and bi-communal settlement which means
that Turkish Cypriots will be in the majority in the North and Greek Cypriots
in the South. Our duty is to protect this character of the settlement. It’s
obvious most of the cases will be settled through compensation”.
2. Talat:
The negotiations are advancing extremely positively
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(27.08.15) reports that Mehmet Ali
Talat, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and former Turkish
Cypriot leader, has said that the
negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem are advancing
extremely positively. In statements to Anatolia news agency, Talat said: “After all aspects of the
Cyprus problem are solved, that is, after the administration and power sharing,
the economy and all [other aspects] including the territory and the property
are concluded, I think that a result which will obstruct the solution of the
Cyprus problem will not come out in the treaties of guarantee that will be
discussed at an international conference”.
Talat added that the Turkish Cypriots want
the continuation of the treaties of guarantee. He argued that these treaties
are international agreements and they could be amended only after the approval
of the states concerned.
Noting that in spite of the “groundless
criticism based on rumours”, the negotiations are going very well, Talat said that the most important problem
we are facing is the property issue and argued that if progress is achieved on
this issue “the problem will come to a seriously positive stage”.
Referring to the period passed since the
Annan Plan, Talat alleged that the economic crisis experienced in the
government-controlled area of the island played a significant role in so-called
as change of the Greek Cypriot stance, because the Greek Cypriots have
allegedly seen that the crisis could not have happened if the Cyprus problem
had been solved.
Talat said that if a solution is reached
the Turkish Cypriots will become a part of the international law and will
benefit from all the “blessings” of the international law together with the
Greek Cypriots. Arguing that the risk of a conflict will be abolished together
with the solution and security will be achieved, Talat pointed out that economy
will also grow and the European acquis will be implemented in the entire
island. He added:“The north of Cyprus
is a new economic potential and this is such not only for the Turkish Cypriots
but for the Greek Cypriots as well. Partnerships will take place. Investments
in the north will take place. Because the tourists who come to the south will
be able to cross over easily, the south will be more attractive as destination.
The north will be also attractive in the same manner. Very important steps will
be economically taken and most importantly, more foreign investments will flow
in Cyprus […]. However the most
important of all is the new buildings, that is, the constructions’ sector. The
reconstruction of Varosha, the building activities in the buffer zone, the new
construction activities in the places in the north which will probably be
returned to the Greek Cypriots, the construction activities of new settlements
for the Turkish Cypriots etc. Cyprus will be turned into a big constructionarea.
Especially the buffer zone and north Cyprus. This, of course, will bring very
big vividness to the economy. […]”
Talat argued that the information published
on the Greek Cypriot press regarding the property issue “does not reflect the
reality”. He said that he finds “groundless” the concerns on this issue, but he
understands them.
Recalling that the property issue has not
yet been discussed, Talat added: “If we take the Annan Plan as basis, from the
point of view of the Greek Cypriot properties in the north, it [the property
issue] will be solved with compensation, exchange and return. This will have
certain percentages. In parallel to
certain percentages of return, the highest possible percentages of compensation
and exchange will be preferred. […]
The issue
remained for the negotiations. Criteria will be determined with the
negotiations. That is, for whom there will be
compensation, for whom there will be return, properties of which status will be
returned to which persons and under which conditions exchange will take place.
These will be bound to criteria and an independent property commission will be
deciding looking at these criteria”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Colak:
The Cyprus settlement will have a financial cost
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 27.08.15), self-styled foreign EmineColak
said that the agreement to be reached on the property issue will have a direct
impact on the cost of a settlement.
Speaking on “BRT”, Colak said that a
settlement will have a financial cost and that both sides need to start looking
into how this cost will be financed.
Describing the current process as a unique
opportunity to settle the Cyprus problem once and for all, Colak said that she
is extremely encouraged by the good will demonstrated by both sides in the
talks.
Stating that the two leaders have first
chosen to start the talks on issues where progress can be easier to achieve,
Colak said that thornier issues such as property, guarantees and territory have
been left to the later part of the talks.
