TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 174/15 12-14.09.2015
1. Akinci: Together with a solution we will be one of the two federal states within the EU
2. Yilmaz and Sinirlioglu made a call to Turkic states to support the Turkish Cypriots
3. Akinci met with the Canadian Ambassador to Athens
4. Talat and CTP are pleased from the Cyprus negotiation process
5. Akinci met with Sertoglu
6. Davutoglu met Kalyoncu
7. A crisis has been occurred between Turkey and the occupation regime for the administration of the water to be transferred from Turkey
8. Pyla village has reportedly become a “paradise for criminals”
9. 47, 463 students have enrolled for the academic year 2015-16
10. The illegal DAU university hosts an international conference
11. Cooperation between Kanal Sim and CyBC
12. Oguz Ceyda the seventh candidate for the UBP leadership
13. 1,056 students from 36 countries to study at the illegal Keryneia University for the academic year 2015-2016
14. Davutoglu won party congress, pledged refreshment of AKP and lifted the party’s three-term limit for MPs
15. Turkish police raids Nokta magazine
1. Akinci: Together with a solution we will be one of the two federal states within the EU
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 12.09.15), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met with the European Council President Donald Tusk and his accompanying delegation at Akinci’s office on Friday.
After the one hour meeting, Tusk and his delegation left without making any statements.
Evaluating his meeting with the European Council President, Akinci said that the meeting was very sincere and fruitful and added: “They support the Cyprus negotiations process and a solution being found to the Cyprus problem. They gave us assurances towards this end. We are satisfied that our relationship with Europe will increasingly develop. Together with a solution we will be one of the two federal states within the European Union. While moving towards this goal we need to continue our relationship with Europe and prepare for the new situation”.
Noting that there is a need for harmonisation with the EU and this was amongst the topic of discussion during his meeting with Tusk, Akinci said: “They are prepared to assist us in any possible way. I am very pleased with this meeting”.
Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot side is carrying out contacts with high level officials from the European Union, Akinci referred to the objections by some Greek Cypriot circles and Greek Cypriot politicians and said that he cannot give any meaning to their objections. “The existence of the Turkish Cypriots and their working organs cannot be denied. With a federal solution, the Turkish Cypriots will be one of the main communities within the EU and there is nothing more natural than this community carrying out high level meetings”, Akinci added.
Upon being asked a question, Akinci said that the property issue will be taken up during Monday’s leaders meeting and that currently the negotiators of the two sides are taking up the issue. “We have reached a point where we are facing the thorniest issue”, said Akıncı and added that the criteria for the property issue need to be clarified.
“We cannot leave our people in the dark regarding this issue. We will be transparent and our people will know what is going on. If we really want to achieve a positive result then the people must know what’s going on”, Akinci concluded.
2. Yilmaz and Sinirlioglu made a call to Turkic states to support the Turkish Cypriots
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 12.09.15), the President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Ismet Yilmaz has said that the comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem that will safeguard the rights of the Turkish Cypriot “people” and give them political equality is the primary objective of Turkey.
Yilmaz, who took part in the 5th Council of Heads of State of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States in the Kazakhstan capital of Astana, made evaluations regarding the Cyprus negotiations process. He said: “It is our principal objective that our Turkish Cypriot brothers will find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem that gives them political equality and safeguards their legitimate rights”, and expressed the hope that the positive atmosphere that was created at the Cyprus negotiations process that resumed after May will continue.
Yilmaz further said: “It is our hope that the current negotiations process will speedily process and that a comprehensive solution is found in the shortest time possible”. He also called on brother countries to support the Turkish Cypriot “people” and to ease the unjust “isolation” imposed against them.
Moreover, the Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu, who also addressed the summit, referred to the Cyprus issue and stressed the importance of achieving a settlement in Cyprus.
“We need to find a comprehensive and lasting solution in Cyprus which protects and safeguards the interests of the Turkish Cypriots” he said.
The Turkish Foreign Minister also asked the Turkic world to help ease the unjust “embargoes” imposed on the Turkish Cypriots.
3. Akinci met with the Canadian Ambassador to Athens
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 14.09.15), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met in the occupied area with the Canadian Ambassador to Athens Robert Peck. The latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations process topped the discussions at the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by the international relations coordinator at Akinci’s office Deniz Birinci.
No statement was issued before or after the meeting.
4. Talat and CTP are pleased from the Cyprus negotiation process
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (12.09.15) reports that Mehmet Ali Talat, the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) met with a group of journalists and evaluated the latest developments as regards the Cyprus negotiations and the breakaway regime.
Talat stated that both his party and himself are pleased on the Cyprus negotiation progress and added that he is not a person who would not support solution because a solution was not reached during his time. “What is important is a solution to be found. If there is a settlement we will embrace Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci”, he stated. He also said that it is possible a solution to be reached before May 2016.
