25/11/15

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW



TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S


No. 224/15                                                                                        25.11.2015
1. Akinci: “The only way out for the lifting of the sport embargoes is through the solution of the Cyprus problem or the recognition of the TRNC”
2. Eide: The possibilities created by the solution will finance the cost of the solution
3. Ozgurgun: “The 90% of the issue of the administration of the water is solved”
4. Employees of occupied Yialousa “municipality” asked Turkey’s so-called ambassador in Nicosia to solve their problems
5. The occupation regime attended a forum of the OIC
6. Arrangements in the “public transportations”
7. Erdogan: Turkey downed fighter jet within the rules of engagement
8. Erdogan, Obama speak over the phone on the recent downing of the Russian jet
9. Davutoglu; Turkey has the right to respond if Turkish airspace is violated
10. Turkey submits letter to UN explaining the downing of a Russian jet
11. Lavrov cancels Turkey trip after jet downing
12. Russian battleships are near to Latakia shore
13. Economy consequences after the Russian jet crisis
14. “The Russian jet and the Turkish presidency”
15. Davutoglu unveils the new Cabinet members of the 64th Turkish Government
16. New AK Party Cabinet staffed by Erdogan loyalists


1. Akinci: “The only way out for the lifting of the sport embargoes is through the solution of the Cyprus problem or the recognition of the TRNC”
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (25.11.15) under the title: “We cannot overpass the sport embargoes without the solution process”, reports on statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci who in a press conference yesterday referred to the “sport embargoes” and said, inter alia, that without a solution on the Cyprus problem, it is difficult to lift the “sport embargoes” imposed on the “TRNC”.
Pointing out that because of the “embargoes” neither Turkey nor any other team can play friendly games with the “TRNC”, Akinci added that the only way out is the solution of the Cyprus problem or the recognition of the “TRNC” by the entire world.
Supporting that the stance of the “Greek Cypriot administration” towards the issue of “sport embargoes” is the same for the last 42 years, Akinci added: “The reason for this derives from the fear of the recognition of the TRNC”.
Referring also to the mobile telephone-GSM issue, Akinci said that this issue has been chocked up due to some legal obstacles. He added that with goodwill people can change the laws and thus the issue to be solved.
(…)
(AK)

2. Eide: The possibilities created by the solution will finance the cost of the solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (25.11.15) reports that Espen Barth Eide, Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus, met separately yesterday with President Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. In statements after the meetings Eide said that during the meeting between the leaders to be held today, they will evaluate the negotiations and determine how many times they will meet in December.
Eide noted that they had a very good meeting with Akinci yesterday and added that they discussed how to organize the meetings to be held in December within the framework of the negotiations.
Eide said that “this format of the negotiations is a good experience” and it is believed that it facilitated the interrelated discussion of the issues.
According to Eide, progress has been reached in the direction of an agreement on some fields during the negotiations and they understood how it would be better to organize some other fields.
Referring on today’s leaders’ meeting, Eide noted that they will discuss the announcement they will issue adding that the process is being carried out by the leaders and they decide what and when will be said.
Replying to a question regarding the financing of the solution, Eide pointed out that first the donors should know what they will be financing and added that they have nothing concrete as to which amount of money will be needed, because especially the property and the key issues have not been concluded. He noted that there are some countries which want to finance the solution adding that resources could also be found by private companies. He further expressed the belief that the possibilities which the solution will create will cover the cost of the solution.
(I/Ts.)      

3. Ozgurgun: “The 90% of the issue of the administration of the water is solved”
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (25.11.15) reports that the chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun, in statements to illegal BRT last night, evaluated the issue of the administration of the water transferred from Turkey to the “TRNC” within the framework of the water transferred project and said that 90% of the issue is solved. He also added that the “municipalities” will take part to this work jointly and added that the capital will be also included to this work. 
Expressing the belief that the remained 10% of the issue will be solved soon via dialogue with Turkey, Ozgurgun said that the “coalition partners” in the “government” do not have any disagreement or problems towards this matter. 
(AK)