Pointing out that the two sides have
started discussions on the main criteria related to the settlement of the
property issue, Colak said that an agreement on the property issue will also
reveal how much a settlement will cost. “The
agreement to be reached on property will really affect the cost of a
settlement. Naturally a solution will have a financial cost and we need to
start working together to see how we can cover this cost. The two sides are
talking about settling property disputes through restitution or return,
compensation and exchange. Even though there might be exceptions it seems
highly likely that most cases will be solved through compensation. And that means
money”, she added.
Also drawing attention to the issue of
guarantees, Colak reminded that the issue concerns all the signatory parties
but added that the solution to be reached will ensure that both communities’
security concerns are addressed.
Also touching upon her contacts in Ankara,
Colak said that she has once again personally witnessed the strong support of
Turkey to the solution process in Cyprus.
“Turkey’s
support is strong because Ankara truly desires a settlement on the island. It’s
giving a blank cheque for a settlement. Ankara supports the political will
which will take the process forward towards a settlement. Any form of pressure
or intervention is out of the question”, Colak claimed.
4. Turkish
Cypriot daily reveals the two “military reasons” behind the “crisis” that
prevents the opening of the Deryneia crossing point
Under the banner front-page title “Mines
and Solomos deadlock”, Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen newspaper (27.08.15)
reports that in spite of the fact that a
political decision is taken for the opening of the crossing point in Deryneia
area, the process has almost come to a deadlock. According to the paper, the two “military reasons” behind the
“crisis” are the mines which exist in the area and the incidents that happened
in Deryneia in 1996 [having as a result the murder of two Greek Cypriot,
TasosIsaak and SolomosSolomou].
YeniDuzen writes that the Turkish Cypriot side has put forward some “reservations” regarding
the existing road, according to the views expressed by the Turkish occupation
army. The military authorities expressed some “security and moral reservations”
as regards the existing route and barricade and drew attention to the mines in
the area.
The army said that there is a minefield in
the east of the building in which SolomosSolomou had been murdered on the
flagpole in 1996 and argued that this point is “problematic” both morally and
for security reasons. The Turkish Cypriot side wants a road to be built 700-750
meters in the west of the existing one.
YeniDuzen
reports that the Famagusta Initiative is annoyed from the “crisis” and wants
the barricade to be opened the soonest. MertkanHamit, member of the Initiative,
told YeniDuzen that they support the opening of the barricade with the current
route and they oppose to the “alternative road” proposal submitted by the
Turkish side.
He noted that the existing road is very
short and the distance between [occupied] Famagusta and Deryneia could be
covered on foot and by bicycle. An alternative road will mean that more time
will be needed for crossing over, he said, noting that thus the visit of
tourists to Famagusta will take longer.
“Another reason for wanting the use of the
current road is the feelings of the Greek Cypriots”, he said and noted: “We have to understand the Greek Cypriots.
The existing road is called ‘the Famagusta road’ by the Greek Cypriots. This
name and route has a moral value for the Greek Cypriots. If as Turkish side
we insist on an ‘alternative route’ because of ‘military reasons’, it is
possible for the Greek Cypriots to oppose to this. […] We think that if the opening of the barricade is interrupted for military reasons,
this will benefit the rejectionist front in the north and in the south, it will
undermine the solution process and a climate of lack of confidence will be
created”.
Meanwhile, the paper writes that the works
for the opening of the barricade in Apliki area are advancing slowly. The
chairman of the board of trustees of occupied Lefka foundation, VehipNekipzade
told YeniDuzen that 200 meters of the road under the control of the Turkish
Cypriot side have been completed, but no work is done in a 500 meter long road
between the barricade and the buffer zone, which should be done by the Turkish
Cypriot side.
(I/Ts.)
5. Turkish
Deputy Foreign Minister carries out contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; a
secured network system is established in the “foreign ministry”
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 27.08.15), the self-styled foreign ministry is gaining a secured
information technology infrastructure. Work within the framework of a
“memorandum of understanding” signed earlier this week in Ankara is picking up
pace.
