TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
63/16
06.04.2016
1.
Akinci: “We need a government that will uphold the interests of the
Turkish Cypriots above everything else”
2.
Akinci met with the four political parties in the “parliament”
after the collapse of the “coalition government”
3.
Independent “deputies” on the formation of a new “coalition
government”
4.
Akinci will address the 19th Eurasian Economic summit in Istanbul
5.
The Turkish Cypriot press publishes the draft of the “economic
protocol” between Turkey and the breakaway regime for 2016-18
6.
Contrary to his party, CTP’s Akansoy defends the “economic
protocol” between Turkey and the breakaway regime for 2016-18
7.
The Turkish Cypriot “jurists” oppose to the inclusion of the
“judiciary” in the provisions of the “economic protocol” with
Turkey for 2016-18
8.
DEV-IS: “The economic protocol will erase the Turkish Cypriots
9.
General Akar confirmed the withdrawal of Turkish army from the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus
10.
The regime is preparing to pass “laws” threatening the rights and
freedoms
11.
The Speaker of Jordan’s House of Representatives visited the
Turkish Cypriot companies at the Arabuild Exhibition 2016
12.
Low interest for the “white identity card”
13.
Turkish and Israeli delegations will meet in Geneva to finalize
normalization
14.
Erdogan: PKK supporters could be stripped of citizenship
15.
Columnist wonders whether Davutoglu fell from Erdogan’s grace
1.
Akinci:
“We need a government that will uphold the interests of the Turkish
Cypriots above everything else”
Illegal
Bayrak television (06.04.16) broadcast that the Turkish Cypriot
leader
Mustafa
Akinci has said that what they need is a “government” which will
uphold the interests of the Turkish Cypriots above everything else.
Speaking
before departing for Istanbul this morning, he said that the Turkish
Cypriots need a “government” which could pass reforms, which
should focus on the solution of the Cyprus problem and find solutions
on domestic issues.
“None
of the party leaders I met with yesterday claimed that they had the
sufficient majority to receive a vote of confidence in parliament.
They all requested a couple of days to hold contacts with each other
so as to come to an agreement on a suitable government model. I’m
hoping the picture will become clearer by Friday so that I may decide
on whom to give the mandate to” he said.
Responding
to questions, he said that “the process to set up a new government
was proceeding in a manner dictated by the constitution”.
He
also expressed the view that the establishment of a “government”
as soon as possible was for the benefit of everyone.
In
addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (06.04.16)
reports that speaking after the meetings he held with the Turkish
Cypriot parties that are represented in the “assembly”, Akinci
stated that the formation of a new “government” will be important
for the solution procedure that is taking place now which is
extremely important for the future of the Turkish Cypriots and for
solving domestic issues. He also stated that it will be important for
him to be in good terms and co-operate with the new “government”.
2.
Akinci
met with the four political parties in the “parliament” after the
collapse of the “coalition government”
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 05.04.16), self-styled prime
minister Omer Kalyoncu handed to Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci his “government’s resignation” on Tuesday morning
following the withdrawal of the National Unity Party (UBP) from the
CTP-UBP “coalition government”.
Speaking
during the meeting, Akinci said that he will launch the necessary
contacts for the establishment of a new “government”.
Following
the meeting, Akinci met in turn with the leader of the Republican
Turkish Party (CTP) Mehmet Ali Talat, the leader of the National
Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun, the leader of the Democratic
Party (DP) Serdar Denktas and the leader of the Social Democratic
Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit.
In a
short statement after his meeting with Akinci, Talat
said that they are prepared to take on responsibility and as the
largest party in power they are prepared to serve the people, find
solution to problems in the “country” and support the ongoing
Cyprus negotiations process.
“We are prepared to take on responsibility but the president
(editor’s note: the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci) will
decide who will be appointed with establishing the new government”,
Talat added.
After
his meeting with Akinci, Ozgurgun said that Akinci had asked his
views on the issue of setting up a new “government”. He said that
Akinci will continue his meetings with the political parties when he
returns from Istanbul on Friday.
