TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No. 43/16 03.03.2016
1.
Davutoglu and Kalyoncu signed the water “agreement”; Davutoglu reiterates that
they do not recognize the Republic of Cyprus
2. Akinci: “By enforcing our structure
we will come closer to the solution”
3. Isik stated that Turkey will
continue exerting efforts for a solution in Cyprus and for the “lifting” of the
so-called embargoes
4. Talat reacted against AKEL’s
statement that the water agreement will not bind Cyprus
5. Ozgurgun reacted over
President Anastasiades’ statement about the development of occupied Morfou
6.
Durust: Anastasiades’ statements do not
concern us
7.
Kibris Postasi resumed its printed edition
8.
Protesters trying to break Sur curfew met with harsh police intervention
9.
Turkish PM calls Cumhuriyet report an 'espionage against Turkey'
1. Davutoglu
and Kalyoncu signed the water “agreement”; Davutoglu reiterates that they do
not recognize the Republic of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.03.16)
reports that Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet
Davutoglu and self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of Cyprus, Omer Kalyoncu signed yesterday in Ankara the
“agreement” regarding the water supply and administration from Turkey to the
occupied area of the island.
In statements at a joint press conference, Kalyoncu argued that the water “agreement”
is of vital importance for the Greek Cypriots as well in the federal republic
to be established after the comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.
He claimed: “We believe that the water should be used from now in the direction
of peace and rapprochement. The positive course of the relations between the
TRNC and Turkey in a sensitive period during which the negotiations between the
two communities are advancing is of great importance”.
Arguing
that important distance has been covered in the search for a just and lasting
solution, Kalyoncu said that the negotiating process is continuing positively.
Asked
to assess the statement made by left-wing AKEL party’s general Secretary that
the water “agreement” between Turkey and the breakaway regime does not bind the
Republic of Cyprus, Kalyoncu alleged that if a federal republic is established
the international agreements made by the “south”, as he described the Republic
of Cyprus, and the “international agreements” made by the regime will be all
valid. “I believe that they
have created a fuss in vain and they did not do right”, he alleged.
In his statements, Davutoglu described the water project as “the project of the
century” and argued that with this project the “daughter land is once more
connected to the motherland”. He added: “The
motherland and the daughter land who have been sharing the same destine for
centuries had unified forever with the blood of our martyrs who went there in
1974 and now with our water […] With this project of the century we are sending
to our Cyprus, our TRNC, the daughter land, Turkey’s water which is […] for
them like the mother’s milk, because in all places of the world the
islands’ most important problem is the fact that they cannot have water
resources or their resources are limited. In this sense the Anatolian water
transferred to the TRNC is a strategic investment […]”.
Davutoglu said also that with Kalyoncu they discussed
the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and had the
opportunity to assess their work. He argued:
“The TRNC standing on its own feet, having an
institutionalized political and economic structure is one of the most important
strategic targets for Turkey and bears vital importance. Either there is a solution or not, the TRNC which will continue its
existence as a founding state, must be built on the soundest foundations as one
of the two founding states and if there is no solution it is required that it
has the deposit to be able to again continue its own way as a respectable and
recognized country in the world. On this issue Turkey is by the TRNC’s side
[…] under any conditions. No one should make wrong calculations. Turkey’s
support, the support which makes possible the impossible today, will continue
always just like in the water project and we will continue doing whatever is
necessary from now on for our kinsmen, our brothers in the TRNC living in
tranquility, security and stability”.
Replying to a question regarding Greek Cypriot
statements that the Republic of Cyprus will not recognize the water “agreement”
between Turkey and the breakaway regime, Davutoglu argued:
“The comment of
a country which we in any case do not recognize does not bind us. It is
necessary to say this. Actually this reflects a mentality. It is tantamount to
‘we are not accepting any step even if this is positive’. Think, with a
great munificence we say I am not aiming at the TRNC, we are sending water to
the entire Cyprus. We are in any case ready to give all we have for the TRNC.
Let no one doubt about this. […] Therefore
the water which reaches the island of Cyprus and God willing when peace comes
will be the water of life to all Cyprus, not only for the Turks but for the
Greeks as well. We said this as well. We referred to it as the first step for a
big peace. How positive language we use, how constructive approach we exhibit.
We never said the following: ‘This water goes only for the Turks and the Greeks
will never make use of it’. Because for
us the water is a blessing to all humanity by Allah to all humankind. […] While we are using such a positive
language, the other side says ‘this agreement does not bind us’. It does not
matter whether it binds [them] or not. Has the water reached there? Yes it has.