A new secure network system which will link
the so-called foreign ministry headquarters in the “TRNC” with its
“representation offices” abroad is to be set up.
Teams from Ankara headed by the Turkish
Deputy Foreign Minister Nabi Koru are carrying out work at the self-styled
foreign ministry.
Ambassador Koru met this morning with
self-styled foreign minister EmineColak.
Speaking
during the meeting, Colak said that once the project is completed, the “TRNC
foreign ministry” will have a secured and easier access to “representation
offices” in other countries.
Stating that the project has several
stages, Colak highlighted the importance of cooperation with the Turkish
Foreign Ministry. “Establishing technical and physical ties as well as building
bridges between the two ministries is an important opportunity”, she added.
For his part, Koru said that they aim to
further develop the strong and close relationship that exist between their
respective “ministries”.
Noting that the Turkish Foreign Ministry
attaches great importance in keeping updated with developments and advancements
in information technologies, Koru said that they themselves have established an
incredibly fast and efficient system that connects the headquarters and the 228
embassies located around the world. He added that all top secret and
confidential correspondence is carried over this network.
“We attach great importance to security.
This is also an important issue for the TRNC which is why we believe that the
two ministries should enhance their cooperation on this issue. We are here
today to honour our obligations regarding the protocol signed 2 days ago”, Koru
concluded.
6. A
protest from “Cyprus existence movement” against Colak’s statements
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 26.08.15), the “Cyprus existence movement” has protested the recent
statements made by the self-styled foreign minister EmineColak to the Greek
Cypriot press.
Members of the movement, who gathered in
front of the “foreign ministry”, read out a statement of protest. The statement
read that the duty of the “TRNC foreign minister” (editor’s note: the foreign
minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus) is not to defend the rights of the Greek Cypriots but under all
circumstances to defend the “TRNC” and the rights of the “TRNC people”.
Following the reading out of the statement,
members of the movement left a black wreath at the gates of the “foreign
ministry”.
7. The
TMT association: Akinci’s and Eide’s statements worried the people
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper
(27.08.15) reports that Yilmaz Bora,
chairman of the so-called Cyprus TMT fighters’ association, has alleged that no lasting and viable solution could be
reached in Cyprus without taking into consideration the “realities” experienced
on the island.
In a written statement, Bora argued that efforts are exerted in the
direction of creating a positive climate with statements that “solution has
come very close” and claimed that the “officials” made no statement
regarding the negotiating process and therefore “information pollution” exists.
Bora asked the “coalition government
partner” National Unity Party (UBP), which he described as “guardian of the national
cause”, to brief the “people” on the internal and external developments.
Bora
alleged that the statements made by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and
UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus,Espen Barth Eide worried the
“people”.
(I/Ts.)
8. Self-styled
economy minister will attend the 84th Izmir International Fair
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (27.08.15)
reports that the self-styled minister of economy, industry and trade SunatAtun,
flew yesterday to Izmir to attend the 84th Izmir International Fair
(IEF).
Atun will
also participate in bilateral meetings between Turkey’s Economy Ministry and
foreign committees. He will also take part in the press conference with
Turkey’s Minister of Economy NihatZeybekci.
The
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus will
participate in the fair with its own kiosk.
(DPs)
9. A new
“university” is founded in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (27.08.15)
reports that the board of trustees of the Birinci Media Group headed by its
chairman ErtanBirinci visited yesterday the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci,
During the meeting, Birinci said that they
have established a new university in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus with the name “Nicosia Cosmopolitan University”. He added that all the
legal procedures have been completed and they are expecting the permission to
start teaching from “YODAK” (“higher education planning, evaluation,
accreditation and coordination council”).
(DPs)
10. Ten
Turkish Cypriot rally racers will participate in the Cyprus Rally 2015
Turkish Cypriot daily HalkinSesi (27.08.15)
reports that approximate 10 Turkish Cypriot rally racers will participate in
the Cyprus Rally 2015, part of the Middle-East Rally Championship (MERC), which
will be held between 25-27 September, under the slogan “Let the peace win”.