Responding
to a question as to whether or not the UBP has asked to be given the
mandate to form a new “government”, Ozgurgun
said that “it is the president which has full authority and that
they had made no such request”.
Following
his meetings with the CTP and UBP leaders, Akinci met with the leader
of the DP Serdar Denktas.
Speaking
to reporters afterwards, Denktas said that the possible scenarios for
a new coalition government are clear as no political party has a
clear majority in “parliament”. He expressed the view that a
coalition model will emerge by the weekend and that this should be
done without too much delay. Denktas
also said that “forming a new coalition will be easy once the
president shows the way”, adding that they are open to all offers.
Akinci
held his last meeting with the leader of the TDP Cemal Ozyigit.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the TDP leader said that
politics in the “country” have reached a deadlock and that the
current makeup of the “parliament” does not represent the
political will of the people. Ozyigit
further said that the TDP is insistent on holding early elections
which he added should be the priority of any coalition to be formed.
Also
touching upon the issue of the economic protocol, the
TDP leader said that the details of the protocol have just emerged in
the press today (yesterday) and that under no circumstances his party
will join a partnership where it will be forced to put its signature
under the protocol. “We
shall not mortgage the future of the Turkish Cypriot people. Let our
sensitivities on this issue be known”, he added.
Ozyigit
also said that they will be discussing the issue both with the other
parties as well as at the party assembly on Thursday.
3.
Independent
“deputies” on the formation of a new “coalition government”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (06.04.16) reports that some
of the independent “deputies” made statements about the formation
of a new “coalition government” and expressed their support to
certain parties.
Hasan
Tacoy stated that the only scenario he sees to be realized it is a
coalition between the National Unity Party (UBP) and the Democratic
Party (DP) and stated that he would support such a co-operation.
On
his part, Onder Sennaroglu stated that he will support any
“government: that will be established and stated that it is
extremely important a new coalition to be formed the soonest
possible. He also said that there is no time to lose and together
with “motherland Turkey”, should work aiming to overcome any
difficulties.
Finally,
Faiz Sucuoglu, “deputy” with UBP said that the aim of the new
“government” is to come along with Turkey. “Our aim is not to
form a government despite Turkey but to establish a government that
will get along with Turkey”, he said.
(CS)
4.
Akinci
will address the 19th
Eurasian Economic summit in Istanbul
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (06.04.16) reports that Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci flew this morning to Istanbul to attend
the 19th
Eurasian Economic Summit.
Akinci,
who attends the summit as guest of the Marmara Group Strategic and
Social Research Foundation, will also deliver a speech. He will
return to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Friday
morning.
(DPs)
5.
The
Turkish Cypriot press publishes the draft of the “economic
protocol” between Turkey and the breakaway regime for 2016-18
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (06.04.16) reports that according
to the provisions of the draft of the “economic protocol” to be
signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime for the period
2016-18, the infrastructure of the occupied ports and the
“telecommunication authority” will be transferred to a
“private-public partnership”, the retirement age will increase to
65, the percentages of the fees in the health sector will increase
and the “state planning organization” will be abolished.
The
details of the “protocol” had been announced the day before
yesterday by Kanal Sim television. The full text of the draft is
published also in daily Yeni Duzen today (06.04.16) and in Detay
newspaper’s website.
Under
the title “What is included in the draft of the Turkey-TRNC
protocol”, Halkin Sesi publishes the main provisions of the draft
“protocol”, which are the following:
-
The
retirement age will increase to 65
(the retirement age in the occupied area increased seven years ago).
-
The
“electricity authority” will be divided in three enterprises and
the distribution will be privatized in December 2017.
-
The
contributions to the “social insurance” and “providence”
funds will increase.
- A
new penalty under the name of “probation tax” will be imposed in
the debts owed to the “state”.
-
The professional “chambers” will not submit documents during the
tender procedures.
-
The
personnel expenses of the “municipalities” will not exceed 35% of
their budget.
