TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
145/15 04.08.2015
1.
Akinci: “No discussion on maps, percentages and names of villages has taken
place at the negotiating table”; “We are at the beginning of the road on the
property issue”
2.
Kalyoncu called on the Turkish Cypriots to trust Akinci and not to worry over
the Cyprus problem
3.
Colak: “Going beyond the parameters of the joint text is out of question”; she
comments on the property issue
4.
Eide calls on the NGOs to contribute to the efforts for a Cyprus settlement
5.
Statements by Talat on the property issue
6.
“Immovable property commission” called on the Turkish Cypriots to stay calm
7.
Columnist: “Money talks; even the Church in ‘Greek Cyprus’ wants now a
solution”
8.
Gurcafer said that a Cyprus settlement will contribute to the development of
the building sector
9.
So-called minister of education: “I will not give permission for the
establishment of more universities in the TRNC”
10.
Gezici survey: The Turks want formation of coalition government, but view
Erdogan as major hurdle
1.Akinci:
“No discussion on maps, percentages and names of villages has taken place at
the negotiating table”; “We are at the beginning of the road on the property issue”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(04.08.15) under the title: “We are at
the beginning of the road on the property issue”, reported that the Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in statements during a meeting he held
yesterday with a delegation of KAMU-SEN trade union, stated, inter alia, that
they are at the beginning of the road on the property issue.
Supporting
that an info pollution has been created towards the property issue, Akinci said
that the recent reports published in the press regarding this issue do not
reflect the truth. He added: “Maps, percentages and names of villages have not
yet been discussed at the negotiating table. When the time comes, we will
discuss these issues. It is still too early”, Akinci stated.
Supporting that they will not move
forward and make any steps that will put the Turkish Cypriots at any risk,
Akinci added that what he wants, is to see the people live in prosperity and
peace.
Reminding
of the fact that they are running on the third month since the resumption of
the 47 years prolonged- Cyprus negotiation talks, Akinci said that he feels
happy since the “people” believe that the talks will yield a result.
“The Cyprus negotiation process and the
developments over this process are related with our future”, Akinci stated and
announced that next week he plans to brief the “government” and the Turkish
Cypriot political parties represented in the “assembly” about the recent
developments on the Cyprus problem. He also added that he had already held a
meeting with the “speaker” of the “assembly” SibelSiber and that he plans to
inform the “deputies” in the “assembly” next month.
Stating
that he gives a great importance in the solution of the Cyprus problem which
will be to the benefit of both sides, Akinci added that they are also faithful
to the 11th of February Joint Declaration agreement which refers to
the principles of norms of the EU. “By adopting the EU norms, does not mean
giving up bi-zonality”, Akinci explained. He continued and reiterated that the
Cyprus negotiation process is a UN process. “In 2012 there was a representative
from the EU. The same person has been appointed
again. The technical and expertise information will continue”, he added.
Describing
as an info pollution the allegations that “Akinci and Anastasiades will come to
an agreement and finish this job”, Akinci explained that the “people” will
approve the agreement to be reached and added that enough time will be given
prior to the referendum, in order to explain to the “people” the context of the
agreement.
Supporting
that no agreement can become viable without being approved by the “people”
first, Akinci stated that he will keep his promises and support the three most
important issues for the Turkish Cypriots which are their freedom, equality and
security.
Explaining
that the negotiation process has entered into a serious stage, Akinci said that
they are still at the beginning. He pointed out that he will defend the Turkish
Cypriot’s rights until the end and called everybody not to be anxious. “The
solution to be, will protect our rights and at the same time will respect the
opposite side’s rights. The final agreement will be accepted and approved by
the people. I will do all necessary in order to bring you to this point”,
Akinci concluded.
Speaking in his turn, the chairman of
KAMU-SEN trade union Mehmet Ozkardas stated that they support the efforts
towards reaching a comprehensive solution on the Cyprus problem.
Expressing their full support to the
Turkish Cypriot leader, Ozkardas underlined the need not to deviate from the
February 11th 2014 Joint Declaration.
Ozkardas said also that they conveyed to
Akinci their worries towards the reports published in the Greek Cypriot press
which caused confusion to the “people” and added that the “president”, as he
called the Turkish Cypriot leader, will give the necessary explanations.
