TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No. 212/15 07-09.11.2015
1.“’Army
opening’ from USA in Cyprus”
2. Talat: If the Turkish Cypriots do not approve the
agreement to be reached, they will lose the sympathy they gained with the Annan
Plan
3. Eroglu: “The realities discussed at the negotiating
table should be announced to the people”
4. Ozersay announces that he will establish a
political party
5.
Ozgurgun is re-elected in the leadership of UBP
6. Colak met with TUKSİAD delegation
7.“KTIAK”’s delegation carries out contacts in Berlin
8.
Maltese Ministry of Culture invited illegal GAU to a conference
9. The occupied Lefka municipality became officially
member of the Cittaslow organization
10. “Security forces” constructed
the “city hall” of occupied Yialoussa
11. Former CHP provincial heads call for CHP’
extraordinary assembly
12. Police officer suspended from duty for allegedly
insulting Erdogan
1.“’Army
opening’ from USA in Cyprus”
Under the above title Turkish daily Milliyet
(07.11.15on-line) reports the following:
“High ranking military officials of the Turkish Armed
Forces (TAF) serving in the island participated in the reception hosted at the
Merit Lefkosia Hotel in the TRNC by the new Ambassador of the USA to Cyprus,
Kathleen Ann Doherty.
Lieutenant General Ilyas Bozkurt, the Commander of the
Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus, Major General Erhan Uzun, Commander of the
Security Forces along with other military officialsparticipated in the
reception,which was filmed only by Milliyet. The fact that the Turkish Army,
which Greek Cypriots allege that is an “occupation army”, participated in the
USA reception in full complement, drew attention. According to information
obtained by Milliyet, USA generally invites to its receptions high ranking
military officials. However, this is the first time that the military
authorities participated in full complement and in uniform in the reception.
The foreign military officials, who also participated in the reception, were
closely interested to both Lieutenant General Ilyas Bozkurt and Major General
Erhan Uzun.
USA
was pleased
In the speech she made at the reception, Doherty
stated: “I feel very happy for taking
office in Cyprus”.
A diplomat serving on the island, noted: “It is a very
important event that the Turkish army participated in a reception hosted by the
USA in Cyprus”. The same diplomat stated: “This is an indication of trust by
the USA to the Turkish army”.
It was learned that the USA expressed its satisfaction
over the fact that the TAF gave permission for searching for missing persons in
30 military zones.
The USA Foreign Minister John Kerry cancelled the
visit he would pay to Cyprus on November 14 over the Syria crisis”.
2. Talat: If the Turkish Cypriots do not approve
the agreement to be reached, they will lose the sympathy they gained with the
Annan Plan
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (08.11.15)
reported that former Turkish Cypriot leader and chairman of the Republican
Turkish Party (CTP), Mehmet Ali Talat,
has argued that in case the Turkish Cypriots do not approve the agreement that
will possibly be reached on the Cyprus problem, they will lose the “sympathy”
they gained in the world by saying “yes” to the Annan Plan.
In statements during a television program, Talat
claimed that not only they will lose the sympathy they have gained, but they will also face sanctions. “This is a disaster scenario for us”,
he noted adding: “This is what I am trying to explain. The aim is not to cause
fear. Let us behave by knowing this. We cannot say that ‘nothing will happen to
us’. We saw what happened. They do not allow us to breath. Do we want states and governments to put obstacles to the students, who
are their citizens and come to study in our universities? Such a risk exists”.
Referring
to the negotiating process, Talat said that “we are at a good point in
governance and power sharing”. He noted: “It had been almost closed during my period. During the new
period some deficiencies were completed, but a new situation came up. And this
is the issue of the presidency now”.
He said that the issue of the rotating presidency was
included both in the Annan Plan and in the Ghali Set of Ideas and alleged that
“at the same time it has been widely accepted both in the world and in Cyprus”.
He described rotating presidency as “the
only indication of the Turkish Cypriot mark in the new federal structure”. He
said that the Turkish Cypriots submitted a proposal for 3 Greek Cypriots and 2
Turkish Cypriots [in the presidential council], while the Greek Cypriots said
the proportion should be 4:2. He noted the issue of the rotating presidency
will be influenced by these things and by other things such as for example
whether the Foreign Minister will be a Turk or not.
Talat
expressed the view that Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci will not sign a “negative
agreement” and that he will say “yes” in case the majority approves the
solution.
He further argued that in case they do not approve the
possible solution to the Cyprus problem not only will they not be able to
export halloumi-hellim cheese to the EU and hold direct trade with EU member
countries, but “it is not known if we will have any relations [with the EU]”.
Talat clarified that he does not imply reaching “any
solution”, but “an agreement that our side can accept”, adding that Akinci will
ask for the views of the “assembly” of the regime and the political parties
about this possible solution.