-
The funds will be totally and urgently abolished.
-
The
ratio of the personnel expenses to the local income will decrease
from 80% to 70%.
-
The contributions to the “providence fund” will be equalized.
-
The business tax will increase.
-
The bankruptcy and foreclosure system will be speeded up.
-
Turkey’s
judiciary system will be implemented in the occupied area of Cyprus.
- A
mediation institution will be established before disputes going to
“court”.
- A
public transportation company will be established with the
participation of the “municipalities”.
-
The fees in the health sector will increase and an additional
“participation fee” will be taken.
-
The pensioners who will start working again will pay an insurance
contribution but this money will not influence their pension.
-
Public
land will more easily be given to foreign investors in the field of
tourism.
-
The
operation of the ports will be transferred to the private sector.
-
The
infrastructure and the services in the telecommunications will be
transferred to a public-private partnership.
-
The price supports on agriculture will be abolished.
-
The organizations for agricultural products and dairy products (TUK
and SUTEK respectively) will be turned into “intervention
institutions”.
-
Private insurance will be implemented in agriculture.
-
The
overtime work will be terminated in the “ports” and “customs”
and the two-shifts system will be implemented.
-
Companies
with foreign partners will be granted “permit” for
transport/carrying vehicles.
-
The
“state planning organization” will be abolished”.
(I/Ts.)
6.
Contrary
to his party, CTP’s Akansoy defends the “economic protocol”
between Turkey and the breakaway regime for 2016-18
Turkish
Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (06.04.16) reports that Asim
Akansoy, outgoing “minister” of interior and labor of the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus who comes from the
Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has defended the “economic
protocol” to be signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime for
the period 2016-18, contrary to the views expressed by some members
of his party.
In
statements to Diyalog TV yesterday, Akansoy
argued that except for the part concerning the “electricity
authority” (KIB-TEK) everything which was included in the
“protocol” are “texts suggested to us by experts of the World
bank and the European Union”. Akansoy criticized what he called as
a “complex” of those who complain that this [“protocol”] has
come from Turkey.
Akansoy
argued that the “public” sector and the “social insurance”
have collapsed and measures should be taken.
The
paper writes that Akansoy seemed very annoyed by the “inconsistent
and frail criticism” and noted that “the realities should be
discussed now”. “There is no incoherent situation in the economic
protocol”, he argued adding that he
was surprised by the National Unity Party’s (UBP) withdrawal from
the “government”, because there was absolutely no concrete reason
for this.
Akansoy
claimed that the only problematic situation in the “protocol”
concerns “KIB-TEK” and added that the discussions on this issue
had come to a certain point ten days ago and the process was
advancing.
He noted that he had visited the Turkish “ambassador” in the
occupied area of the island, who also told him the same thing.
Arguing that technical issues remained on two points, Akansoy
claimed that Turkey says that the issue of “KIB-TEK” is not
urgent for them
and expressed the view that the big “quarrels” on the “protocol”
are wrong.
(I/Ts.)
7.
The
Turkish Cypriot “jurists” oppose to the inclusion of the
“judiciary” in the provisions of the “economic protocol” with
Turkey for 2016-18
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (06.04.16) reports that Narin
Ferdi Sefik, “president” of the “supreme court” of the
breakaway regime
in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus has
described as “unacceptable and contrary to the constitution” the
inclusion of a
provisions
regarding the regime’s “judiciary” in the “economic protocol”
to be signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime for the period
2016-18.
In
statements yesterday during the oath ceremony of some “judges”,
Sefik
described as “unacceptable”, wrong and “contrary to the
constitution” to discuss the independence, impartiality,
accountability and transparency of the “judiciary” under a
chapter titled “the way of action as regards the judiciary” in an
environment where the “supreme court of justice” is not
represented.
Expressing
her sorrow about the information that provisions for the regime’s
“judiciary” are included in the “economic protocol” with
Turkey, Sefik said that asking to include the “judiciary” in an
economic package is incomprehensible.
