TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
69/16
14.04.2016
1.
Akinci
argues that in the last decade Turkey has changed its position that
the division is the solution in Cyprus
2.
Bozkir: Turkey is the most suitable route for transferring Cypriot
gas to Europe”
3.
Cavusoglu discussed with Colak the latest developments in the “TRNC”
4.
Statements by Ozgurgun and Denktas on the formation of a new
coalition “government”
5.
Soyer said that CTP worries about the future of the negotiation and
the granting of “citizenships”
6.
Tatar: “The breakaway regime needs “citizens and population”
7.
Izcan: “The government is under the AKP’s directives”
8.
Turkish Cypriot daily refers to danger for 35 thousand new
“citizenships”
9.
The Missing Persons Committee found the remains of 1,115 missing
persons in the past ten years
10.
OIC 13th Leaders Summit meeting in Istanbul
11.
Serdar Denktas met with the US Ambassador
12.
A ceremony to take place at the restored Turkish Cypriot cemetery in
Limassol
13.
“An academic cooperation agreement” between illegal GAU and a
Spanish University
1.
Akinci
argues that in the last decade Turkey has changed its position that
the division is the solution in Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (14.04.16) reports that Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa
Akinci has argued that in the past Turkey had been describing the
division of Cyprus as a solution to the Cyprus problem, but during
the last decade this has changed.
Replying to a question yesterday by German parliamentarians at the
German Federal Parliament’s Committee on European Relations, Akinci
alleged that Turkey understood that the division cannot be a solution
and offers sincere support to the Cyprus negotiations.
“Support
to the negotiating process came from Turkey and in fact it is the
first time that Turkey’s leaders instead of accusing the one of the
sides praised the Greek Cypriot leader by saying that both leaders
want a solution”,
argued Akinci claiming that this is something new and wishing for
this situation to continue.
Noting
that he does not think that the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation
army will take place without finding a solution, Akinci said that in
case of a solution Turkey will withdraw its army according to the
agreement.
Alleging
that Turkey has nothing to gain from the non-solution, Akinci argued
that “Turkey will also have benefits from a solution in Cyprus”.
He
also expressed the view that the “walls which exist in the heads”
should be demolished in order for a solution to be achieved in
Cyprus. He noted: “27 years ago you could demolish the wall. We
could open some holes in the wall in Nicosia. In 2004 we said yes in
the referendum, but we could not demolish the wall because two yes
votes were needed. We need something for this and what we need is to
demolish the walls in the heads.
If
we demolish the walls in the heads it will be easier to demolish the
physical walls”.
He
said that the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots have been
raised to be enemies to each other and added that from the very first
day of his “election” he has been saying that “we should see
each other as partners not enemies”. Noting that the culture of
peace should be developed in the island, Akinci said that in order to
achieve this, the leaders decided the establishment of a “cultural
committee” and the
sides have abandoned the “mutual blame game” that existed in the
past.
Pointing
out that the education should also be examined, Akinci said that a
group of members of ELAM extreme right-wing organization had attacked
some Turkish Cypriots in the government-controlled area of the island
and added that students were participating in this attacks which had
been incited by some teachers.
Referring
to the hydrocarbon resources discovered in Cyprus’ Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ), Akinci argued that these “could start a new
source of trouble, new tensions or a new cooperation. I and my
community prefer to develop new cooperation”.
He reiterated that the relations between Turkey and Israel are being
improved and in case the Cyprus problem is solved the natural gas
could be transferred to Europe through Turkey. He also expressed the
belief that the electricity network and the water transferred from
Turkey to the occupied area of the island “could open big
horizons”.
Replying
to a question regarding the adoption of Turkey’s judiciary system
in the occupied area of Cyprus, Akinci said that this is out of the
question and that what the Turkish Cypriots could look for on this
issue are the European norms.
Referring
to the Greek Cypriot political parties, Akinci
said that the two big Greek Cypriot parties, main opposition AKEL and
ruling DISY support the solution, but the Social Democrat EDEK party
is exhibiting a stance which is allegedly not in harmony with social
democracy and
has taken out the bi-communal, bi-zonal solution from its program.
