TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No. 196/15 15.10.2015
1.
Akinci: The property issue will be solved mostly with compensations
2.
Akinci: “The water issue cannot be solved without the municipalities and local
authorities”
3. Akinci will deliver a lecture
at the Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University
4.
Erdogan will illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus on 17 October
5.
Turkey issued invitations for the inauguration ceremony for the water transfer
project
6.
Cretu: Europe is determined in supporting the solution in Cyprus
7.
Burcu on the opening of the Derinya check point
8.
Eide: Concessions are needed in the Cyprus problem
9. Turkes: “If the Greek Cypriot
side shows goodwill, then we have hopes for a positive result to arise on the
Cyprus problem”
10.
The Egyptian Ambassador to Nicosia visited Atalay
11. The KTTO to attend the
“Eurochamber Economic Forum” in Luxemburg
12. Harmanci carried out contacts
in Ankara
13. Chinese businessmen
visited the illegal Keryneia American University
14. The “municipality” of
occupied Lefka became an official member of Cittaslow International
15. The “European National Teams
Billiard Championship” takes place in the occupied area of Cyprus with the
participation of foreign countries
16.
Demirtas confirmed that a group of militants affiliated with ISIL plans to
assassinate him
17. Court issues total media
ban over Ankara suicide bombings
18. Former President Gul
calls Demirtas, expresses condolences over Ankara bombing
19. Turkey reveals location
of planned third nuclear plant
1.
Akinci: The property issue will be solved mostly with compensations
Turkish
daily Milliyet (online, 15.10.15), under the title “A German model for solution
in Cyprus”, reports that Milliyet’s editor-in-chief, Fikret Bila headed a team
that met yesterday with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. The issue of a
Cyprus settlement based on the “German model” came up during the meeting.
Referring
to the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that they should find a solution in Cyprus the
soonest possible and added: “We are of the same generation with esteemed
Anastasiades”. He also said that either they solve the problem during this
period or it will become even more difficult to do so in the future, adding
that this is the last settlement effort by their generation.
Stressing
that there are three essential points in
the Cyprus problem, Akinci argued that there cannot be a solution, which
won’t address the issues of equality, freedom and security. He explained: “I
don’t want this only for me. I want also this for our partners, the Greek
Cypriots”.
Regarding
the presidency, in which the governance and power sharing chapter is included,
Akinci said: “In a Cyprus settlement definitely the rotating presidency is
necessary. This is our must for the sake of political equality”. Noting
that the issue of guarantees will be discussed last, Akinci said that on this
issue, the guarantor countries will have a say.
Claiming
that 75% of the “people” in South Cyprus (translator’s note: the government
controlled area in the Republic of
Cyprus) does not want to return back to their home in the occupied north, Akinci
said that the property issue, which is one of the most important chapters of
the Cyprus problem, will be solved mostly with compensations. Akinci also said
that in their meetings, he and Anastasiades made promises to each other on the
issue of compensations; however, what is important is to keep their word.
Referring
to the project of water supply from Anamur, Mersin to the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus, Akinci said that it is very important. He further noted:
“This water is wealth for us. It is an important gain in the Middle East.
We will be able to share it with the Greek Cypriots. He added: “The union of
North Cyprus with South Cyprus will affect positively the relations between
Turkey and Greece”.
Noting
that the sharing of natural resources in the region within peace is an
important path, Akinci said: “Egypt discovered a rich hydrocarbon reservoir
only 6 km from Cyprus’ EEZ. It is a very short distance to the island. (…) to
transfer natural gas from Egypt, Israel and Cyprus to Europe (through Turkey)
is viewed by experts as the most intelligent path”. Akinci further claimed that
Anastasiades also said that he has the same view with him on this issue, adding
that he believes that the discovered mineral wealth can be used in a way that
can contribute to the regional peace.
Meanwhile,
Akinci thanked the Demiroren Media Group on starting to print the newspaper
Milliyet in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
Replying
to a question whether the “TRNC citizens” who are of Turkish origin will leave
the island or not after the Cyprus settlement, Akinci said: “The people who
have started a family and have settled in Cyprus (translator’s note: the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and have lived in this land for years
now should not this issue even being
discussed”. He added: “I don’t even know who has settled and who has
not. The TRNC citizens are all our compatriots”.