(AK)
2.Kalyoncu
called on the Turkish Cypriots to trust Akinci and not to worry over the Cyprus
problem
Under
the front page title: “Do not be anxious on the Cyprus problem”, Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.08.15) reports on statements by so-called
prime minister Omer Kalyoncu who stressed the need for the Turkish Cypriots not
to worry over the agreement to be reached on the Cyprus problem, since, as he
said, the final agreement will be approved by the “people” through a
referendum.
Speaking in a televised program broadcast
by Kibris TV, Kalyoncu supported that
some organized bodies are trying to damage the well-progressed negotiation
process. Kalyoncu referred to the allegations and the criticism towards the
property issue and the issue of “bi-zonality” and stated that these are
intentional. He called also the “people” not to hear that criticisms and to
trust the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and their negotiator OzdilNami
who behave very responsibly, as he said.
Stating that the Cyprus problem and the
internal problems are the most important issues which are included into the
agenda of the new “government program”, Kalyoncu added that a wide base
“government” was necessary in order to work towards these issues.
Referring
to the issue of hydrocarbons, Kalyoncu reiterated that the Turkish Cypriots
have also rights on the wealth of the island and stressed the need for a
solution on the Cyprus problem to be found the soonest possible, in order as he
said the Turkish Cypriots to be able to benefit from this wealth.
(AK)
3. Colak:
“Going beyond the parameters of the joint text is out of question”; she
comments on the property issue
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen (04.08.15)
reports that the self-styled minister of foreign affairs EmineColak, in a meeting with the so-called Turkish Cypriot civil
servants trade union (KAMU-SEN), said
that going beyond the parameters mentioned in the joint text which was signed
on 11 February 2014 is out of question and said that the leaders and the
negotiators had discussed about how to formulate these parameters. She also
said that the negotiations proceed quickly but this is not actually surprising
since the negotiation chapters had been discussed before.
She explained that the effort is to reach a
settlement on guarantees so that both communities to feel safe, and proceed
according to the law and the EU principles on sensitive issues such as
property.
Colak noted that the EU policies protect
the rights of the persons who have the property deeds in the relevant period as
well as the rights of the users. Global exchange has fallen off the agenda long
time ago, but each topic was discussed in its own mechanisms such as
compensation, exchange and return.
Noting that there is false reports about
the EU’s role in the process, Colak
added that the EU is not a party at the table but the EU provides technical
assistance only. She mentioned that there are sensitive points in sharing
information related to the negotiations and said that there are drawbacks in
sharing the details of the ongoing negotiation process. She added: “It is true
that the problems in sharing information are increasing speculations and
creating materials to malevolent persons, but beside our need and right for
information, it is vital for us that our negotiator has a strong hand in the
process. Let us be more patient and understanding”.
Furthermore, illegal Bayrak television
(online, 04.08.15) broadcasts that Colak, speaking on “BRT” this morning, has
said that the issue of property, territory and guarantees are the stickiest
issues in the Cyprus problem. She said that the solution of these problems has
been left to the end of the current negotiations process. She also said that
the solution to be found to the property dispute will not aim at only satisfying
one of the sides in the dispute. “The property issue will be solved on the
basis of criteria which will ensure that no one suffers or is aggrieved”, Colak
noted. She however added that the
decisions and rulings of the European Court of Humans Rights needed to be
respected. “However discussions on these issues as Mr Akıncı has stated are
still continuing and have not been finalized”, she said.
On the issue of the UK’s stance on the
guarantees, Colak said that the British government supported the ongoing
process in the island despite keeping its distance from the talks.
Stating that the two sides had started the
negotiations on areas where they could reach agreement the easiest, Colak said:
“This was the right strategy in terms of creating a positive atmosphere. The property, territory and guarantees
issues are the stickiest. We need to assess the situation on both sides. There
are properties on which people have constructed their families and lives on.
People are worried they will be forced or kicked off the properties currently
in their possession. Of course we can’t make everything public but lack of
information causes fear and concern”.
Colak also pointed out that when it comes
to solving the property dispute, the interests and positions of both parties
will be taken into account. “It’s not like the will of only one of the two
sides will be respected” she said.
Pointing out that there is no such thing as
global exchange, Colak reminded that the ECHR states that property disputes can
be settled through compensation, exchange and restitution. “These have
different criteria. All cases will be individually examined and will be solved
on the basis of pre-determined principles. It’s important that we balance the
individual’s right to property and the rights of the current user of the
property”.
Colak explained that there will be a series
of criteria on which property cases will be settled and then there will be a
mechanism which will implement the criteria in question. She however added that
an extensive study is needed into how the properties in the “North” are in use.