Referring
to the Organization for the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Akinci said
that the Turkish Cypriots have an observer status in this
organization and this bears a symbolic meaning for the Turkish
Cypriot community.
Touching
on the issue of guarantees, Akinci
argued that a formula which will preserve Turkey’s guarantees and
will not be a threat for the Greek Cypriot side should be found.
Meanwhile,
according to Turkish Cypriot daily Halki Sesin newspaper (14.04.16),
Achim
Barchmann, Vice President of the German Parliament’s Committee for
Relations with the European Parliament, alleged that the big part of
the opponents for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem is in
‘south Cyprus’,
as the government-controlled area of the island is described. He
expressed the belief that they could contribute in the reunification
of the island and added that the
Group will visit Cyprus in June.
(I/Ts.)
2.
Bozkir: Turkey is the most suitable route for transferring Cypriot
gas to Europe”
According
to illegal Bayrak television (14.04.16) the
Turkish Minister of European Union Affairs and Chief Negotiator
Volkan Bozkır said that Turkey is the most suitable route for
transferring Cypriot gas to Europe.
Delivering
a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna Austria, where he
carries out contacts, Bozkır touched upon Turkey’s EU membership
process, the Cyprus issue and other regional issues.
Reminding
that the 27th anniversary of the demolition of the Berlin Wall was
being celebrated this year, he said that there should be no wall on
Turkey’s entrance to the EU and expressed readiness to cooperate on
the issue.
Noting
that the Turkey-EU relations have regained momentum, he added that
both sides have great benefits from those ties.
Touching
upon the Cyprus problem within the context of the energy issue,
Bozkır said” “Turkey is 40 miles away from Cyprus while Crete is
500 miles away. The most suitable route to transfer Cyprus gas to
Europe is Turkey. Energy is one of the issues which could help in the
solution of the Cyprus problem”.
3.
Cavusoglu discussed with Colak the latest developments in the “TRNC”
Under
the title: “Mini
summit in Istanbul”,
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (14.04.16) reports that
according to information acquired by diplomatic sources, Turkish
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met with so-called foreign minister
Emine Colak.
According
to the paper, Colak and Cavusoglu exchanged views during the meeting
on the latest internal developments in the “TRNC” and on the
issue of the improvement of information potentials of the “foreign
ministry”.
(AK)
4.
Statements by Ozgurgun and Denktas on the formation of a new
coalition “government”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (14.04.16) reports that the
National Unity Party-National Forces (UBP-UG) and the Democratic
Party (DP) will sign tomorrow the coalition “protocol”.
According
to a statement issued by UBP, the “protocol” will be signed
tomorrow by the leaders of the two parties at the so-called assembly.
Meanwhile,
according to the paper, Huseyin
Ozgurgun, leader of the UBP, who was given the mandate last week by
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, to establish a new coalition
“government” in the “TRNC”, continues his efforts for the new
“cabinet list”.
In
statements to illegal Bayrak television (13.04.16), Ozgurgun
announced that the names of the “cabinet” will become clear by
Friday.
Stating
that he aims to present the new “cabinet” to the “president”
on Saturday the 16th of April, he reminded that he will be briefing
the UBP party assembly on Friday.
Meanwhile,
speaking to illegal BRT on the issue, the leader of DP-UG Serdar
Denktas said that they discussed the “government program” in
general terms with Ozgurgun.
“Following
the approval of the new coalition government by the president, we
will start discussing the government program. I think these
discussions will start during the weekend” Denktas said.
Responding
to a question, Denktas said that there is no problem at the party in
regards to the names to take part in the new “cabinet”.
He
also added that the work still continues towards determining the
“deputies” who will take part at the “parliamentary
committees”.
Noting
that they also determined the problems existing on the “economic”
protocol with the UBP, Denktas said: “We won’t have serious
problems with the UBP on the economic protocol. We will sign the
protocol after consultations with Turkey”.