On
the same issue, Sefa Karahasan, correspondent of Milliyet newspaper in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, in his column “A glance from the
island”, under the title “The critical three months”, writes that Akinci, during the meeting with the
Milliyet team, said that the Cyprus
talks will enter the most critical period from November. He added that a
plan should emerge prior to the parliamentary elections that will be held in
"South Cyprus” (translator’s note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus) in May 2016. It
will be difficult for Anastasiades to focus on the Cyprus talks from the moment
on which the election campaign will begin. Akinci stressed that the months of
November, December and January will be the most critical months.
(DPs)
2. Akinci:
“The water issue cannot be solved without the municipalities and local
authorities”
Illegal Bayrak television (15.10.15) broadcast that
the Turkish Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci has expressed the view that “the water
issue cannot be solved without the municipalities and local authorities”.
Akinci was speaking during a visit paid to him
yesterday by a delegation from a trade union platform. H said that the issue of
who was going to manage the water could not be solved without the involvement
of the “municipalities”.
He said that this position on the issue was clear.
He also added that if the water project was made
sustainable then this would bring new horizons for the breakaway regime and
that Cyprus could become a hub in the Mediterranean. “Imagine on the one end an energy corridor
from Cyprus to Europe via Turkey and water flowing to the island and perhaps
even to the Middle East. All these might come as a dream at the moment but we
need such dreams and we need to work hard to make these dreams come true. Peace
can only be possible through such interdependence” he said.
Akinci also stated that more care and attention was
needed to be shown towards improving Turkish Cypriot institutions and enabling
them to stand on their own two feet.
“The arrival of the water from Turkey is very important but just because
we have water from Turkey does not and should not mean that we should neglect
our own resources. We need to conserve every drop of water in these lands” he
said, adding that the “parliament” and the “government” needed to reach an
agreement on this issue and prepare the necessary “legislation” as soon as
possible.
Arslan Bicakli who spoke on behalf of the platform
said that they were not disturbed by the arrival of water from Turkey but
stressed that the water must be managed by the “TRNC”. “We do have the
qualified experts in the TRNC who can manage electricity, water and
telecommunications” he said.
3. Akinci will deliver a lecture
at the Canakkale 16 Mart University
Illegal
Bayrak television (15.10.15) broadcast that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will deliver a lecture at the Canakkale
16 Mart University in Turkey this afternoon.
Akinci
will address students and academic staff at the Canakkale Onsekiz Mart
University to mark the beginning of the 2015-2016 academic year.
Akinciduring
his visitwill be accompanied by his executive assistant Cenk Gurcag.
4. Erdogan
will illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus on 17 October
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that Birol Cinar, Project
Director for the water brought from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus at
Turkey’s State Water Affairs Department, has said that two opening ceremonies
will be held on Saturday, 17 October regarding the above-mentioned project.
Cinar told Havadis that the first ceremony will be held at 11.00 a.m. in Anamur in Turkey and
the second at 01.00 p.m. in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus at the
“Drinking Water Desalination Installation” built near occupied Myrtou village.
Cinar said that Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will participate in both ceremonies
accompanied by a large delegation.
(I/Ts.)
5. Turkey
issued invitations for the inauguration ceremony for the water transfer project
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that Turkey issued the
invitations for the inauguration ceremony for the water transfer project that
will take place this Saturday, the 17th of October.
According to the column of Afrika editor-in-chief
Sener Levent, the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is inviting the Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to the ceremony while the Turkish Prime Minister
Ahmet Davutoglu is inviting the so-called prime minister Omer Kalyoncu. As
regards the Turkish Cypriot civil society organizations are invited by the
“Water Affairs Ministry” of Turkey.
In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi
newspaper (15.10.15) reports that "TRNC Municipalities Water and Sewage
Enterprises" (BESKI), an organization established by 26 Turkish Cypriot
"municipalities" with the aim of administrating the water which came
from Turkey to the occupied area, issued a statement noting that it has not
received an invitation for Saturday’s
inauguration ceremony yet; however it stated that it would not have attended
the event even if it was invited and reiterated its position that the water
transferred from Turkey must be administrated by the breakaway regime.
(CS)
6. Cretu:
Europe is determined in supporting the solution in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that Corina Cretu, European
Commissioner for Regional Policy, has
said that the European Union is ready to offer support for the harmonization of
the solution in Cyprus with the principles upon which the EU is founded. In
exclusive statements to Kibris, Cretu noted that the President of the EU
Commission is determined in offering any support to the solution process.