She noted that the “supreme court of justice” is responsible for
the general and orderly operation of the “judiciary”.
She
finally said that she would issue a statement when she is
“officially” informed and noted that she
does not want to believe that such an issue is included in the
“economic protocol”.
Moreover,
according to the same paper, the chairman of the
Turkish Cypriot “bar association”, Unver Bedevi also reacted on
the same issue saying that he could not understand the inclusion of
the “judiciary” in the “economic protocol”.
Bedevi
stressed on the importance of the “judiciary’s independence”
and the “rule of law”. He said that they are extremely sensitive
on this issue and they will struggle until the end for the
“judiciary’s independence”. Bedevi
said that the “judiciary” in the occupied area of the island
faces many problems due to lack of financial resources, but
transferring the negative practices from Turkey to the occupied area
will not contribute to the solution of these problems.
(I/Ts.)
8.
DEV-IS:
“The economic protocol will erase the Turkish Cypriots
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (06.04.16) reports that DEV-IS Trade
Union criticized the “2016-18 economy protocol” between Turkey
and the breakaway regime noting that it will erase the Turkish
Cypriots.
DEV-IS
stated that the efforts that are taking place regarding the economic
protocol are towards putting an end to the identity, existence and
will of the Turkish Cypriots.
Commenting
on the collapse of the “government” and the efforts of forming a
new coalition, DEV-IS stated that any “government” that will be
formed is not as important as safeguarding the interests of the
Turkish Cypriots. It went on and added that “the privatization of
state departments like telecommunication or the rumors for closing
down the state development organization, in the framework of the new
protocol, shows that there is an intervention to the legal system”.
(CS)
9.
General
Akar confirmed the withdrawal of Turkish army from the occupied area
of the Republic of Cyprus
Columnist
Saygi Ozturk, writing in Turkish daily Sozcu newspaper (online,
05.04.16), under the title “Is the Turkish army withdrawing?”,
reported that while the Cyprus talks are continuing, a
Turkish battalion from the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus
was sent to Turkey with the aim of “fighting against terrorism”.
Ozturk wrote that when they talked with military authorities, they
were told that the duty of “fighting against terrorism” does not
belong to the army but to the Interior Ministry.
The
paper reported that the Justice and Development Party (AKP)
government made a lot of amendments in the laws regarding the army,
adding that soldiers are extracted from the Turkish Armed Forces
(TSK) on the grounds that they are involved with “reactionary
activities”.
It
is reported that one important part of the Turkish army in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus was withdrawn, adding that
one of the two battalions from Alevkaya area (Transl. note: as an
area near occupied Chartzia village is named by the regime) has been
sent to Sirnak’s Beytussebap district in Turkey.
Ozturk
argued that the dispatching of this military unit to Turkey was an
important step of reducing the Turkish army while the Cyprus talks
are going on.
Ozturk
writes in his today commentary (06.04.16) that the Ertugrulgazi
Ozkurkcu, the Head of the Turkish General Staff's information
department, conveyed a message by General Hulusi Akar, Chief of the
General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, confirming that a Turkish
battalion from the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus consisting
of very highly educated and trained non-commissioned officers was
sent to Sirnak’s Beytussebap district.
Their duty is reportedly to protect the base. When their duty is
completed, they will be sent back to the “TRNC”, it is said.
According
to the announcement, this withdrawal has nothing to do with the
Cyprus talks.
(DPs)
10.
The
regime is preparing to pass “laws” threatening the rights and
freedoms
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (06.04.16) reports that Baris
Mamali, chairman of the “rule of law movement” in the occupied
area of Cyprus, has criticized seven “draft-laws” regarding
security which the “government” of the breakaway regime submitted
to the “assembly” last week. Mamali
said that these
“draft-laws” do not include any mechanism to protect the
individuals from being used from ill intentions.
The
“draft-laws” to which Mamali was referring provide for
wiretapping of phone conversations, rewarding informers who help the
“police” etc.