Has an agreement been signed? It has. Is with this agreement every kinsman of
ours in the TRNC going to be benefited of this water? Yes they will. Let it not
bind them. There is no need to make this so big trouble of it. However, it is
important because it reflects the mentality. Because of this mentality
peace cannot be reached in Cyprus. That is, a stance which aims at preventing
or denigrating or ignoring even a positive step is in any case preventing peace
from coming to Cyprus. Look how relaxed
we are, on the other hand, we are open to any kind of solution, we are open to
discussing everything, we are open to sending water, we are open to pleasing.
Why? Because we have faith in ourselves, we are certain of our justice, we are certain
of our power, we are certain of the position we are standing. Therefore, we
should not take it very seriously into consideration. One day they will
remember these issues, this agreement which now they are not taking seriously
into consideration or they do not accept, when they start drinking from water
that came […] and they will thank Turkey. And they will thank MrKalyoncu
for signing the agreement. The day will come when they will be ashamed of what
they did”.
(I/Ts.)
2.Akinci: “By enforcing our
structure we will come closer to the solution”
Under
the above title, Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.03.16) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in statements yesterday during
the “1st “TRNC KOBI summit”, [Translator’s note: KOBI is Small and
Medium Sized Enterprises in the occupied area of Cyprus, which was established
with a U.S financial grant of 30.5 million dollars, aimed to develop the
economy in the occupied area of Cyprus], described the SMEs as the “unsung hero
of the economy” of the occupation regime.
Pointing out that “KOBI’s” aim is the development of
the “economy” and the creation of a competitive structure in the “TRNC”, Akinci
said: “It is highly important to become
competitive not only within the federal structure to be in the future but also
within the EU”.“By doing this, we will come closer to the solution”, Akinci
argued and stressed that even if there will not be a solution, the Turkish
Cypriots should establish a viable and competitive structure.
Referring
to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Akinci said that after his “election” in
“presidency” he exerted efforts with honesty and goodwill together with the
cooperation of Turkey in order to find a solution on the Cyprus problem. He
also explained that Cyprus as a whole and as a new state to be within the
framework of a federal structure, should take its place inside the EU.
Pointing out that a remarkable progress has been
achieved at the negotiation talks, Akinci added that there are still some
difficulties in some core issues and underlined that they will continue their
efforts in order for the process to yield a positive outcome.
Stating
that they are carrying out the talks conscious that 2016 will be the year of
the solution, Akinci stressed that this solution will reflect positively to the
region.
Supporting
that they should continue their path with the vision to turn the energy
resources in the region as a mean of cooperation and not of friction, Akinci
referred to the negative scenario of not being able to reach a federal solution
in Cyprus and added that it is from this point of view that KOBI’s role is very
important.He stated also that if no solution is found, the life in the occupied
area of Cyprus will continue and said that that they should do all necessary in
order to be able to become a part of the international law.
(AK)
3.Isik stated that Turkey will
continue exerting efforts for a solution in Cyprus and for the “lifting” of the
so-called embargoes
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.03.16)
reports that Turkey’s Minister of
Science, Industry and Technology Fikri Isik, who is illegally visiting the
occupation regime, delivered a speech yesterday to the “1st TRNC KOBI
summit” and stated, inter alia, that they will continue their diplomatic
actions for a fair and viable solution in Cyprus.Besides that, he added, they
will continue exerting pressure to all channels for the lifting of the “unfair
embargoes” imposed towards the “TRNC”.
Isik
went on and stressed the need for the business world in “north Cyprus” to
become competitive and for the occupation regime’s economy to become
innovative.
Isik also stated that the Turkish Republic will continue providing any kind of support for the
development of the “TRNC”.
Giving a briefing about the grants and the standby
credits that Turkey provided to the entrepreneurs in the country, Isik added
that Turkey will continue its contribution and support to the “entrepreneurs”
in the “TRNC” as well.
Pointing to the important role of “KOBI” (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the
occupied area of Cyprus) for the development of the “TRNC’s economy”, Isik
explained that the “TRNC’s KOBI summit” is taking place with the aim to determine
“KOBI’s strategies” towards competition and development.
Referring
to the water transferred from Turkey to the occupation regime, Isik said that
this will bring prosperity in the “TRNC” and boost the production of the
“country”.
(AK)
4. Talat reacted against
AKEL’s statement that the water agreement will not bind Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper
(03.03.16) reports that the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP)
Mehmet Ali Talat criticized the statements made by AKEL party that Cyprus will
not be bind to keeping the water agreement made between Turkey and the
breakaway regime.
AKEL issued a statement noting that the water project is
a plan that should have been signed off by a unified federal Cyprus and not a
regime that is not recognized.
“Whether it is bind or not, this is not an issue that
can be determined by a statement made by a party”, Talat said and added: “This
is not a significant statement… It is not clear yet which international
agreement will bind or not the United Cyprus State”. Talat also expressed the question why this
agreement could not bind the federal state. “What kind of objections are there
for it?”, he said.