Meanwhile,
if Turkish Cypriot leader Akıncı approves the “cabinet list” of
the UBP-DP “government” on Saturday, then the “parliament”
will convene on Monday, the 18th of April.
The
“constitutional process” will start when the new “cabinet” is
read out at the “parliament”.
Moreover,
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (14.04.16) under the
front-page title: “The amount of 42 million TL is missing”,
reports that Denktas in exclusive statements to the paper yesterday,
made important statements towards the “budget” of the occupation
regime and the unpaid salaries of April.
According
to Denktas, who’s name became definite of being the next “minister
of finance” in the new coalition “government” to be formed,
said, inter alia, that they need the additional resource of the
amount of 42 million TL, in order to make the payments for the
salaries of April.
Denktas
added that works have been already launched in order to cover this
deficient without Turkey’s support and added: “We will undertake
duties by April 26 and thus it is not possible for the economic
protocol to be signed in two days”.
Asked
to reply about the new “government’s priorities”, Denktas said
that amongst them will be to lift the bureaucratic obstacles in the
“country”, to implement facilitative measures for additional
“investments” in the “TRNC” and to restore the occupation
regime’s ties with Turkey.
Referring
to the Cyprus problem, Denktas said that they do not experience any
problem with Akinci towards the formation of a new “government”
and added that he considers that Akinci defends their rights at the
negotiating table with goodwill.
(AK)
5.
Soyer
said that CTP worries about the future of the negotiation and the
granting of “citizenships”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.04.16) reports that Ferdi Sabit
Soyer, “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) expressed
his party’s worries over the future of the Cyprus negotiations and
the granting of new “citizenships” due to the establishment of a
new collation “government” between the National Unity Party (UBP)
and the Democratic Party (DP)
Soyer
made these statements evaluating the recent political developments in
the breakaway regime at Kibris TV.
Soyer
stated that the new coalition will try to put pressure at the
negotiation table for the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci
regarding his efforts for finding a solution. He went on and added
that there will be great international reaction against Turkey and
the Turkish Cypriots in case more “citizenships” are granted.
Soyer
also said that the breakaway regime entered into “election
atmosphere” after the collapse of the previous “coalition
government”, between the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and UBP.
Asked
if Turkey is blackmailing the breakaway regime on the issue of giving
money for its operation and for paying the “civil servants’”
salaries, Soyer stated that this is a new kind of blackmailing,
adding that this is a big dimension of status quo.
(CS)
6.
Tatar: “The breakaway regime needs “citizens and population”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.04.16) reports that Ersin Tatar,
“deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP) stated that the
breakaway regime needs “citizens and population”.
He
made these statements speaking at Kibris TV where he evaluated the
recent developments in the breakaway regime and the issue of granting
new “citizenships”.
“We
need more citizens and population; but I do not say that we should
grant citizenship to anyone that comes here”, Tatar stated adding
that the discussion for “citizenship” must be speeded up.
(CS)
7.
Izcan: “The government is under the AKP’s directives”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (14.04.16) under the title: “The
government to be formed is under AKP’ directives”,
reports on statements by the
leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, who criticized
the collapse of the former coalition “government” between the
Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) and the National
Unity Party (UBP) and supported that a possible formation of a new
coalition between the UBP-DP will not serve the “people’s”
interest.
In
a written statement, Izcan also said that the accusations between CTP
and UBP right after the collapse of their coalition, related with
corruptions and personal interests are true.
Izcan
also argued that the AKP government continues its imposition
practices in the “TRNC” and pointed out that Turkey designs the
political life in the northern part of the island in the direction of
its own interests. “It is not possible to expect from the UBP-DP
government to serve the people’s interest. AKP aims from now on to
establish a government that will act under its own directives and
with no problems”.
Izcan
called once more the “people” to resist and not to accept such
imposition policies.
(AK)
8.
Turkish
Cypriot daily refers to danger for 35 thousand new “citizenships”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (14.04.16) reports that 35
thousand new “citizenships” lie under Turkey’s demand for
granting “citizenship” to those who have taken “work permit”
for at least six consecutive years.