Mamali
described these “draft-laws” as problematic and added that these
are seriously threatening the rights and freedoms.
(I/Ts.)
11.
The
Speaker of Jordan’s House of Representatives visited the Turkish
Cypriot companies at the Arabuild Exhibition 2016
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris (06.04.16) reports that the Speaker of
Jordan’s House of Representatives Atif Et-Taravine visited the
stand of the “TRNC companies” at the Arabuild Exhibition 2016.
According
to a press release by the “Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry”
(KTSO), Taravine, during the visit which was held the previous day,
thanked the Turkish Cypriot companies for the interest they have
showed in the fair for the reconstruction of Gazza. Taravine had also
exchanged views with the representatives of the companies for their
products.
Meanwhile,
the attending companies in the fair had a meeting with M. Muder
Tirhi, an official of the “Palestinian contractors association”,
where they exchanged views on getting in contact with the companies
in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus which are related to
the construction sector.
According
to the press release, it was revealed that members of the contractors
association will visit the manufacturing facilities and a part of the
material that will be used for the reconstruction of Gazza will be
supplied by the “TRNC”. It is reported that the visit may be on
September or October after the necessary initiatives.
Furthermore,
the responsible on foreign affairs and fairs of the “KTSO” Caglar
Turk will visit the Amman Trade of Commerce, as well as the
Associations of Arabic Businessmen and Jordanian Businessmen.
(DPs)
12.
Low
interest for the “white identity card”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (06.04.16) reports that the
interest for obtaining the white identity card is low and adds that
despite the fact that the “ministry of interior” was expecting
10,000 persons to show interest for the card, around 500 persons have
applied for the white identity card so far.
The
paper writes that some representatives of civil society organizations
stated that the card is just “empty promises” and argue that it
erase the rights won by persons who lived in the breakaway regime for
years having a working permit. They
even stated that Turkey has called them on not to apply for the white
identity card.
Speaking
to Havadis, various representatives of settlers associations stated
that they are against the card.
Mehmet
Ipek, the chairman of the "solidarity and culture association"
of the settlers coming from Alexandretta stated that the white
identity card does not give any hope or any promise for the future.
On
his part, Bertan Zaroglu, chairman of the
“Alexandretta
Culture Association” said that “this is the worse, the most
unjust and unnecessary law” and added that he calls from every
platform to people not to apply for the white identity card.
Mesut
Ayar, chairman of the “Gaziantep Culture and solidarity
association” said that the “government” has not informed the
persons of interest about the new law and did not ask their opinion
on the issue.
(CS)
13.
Turkish
and Israeli delegations will meet in Geneva to finalize normalization
According
to Turkish daily Sabah (online, 06.04.16), delegations
from Turkey and Israel will meet in Geneva today as both sides gear
up for the normalization of ties nearly five years after these
deteriorated due to an Israeli raid on a Turkish vessel delivering
aid to the Gaza Strip.
Turkey
and Israel started talks to normalize diplomatic relations during a
meeting in Switzerland in early February, and delegations from the
two countries will continue the efforts to successfully finalize it
on Tuesday. According to Israeli sources, there have been several
draft statements regarding provisions of the normalization agreement
exchanged between Turkish and Israeli officials since the latest
meeting.
Speaking
to Daily Sabah on Tuesday, Dr Gallia Lindenstrauss from the Institute
for National Security Studies (INSS) in Israel drew attention to the
positive attitudes from both the Turkish and Israeli sides and Dr
Fahrettin Altun, the Istanbul coordinator for the Foundation for
Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), said that although it
is an ongoing process, normalization between the two countries is
necessary. Additionally, Salom newspaper columnist Karel Valansi
similarly touched on the positive attitude in the meetings, saying:
"A deal is possible with the good will of both sides."
According
to reports in the Israeli Haaretz daily, the Wednesday meeting is
considered a first in diplomatic traffic due to a meeting being
signalled by the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rather than being announced through media
outlets. Although the location of the meeting is expected to be in
Geneva, like the previous meetings, it is still undecided.