4. Employees of occupied Yialousa “municipality” asked Turkey’s so-called ambassador in Nicosia to solve their problems
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (25.11.15) reports that a group of employees of occupied Yialousa “municipality”, who have not received a salary for two months due to the “municipalities’” financial problems, visited the occupied part of Nicosia yesterday and met with Turkey’s so-called ambassador, Derya Kanbay. The employees had started a march from occupied Yialousa to the occupied part of Nicosia having the support of occupied Yialousa’s “mayor”, Mesut Yikici and some other “mayors” of the area. Kanbay expressed support to the solution of their problems. 
Yikici and the “municipal’ employees union (BES) stated that they will not accept a solution package prepared by the self-styled ministry of interior and labor and noted that the package provides for a decrease of personnel and salary cuts of 25%. Yikici said that the “municipality” faces a debt problem of 22 million 500 thousand Turkish Liras, something which is above their power to overcome, but they are continuing their efforts. He noted that the number of their personnel is 122, five of which are temporarily employed.
(I/Ts.)

5. The occupation regime attended a forum of the OIC
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (25.11.15) reports that the “trade department”, represented the occupation regime at the forum of the Committee of Standards and Metrology (SMIIC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which took place in Istanbul.
According to a statement issued by the “trade department”, the occupation regime was represented at the event by the “director” of the “trade department” of the “ministry of economy, industry and trade”, Nalan Nazli and the economist Mehmet Uluc.
Experts from several countries such as the occupation regime, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Senegal, Kirgizstan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Indonesia, Cameroun, Bangladesh, Jordan, Dubai and Libya also attended the event.
(AK)
6. Arrangements in the “public transportations”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (25.11.15) reports that the self-styled council of ministers adopted yesterday the “regulations” on the “public transportations”. Self-styled prime minister, Omer Kalyoncu, said that according to these “regulations”, if the drivers, who work in the “public transportations”, are not “citizens” of the breakaway regime, they must have continuously worked in the occupied area of Cyprus for at least six years with “work permit” and possesses a “TRNC driving license” for five years. 
(I/Ts.) 

7. Erdogan: Turkey downed fighter jet within the rules of engagement
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (25.11.15) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has interfered in one of the two Russian jets which violated the Turkish air space within the rules of engagement, adding that Turkey did not bear enmity for its neighbours.

“Despite all warnings, a fighter jet of unknown identity was interfered within the rules of engagement. The jet unfortunately insisted on its violation despite it had been warned ten times and our F-16’s downed one of the jets as a result of the intervention,” Erdogan said adding that everyone should respect Turkey’s right to defend its borders.

8. Erdogan, Obama speak over the phone on the recent downing of the Russian jet
Turkish Sabah daily (25.11.15) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spoke with his US counterpart Obama over the phone on the recent downing of a Russian jet late Tuesday.

According to the statement released by the Turkish Presidency, US President Obama reiterated the commitment of the US and NATO to Turkey's right to defend its sovereignty and borders. "Both Presidents expressed their common will to take measures to prevent any incidents alike and to de-escalate current tensions between Turkey and Russia," the statement added, further stating that the two leaders also emphasized their determination to continue joint anti-terror operations against DAESH.

9. Davutoglu; Turkey has the right to respond if Turkish airspace is violated
Ankara Anatolia news agency (25.11.15) reports that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that Turkey has the right to take "all kinds of measures" against border violations.

"We would like the entire world to know that we will take all necessary measures and make any sacrifices when it comes to the lives and dignity of our citizens and for the security of our borders while our country is in a circle of fire."Davutoglu said and added that Turkey had exercised its "international right and national duty" by downing the plane which the authorities say was flying over the country's southern Hatay province.

10. Turkey submits letter to UN explaining the drowing of a Russian jet
Ankara Anatolia news agency (25.11.15) reports that Turkey has submitted a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon explaining the downing of a Russian jet early Tuesday [24 November] after it violated Turkish airspace.

The letter that was also sent to the Security Council and obtained by Anadolu Agency, said that two SU-24 warplanes approached Turkish airspace in the Yayladagi region before Turkish authorities warned the planes via "emergency" channel and asked them to immediately change their headings.