Journalist Mert Ozdag writes that the
number of the people who have taken “work permit” for at least
six consecutive years is 8.627 persons and if they are granted the
“citizenship” together with their families the number of the new
“citizens” will reach 35.000.
During
that last three years, 796 persons were granted the “citizenship”
upon decision of the “council of ministers”. Almost half of these
were granted the “citizenship’ in 2013 by the National Unity
Party (UBP) self-styled government.
From
2004 until today 10.203 persons were granted the “citizenship”
because of marriage.
Noting
that the UBP supports the policy of granting “more citizenships”,
Ozdag expresses the worry that with the establishment of an
UBP-Democratic Party “government” and the support offered by the
DP to this policy, the number of the “new citizens” might exceed
35.000. “We
will follow all together the process, but it is not difficult to say
that the number of 35.000 totally coincides with Turkish officials’
‘more citizens’ policy”,
he points out.
(I/Ts.)
9.
The Missing Persons Committee found the remains of 1,115 missing
persons in the past ten years
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (14.04.16) reports that the
Turkish Cypriot member of the Missing Persons Committee (CMP) Gulden
Plumer Kucuk gave information about the Committee’s work since 2006
and stated that the Committee found the remains of 1,115 missing
persons in the past ten years.
Around
120 remains were found on average every year, during the excavations,
she said and added that the remains of 157 persons were identified in
2014, and the remains of 163 persons in 2015.
She
also stated that due to complications in 2015, the support from
experts was requested from abroad and added that 100 remains are
expected to be identified this year.
Touching
upon the excavation works that took place in military zones between
2006 and 2015, she said that this year permission was received to
carry out excavation works in 30 locations in military zones and
added that 3 out of the 10 areas had been excavated but no remains
were located.
She
said that the Committee would be carrying out excavation work in 250
civilian areas and added that at the end of ten years some of the
projects needed to be further strengthened.
Explaining
that throughout the years the excavation teams had been increased and
the anthropology laboratories had been developed, Kucuk however said
that there was also need for the research to be further developed
adding that workings towards this end are continuing.
Turkish
daily Sabah newspaper (14.04.16) reports that the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meets in Istanbul, Turkey today for its
13th Leaders Summit.
In
an article to Sabah, the Turkish President Tayyio Erdogan, said that
the OIC must take the lead to highlight the threat of secular
extremism while working with member states to address the root causes
of terrorism. “The main issue of the Summit is peace and justice”,
Erdogan wrote, adding that the efforts should not be limited to OIC
member states.
According
to the paper, the Summit will have a record of participants since
representatives of 57 countries will participate in it.
(CS)
11.
Serdar
Denktas met with the US Ambassador
Under
the title “The American Ambassador sounded out the new government”,
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.04.16) reports that the
US Ambassador to Nicosia, Kathleen A. Doherty visited yesterday the
leader of the Democratic Party (DP), Serdar Denktas.
A
source close to the party told the paper that the climate during the
almost one hour meeting was sincere and that Denktas
and Doherty exchanged views regarding the ongoing negotiations for
finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and the efforts for
establishing a new “coalition government”
in the occupied area of Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
12.
A ceremony to take place at the restored Turkish Cypriot cemetery in
Limassol
According
to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (14.04.16), a ceremony
will take place on Sunday at 12.00 at the newly restored Limassol
cemetery where the "Turkish Cypriot martyrs of 1963 and 1974"
are laid.
The
cemetery was restored with the support of the Cyprus Vakif Foundation
and the Limassol Municipality.
(AK)
13.
“An academic cooperation agreement” between illegal GAU and a
Spanish University
Turkish
Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (14.04.16) reports that the
illegal American University of Keryneia (“GAU”) signed an
academic cooperation agreement with the Technocampus Mataro-Maresme
University of Spain.
According
to a statement issued by “GAU”, the
agreement envisages the exchange of students and academic staff
between the two “universities”, common researches and publication
activities and issues related with career opportunities and
continuing education.
(AK)
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