14.
Erdogan:
PKK supporters could be stripped of citizenship
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 05.04.16), Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said April 5 that Turkey must be
resolute in using all measures against the outlawed Kurdistan
Workers’ Party (PKK), including stripping its supporters of the
Turkish citizenship,
while Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has also vowed not to negotiate
with the group.
“Perhaps
we are dying one by one, but at least we are killing them in their
tens, twenties and thirties. This is continuing like that. We have to
be resolute in taking all measures to incapacitate supporters of the
terror organization, including stripping them of their citizenship.
They cannot even be our citizens”, Erdogan said in an address to
lawyers in Ankara for Lawyer’s Day.
Davutoglu
also swiftly followed in the footsteps of Erdogan, saying nobody
should expect their ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)
government to take the PKK as an “interlocutor”.
“Nobody
should expect from us to address the terror organization who have
arms and blood on their hands as an interlocutor. From now on, we
have a single interlocutor; that is our nation and each individual of
our nation”, Davutoglu said April 5.
15.
Columnist
wonders whether Davutoglu fell from Erdogan’s grace
Under
the title “Did PM Davutoglu fall from President Erdogan’s
grace?”, columnist Serkan Demirtas, writing in Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 06.04.16), writes that although the
differences between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister
Ahmet Davutoglu were put aside in the aftermath of Nov. 1 elections,
in order to form a powerful government, these differences have been
resurfacing in the last few days from strong-worded statements of
President Erdogan in the following commentary:
“There
are five main issues on which Erdogan does not hesitate to express
his non-satisfaction with the performance Davutoglu’s government
has shown so far.
One
of them is the fight against terror.
First thing President Erdogan did in his return from the United
States was to convene a security meeting with the participation of
senior military and civilian authorities to discuss the recent rise
in the number of casualties given in the fight against the outlawed
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This meeting came as some
newspapers have quoted Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu as saying that
the government was thinking to de-freeze the peace process with the
Kurds if the terrorists would drop their arms.
President
Erdogan openly challenged Davutoglu in his public statement on the
same day his words appeared in the media, by saying that there were
no any other options than fully defeating terrorists. The Prime
Minister had to echo Erdogan’s line on April 5, a complete
backtrack on what he had said over the weekend.
The
second thing Erdogan is not very happy with is the government’s
delay in taking steps for the removal of specific lawmakers’
immunities.
In his statement on April 5, Erdogan openly expressed that he was
failing to understand why the government was not taking an initiative
on this issue.
Third
is on the new Constitution.
President Erdogan has long been pushing the government to launch a
campaign to promote the presidential system to ready the public
opinion for a potential referendum.
Erdogan’s
pressure on Davutoglu has yielded results as the Prime Minister
announced that works by the AKP for the writing of the new
Constitution have started with the objective of accomplishing the
process before the end of June.
Another contentious area in regards to the new Constitution will be
how the draft will define the presidential system, duties and
responsibilities of the President as well as checks and balances
mechanisms. Speaking to reporters a week ago, Davutoglu described a
presidential system to be strictly controlled by a strong check and
balances mechanism. It’s not yet sure whether this definition will
suit what Erdogan has in mind.
The
fourth issue is the fight against the parallel structure.
There are a number of indications showing Erdogan’s uneasiness with
the effectiveness of the fight against the parallel structure within
the state. Prime Minister Davutoglu’s decision to hold a separate
meeting to discuss additional measures in this fight is surely an
attempt to ease Erdogan’s concerns.
Fifth
point in this scope has been voiced by Erdogan on April 5 in response
to Davutoglu’s statement that he was in principle against of
pre-trial detentions, apparently referring to academics who have been
arrested after they signed a petition on issues concerning the fight
against terror.
“Why shouldn’t academics be detained?” Erdogan asked in his
statement, openly challenging the Prime Minister after he said
“Turkey should consider stripping supporters of terrorism of their
citizenship”.”
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/AM)