“What have we done with Greek Cypriot properties? Did we hand out these
properties in exchange for properties left in the South? First of all we need
to do our homework on this. Then we have to ask the question as to how all
these properties will be financed. Who will bear the cost? Would it be fair to
demand compensation from the current user? All these issues will be evaluated.
Perhaps we might find international funds for the property issue”, Colak said.
In response to a question regarding the
illegal immovable property commission, Colak said that millions of sterling
pounds in compensation had been paid out by the “commission” over the past 10
years. She however added that there were a number of applicants who were
unhappy with the “commission’s” ruling and had applied to the ECHR. “Some of
the cases have been settled but the compensations have yet to be paid” she
added. She concluded by saying that efforts are exerted to solve outstanding
problems at the “commission”.
(DPs)
4. Eide
calls the NGOs to contribute to the efforts for a Cyprus settlement
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniBakis (04.08.15)
reports that Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus Espen Barth
Eide, who visited yesterday the occupied town of Famagusta and came together
with members of the Famagusta Initiative, said that the negotiations are moving
forward at an extremely fast pace and the issues of property and economy are
discussed at the negotiating table. He noted that although the issue of
Famagusta has not been discussed yet extensively, they agreed that Famagusta
should be included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage. He explained that every
week in the meetings they take the issues further and the necessary issues are
discussed more are going into more details.
In a short statement to the press after the
meeting, Eide said that the solution should be done by the Cypriots and not
only from the leaders. He added that the solution is necessary for the economy
development and the formation of a just community. Eide said that he discussed
the Cyprus problem with the Initiative, adding that during these discussions
creative ideas are being formed and he will continue to cooperate with the
Famagusta Initiative.
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily
YeniDuzen (04.08.15) reports that Eide, replying to questions by the activists,
said that the support of the non-governmental organizations for a comprehensive
solution is very important and added: “Do not leave the solution process only
to the politicians, take also charge in this process”. He further said that the
NGOs should also contribute on how the United Cyprus will be created. Eide
argued that probably Famagusta will be a very important advanced town in the
future to the economy of the country. Underlining the importance of reaching a
solution in Cyprus, Eide expressed his view that a settlement will have
economic benefits for everyone on the island.
Asked to comment on the opening of the
Deryneia crossing-point, Eide said that the opening of this crossing-point is
not easy due to technical factors and added that there are a number of problems
regarding that crossing point.
Speaking after the meeting, the spokesman
for the Famagusta Initiative SerdarAtai said that they had held a very
productive meeting with Mr Eide.
(DPs)
5.Statements
by Talat on the property issue
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris
(04.08.15) reports that former Turkish Cypriot leader and chairman of the
Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-United Forces) Mehmet Ali Talat, in
statements to a televised program broadcast by Ada TV, stated, inter alia, that
the reports published in the Greek Cypriot press as regards “maps and names of
villages”, do not comply with the truth and are completely unrealistic.
On the property issue, Talat stated that
it is a novelty the former owner of a property to give up from having the last
say in his property. Supporting that it is an internal issue of the “TRNC” the
issue which is related with the holders of a right and the opportunities the
state creates, Talat underlined that the solution will be a facilitator for
those who left their property in the “south”.
Concerning the Property Commission to be
established, Talat stated that it will implement the property criteria to be
agreed upon and pointed out that it would not make any ethnical division
towards the Turkish settlers. “What is
important is the acceptance of their citizenship”, Talat added.
(AK)
6. “Immovable
property commission” called on the Turkish Cypriots to stay calm
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 04.08.15), the chairman of the “”immovable property commission”
GungorGunkan, in statements to the “BRT” regarding the property issue, called on
the Turkish Cypriot “people” to stay calm regarding the property issue as the
Cyprus negotiations process is continuing.
“All issues will be discussed during the
negotiations and the new criteria will be discussed with the property
commission. They will try to solve this issue from its foundations, there is no
need to be concerned” said Gunkan.
He said that the “immovable property
commission” has emerged within the framework of the Cyprus negotiations process
aimed at dealing with the Greek Cypriots who left behind properties in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus either through compensation, exchange
or restitution.
“The commission is working to solve the
Greek Cypriot property issue in the fastest and most effective way”, claimed
Gunkan and added that while evaluating the property issue they need to know the
owners of the property in 1974. “The law is about the 1974 owner and its
heirs”, said Gunkan.
