TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No. 31/16 16.02.2016
1. Kalyoncu complains of Turkey’s treatment towards the
regime’s delegation to Ankara; Disagreement among CTP members
2. UBP gives to CTP an ultimatum regarding the water
crisis issue
3. Ozyigit said that the water management should be done
by themselves otherwise their hands at the negotiating table will be weakened
4. Akinci said that the Cyprus talks are going through a
critical phase
5. Akinci met with the Czech Ambassador to Cyprus
6. Colak says that the single international identity is
an indispensable part of the solution
7. Caglar: The target is a solution in the autumn
8. Siber confirmed that the “citizenship issue” was
included into the agenda during the “parliamentary delegation’s” recent
contacts in Turkey
9. Durduran accused Akinci of drawing new red lines with
his statements on bi-zonality
10. Burcu: Syria developments will not affect the Cyprus
problem
11. Positions at the “immovable property commission” are
open
12. Davutoglu vows not to allow the fall of Azaz in Syria
13. Turkey protests US over being lumped together with
‘terrorist’ PYD
1.
Kalyoncu complains of Turkey’s treatment towards the regime’s delegation to
Ankara; Disagreement among CTP members
Turkish Cypriot daily HalkinSesi
newspaper (16.02.16) reports that Omer
Kalyoncu, the self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus who comes from the Republican Turkish
Party (CTP), has said that the four
self-styled ministers of the regime who had recently visited Ankara for talks
on the water issue were not treated well in Turkey, pointing out that they were forced to meet with deputy
under-secretaries of various Turkish Ministries. “There is a problem here”,
noted Kalyoncu addressing the “assembly” of the regime yesterday. He noted: “If the TRNC ministers visit Turkey and
deputy under-secretaries sit before them, there is a problem. This is a product
of the situation we are facing and of why we do not advance. These things
should change […]”
Kalyoncu said that three issues were
included in the text sent to Turkey and that there was not any issue that
needed to be discussed for two days, but two days of bargaining was held
without him understanding why.
Noting that the discussion of whether
sewage waters leaked into the dam in Turkey is continuing, Kalyoncu expressed the view that the build-operate-transfer model for
the water brought to the occupied area of Cyprus from Turkey is possible, but
it would not be correct to get ahead of the “municipalities”.
Kalyoncu said that the water resources
will not be given to the private operator, but these will be controlled, as
otherwise the aquifers could not be protected.
Meanwhile, HalkinSesi reports also that SibelSiber, “speaker” of the
self-styled assembly, who also comes from the CTP and visited Turkey last week
heading a “parliamentary delegation”, said yesterday that in Ankara they
discussed the population policy. During her address at the “assembly”, Siber
referred to the way Turkish officials treated her delegation and noted: “We were treated with respect in Turkey. We
mutually talked. Our discussions were held within the framework of the state
and courtesy rules”.
Finally, the paper writes that in
statements during one of his meetings yesterday, BirikimOzgur, member of the CTP, self-styled finance minister of
the regime and one of the four members of the Turkish Cypriot delegation which
visited Ankara, argued that in Ankara they exhibited a “harsh stance” noting
that they had sensitivities and interrupted the talks for a while saying that
they would not sign the agreement. “We have shown a little bit harsh stance and
the results we wanted were taken. We returned happy to the island”, he said.
(I/Ts.)
2.
UBP gives to CTP an ultimatum regarding the water crisis issue
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi
newspaper (16.02.16) reports that the National Unity Party, the junior partner
of the “coalition government” held a meeting yesterday under the leadership of
the party’s chairman Huseyin Ozgurgun. The paper argues that a decision to give
to the “government” an ultimatum regarding the water crisis issue came out of
the meeting.
According to the paper, UBP will ask for
the agreement reached with Turkey on the issue of the water administration to
be signed by the “government”; otherwise it gives an ultimatum to the
Republican Turkish Party (UBP) the other
partner of the coalition” to leave the
“government”.
In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily
Havadis (16.02.16) reports that Hasan Tacoy, the general secretary of the
Democratic Party (DP) commenting on the tense relations between CTP-UBP stated
that there is no need for new elections to be held since a new “government” can
be formed from the current “deputies” and the other parties that participate in
the “assembly”. On his part, HakanDincyurek, “deputy” with the DP stated that
“an open door was left for the forming of a government” between DP and UBP.
(CS)
3.
Ozyigit said that the water management should be done by themselves
otherwise their hands at the negotiating table will be weakened.
Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (16.02.16)
reports that the leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) CemalOzyigit stressed that it is important the management of the
water to be done by their “institutions”.
