TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No. 197/15 16.10.2015
1. Erdogan and Obama
discussed the Cyprus problem and how to deepen cooperation against ISIS
2.
Akinci: “Even though the Republic of Turkey officially recognizes us, it cannot
implement the requirements of this recognition in every field”
3.
Colak discussed the progress of the
Cyprus negotiations with the
Turkish Foreign Minister
4.
Colak: USA’s approach on the Cyprus problem is positive; I cannot comment on
Russia’s stance
5. Burcu denies reports published
in the Greek Cypriot media concerning the launching of discussion on the
territory issue at the Cyprus negotiation talks
6. A committee called: “We do not
want to immigrate from Yialousa” established by the villagers living in
occupied Yialousa village
7. Sadi alleges that the Greek
Cypriot properties in the occupied area should be turkified through a legal way
in a possible solution
8.
Talat to meet with Erdogan on October 20
9.
Ozgurgun refers to “outside interferences” in the UBP prior to its congress
10. INTERPA’s 9th
meeting of the “executive board” took place in the occupied area of Cyprus
11.
“Priceless antiquities” were unearthed at the occupied ancient city of
Soloi
12.
Milliyet has started been published in the breakaway regime
13. Ankara says any
violation against Turkey by Syria will be reciprocated
14. HDP co-chair blames AKP
government for Ankara bombings
15. Turkish poll shows
ruling AK Party support short of majority
1. Erdogan and Obama
discussed the Cyprus problem and how to deepen cooperation against ISIS
Turkish
Daily Sabah (16.10.15) reports that U.S.
President Barack Obama called President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday on
deepening the cooperation between Turkey and the U.S. in the fight against ISIS.
The
two leaders spoke by telephone and reaffirmed their shared goal of stepping up
military pressure on ISIS and strengthening moderate opposition elements in
Syria to create conditions for a negotiated solution to the conflict, including
a political transition, according to the White House.
Obama
and Erdogan also agreed on an urgent need to end attacks in Turkey by PKK - a
terrorist organization recognized by Turkey, the U.S. and EU.
In addition, Hurriyet
(16.10.15) reports that the two leaders evaluated that the Cyprus negotiations are progressive
positively and reiterated their support for the reaching of an agreement.
2. Akinci:
“Even though the Republic of Turkey officially recognizes us, it cannot
implement the requirements of this recognition in every field”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (16.10.15)
reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has said that even though Turkey officially recognizes
the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, it cannot
implement the requirements of this recognition in every field. Addressing
yesterday the opening ceremony of Canakkale 18 March University in Istanbul,
Akinci noted that divided Cyprus has been a member of the EU for eleven years
and alleged that “the EU dynamics” for the solution of the Cyprus problem “has
been abolished”.
Akinci argued:
“Now we cannot
say that let us solve these problems by using the EU processes, because the
southern part [Translator’s note: This is how he describes the Republic of
Cyprus] has already entered into the EU.
All
these years the only thing we saw on the recognition issue is that only the
Republic of Turkey recognizes us. And I want to share with you my view frankly on this issue. Of course,
the way by which we are welcomed here we cannot see it in any other part of the
world. Our brotherly feelings on this issue are beyond everything. […]”
Akinci said that Turkey
also faces problems deriving from the international rules and added that
they are aware of that.
“For example, a
Turkish team cannot come to the TRNC a play a match. That is, it cannot
play with us even a friendly match. Why? Is it because it does not want it? No.
it is because it will be punished by
UEFA and FIFA. When it is paired with south Cyprus, it has to go and play a
match. Is it because it wants to do it very much? If it does not go, it will be
punished, it will be excluded. […]
Even though the Republic of Turkey officially
recognizes us, it cannot implement the requirements of this recognition in
every field. It does not recognize south Cyprus, but it cannot implement the
requirements of non-recognition in every field. Even your closest one, no
matter how close is to you politically and with your brotherly relations, every nation, every country has its own
special problems and troubles. And these have in a way been very serious
barricades until today for the recognition of the TRNC. These barricades still
exist today. I have chosen a mission for myself. Politics is the art obtaining
what is possible. Politics is the art of obtaining what is possible by
protecting your rights, not by surrendering. […]”
Referring to the Annan Plan period, Akinci argued:
“I do not know any other community in the world,
which, in spite of the fact that it has voted ‘yes’ to the solution and the EU,
remained outside the solution and the EU with the ‘no’ vote of another
community. […] During that period I said: ‘What we have to do is to support the
accession of a politically equal two founding-state structure to the EU with
the solution by taking the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, ensuring their
equality. We have to support Turkey to be given a date to begin its accession
talks only in a process parallel to this’. Unfortunately this was not
accepted”.