"Our rules of engagement are well known and reiterated to all parties on numerous occasions. Turkey will not hesitate to exercise its rights emanating from international law to protect the security of its citizens and borders in compliance with the established rules and regulations," it added.

11. Lavrov cancels Turkey trip after jet downing
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (25.11.15) reports that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said yesterday that he cancelled his planned visit to Turkey November 25 after Turkish fighter jets downed a Russian warplane and also recommended Russians travelling to Turkey to suspend their plans.

“The critical mass of terrorist incidents on Turkish soil, according to our estimates, is no less of a threat than in Egypt,” Lavrov said in televised comments.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s envoy to Ankara yesterday after Turkey shot down a Russian military plane due to an alleged airspace violation, a Turkish diplomat has told Hurriyet Daily News, while Turkey’s defence attaché in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Defence Ministry.

Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov was in Istanbul for the cancelled visit of Lavrov, when the Ministry summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires in Ankara. The undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry lodged a complaint about the Russian aircraft’s violation of Turkish airspace during the meeting.

12. Russian battleships are near to Latakia shore
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 24.11.15) reported that a Russian battleship passed through the Dardanelles en route to the Mediterranean, minutes after Turkish F-16s shot down a Russian fighter jet due to an airspace violation.

A Russian warship named “Yamal” entered the Dardanelles Strait off north-western Turkey at 10 a.m. on Nov. 24, shortly after Turkish jets shot down a Russian SU-24 near the Syrian border for reportedly violating Turkish airspace at 9.24 a.m. The “Yamal” had crossed the 36-mile strait by 1 p.m. and continued its route toward the Mediterranean.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Cumhuriyet (online, 25.11.15) reported that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Russia is sending an air defence system to Syria and a warship to the Mediterranean. One of the two warships is “Moskova”, which has an advanced air defence system, similar to S-300.

It is also reported that Russia has broken off military contact with Turkey.

Furthermore, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (25.11.15), the chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Lt.Gen. Sergei Rudskoy said that the “Moskova warship”, will go to the shore zone of Latakia, in Syria”. The Russian Defence Ministry warned that all potentially dangerous targets will be destroyed.
(DPs)


13. Economy consequences after the Russian jet crisis
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman newspaper (25.11.15) reports that in a deeply worrying turn of events on Tuesday, Turkish tour operators were biting their nails after Turkey's downing of a Russian fighter jet provoked Moscow to urge citizens to avoid Turkey trips, potentially meaning a major blow to the country's nearly $4 billion in revenue from Russian visitors per year.

For many years, millions of Russian tourists have been the primary source of tourism revenue for Turkey. In 2014 alone, 4.48 million Russian tourists visited Turkey, bringing in revenue of nearly $4 billion, official figures showed. Turkey hosts some 40 million tourists who generate $34.3 billion in revenue every year.

On Tuesday, many Russian users shared tweets suggesting that Russian tourists boycott Turkey and Russia stop buying Turkish-made products.

In addition, the paper writes that Turkey’s stocks fell 4.39% and its debt insurance costs rose on November 24 after it shot down a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian border, while other emerging assets also struggled in the face of a strong dollar and weak commodities.

Turkey’s main stock exchange, the BIST 100, closed the day at 76.242,98 points, which neared the low levels of October ahead of the Nov. 1 elections, although the general declining trend rebounded a bit as the markets reacted to the appointment of former Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek as the new economy tsar in the newly announced cabinet, according to analysts.

14. “The Russian jet and the Turkish presidency”
Under the above title, Mustafa Akyol writes the following in Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (25.11.15):

“ […] this plane incident also highlighted something else regarding Turkey’s domestic politics. The technical statement about the downing of the Russian jet came from the Chief of Staff, as usual and expected. However, the first political statement, which would normally come from the Prime Minister’s office, rather came from the President’s office. As many took it, this was yet another sign that President Tayyip Erdogan’s much-anticipated “Presidential system” is now already in practice, as a de facto reality. 