During his visit to the occupied village
Galatia, Ozyigit warned that to sell off from Turkish Cypriot “people” one by
one their “institutions” in a period that the rotating presidency is being
discussed at the negotiating table, may create an extremely dangerous situation
for the future of the community, just as to weaken their hands at the
negotiating table. Ozyigit wonders if
they cannot administrate their own “institutions”, like the water, electricity,
schools, airports, with which people do they want the rotating presidency.
He added: “In order to be able to insist on important issues for the political
existence in the future of the Turkish Cypriots as the rotating presidency at
the negotiating table, then it is very important to administrate by themselves
their institutions”.
Underlining that from this point of view
it is very important the administration of the water, Ozgiyit said that the
management of the water by the Turkish Cypriot “people” and their
“institutions” should be perceived as a natural result.
(DPs)
4.
Akinci said that the Cyprus talks are going through a critical phase
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 16.02.16), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci has said that the much awaited settlement of the Cyprus problem could be
reached this year.
Speaking during a reception last night,
Akinci said that the Cyprus negotiations process is going through a critical
phase. “The work we have been carrying out has raised our hopes for a
settlement. Although we have yet to discuss and settle important issues such as
territory, the guarantees and security, significant progress has been achieved
on the 4 chapters”, he added.
Akinci also expressed the hope that a
mutually acceptable solution, one which both communities could embrace and
comfortably approve could be reached. “Our goals are in this direction because
we do not want to see a repetition of the situation in 2004 where one community
voted overwhelmingly in favour of a settlement while the other rejected it. We
are working with all our strength to get two yes votes…it’s not easy. It’s a
challenge but we shall continue to try”, he added.
5.
Akinci met with the Czech Ambassador to Cyprus
According to illegal Bayrak television
(online, 16.02.16), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met this morning with the Czech Ambassador to
Cyprus Helena Bambasova.
The latest developments in the Cyprus
negotiations process was discussed during the meeting held at Akinci’s office.
Akinci’s political adviser
MeltemOnurkanSamani and coordinator for foreign relations DenizBirinci were
also present at the meeting.
No statement was issued to the press
before or after the meeting.
6.
Colak says that the single international identity is an indispensable part
of the solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper
(16.02.16) reports that EmineColak,
self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of
Cyprus, has said that the single
international identity is an indispensable part of the solution of the Cyprus
problem. In statements to a television program yesterday, Colak argued that
there will be a “state part of the federal structure” noting that this is
confused in the head of some people.
She said: “There will be a solution and there will be a single international
identity. This is an inevitable precondition of the solution. Some persons have
a sickly approach saying ‘there will be a federal state with the Greeks, the
Turkish Cypriot state is gone’. We will see this being clarified in time. We
will not be like we are now”.
Colak pointed out that the Cyprus problem is still a difficult
problem to solve and issues such as the property and the guarantees become
more difficult as time passes. “I do not think that fake optimism is pumped
into the positive climate”, she argued.
(I/Ts.)
7.
Caglar: The target is a solution in the autumn
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper
(16.02.16) reports that Mehmet Caglar,
self-styled deputy with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has argued that the parliamentary elections to be held in
May in the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus is a factor
which indirectly influences the negotiations for finding a solution to the
Cyprus problem.
Referring to a meeting they held last
week in Strasbourg with a delegation of Greek Cypriot Deputies, Caglar said
that the Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu had told them that if the
communities agree on a text Turkey would not create a problem on the
guarantees, but the security of the
Turkish Cypriots is important for them. “The security of the Greek Cypriots is also important. I think that a
formula will definitely be found on this issue”, he noted and
added:“Therefore, according to my prediction, this process will continue until
the elections of the Greek Cypriots. I
wish thateven before the elections or even
if there is no signature, the
leaders will make a joint statement. The target is the autumn and my
biggest wish is after the elections the issues of the territory and the
guarantees to come onto the agenda […]”
Referring to the representation of the
Turkish Cypriots at the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe (PACE), Caglar
said that this is really very important for them and it is the only place in
the world at which the Turkish Cypriots are “officially” represented. He noted that during the past ten years
they are represented at the PACE, the body’s decisions on Cyprus have become
“more balanced”.
(I/Ts.)
8.Siber
confirmed that the “citizenship issue” was included into the agenda during the
“parliamentary delegation’s” recent contacts in Turkey
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper
(16.02.16) reports that SibelSiber,
“speaker” of the so-called assembly, evaluating yesterday to the “assembly” the
recent contacts of the “parliamentary delegation” in Turkey, described them as
very fruitful and recalled that the “delegation” met also with Turkish
President RecepTayyip Erdogan and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Siber
argued that Turkey supports a bi-zonal, bi-communal solution on the Cyprus
problem and confirmed that the “population-citizenship issue” was also included
onto the agenda of the meetings. “We held talks concerning our policy on the
population issue”, Siber said and added that the issue of those who have the
“right” to be granted the “citizenship” and those who have not the “right” was
included into the agenda.