Replying to questions, Cretu stated that Pieter Van Nuffel, EU’s Special
Representative at the UN’s Good Offices Mission in Cyprus, will be more accessible in order for the UN and the two communities to
make use of the Commission’s experts in the benefit of the negotiations.
Cretu, who is visiting the island today, drew
attention to the agreement for establishing a special bi-communal committee
with the aim of preparing the Turkish Cypriots for the EU and added that this committee will be sufficient evidence
by itself for the progress achieved during the negotiating process.
Pointing out to the fact that all sides and
stakeholders agree on the urgent necessity for the Turkish Cypriots being
prepared for implementing the EU laws after a comprehensive solution is
reached, Cretu said that they are ready to increase their efforts for preparing
the Turkish Cypriot community for the implementation of the acquis
communautaire and offer any extra aid and support demanded by the sides.
She added that in case a solution is reached in
Cyprus, the EU will make the necessary amendments in the Multiannual Financial
Framework and in the Aid Regulation for the Turkish Cypriots.
Replying to a question regarding the Direct Trade
Regulation of the EU with the Turkish Cypriots, Cretu said that the proposal is
pending before the European Parliament and taking
into consideration the existing positive momentum in the island, the
comprehensive solution itself seems to constitute a real opportunity on the
issue of the trade. “This will
integrate the Turkish Cypriots with the EU’s internal market”, she pointed
out.
(I/Ts.)
7. Burcu
on the opening of the Derinya check point
Illegal Bayrak television (15.10.15) broadcast that
Baris Burcu, the spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has
issued a statement regarding the opening of the Derinya and Apliki check
points.
Burcu who issued a written statement said that the
mine search and clearance activities on the main road in Derinya will be
finalized following tests to be carried out by the UN mine search teams on the
24th of October.
Burcu also added that after safety is insured on the
road, work towards widening the road, fencing off the surrounding areas and
completing the infrastructure will start.
Explaining that alternative routes for both crossing
points had come to the agenda while minesweeping activities were still
continuing, he said: “As a result of the initiatives taken by Akinci and the
contacts he held with all concerned sides, in accordance with the will of both
peoples, a decision similar to the one taken at the Apliki crossing point, was taken to use the main
road at the Derinya border crossing”. Burcu also added that Akinci had shared
this decision with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
8. Eide:
Concessions are needed in the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that Espen Barth Eide, UN
Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus, has said that all the issues have been discussed in the negotiations
for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, adding that “in spite of the fact
that disagreement exists on many issues, the climate is very good this time”.
In statements to Al Jazeera Turk television, Eide
noted: “All issues have been discussed at a certain level, many of them in a
very detailed manner. The Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and the UN have now a general idea regarding the
result which will come up. This is not in darkness any more. At the same
time, there are concessions needed to be
given. When these are also discussed everything will fall into place. This
should happen within the shortest period of time. We are working on it now”.
Eide said that in
spite of the existence of issues on which convergence has not been reached, the
leaders are exhibiting understanding towards each other and “are accepting the
logic of what the opposite side is saying”. He went on:
“Actually the climate is very good, in spite of the
fact that they disagree on many issues. This is a situation we see very rarely.
Both leaders want a solution, but not
‘at any cost’.It is not sufficient to solve all problems. The positions of the sides are very far
from each other on some issues. For example, as everybody knows, the property issue is very difficult,
because the issue itself is difficult. The
positions are different, but both sides are aware of how difficult this is.
Both sides know that the other side has taken this position based on reasonable
grounds and understand each other. They are trying to eliminate this
difficulty […] the important thing is
the fact that even though they think differently on some issues, they are
trying to solve this with mutual confidence. Until today, the other side has
always been considered to be very bad or that it is directed by foreign forces
or very ill intention was seen behind the steps they were taking […] The
negotiations cannot continue with the same momentum, we are advancing by
increasing the agreed issues”.
(I/Ts.)
9.Turkes: “If the Greek
Cypriot side shows goodwill, then we have hopes for a positive result to arise
on the Cyprus problem”
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that Turkey’s Deputy Prime
Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs Tugrul Turkes, in statements to Ankara
Anatolia news agency, referred to the Cyprus problem and stated, inter alia,
that if the Greek Cypriot side shows a goodwill towards the solution, then they
have hopes that a positive result could be reached on the Cyprus problem.