Touching upon the Cyprus problem, Gunkan
said that until now during the Cyprus negotiations process now is the time they
have been most hopeful. “We are most hopeful of the negotiations between Akinci
and Anastasiades”, he concluded.
7. Columnist:
“Money talks; even the Church in ‘Greek Cyprus’ wants now a solution”
Columnist BarcinYinanc, under the above
title, publishes the following commentary, in the Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily
News (online, 04.08.15):
“I know quite a number of Turkish elites
who, frustrated with developments in Turkey, decided to settle in Turkish
Cyprus (editor’s note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) over the
course of the last decade.
Following the failure of the 2004 Annan
plan, I had found this choice a bit odd, as pessimism reigned over ‘Turkish
Cyprus’.
Now those who settled in the north of the
island must feel vindicated seeing the current state of affairs in Turkey,
where the film is being rolled back to the 1990’s.
While the Kurdish peace process in Turkey
is in shambles, the peace process in Cyprus has picked up momentum, and this
time going back to a 2004 outcome looks like a dim probability.
‘We first sat down to the table to do
screening; then we started reaching a very speedy agreement on a lot of
points’, a member of the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team told me.
The unprecedented momentum that seems to
surprise everybody both on and off the island is attributed to the ‘right
constellation of stars’.
For the first time there is leadership on
the relevant sides with the wish to work for a reunited Cyprus.
First, the change came on the Greek Cypriot
side. We don’t need to revisit the credentials of Nikos Anastasiades, who was
an isolated political figure to lobby for a ‘yes’ campaign in 2004. His
election was the first sign of a change of mind-set on the Greek Cypriots’
part. But his election victory came also as a result of the deep economic
crisis which hit the south (editor’s note: the government controlled area of
the Republic of Cyprus). In addition, Greece’s economic troubles seem to have
multiplied the sufferings of the Greek Cypriots.
‘Greek Cypriots played in 2004 what they
thought to be their best hand. They thought things would get better after they
entered the European Union. It did not. Now they are playing their second best
hand’, a Turkish Cypriot familiar with the ongoing negotiations on the island
told.
‘When we used to approach the Greek side
for cooperation, the business circles were unwilling’, saying, ‘We have a state
policy; let the politicians solve the issue first.’ Now that approach has
changed’, said a Turkish Cypriot businessman.
Even the Church, which plays an important
role in the south’s political life and had been a staunch critic of the Annan
peace process in 2004, seems to have changed its attitude on the prospects of a
settlement. After all, as is the case with Greece, the Church in ‘Greek Cyprus’
is said to be a big stakeholder in the economy!
The leadership change in the ‘south’ was
recently followed by a change in the leadership of the ‘north’. It is no
surprise that with Mustafa Akinci’s election in April, negotiations are back on
track and progress is fast.
The fact the ‘no’ camp on both sides have
become anxious and started to voice criticism is also a testament that
substantial progress is being made.
One needs to mention Athens and Ankara while
talking about the right constellation of stars. Greece is busy with economic
troubles while Ankara is busy with political troubles. That’s not helpful,
although both sides on the island value the fact the whole process remains so
far ‘Cypriot owned’. This is a sensitive point to take into account; if we are
to learn from the lessons of the Annan process, the failure at that time was
attributed to the fact that the Greek Cypriots were convinced it was a solution
imposed by outsiders.
Even if embroiled in their internal and
(for Turkey) regional troubles, both capitals and even the Western powers need
a ‘good story’. So one would only expect them to make their utmost
contribution.”
8. Gurcafer
said that a Cyprus settlement will contribute to the development of the
building sector
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (04.08.15)
reports that the chairman of the “Turkish Cypriot building contractors union”
(KTIMB) Cafer Gurcafer, in statements to the paper, believes that none will
suffer with the solution. The reason is that the value of a property will rise
fivefold, he said, and explained that an apartment, which is sold 60 thousand
British pound in the occupied part of Nicosia, an equivalent one is sold for
200 thousand euro in the government controlled area of Nicosia. Gurcafer said
that on the property issue the model will not be whether the Turkish Cypriot
side or the Greek Cypriot side is 100% content.
Gurcafer further said that due to the
uncertainty at this moment the building sector has been affected negatively in
the “north”.
(DPs)
9.So-called
minister of education: “I will not give permission for the establishment of
more universities in the TRNC”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper
(04.08.15) under the title: “It is a
period of change in education”, reports on statements by so-called minister of
education Kemal Durust who visited yesterday the paper and explained the
“government’s program” and all the articles related with the education sector.