(DPs)
11. Davutoglu
made cabinet offers; HDP joins; MHP cracks
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily
News (online, 27.08.15), having begun work to form an interim government to act
until snap elections scheduled for Nov. 1, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has
finally sent letters of proposal to Deputies of other parties, asking them to
take part in the pre-election government.
A number of
members of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement
Party (MHP), which earlier announced that they would decline the offer, have
already rejected the invitation, but TugrulTurkes, a prominent figure in the
MHP, has announced that he accepted the offer to take a role in the government,
despite MHP leader DevletBahceli’s firm stance.
MHP Deputy Head EdipSemihYalcn said Turkes
should resign immediately, or face expulsion from the party.
He also called on the party’s disciplinary
board to meet over the issue.
Offers from Davutoglu have also been sent
to MHP Izmir Deputy and Deputy Chairman KenanTanrikulu, Ankara Deputy
TugrulTurkes, who is the son of former MHP leader AlparslanTurkes, and MHP
Deputy and former Interior Minister MeralAksener.
Tanrikulu immediately announced his
resignation from his post of deputy chairman of the MHP after the invitation,
saying he had conveyed his rejection to the Prime Ministry. His resignation was
a reaction to the Prime Minister’s “daring” to make such a proposal to the
Deputy Chairman of the MHP, he stated.
The number of members to be taken from each
party group is determined by the Parliament Speaker according to the
Constitution and a related chart has been sent to Davutoglu. Accordingly, apart
from the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, and
Transport, who will be independent individuals appointed from inside or outside
Parliament, Davutoglu’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) will hold 11
cabinet posts, the CHP will be offered five posts, and the MHP and the Peoples’
Democratic Party (HDP) will be offered three posts each.
Letters signed by Davutoglu were sent to
the offices of non-AKP Deputies at Parliament on Aug. 26, with a deadline to
accept or decline the offer by 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the latest. The CHP and MHP
have both categorically ruled out holding posts in the interim government for
their Deputies, saying that any member breaking ranks would be subject to
disciplinary measures. The HDP, however, stated that it would accept offers,
regardless of what portfolio the proposals include.
Posts have been offered to the CHP Istanbul
Deputies Erdogan Toprak, TekinBingol and IlhanKesici, the latter being the
son-in-law of former President SuleymanDemirel, as well as CHP Antalya Deputy
and former CHP head Deniz Baykal, and Ankara Deputy AyseGulsunBilgehanToker,
the granddaughter of former CHP head Ismet Inonu.
In his first assessment, Baykal said he
would act in line with the “party spirit” and will give a comprehensive
response to Davutoglu in his rejection. Toprak also told the Hurriyet Daily
that he would not accept the invitation.
“I will stick to my party’s principles. I
will obey the decision of my party. I thank [Davutoglu] for the offer, but I
believe this process is not in line with me and my party’s views,” he said.
HDP Istanbul Deputy LeventTuzel, who is
from the leftist wing of the party, Izmir Deputy MuslumDogan, and Kocaeli
Deputy Ali HaydarKonca also received invitations. Dogan cited his party’s
decision to take part in the interim government and said this formed the basis
for his acceptance.
HDP Co-Chair Figen Yuksekdag said that
providing election security is a key factor in their decision to take part in
an interim government led by incumbent Prime Minister Davutoglu. “We are not
forming a coalition with the AKP. We are not forming a coalition with any
party. We are fulfilling a responsibility and duty to all peoples of Turkey”,
Yuksekdag told reporters on Aug. 26 before the Prime Minister invited HDP
Deputies.
“We have undertaken the responsibility of
taking part in the interim election government to make sure the elections are
held in security and in an environment softened by a peaceful political
climate. This is a priority for us,” she added.
“We aim to reach a vote rate that pushes
the 20% band and may force a change in Turkey’s situation,” Yuksekdag also
said, when asked about the party’s goals in the snap election scheduled for
Nov. 1.
12. Polls
show AKP short of votes needed to form government alone
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online,
27.08.15) reports that three polls recently conducted in Turkey show that the
Justice and Development Party (AKP) will fall short of the votes needed to form
a single-party government in a snap election on Nov. 1.