Referring
to the water transfer project from Turkey to the “TRNC”, he said that the project has been completed and
that the water has already started flowing in the “TRNC”. Concerning the
project, Turkes added that there are
also some legal regulations that needed to be made and stressed also to the
need for the issue of the distribution of the water to be examined again
together with the “TRNC officials”.
Supporting
that this project is an important indication of friendship, Turkes added that
Turkey has solved a very important issue in the “TRNC” that is the issue of the
potable water.
Concerning
the Cyprus negotiation talks, Turkes alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side has
always shown a sincere and goodwill stance and added:“Without any exception and
no matter with whom you speak, they all say that we are ready to undertake
steps with goodwill. Due to the fact that I am a person coming from a family
with Cypriot origin, I follow very closely this issue [the Cyprus problem] and
the Greek Cypriot side with its insistence, keeps yet this approach: ‘I cannot
do anything else, I cannot step back, I cannot make any other gesture, the
Turkish Cypriot side should make some moves’. Also, there is the approach ‘I
cannot leave my place, you should give to me’. (…) There are two communities
here. No matter of the population, it should become accepted that there are two
communities”, Turkes said.
Asked
to comment about the settlers coming from Turkey, Turkes stated “In the other
side, there are also people coming from Greece and Russia. Will you not take
them into consideration…If the Greek Cypriot side is willing and have good
intentions then we have hopes for a positive result on the Cyprus problem”.
(AK)
10. The
Egyptian Ambassador to Nicosia visited Atalay
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that Egypt’s Ambassador to Nicosia, Hussein Abdelkarim Tantawy Mubarak has visited the head of the
“religious affairs department” of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus, Talip Atalay.
According to a statement issued by the “religious
affairs department”, Mubarak expressed
the belief that the communication between Atalay and Archbishop II Chrysostomos
will significantly contribute to peace. He said that they consider the efforts exerted between the religious leaders in
Cyprus on the issue of peaceful coexistence as a model for the area and the
world.
Mubarak noted that his duties in Cyprus have started
recently and that he preferred paying his first visit to the “religious affairs
department”. He further said that he is ready to offer any kind of support on
issues related with peace.
On his part, Atalay
said that their target is to support the peaceful coexistence of different
religious groups, become a model for peaceful coexistence and at least make
a beginning on this issue. He argued that the relations between Egypt and
Cyprus have a long and healthy history and underlined
the need for the Egyptian people to know the Turkish Cypriot “people” more
intimately.
(I/Ts.)
11. The KTTO to attend the
“Eurochamber Economic Forum” in Luxemburg
Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade (KTTO) will attend the
“Eurochamber Economic Forum” which is to take place in Luxemburg.
According to the paper, the Chamber will be
represented at the Forum by its chairman Fikri Toros, the member of its
administration board Mustafa Genc and the representative of the Chamber in
Brussels, Lale Sener. The Forum which is hosted by the Chamber of Trade of Industry
of Luxembourg will start today and finish tomorrow.
(AK)
12. Harmanci carried out
contacts in Ankara
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that the “mayor” of the “municipality” of occupied Lefkosia Mehmet
Harmanci held contacts in Ankara and attended the 3rd General
Assembly of the Global Design Cities Organization.
According to the paper, Mayors from 20 different
countries attended the meeting.
In the framework of the summit, Harmanci held a
constructive meeting with the Mayor of Sarajevo Ivo Komsic and his accompanied
delegation. Both decided to develop cooperation and share experiences from
their towns.
(AK)
13. Chinese businessmen
visited the illegal Keryneia American University
According
to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (15.10.15), Chinese businessmen visited the
illegal Keryneia American University GAU) and met with Serhat Akpinar, the
“rector and chancellor of the board of GAU”.
According
to a press release by “GAU”, the Chinese delegation was briefed on the
management of GAU and on the project of the “Smart Health Complex”. During the
meeting, Akpinar said that there is an important potential of cooperation
between them on the tourism field. They also discussed steps that can be taken
on the tourism sector and investments that can be carried out in different
fields.
Akpinar
said that their guests will evaluate their proposal regarding opening specific
programmes of their academic faculties in China. He added that “GAU” offers a
summer course of two weeks for children age 4-14 from China, who accompany
their parents in the summer courses.
(DPs)
14. The “municipality” of
occupied Lefka became an official member of Cittaslow International
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that the “municipality” of
occupied Lefka has finally become an official member of the Cittaslow International,
after two years of intensified work.