(I/Ts.)
3. Eroglu: “The realities discussed at the
negotiating table should be announced to the people”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (08.11.15)
reported that former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has argued that no one should play with the “dreams of
the Turkish Cypriot people” and “the realities discussed at the negotiating
table should be announced to the people”.
In a written statement, Eroglu alleged that until an
agreement is reached in Cyprus, they should defend the “TRNC”, as he described
the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He also
argued that the treaties of guarantee and alliance should continue for the sake
of the future of the Turkish Cypriots.
Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriots only demand at
the negotiating table and they pretend that they negotiate for a solution, but
they play with the world and waste the Turkish Cypriots’ time.
Referring to the confidence building measures, Eroglu alleged that no matter how many crossing
points are opened, the Turkish Cypriots will have absolutely no benefit and
there will be no contribution to their economy.
He
also said that the property issue “disturbs” the Turkish Cypriots. “If return [of
property] is still being discussed today at the negotiating table and if the
original property owner is said to have the right to choose first, the Turkish
Cypriot people will be concerned of course”, he added and expressed the
view that the property issue should be discussed “in a global way” and not at a
personal level. He argued that if the
“Property Compensation Commission” established in the occupied area of Cyprus
starts now to examine the property cases one by one, it will need 50-60 years.
Referring to the forthcoming visits of the Ministers
of Foreign Affairs of four countries to Cyprus, Eroglu argued that this is an
important development, but they will only tell the sides to discuss, agree and
solve the problem.
(I/Ts.)
4. Ozersay announces that he will establish a
political party
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.11.15)
reports that former Turkish Cypriot
negotiator, Kudret Ozersay has announced that he will establish a new political
party in the occupied area of Cyprus which will be based on principles, keep
its promises and follow a reliable policy.
In statements during a visit to one of the occupied
villages yesterday, Ozersay argued that
being badly administrated is not the destiny of the Turkish Cypriots. He
added:
“It is possible to change this by carrying out
politics with a new understanding and achieving the administration we deserve.
Therefore, we will establish a new political party based on principles, keeping
its promises and following a reliable policy. What we should do for this is not
to repeat the mistakes of the past”.
(I/Ts.)
5.
Ozgurgun is re-elected in the leadership of UBP
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (08.11.15)
reportedthat Huseyin Ozgurgun was re-elected as the leader of the National
Unity Party (UBP) in the second round of the leadership race which was held
between him and Ersin Tatar on Saturday, in the framework of UBP’s 20th
Ordinary Congress.
Ozgurgun received 3,540 votes while Tatar received 2,
716 of the 6, 256 valid votes.
Following the announcement of the results, Ozgurgun
and Tatar took a picture together sending a message on unity for the party,
writes the paper
Turkish Cypriot Kibris newspaper (09.11.15) writes
that Tatar issued a statement thanking his supporters and noting that “despite
the anti-democratic methods” used against him during the election race, he
managed to pass to the second round and receive a significant number of votes.
(CS)
6.Colak met with TUKSİAD delegation
According to illegal Bayrak television (06.11.15), a
delegation from the Black Sea Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association
(TÜKSİAD) which has been in the “TRNC” for contacts,metwith the so-called
foreign minister Emine Colak on Friday.
Speaking during the meeting, the chairman of TÜKSİAD
Nurettin Aslanturk said that the aim of their visit to the “TRNC” was to look
into various investment prospects.
He said that they were in the country as guests of the
“Young Businessmen’s Association” (“GIAD”).
Stating that their association was made up of
important and leading businessmen or industrialists in Turkey, Aslanturk said
that their observations in the “TRNC” were quite important.
Pointing out that Turkey is a developing country
despite the problems it faces, Aslantürk said that they are visiting the “TRNC”
in order to make investments.
For her part, the Colak stated that the “TRNC”offers various
opportunities for investment.
She also added that they were always ready to support
any investment initiative in the “TRNC”.
7.“KTIAK”’s delegation carries out contacts in
Berlin
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (06.11.15)
reported that a delegation of the
so-called Cyprus Turkish Businessmen’s Council (KTIAK) headed by its “chairman”
Ilker Zugurt, is travelling to Berlin, Germany in order to attend a program
organized by the Confederation of Businessmen based in Brussels.
According to the paper, the delegation will be
visiting Berlin on November 8-12.
During
its stay in Berlin, the delegation will visit on Monday the “representative” of
the “TRNC” and afterwards will hold a meeting at the German Parliament with the
Deputy of the Social Democrats Party, Dr. Karl Heinz Brunner. During the same
day, the delegation will also meet with the general secretary of the German
European Movement and with officials of BAREX Association.