Referring
to the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that the parameters have roughly come up and
what is left is political will and determination. He alleged:
“We have this
determination. The government of the Republic of Turkey has it. We are carrying
out these efforts in consultation with them. Have we covered some distance? Yes
we have. Within these five months, important developments were ensured on three
of the six chapters, that is the governance and power sharing, the EU issues
and the economy. There are still three chapters left. The property, the territory and the security are the most complex
issues. In any agreement the equality, freedom and security of the Turkish
Cypriots are issues which must definitely be settled. I want this for the other
community as well”.
Referring to the bomb attacks in Turkey, Akinci said:
“If Ankara cries, Nicosia also cries. If the Republic of Turkey mourns, the
TRNC also is in mourning. I share this great pain of yours”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Colak
discussed the progress of the Cyprus
negotiations with the Turkish Foreign
Minister
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (16.10.15)
reports that the self-styled foreign
minister Emine Colak met with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Feridun
Sinirlioglu, within the framework of the 8th Summit Meeting of the Global
Migration and Development Forum in Istanbul.
During their meeting, Colak conveyed information to Sinirlioglu regarding the latest developments
at the negotiations. Emphasizing the importance of reaching a settlement,
Colak expressed that the strong support of Turkey is significantly contributing
to enabling the breakaway regime to conduct the negotiations with greater
strength.
Colak also reiterated her condolences to the families
who lost their loved ones during the terror attack which took place in Ankara
and stated that the breakaway regime as
always, sincerely shares the pain of the people of the Republic of Turkey.
On
his part Sinirlioglu emphasized that
their support to the breakaway regime will continue in every field and added
that their biggest wish is for the negotiations to be concluded with a just and
viable settlement and for sustainable peace to be achieved.
(CS)
4. Colak:
USA’s approach on the Cyprus problem is positive; I cannot comment on Russia’s
stance
Illegal Turkish Cypriot Bayraktelevision (16.10.15) broadcasts
that Emine Colak, self-styled
foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus, has described the United
States of America’s approach on the Cyprus problem as
“positive” to the negotiating process, while she refrained to comment on Russian
Federation’s stance, noting that “I cannot comment that”.
In statements to Turkish Haber Turk in Istanbul, Colak alleged that Turkey offers great
support to the process and always sends clear and positive messages.
Asked when a definite solution will be reached, Colak responded that the Greek Cypriot side
does not want to determine a date and argued that a referendum could be held
for the solution of the Cyprus problem before the parliamentary elections in
the Republic of Cyprus in May 2016. “The wish of all of us is to lead this
issue to a conclusion while harmony has been ensured”, she said adding that political will exists in both
sides for solving the Cyprus problem and the negotiations are being carried
out in an intense manner.
Colak noted that “many internal and external elements”
are in favor of the solution and this creates a pressure for a solution.
Referring to the negotiating process, she said that
problems exist on some issues discussed in the negotiations and noted that
these issues are “the property, the border adjustment and the guarantees”.
“Just like the Annan Plan was submitted to referendum,
the leaders of both sides will agree, afterwards the parliaments will take a
decision for holding a referendum and simultaneous and separate referenda will
be held in the two communities”, she argued.
(I/Ts.)
5. Burcu denies reports
published in the Greek Cypriot media concerning the launching of discussion on
the territory issue at the Cyprus negotiation talks
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (16.10.15)
reports that the “presidential
spokesman” Baris Burcu, in a written statement yesterday, said that the report
published in the Greek Cypriot newspaper Fileleftheros that the discussion on
the territory issue has been launched in the Cyprus negotiation talks in order
to pass over the deadlock regarding the property issue, do not reflect the
reality.
(AK)
6. A committee called: “We do
not want to immigrate from Yialousa” established by the villagers living in
occupied Yialousa village
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (16.10.15)
under the title: “We do not want to
become refugees again” reports that the people living in occupied Yialousa
village held a meeting yesterday and established a committee called: “We do not
want to immigrate from Yialousa”.