In statements to a correspondent of illegal TAK, the “mayor” of the “municipality of Lefka”
Aziz Kaya, stated that he will attend an event on November 7 in the town of
Falkoping in Sweden where he will be presented with the Cittaslow membership
certification and its flag.
The
“municipality” of occupied Lefka is the second “municipality” which achieved to
become members of Cittaslow, after Agios Sergios “municipality”.
**Translator’s note: [Cittaslow is a movement founded in Italy and inspired by the Slow Food
organization. Cittaslow's goals include improving the quality of life in towns
by slowing down its overall pace, especially in a city's use of spaces and the
flow of life and traffic through them.]
(AK)
15.The “European National
Teams Billiard Championship” takes place in the occupied area of Cyprus with
the participation of foreign countries
Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (15.10.15)
reports in its sport pages that the
“European Youth National Teams Billiard Championship” has been launched
yesterday in the occupied area of Cyprus within the framework of the 15thInternational
Fazil Kucuk Games which are taking place every year in the “TRNC”
As the paper writes, 32 athletes from seven different countries, that is the occupation
regime, Finland, Belarus, the Netherlands, Turkey, Norway and Russia are
participating the championship.
(AK)
16. Demirtas
confirmed that a group of militants affiliated with ISIL plans to assassinate
him
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (15.10.15)
reports that the co-chairman of the Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)
Selahattin Demirtas confirmed an allegation that a group of militants
affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) recently
infiltrated Turkey aiming to assassinate him.
“We received intelligence from reliable sources that
there were plans to plot an assassination against me. We have tried to tighten
security and of course share this information with the authorities. But it [the
government] is busy protecting ISIL rather than us,” Demirtas stated.
(CS)
17. Court issues total
media ban over Ankara suicide bombings
Turkish
Hurriyet Daily news (15.10.15) reports that an Ankara court issued on Oct. 14 a broad media ban over the Oct. 10
Ankara suicide bombinvestigations.
According to the court
decision, the ban includes “all kinds of news, interviews, criticism and
similar publications in print, visual, social media and all kinds of media on
the Internet” covered by the investigation.
All
media outlets in the country have officially been notified of the decision,
which brings in one of the broadest recent media bans, effective immediately.
In
addition, on Oct. 12, a restriction decision was given about the bombing
investigation over the prosecutor’s demand. According to the decision, lawyers
will not be able to take information and documents from the file with some
exceptions. The same decision had been made over both the Suruc and Diyarbakir
bomb attacks earlier this year.
Speaking to Reuters on Oct.
14, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said some of the suspects in the suicide bombing that killed at least 97 people
in Ankara had spent months in Syria and that they could be linked to the Islamic
State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party
(PKK). “We are working on [investigating] two
terrorist organizations, Daesh [ISIL] and the PKK, because we have certain
evidence regarding the suicide bombers having links with Daesh, but also some
linkages with PKK groups,” Davutoglu said.
18. Former President Gul
calls Demirtas expresses condolences over Ankara bombing
Turkish
daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (15.10.15) reports that the leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)
Selahattin Demirtas said on Wednesday that former President Abdullah Gul called
him and extended condolences for the bomb blasts that killed at least 97 people
at a peace rally in the capital city of Ankara on Oct. 10.
In
his remarks, made during a funeral of a bombing victim in the southeastern
province of Batman, Demirtas said that Turkey's 11th President called him on
Tuesday to express his sorrow for the victims. “I see this as owing the
relatives of victims a debt. Yesterday, ex-President Abdullah Gul called me and
extended his condolences. This is my duty and I would like to extend this
message to families in pain. May God bless him,” Demirtas stated.
19. Turkey reveals
location of planned third nuclear plant
Turkish
daily Sabah (15.10.15) reports that Interim
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Ali Riza Alaboyun said that the İgneada
district in north western Kirklareli province is to be the location of the
country's third nuclear plant project.
In
a meeting with state-run Anadolu Agency editors yesterday, Alaboyun stated that
Chinese firms and U.S.-based
Westinghouse are the potential bidders for the project, while Japanese firms
also show interest in the third nuclear plant.
The İgneada district is
located some 10 kilometers south of Turkey's border with Bulgaria and
famous for its natural beauty and beach, which is likely to raise questions as
to its environmental impact. It is also located in Turkey's industrial
powerhouse Thrace region and roughly 100 kilometers northwest of Istanbul's
western suburbs.
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
(CS/ AM)