Siber
said further that during the meeting they evaluated the articles of the current
“citizenship law” in the occupied area of Cyprus.
Also speaking, Zorlu Tore, “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP) referred
to the contacts of the “parliamentary delegation” in Ankara and especially on
the issue of the “citizenship”and said
that the “citizenship” issue created a great discomfort in Turkey.
Calling
the “government” to bring into the agenda the issue of “general amnesty”, Tore
pointed out that there are thousands of illegal persons living in the “TRNC”
and explained also that the workers from Turkey who live in the “TRNC”
experience a lot of difficulties.
Tore
went on and stressed the need for those who live in the “TRNC” for 30 years to
be granted the “citizenship” and added: “If we do this today, then the Turkish
President would not have to do this kind of questions”.
Commenting
Erdogan’s statement “Do not give Morfou”, Tore alleged that Turkey is
protecting its Cyprus cause.
He
further said that the Turkish Cypriots will not withdraw from Turkey’s active
and effective guarantees.
Referring
also to the “citizenship issue”, Mehmet Cakici, “deputy” with the Social
Democracy Party (TDP) said that the “citizenship law” is very clear but is
wrong.
He
added that since the “TRNC” is a small “country”, it is not possible to grant
“citizenship” to all those who are working there, pointing out the UK as an
example.
Cakici
said that a new “law” is necessary on this issue and accused the Turkish
Cypriot politicians of remaining silent on this issue.
(AK)
9.Durduran
accused Akinci of drawing new red lines with his statements on bi-zonality
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper
(16.02.16) reports that AlpayDurduran,
member of the “central committee” of the New Cyprus Party (YKP), in statements
during a press conference organized by the party, evaluated the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and criticized
both leaders for their recent statements.
“The
problem cannot be solved with leaders who are not honest between each other.
Their intentions should be the same with what they say. (…)”, Durduran stated.
Durduran
called also all the political parties, democratic institutions and individuals
who support the reunification of Cyprus, to resist and oppose to dishonest
behaviors at the Cyprus negotiation process.
Referring
to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s recent statement who explained
that the Federal Cyprus to be, will be established with the abolishment of the
current Republic of Cyprus, Durduran pointed out that in comparison,
Anastasiades spoke about continuing having control on the Federal Cyprus and
wondered to whom Anastasiades was referring to.
Evaluating
also Akinci’s latest statement who has stated “While speaking about bi-zonality
we do not mean only the political majority. We will not approve any agreement
which will not include clear majority in property and population in the north”,
Durduran said that with these statements, Akinci is putting forward new red
lines and it proves that we are far away from the solution or peace.
Durduran also accused Akinci of not
briefing them directly on the Cyprus negotiation process and called him to
brief the “assembly” towards the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.
(AK)
10.Burcu:
Syria developments will not affect the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(16.02.16) reports that the so-called
presidential spokesman BarisBurcu was asked to comment on how the recent
developments in Syria could affect the progress for the solution of the Cyprus
problem, especially in the current period that Turkey is very involved in the issue.
Burcu stated that Turkey is a big
country that deals with many issues as regards its foreign policy. He also said
that the Cyprus talks will not be affected by the Syria development; however he
said if the Cyprus problem is solved it will create a domino effect that will
influence in a positive way the developments in the area.
(CS)
11.
Positions at the “immovable property commission” are open
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (16.02.16)
publishes an announcement by the “TRNC presidency” (translator’s note: the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) for the
opening of positions at the “immovable property commission”.
According to the announcement, the
positions of the “president”, “vice president” and two “local members” are now
open for applications until March 1, 2016.
(DPs)
12.
Davutoglu vows not to allow the fall of Azaz in Syria
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency
(16.02.16), Turkey’s Prime Minister
Ahmet Davutoglu has said that Turkey will not allow the fall of Azaz district
in northern Syria near the Turkish border. Azaz, which is part of Syria’s
Aleppo province, serves as a critical corridor that connects it with Turkey.
"We will not allow the fall of Azaz.
This must be clear to all in the world," Davutoglu told reporters Monday
while en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kiev. "For the moment, YPG
elements have been driven out from Azaz’s surroundings," he said, adding
that a severe response will be made if the military wing of the terrorist PYD
group tried to approach the Syrian district.