According to the paper, the “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG)
in occupied Trikomo, Biray Hamzaogullari, and the National Unity Party (UBP)
“deputy” in occupied Trikomo, Hamit Bakirci were also among the participants
and supported the formation of the committee.
Speaking during the meeting, Hamzaogullari reminded of the fact that the Cyprus High Level
Agreements of 1977-1979 signed by Rauf Denktas envisaged the return of Yialousa
and said that this turned against them during in the Annan plan. Hamzaogullari
added that he is one among those who do not want to become refugees and leave
from Yialousa in a possible solution. Stating that the negotiator should take
this into consideration, Hamzaogullari said that they would protect their
rights.
Also speaking, Bakirci
said that they decided to be organized in order for their voice to be heard
more and stressed the need for the demands of the “residents” of Yialousa to be
considered.
(AK)
7. Sadi alleges that the Greek
Cypriot properties in the occupied area should be Turkified through a legal way
in a possible solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (16.10.15)
reports that the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen Association
(ISAD), Metin Sadi has alleged that the
Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied area of Cyprus must be Turkified in
case of a solution to the Cyprus problem.
In statements to the paper, Sadi claimed that using an occupied Greek Cypriot property is “legal”, but
the uneasiness created because of the reactions of the Greek Cypriots on this
issue should be overcome.
Replying to a question, Sadi said: “I refer to these properties becoming Turkish in case of a solution.
If there will be two separate areas, all the branches you catch on should be
sound. When we hold on them, they should not remain in our hands […]”
Sadi noted also that there are people who have been
given 3.000 or 4.000 donums of land [Translator’s note: Donum is a land measure
of about 1000 square meters] without possessing any equivalent property [in the
government-controlled area of the island].
(I/Ts.)
8. Talat
to meet with Erdogan on October 20
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper
(16.10.15) reports that Mehmet Ali
Talat, the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and former Turkish
Cypriot leader will meet in Ankara with the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on
October 20.
According to information obtained by the paper, no a special issue will be on the agenda of
the meeting.
The paper also writes that Erdogan will not meet with Talat tomorrow, during his illegal visit
for the inauguration of the water transferred project to take place in the
breakaway regime.
(CS)
9. Ozgurgun
refers to “outside interferences” in the UBP prior to its congress
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (16.10.15)
reports that Huseyin Ozgurgun,
chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP), has said that outside interferences exist in the party and this paves
the way for the UBP stop being an independent party.
In statements to a television channel, Ozgurgun
referred to UBP’s congress which will be held on 31 October and argued: “This
congress will show everything. Now our members will decide whether our party
will be administered from inside or outside. During my term in the office, no interferences can take place. No one
can direct me. […] The decisions are taken collectively. If there is an outside interference, I say
‘stop’. If I cannot stop it, I resign”.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (16.10.15)
reports that the other six candidates
for the presidency of the UBP held a press conference yesterday at the party’s
headquarters and called on the UBP’s competent organs to convene and take
decisions as regards the congress. They
said that they do not know how the congress will be organized, how the voting
will take place etc. They also accused Ozgurgun of behaving “like a dictator”
and asked for his resignation.
(I/Ts.)
10. INTERPA’s 9th
meeting of the “executive board” took place in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper (16.10.15)
reports that the International Association of Police Academies held in the
occupied area of Cyprus on October 12-13 the 9th meeting of its
executive board.
According to the paper, the meeting took place at
Merit Premium Hotel in occupied Keryneia and police officials from several
countries such as Turkey, Sudan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Kazakhstan
attended the meeting.
The next meeting of INTERPA will take place in March
2016 in Sudan
11. “Priceless
antiquities” were unearthed at the occupied ancient city of Soloi
Under the title “Priceless antiquities were unearthed
from the tomb”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (16.10.15) reports that
a 2.400-old tomb complex which is
believed to belong to an aristocratic family has been discovered in the
occupied ancient city of Soloi.
The tomb complex consists
of three chambers, the two of which are not destroyed, but the third has been
looted. Human remains, jewelry, weapons and 16 pots used for servicing
people during ceremonies were found in the undestroyed chambers. In one of the
chambers, an undestroyed crown was found.