Speaking about their visit in Berlin, Zugurt said that they will evaluate with
German officials the recent political and economic situation in the “TRNC” also
exchange views on the recent developments on the Cyprus problem.
Underling
the importance of their visit to Germany, Zugurt stressed the need for such
visits to become more frequent in order for the voice of the “TRNC” to be heard
abroad.
(AK)
8.
Maltese Ministry of Culture invited illegal GAU to a conference
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (09.11.15)
reports that the Maltese Ministry of Culture, invited Ali Riza Isipek, the
director of the “Center of marine historical research” of the illegal Keryneia
University (GAU) to participate in a conference in Malta titled “The 1565 – The
Great Siege Conference - Heritage Malta”.
The conference is about the 450th
anniversary of Malta’s siege by the Ottomans. Twenty-five academics from
various countries will participate in the conference, according to the paper.
(CS)
9.The occupied Lefka municipality became officially
member of the Cittaslow organization
According to illegal Bayrak television (07.11.15) the
“municipality” of the occupied Lefka has received the Cittaslow title, during a
meeting which took place in Sweden on Friday.
The occupied Lefka “municipality”has been presented
with its Cittaslow membership certificate and flag.
After the occupied Agios Sergios “municipality”,
occupied Lefka is the second village in the “TRNC” to become a Cittaslow
member.
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.
Cittaslow is part of a cultural trend known as the
Slow Movement and their motto is “international network of cities where living
is good”.
10. “Security forces”
constructed the “city hall” of occupied Yialoussa
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.11.15)
reports that the so-called security forces in the breakaway regime constructed thecity
hall of the “municipality” of occupied Yialoussa.
The “mayor” of Yialoussa, Vahibe Ozkasirga stated that
she had used her residence as a “city hall” for the last 30 years and thanked
the so-called security forces for their help.
(CS)
11.Former CHP provincial heads
call for CHP’ extraordinary assembly
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (08.11.15) reported that42 former Republican People's Party (CHP)
provincial heads, who are still active delegates despite having lost their
provincial posts, have called for the party to hold an extraordinary assembly,
in effect challenging the reign of current CHP leader Kemal Kılıcdaroglu.
Speaking
at a press conference on Sunday, the 42 former provincial heads, who oversee
the day to day running of the party organization in Turkey's 81 provinces,
criticized the results obtained by the CHP in the election of November 1.
Speaking in the name of the group, Zeki Alcın, the former provincial head for
Ankara, said: “The Nov. 1 election ended in failure for CHP. The first thing
that needs to be done is for the CHP to accept the failure, without hiding
behind any excuses and to provide solutions.”
Alçın said, “What
needs to be done is to go straight to an extraordinary assembly.”
“The
chairman [Kılıcdaroglu], should not waste the party's time any longer and
should not hide behind excuses by saying: ‘We [CHP] have an ordinary assembly
ahead of us,'” Alcın said. “The interests of the Republican People's Party are
above everyone and everything”, he added.
The CHP is expected to hold its annual congress in
either December or early 2016 and Kılıcdaroglu may see his chairmanship
challenged, as the party's percentage of the vote hovered around 25% mark in
both of this year's general elections.
Kılıcdaroglu
said in a press statement late on election night that the result had placed
further responsibility on the party's shoulders. Underlining that his party
respects the election results, Kılıcdaroglu said decisive steps toward change
in his party would be made.
According
to the unofficial results of the election, the main opposition CHP only
slightly increased its votes on November 1. The CHP won 25.3% of the vote, up
only 0.4% from the 24.9% it won in the June election. The party will now be
represented by 134 Deputies in Parliament; it won 132 seats in the previous
election. The CHP did not manage to win any Deputies in 35 provinces.
12. Police officersuspended from duty for allegedly insulting Erdogan
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (09.11.15) reports that a police officer who was released pending
trial in the case of an alleged insult directed at President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan on social media, has been suspended from duty.
According
to the Dogan news agency, Erzurum Deputy Public Prosecutor Volkan Kavukcu
launched an investigation against Ö.K., who was working as Deputy Chief of the
Erzurum Police Department's Public Security Unit, over a complaint that he
insulted Erdogan in an anonymous Twitter account.
Authorities found that the account is managed by the
police officer and detained him upon an order from the deputy prosecutor. Following his testimony, he was sent to
court with a demand for arrest.
The
Erzurum 2nd Criminal Court of Peace ruled for the release of the police officer
pending trial, saying the collection of evidence was complete and that there
was no possibility of tampering. The court also prohibited him from travelling
abroad.
The
police officer was subsequently suspended from duty.
A large number of people, including high school
students, activists and even a former Miss Turkey, have been prosecuted for
allegedly insulting Erdogan on social media ever since he was elected head of
state in August 2014.
(…)
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