Talat said that the central committee of CTP does not interfere to the job of the “government”. “The truth is that there is an exchange of opinion between me and the government but the involvement goes as far as this”, he said.
Referring to the water that will be transferred to the breakaway regime from Turkey, Talat stated that a “Water Committee” should be established which will safeguard that every “municipality” will sell the water to the clients in the same price.
(CS)
5. Akinci met with Sertoglu
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (12.09.15) reported that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci held a meeting with the chairman of the “Turkish Cypriot Football Federation” Hasan Sertoglu.
According to the paper the two men exchanged information on the recent developments. Akinci also expressed his support to the procedure followed by the “Turkish Cypriot Football Federation” and the Cyprus Football Federation and stated that he hopes that it will yield a positive result soon.
(CS)
6. Davutoglu met Kalyoncu
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (14.09.15) reports that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has met with Omer Kalyoncu, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. Citing information obtained from sources at the Turkish Prime Minister’s office, the paper writes that the 15-minute-long meeting was held in Ankara, where the Justice and Development Party’s 5th Regular Congress took place. The meeting was closed to the press.
(I/Ts.)
7. A crisis has been occurred between Turkey and the occupation regime for the administration of the water to be transferred from Turkey
Under the front-page title: “The Project of the Century is at stake”, Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (13.09.15) reported that a crisis came up between Turkey and the occupation regime as regards the administration of the water to be transferred from Turkey to the “TRNC”, within the “project of the century”, as it is called.
According to the paper, Turkey, which has spent millions of TL for the “project”, wishes for the distribution and the transferring of the water to be undertaken by a “private” company and not by the so-called municipalities which are in a state of bankruptcy, while on the other hand, the “TRNC officials” opposed to Turkey’s wishes and want to have the “administration” of the water.
Invoking reliable sources, the paper writes that Turkey wishes the establishment of a private company composed by experts which will undertake the responsibility for the distribution of the water. On the other hand, the “TRNC’s government” demands the administration of the water to be undertaken by the “water’s affairs organization” to be established by the “state” and the “company of water and canalization affairs of the TRNC’s municipalities” which will also operate under the umbrella of the “water affairs organization”.
The paper adds that due to disagreement between the two “states” a crisis has been occurred on the issue and the eyes are turned now to the 29th of October, the day that the project is supposed to come to an end.
Reporting on the same issue, Turkish daily Milliyet (14.09.15) covers the issue under the title” “Distribution crisis for the water of the century”.
(AK)
8. Pyla village has reportedly become a “paradise for criminals”
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (14.09.15) reports that a police officer working in the Sovereign British Bases has told the paper that the mix village of Pyla became a “paradise for criminals” and noted that the issue should definitely be discussed between President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci.
Under the banner front-page title, “Pyla: the refuge of the rascals”, the paper gives the example of a person named Ozay Hayat, who had leased a Mercedes from a rent a car company in occupied Keryneia in June for one day, but he did not return it and since then “enjoys Pyla’s immunity”. The worth of the car is estimated to be around 100 thousand Turkish Liras.
Some weeks ago Hayat was arrested by the SBA police, who informed the breakaway regime’s “police”, but the latter were not interested on the issue. Thus, the SBA police set Hayat free, because the crime had been committed in the occupied area of the island.
The paper writes that no one knows where the Mercedes is, while Hayat alleges that he had returned the car to the company, but the latter hides it in order to take money from the insurance company.
(I/Ts.)
9. 47, 463 students have enrolled for the academic year 2015-16
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (14.09.15) reports that for the academic year 2015-2016, 47 thousands 463 students have enrolled according to the so-called ministry of education in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
The paper reports that the first day of school starts tomorrow and 38 thousands 187 students will attend the “public schools” and 9 thousands 276 the private schools.
(DPs)
10. The illegal DAU university hosts an international conference
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (14.09.15) reports that the Faculty of Education and the Department of Turkish Language of the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University will host the 8th International Dialectology and Geo-linguistic conference.
The conference will be launched today and finish on September 18.
According to the paper, academicians from Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Latvia, Portugal, Slovenia and Austria will attend the congress.
(AK)
11. Cooperation between Kanal Sim and CyBC
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (13.09.15) reports that as of this month Turkish Cypriot Kanal Sim television will start broadcasting two bilingual programs of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC or RIK): the “BIZ-EMEIS” [Translator’s note: It means “WE”] and the “Under the Same Sky” programs, which are broadcast by RIK2 channel in both Greek and Turkish languages.
The agreement between the two TV stations had been signed last February. CyBC will start broadcasting the above-mentioned programs today and Kanal Sim tomorrow.