He went on and added that they even undertook this
issue with Demetris Christofias during the Cyprus negotiation and discussed on
how the water would be under the federal authority.
(CS)
5.Ozgurgun reacted over
President Anastasiades’ statement about the development of occupied Morfou
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (03.03.16)
reports that the leader of the National
Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun in statements yesterday, expressed strong
criticism to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades for
his recent statement where he expressed his sadness over the report about the
establishment of a “new university” in occupied Morfou.
Commenting on Anastasiades’ reaction, Ozgurgun said: “With this mentality, which is trying to
present motherland Turkey as the side which is against the solution, losing
time for an open-ended negotiation talks is the biggest injustice for the
Turkish Cypriot people”.
(AK)
6. Durust: Anastasiades’ statements do not concern us
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (03.03.16)
reports that the so-called minister of education Kemal Durust reacted against
the statements of President Nikos Anastasiades who said that “there is no
solution without Morfou’s return”.
“These statements do not concern us”, Durust stated
adding that the construction of a “Cyprus science community health university”
is extremely important for them and it does not concern them whether
Anastasiades, the Greek Cypriots and their administration are pleased or not
with it.
He went on and added that the Turkish Cypriot “people”
have been living in this soil for 40-42 years and they consider it as their
motherland. “Investments will help towards the solution procedure”, he said and
added” “We are not against the solution. We think that a solution is necessary.
If there is a solution, it will not be according to Anastasiades liking. […]
supporting the solution procedure means that we will not stop the investments
in our country and we will make them where we think are needed”, he stated.
(CS)
7. Kibris
Postasi resumed its printed edition
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper
(03.03.16) reports that it started its printed edition again as of today after
it stopped its circulation for three days.
According to Rasih Resat, the editor-in-chief of the
Kibris Postasi, the paper’s administration team decided to re-think its
decision to stop the circulation of Kibris Postasi on paper and its
continuation on internet, because of the reaction of the readers. “We could not
bear the pressure, we missed our paper and we started printing again”, Resat
wrote.
(CS)
8. Protesters
trying to break Sur curfew met with harsh police intervention
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (03.03.16) reports that the
Turkish police have harshly intervened in local groups who tried to break a
months-long curfew in six neighborhoods of the Sur district in the southeastern
province of Diyarbakir following a call from pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic
Party (HDP) leader Selahattin Demirtas.
The police used pressurized water, tear gas and
plastic bullets against the protesters to force them away. Police detained 33 people during the
protests.
Diyarbakir authorities already announced on Wednesday
that it has banned all entry into the Sur district, a move that came before the
planned march to protest the long-standing curfew.
Speaking on Monday, pro-Kurdish HDP Co-chair
Selahattin Demirtas called on people to march on Wednesday to protest the more
than 90-day curfew in Diyarbakir's Sur district. “We don't see it as normal
that a war has been ongoing in the center of the province for three months. All
Diyarbakir people should make a stand to lift the blockade in Sur,” Demirtas
said, and called on everyone to attend the march planned to be held in Sur on
Wednesday. “This is a democratic right guaranteed by the Constitution,” he
underlined.
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who spoke during a press conference in Nigeria
on Wednesday, called on prosecutors to take action against Demirtas. “I think
the prosecutors have to perform their duties, because nobody has the right to
create chaos and disturb the peace in my country.”
Prime
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday that lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish
HDP had sought to collaborate with "terrorists" and drag Turkey into
chaos.
Davutoglu also told a news conference that there are
plans to make it easier for civilians to leave areas under curfew in the
predominantly Kurdish southeast, where hundreds have died since the clashes
between PKK terrorists and the security forces members erupted after the
collapse of a cease-fire in July.
In remarks to reporters in Parliament on Wednesday, Interior
Minister Efkan Ala termed Demirtas's call an “open provocation,” adding, “Those
who make provocations bear the consequences,” he said.
9. Turkish
PM calls Cumhuriyet report an 'espionage against Turkey'
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (03.03.16) reports that the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
has labeled a report on intelligence trucks bound for Syria, which lead to the
imprisonment of two daily Cumhuriyet journalists before they were recently
released upon a Constitutional Court decision, as espionage against the state,
not a part of freedom of expression, as the political debate on the matter
heats up further.
“There
is clearly an issue of an activity [carried out] against the Republic of
Turkey. They published
documents, which were meant to be secret and revived the issue. […] The aims of
those who gave the documents to them are obvious,” Davutoglu said, adding it
was wrong to reflect the case as one regarding press freedom.
Davutoglu also said one could not apply to the
Constitutional Court before the legal process was complete, adding that the
whole legal process cannot be tied only to the Constitutional Court.
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