Yesterday, by the way, an important meeting took place in Ankara: Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited Erdogan, to consult with him on the new Cabinet.It is no secret that this meeting had been delayed, for Erdogan was not fully satisfied with the Cabinet members Davutoglu had in mind. In the end, the list was announced, and it proved to have the Erdogan mark all over. Ali Babacan, the boss of the economy since 2002, was excluded in spite of Davutoglu’s known insistence in keeping him in his seat.

In other words, while the downed Russian jet may put Ankara and Moscow politically at odds, one could say that Turkey is gradually heading toward a Russian-style presidency. We truly live in interesting times.”

15. Davutoglu unveils new Cabinet members of the 64th Turkish Government
Turkish daily Sabah (25.11.15) reports that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced the Cabinet members of Turkey's 64th government on Tuesday, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan authorized him to form the government on November 17.

The Cabinet is as follows:
Prime Minister: Ahmet Davutoglu
 Deputy Prime Minister: Numan Kurtulmus
Deputy Prime Minister: Mehmet Simsek
 Deputy Prime Minister: Yalcın Akdogan
 Deputy Prime Minister: Lutfi Elvan
 Deputy Prime Minister: Tugrul Turkes
Minister of Justice: Bekir Bozdag
Minister of Family and Social Policy: Sema Ramazanoglu
 Minister of EU Affairs: Volkan Bozkır
 Minister of Science, Industry and Technology: Fikri Isık
 Minister of Labour and Social Security: Suleyman Soylu
 Minister of Environment and Urban Planning: Fatma Guldemet
 Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mevlut Cavusoglu
 Minister of the Economy: Mustafa Elitas
Minister of Energy and Natural Sources: Berat Albayrak
 Minister of Youth and Sports: Akif Cagatay Kılıc
 Minister of Food, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: Faruk Celik
 Minister of Customs and Trade: Bulent Tufekci
 Minister of Forestry and Waterworks: Veysel Eroglu
 Minister of Interior Affairs: Efkan Ala
 Minister of Development: Cevdet Yılmaz
 Minister of Culture and Tourism: Mahir Unal
 Minister of Finance: Naci Agbal
 Education Minister: Nabi Avcı
Minister of Defence: İsmet Yılmaz
 Minister of Health: Mehmet Muezzinoglu

16. New AK Party Cabinet staffed by Erdogan loyalists
Turkish Today’s Zaman (25.11.15) writes that the new Cabinet reveals President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's hegemony over the administration, with the exclusion of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's long-time ally, former economy chief Ali Babacan, from the helm of the economy causing a stir.

The Cabinet, which was announced on Tuesday by Davutoglu, includes many controversial figures, including Erdogan's son-in-law Berat Albayrak, former minister and new Minister of Transport Binali Yildirim, who is a close ally of Erdogan's, and new Interior Minister Efkan Ala.

Turkish media reports suggested a chasm between Erdogan and Davutoglu regarding who should lead the economy. Babacan -- reportedly favoured by Davutoglu and who had presided over Turkey's economy for the past 13 years -- was left out of the Cabinet, another indication that Erdogan has put his stamp on the new government.

However it was the appointment of Erdogan-loyalist figures, such as Erdogan's son-in-law, Albayrak, to the position of Minister of Energy and Natural Resources that indicated Erdogan's complete control over the formation of the Cabinet. Albayrak, 37, who has no real experience as a policymaker and who previously made headlines with his unexpected nomination to run on the AK Party ticket in the June election, was, even back then, rumoured to be in line to control the country's finances despite his lack of experience and his controversial statements about the economy.

Mevlut Cavusoglu was re-appointed to the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, after a hiatus of six months, during which Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu controlled Turkey's foreign policy.

Former Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Yildirim was re-appointed to his position on Tuesday after spending the summer on the side-lines due to the AK Party's three term election limit. There is no love lost between Yildirim and Davutoglu, the former being known as Erdogan's point man in the Cabinet. Yildirim was also touted as the next AK Party leader at the annual party congress. Yildirim was reported to have tested the waters for a potential run against Davutoglu with Erdogan's support but later decided against the idea.



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(CS/ AM)