He also argued that PKK and YPG
terrorist organizations are being used as tools by Russia to put Turkey under
pressure. "Today PKK in Turkey [and] YPG in Syria are open instruments of
Russia". He called the two groups "pawns of [Russia’s] expansionist
policy", adding: "Therefore, our position has the most legitimate
basis".
The Turkish Premier also noted the
attempts being made to destroy the moderate opposition in Syria and close the
corridor between Aleppo and Turkey through YPG forces. Davutoglu said that Turkey’s position towards the issue has been clear
to all for a long time. "YPG will not cross to the west of
Euphrates", he said, adding that the group will not be allowed pass to
Azaz.
He said Turkey is taking every measure
to protect its own security. "No country has been affected by developments
in Syria like Turkey," he said. "Therefore, we will not hesitate to
take security measures", he added.
Later, at a joint press conference with
Ukrainian Prime Minister ArseniyYatsenyuk, Davutoglu said that Russian
airstrikes in Azaz region were continuing. “Even while we continued talks [with
Ukrainian Premier], Russia attacked a school and a hospital in Azaz with ballistic
missiles believed to have been fired from the Caspian; many civilians and
children have lost their lives,” Davutoglu later told reporters in a joint
press meeting with the Ukrainian Prime Minister in Kiev.
Turkish Prime Minister argued that the
Syrian regime, Russia and YPG are committing crimes against humanity in Syria
like other terrorist organizations. “They are openly violating international
law in order to advance on the ground before solution [is achieved],” Davutoglu
said.
Davutoglu also said that Kiev is one of
the backbone countries for stability in the Eurasia region, adding that Turkey
sees the importance of stability and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He noted
that Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Syria remained under threat by Moscow. He also reiterated Ankara's rejection of
the Russian annexation of the Crimean peninsula. "Turkey recognizes
the territorial integrity of Ukraine but definitely rejects the annexation of
Crimea. Crimea is a part of the Ukrainian territory and the natural homeland of
the Crimean Tatars", he said.
Moreover, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily
News (online, 16.02.16) reports that Davutoglu
claimed that Russia is deliberately using the threat of a possible world war in
order to dictate its policy in Syria. “Russia is consciously engaging in a
perception operation to suggest ‘there could be a world war.’ By keeping this
on the agenda, Russia continues to bother the world and dictate its policy,”
Davutoglu said Feb. 15 en route to Kiev.
13.
Turkey protests US over being lumped together with ‘terrorist’ PYD;
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet
Daily News (online, 16.02.16), Ankara
has protested a statement by Washington classifying Turkey along with the
“terrorist organization” Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) in
northern Syria, while also warning the Syrian Kurdish militia of a “severe
response” if they advance toward Azaz.
“We have received Kirby’s statements,
lumping its ally Turkey and a terrorist organization together, with
astonishment,” Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson TanjuBilgic said Feb. 15.
Bilgiç was referring to comments from
U.S. State Department spokesperson John Kirby, who has urged both Turkey and
the Syrian Kurds to focus on tackling the “common threat” of militants of the
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) who control large parts of Syria.
Kirby said that Washington was urging
Kurdish forces and their allies “not to take advantage of a confused situation
by seizing new territory” and calling on Turkey to cease its strikes.
Turkey “strongly protested” Kirby’s
statement and conveyed its unease to U.S. officials, Bilgic said, vowing Turkey
would not seek permission to fight against “any terrorist organizations”.
The
spokesman also confirmed that the Turkish Armed Forces shelled positions of the
military wing of PYD, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), in northern Syria
for a third straight day on Feb. 15, saying the move was in retaliation against
alleged aggression by the YPG. “As a result of
artillery fire and harassment from Syria toward our country since Saturday
[Feb. 13], we have operated [in accordance with] our rules of engagement. On
Saturday, Sunday and today, we have responded within the framework of our rules
of engagement with retaliation in kind,” he said.
“Today, a response to an attack against
a border outpost in the [southern] Hatay region was given retaliation in kind,”
Bilgic said.
Meanwhile, according to Ankara Anatolia
news agency (15.02.16), Turkey on Monday
"strongly" condemned Russian attacks on civilians in Syria and called
them war crime.
The Foreign Ministry issued a statement
and recalled the cessation of hostilities agreed in the German city of Munich
on February 11. "It is deplorably observed that instead of halting their
airstrikes, Russians especially have escalated these attacks in Syria and
targeted civilians, hospitals, schools", said the statement.
“With such crimes, the Russian
Federation is causing the Syrian civil war to get deepened and a dangerous
escalation in the region. If the Russian
Federation does not end these attacks immediately - which remove peace and
stability - it is inevitable that Russia will face bigger and more serious
results”, the statement added.
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