Kanal Sim’s general broadcasting director, Sami Ozuslu expressed the belief that there is something which everyone can do for contributing to the solution process in Cyprus. Pointing out that the media have an extremely critical mission in the inter-communal dialogue, Ozuslu said that their agreement with the CyBC will positively contribute in the process. He noted that, because of different technical systems used by the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot TV stations, the two communities have been facing difficulties in watching programs broadcast in the other language during the past 3-4 years.
Ozuslu noted that they want to develop their cooperation with CyBC and the other Greek Cypriot TV stations and expressed the view that their cooperation with CyBC is a kind of a confidence building measure.
(I/Ts.)
12. Oguz Ceyda the seventh candidate for the UBP leadership
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (14.09.15) reports that Oguz Ceyda, former “general secretary” of the “Turkish Cypriot farmer’s union” has announced that he will run for the leadership of the National Unity Party (UBP) during the congress of the party that will take place on October 31st.
In statements to the paper, Ceyda said that he announced his candidacy in order to express his reaction over the huge number of candidates for the party’s leadership.
(AK)
13. 1,056 students from 36 countries to study at the illegal Keryneia University for the academic year 2015-2016
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (14.09.15) reports that the illegal Keryneia University will launch its new academic year (2015-2016) with 1,050 students from 36 countries.
According to the “department of press and public relations” of the illegal university, the university will open with 8 Faculties and 29 departments of study.
According to the paper, the “university”, which pays a great importance to “international memberships”, accreditation and international cooperation, has already started works for becoming a member of the “International Association of Universities” (IAU), the European University Association (EUA), the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) and also to become accredited with the International Organization of Accreditation (ASIIN).
(AK)
14. Davutoglu won party congress, pledged refreshment of AKP and lifted the party’s three-term limit for MPs
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 12.09.15) reported that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu pledged a strong return to power in the Nov. 1 early elections with a soul-searching which would get guidance from founding principles of his Justice and Development Party (AKP), also declaring that the party’s self-implemented three-term limit for MPs was lifted at the congress on September 12.
The PM and the party leader won all of 1353 valid votes, sustaining his post as expected.
According to Davutoglu, being discreet and marching with the nation was the message that the voters gave to AKP in the June 7 parliamentary election.
The congress was the first ever regular congress that was held without attendance of the AKP’s founding leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Davutoglu was elected as party leader at an extraordinary congress held in August 2014 following Erdogan’s election as President by a popular vote.
“Today, we once more pledge our nation; we have emerged from among you and we are coming for marching towards a joint destiny”, Davutoglu said, while he noted that the voters have been asking their party to fight against poverty and corruption.
His remarks were a reference to one of the key mottos of the AKP of fighting against the “3 Ys”, – corruption (“yolsuzluk” in Turkish), poverty (“yoksulluk” in Turkish) and bans (“yasaklar” in Turkish).
The AKP leader also vowed to continue restoration of the economy as well as continuation of foreign policy initiatives and reform of judiciary.
Davutoglu disclosed significant amendments to be made into internal regulations of the party in order to join “political power with righteousness”. Accordingly, a “political virtue and ethics” board will be established within the party. Two new deputy chair seats will be allocated in order to be in charge of human right affairs and affairs of environment, city and culture.
The internal three-term for Deputies will be lifted since there is “a short time” between the June 7 election and the upcoming Nov. 1 election.
Some 1,445 delegates of the party gathered on early morning of Sept. 12 at the Arena Sports Complex for electing their leader and members of the AKP’s highest decision-making body, the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK).
A message by former President Abdullah Gul, who returned an invitation for attending the congress and also a founder of the party, was read out at the congress.
From the other three political parties that are represented in parliament, deputy chairs of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) attended the congress, while Kurdish problem-focused Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) preferred not sending any representatives despite having been invited.
Representatives of the Islamic-based Felicity (Saadet) Party (SP), which has been holding negotiations with the AKP for an alliance in the upcoming Nov. 1 election, were present at the congress.
Among attendees of the congress were; former Brazilian Foreign and Defense Minister Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim;Rachid al-Ghannouchi, the leader of Tunisia's Al-Nahda party; Iraq’s vice presidents, Ayad Allawi and Osama al-Nujaifi; FYROM’s State Minister Furkan Chako; Morocco’s former Prime Minister Abbas el Fassi; and the self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus Omer Kalyoncu.
15. Turkish police raids Nokta magazine
According to Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 14.09.15), Turkish police raided Nokta magazine whose last issue had a cover in which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was taking a selfie in a marty's funeral early on Monday morning and the distribution of its 18th edition was banned.
The distribution of the magazine's issue was banned and the ones that were already sent will be pulled off the market.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio
(DPs/ AM)