Archeologist
Hazar Kaba, who works in the tomb complex within the framework of his doctorate
at Ankara University, said that the objects found in the occupied ancient city
of Soloi show the commerce activities between Soloi and ancient Athens. Kaba noted that some jewelry and pots bear the
Persian designs.
It
is said that the golden crown is similar to the crowns laced in the tombs of
aristocrat Macedonians,
while some pots have the same
characteristics with pots from Ionia, today’s western Anatolia.
The human remains, which have been found in the one
chamber, belong to a man, a woman and a small girl. The remains in the second
chamber belong to a woman and a small girl. Experts are carrying out DNA tests
to find out the relationship between the people buried here.
(I/Ts.)
12. Milliyet
has started been published in the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (16.10.15)
reports that Milliyet gave a reception for the occasion of the launching of the
paper’s publication in the breakaway regime.
Fikret Bila, Milliyet’s Turkey editor-in-chief as well
as Akay Cemal, who was Milliyet’s correspondent in the breakaway regime for 30
years were also present in the reception.
(CS)
13. Ankara says any
violation against Turkey by Syria will be reciprocated
Turkish
Hurriyet Daily News (16.10.15) reports that Turkey’s Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu has recommended Syria’s
Democratic Union Party (PYD) watch their step, making clear that any move aimed
at Turkey would not remain unreciprocated.
“I
call on [PYD leader] Salih Muslim to [use] good sense and to pull himself
together. It would not be good for him if he doubts Turkey’s will and
determination. Turkey has been fighting against terror and nobody should
attempt to test its determination in this fight against terror,” Sinirlioglu
said on Oct. 15 in response to reported remarks by Muslim.
Earlier
this week, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu lashed out at both the United States
and Russia for supplying weapons and support to the People’s Protection Units
(YPG), the military wing of PYD, in its bid to fight extremist jihadists,
raising concerns that the arms could be used against Turkey by the outlawed
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an affiliate of the PYD.
“The message that we have
given to the PYD is clear. If they resort to any move directed against Turkey,
the required penalty will be given without hesitation,” Sinirlioglu said.
14. HDP co-chair blames
AKP government for Ankara bombings
Turkish
Hurriyet Daily News (16.10.15) reports that the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtas has argued
that the deadly Oct. 10 suicide bomb
attacks in Ankara was the result of “cooperation” between the AKP and ISIL.
Speaking
in Ankara on Oct. 15, Demirtas’s remarks came while commenting on the
court-imposed ban on media reports about the official investigation into the
blast.
“If there is even just a
one-in-a-million possibility of the [outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party] PKK
being behind this attack, then they [the government] would make it obligatory
for the media to report on the incident.
This illustrates that the AKP and ISIL were behind this attack,” he told
reporters on Oct. 15 ahead of his party’s Executive Board meeting in Ankara.
“What
is the Prime Minister trying to hide? Allow everyone to express their thoughts
freely. Do they believe they can hide it this way? We are shocked. People
already know everything, so let them express their opinion freely,” Demirtas
added.
The
HDP co-chair also blasted the ruling to ban “criticism” of the investigation,
questioning how such criticism could influence the investigation.
15. Turkish poll shows
ruling AK Party support short of majority
Turkish
Today's Zaman (16.10.15) reports that support
for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party is little changed from a June
election at 40.8%, a survey from pollster Gezici showed. This is below the level needed to form a single-party
government after a Nov. 1 vote.
In
June, the centre-right, Islamist-rooted AK Party lost its overall majority for
the first time since coming to power in 2002, taking 40.9 % of the vote.
The
survey of 4,864 people held between Oct. 3-4 showed the main opposition Republican
People's Party on 27.6 %, the Nationalist Movement Party on 15.8 % and the
pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party on 13.6 %, comfortably above the 10 % threshold
required to enter the Parliament.
It
estimated the prospective number of AK Party MPs in the 550-seat parliament at
256, short of the 276 needed for a majority.
In
the June election, the CHP won 25 %, the MHP 16.3 % and the HDP 13.1 % of the
vote.
The Gezici survey showed a
rise in support for the AK Party compared with its previous poll in
mid-September which put the AK Party in 39.3 %, the CHP at 28.1 %, the MHP at
16.8 % and the HDP at 13.5 %.
The
poll was conducted before a devastating bomb attack in Ankara last week at a
peace rally, the worst of its kind in Turkish history, which killed at least 97
people.
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
(CS/ AM)