Speaking to the paper, Durust said they
will table a lot of regulations in the field of education and added that it is
time for action for the current “government”.
Durust explained, inter alia, that he has not had any intention to give
other permissions for the establishment of more “universities” in the
“country”. He pointed out that in 2009 while he was at the post of the
“minister of education” there were only 7-8 “universities” comparing with today
that the number of “universities” has reached to 16. “This is very dangerous. I
will not give permission for the establishments of more universities from now
on. […].
(AK)
10. Gezici
survey: The Turks want formation of coalition government, but view Erdogan as
major hurdle
According to Turkish daily Today’s Zaman
(online, 03.08.15), the majority of
Turkish citizens is in favour of the formation of a coalition government and
see President RecepTayyip Erdogan as the biggest factor preventing the emergence
of such a coalition, a polling company has revealed.
The Gezici Research and Polling Company
asked 4,860 people in a nationwide survey between July 25 and 26 their views on
recent developments in the country, such as the ongoing talks between political
parties to form a coalition government or the dissolution of the settlement
process -- launched in 2012 to resolve the country's Kurdish issue -- after
renewed armed clashes with the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
A full 70.2% of respondents expressed their
desire for the formation of a coalition government, an increase from the 53.6%
who expressed the same in a previous survey by the company before the June 7
election.
The survey found that 66% of those who
voted for the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in the June 7 election
are also in favour of a coalition government and want Erdogan and interim Prime
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to increase their efforts to that end.
When asked which factor has contributed to
the failure of the formation of coalition government, 56.8% said Erdogan was
the biggest hurdle to the emergence of a coalition.
Following the June 7 general election in
which no single party received enough seats in Parliament to form a government;
Erdogan has been criticized for conducting a strategy aimed at preventing the
formation of a coalition government.
Speaking to journalists on Friday on his
way back to Turkey from a visit to China, President Erdogan said a coalition
government would not bring the country any benefit. “However, it is possible to
form a minority government that would bring Turkey to a snap election”, he
said. Erdogan also told reporters in Istanbul on July 24 that if no parties are
able to form a coalition, the country would then hold another general election
within 90 days.
Citizens
view the recent outbreak of violence and chaos in the country stirred up by
military clashes between the army and Kurdish militants as well as radical
Islamist groups as an attempt to manipulate voters' decisions in a snap
election, according to the survey.
A total of 64.5% of respondents said that
the current chaotic atmosphere is an attempt by the AK Party to increase its
votes, especially those from nationalist citizens, in a possible snap election
in the coming months.
A similar view was upheld in a report
published by Istanbul-based consulting firm S BilisimDanismanlik on Aug. 1 that
argued support for the AK Party goes up when violence increases in Turkey.
The report also stipulates that the AK
Party had benefitted from previous instances of increased violence, such as the
GunesHarekati (Operation Sun) by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) against PKK
militants in 2007.
Respondents also expressed their discontent
with the recent policies of the AK Party in the fields of the economy, security
and democracy.
When asked
whether the AK Party was successful in solving the problems of the country and
in governing the country, 70.9% of those surveyed responded negatively.
Citizens are also concerned about their
security in the country, with 85.5% of respondents saying security along
Turkey's borders was not under control.
A full 84.2% also stated their opposition
to a military campaign against Syria, deeming such an operation unnecessary.
When it comes to the economic well-being of
the citizens, the survey reveals major dissatisfaction by citizens over their
financial statuses, with 67.4% of respondents saying they have a hard time
making ends meet. Furthermore, 21.2% stated they were unemployed.
Of those surveyed, 61.8% believe their
economic status will improve if a coalition government is formed.
The respondents were also disgruntled with
the extensive powers of the President, stating their preference for a president
with more limited powers. A total of 67.2% of respondents said the government
should be more independent from the President when making decisions.
Erdogan is
also seen as more authoritarian and oppressive by citizens. Of those surveyed,
66.1% said that Erdogan acts as a one-man show and adopts a harsh discourse in
politics, with 67.6% qualifying Erdogan as becoming more authoritarian and
oppressive.
Since his presidential term began last
August, Erdogan has filed 718 lawsuits on charges of insulting the President
against journalists and other people over news reports as well as their social
media posts.
The record number of legal proceedings
against dissidents is considered a new method of intimidating political
opponents who do not share the government's views.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/
AM)