According to pollster Metropoll’s latest
survey, the AKP stands at 41.7% of the votes, up from 40.9% in the June 7
election.
In the same poll, backing for the social
democratic Republican People’s Party (CHP) was at 25.5%, the Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP) at 15.7% and the Kurdish problem-focused Peoples’
Democratic Party (HDP) at 14.7% - a rise in its support from 13.1% in June.
“It seems like the snap elections will not
generate a different political situation from the election on June 7,”
OzerSencar, the chairman of Metropoll, wrote in the survey report. Metropoll
said the survey was carried out between Aug. 14-16 and involved 2,520 people.
The president of another pollster, ANAR,
confirmed that there has not been a major shift in voters’ decisions since the
June elections, despite important developments such as terror attacks and
worsening economy.
“I say that the voter trend seen in the
June 7 election continues. And there is no reason for change,” Ibrahim Uslu
said in an interview with Al Jazeera. Uslu claimed that the AKP increased its
votes only 1-2%, which is in the margin of error. “There is no other party than
the HDP that gains from this terror atmosphere,” he added.
Uslu, who is seen as a figure close to the
AKP government, did not reveal the details of his company’s survey that he based
his analysis on.
The survey announced on Aug. 25 by another
pollster, Gezici, presented a similar view. According to the results, the AKP
is at 39.2%, trailed by the CHP, the MHP and the HDP with respective popular
support of 26.4, 16.2 and 14.1%.
Gezici is seen as a pollster close to the
opposition and it did not reveal the details about its methodology when
presented its findings on private broadcaster Samanyolu TV.
In the June 7 election, the AKP received
40.6% of votes, while the CHP was at 25.1%, the MHP at 16.4% and the HDP at
12.9%.
13. Turkish
airstrikes inflict 'heaviest blow' on PKK
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency
(27.08.15), Turkish airstrikes on Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) camps have
dealt the “heaviest blow” in the group’s history, according to the Turkish
military on Wednesday, citing the accounts of captured insurgents.
On July 22, the Turkish air force began
strikes on PKK positions in Turkey and northern Iraq. According to the Turkish
General Staff, around 770 militants have been killed in operations.
The military source, who spoke on condition
of anonymity, said the statements of PKK fighters revealed that many have fled
Turkey while others are ready to surrender.
The group had “suffered the worst blow in
its history as a result of the airstrikes that began on July 22,” the source
said, and the impact of the air strikes have “completely demoralized” the
fighters.
14. Turcas
Petrol CEO: Turkey, Cyprus and Israel have the opportunity to reach a 'sui
generis' agreement
Turkish daily Sabah (online, 27.08.15)
reports that Turkey could get up to 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas a
year while Israel would have easy access to European markets if the two
countries reach an agreement on the Leviathan gas fields.
With regard to a possible 20-year deal
between Turkey and Israel concerning Mediterranean gas, the Leviathan gas field
would meet 22% of Turkey's gas demand for 8 billion to 10 billion cubic meters
a year if an agreement is signed, according to Turcas Petrol CEO BatuAksoy. As
one of the Turkish companies that are candidates to export reserves in the
Leviathan offshore gas field to Turkey, Aksoy spoke exclusively to Daily Sabah
regarding the possibility of a long-term gas agreement between Turkey and
Israel.
"Despite disagreements, Turkey, Cyprus
and Israel have the opportunity to reach a 'sui generis' agreement regarding
building pipelines that will purely and simply go through their own exclusive
economic zones without waiting to reach an agreement. It would be very accurate
if we say that Turkey and Israel are two countries with 600 years of past
relations acting with this logic in the last five years," Aksoy said.
Pointing to the positive climate in the negotiation process on Cyprus, Aksoy
said the island has an important opportunity to pave the way for this energy
project that will provide economic value for the whole island. "The
constructive statements of the two parties on Cyprus are increasing our hopes
for a possible peace deal in the island," Aksoy added.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/
AM)
