TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 94/16
21-23.05.2016
1. How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the results of the
parliamentary elections in the government-controlled area of Cyprus
2. Akinci: If 2-3 issues are settled we could say that we are close
to an agreement on four chapters
3. Akinci: Next 7 months vital for peace in Cyprus
4. UN Secretary General said that he is encouraged by the ongoing
Cyprus negotiations
5. Burcu dismisses reports on guarantees
6. Cavuşoğlu announces price of water
7. Ertugruloglu restricts the religious ceremonies to one per year to
the churches in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus
8. İzmir Commerce delegation held contacts in the breakaway
regime
9. Harmanci in Istanbul for the UN World Humanitarian
Summit
10. Denktas: “We will come across a referendum this
year”
11. Talat will not seek reelection as CTP’s president; CTP’s charter
was amended
12. The “New Rising Movement” to become a
party
13. Erdoğan gives AK Party chairman Yıldırım mandate to form new
government as PM
14. Erdoğan says vote on lifting immunity expresses nation's
will
15. Erdoğan’s chief advisor criticizes EU demands from
Turkey
1. How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the results of the
parliamentary elections in the government-controlled area of Cyprus
The Turkish Cypriot press gives extensive coverage today
(23.05.16) to the results of the parliamentary elections held yesterday in
the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus.
Under the title “DISI is first again”, Turkish Cypriot daily
Kibris newspaper reports that “DISI and AKEL, which openly support the
negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, finished in the two
first places”, while “extremist rightist ELAM entered into the parliament”. The
paper notes that the total percentage of the two big parties was around 56% and
points out that both of them lost totally 10% of their power. Referring to the
turnout, the paper writes that it was 66.64% and recalls that in 2011 this
percentage had been 78% and in 2006 88%. Noting that the percentage of those who
did not participate in the elections was 33.26%, Kibris writes that this was
commented as that “the boycotters were the winners of the elections”.
Afrika refers to “surprises” in the elections and notes that the “yes
front” was weakened, the “no front” was strengthened and ELAM entered into the
parliament for the first time taking two seats. According to the paper, AKEL
“suffered a blow by the boycotters”, who were the actual winners of the
elections.
Diyalog covers the issue under the title “Dynamite to the solution” and
argues that “in parallel to terrorist ELAM organization, which entered into the
parliament, the votes of fascist racist parties increased and the votes of AKEL
and DISI decreased”.
The other newspapers cover the issue under the following titles:
Kibris Postasi: “DISI won, AKEL lost, ELAM in the parliament”
Havadis: “DISI is the winner of the elections in the
south”
Kibrisli and Star: “Fascist ELAM is in the parliament”
Halkin Sesi: “Surprise by ELAM”
Vatan: “DISI is the first party in the south”
Demokrat Bakis: “DISI is the winner of the elections, ELAM in the
parliament”
Detay: “Fascism rose from the dead”
Ortam: “DISI is the winner of the elections”
Yeni Bakis: “DISI was not misled”
(I/Ts.)
2. Akinci: If 2-3 issues are settled we could say that we are
close to an agreement on four chapters
The Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (22.05.16) reported that
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has said that if 2-3 issues are settled
we could say that we came close to an agreement on four chapters in the
negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Addressing the 30th ordinary general assembly of the
Turkish Cypriot chamber of industry, Akinci argued that in 2004 they were very
close to the solution and the accession to the EU but they could not do it.
Noting that they should have been prepared in every field for joining the Union,
Akinci said that they should have worked intensively for harmonizing their
“laws” to the EU legislation and standards and added that they should make the
preparation from the point they had left.
Akinci noted that they do not know how many qualified employees they
could give to the federal government (in case of a solution) and how many
personnel they could give to the federal police and added that they have a lot
of work to do in the industry and other fields.
Referring to the property issue, Akinci said:
“We do not have the luxury of saying ‘we are not ready, wait for us
to get ready’. However, let no one understand that this issue was finished, and
that there was an agreement. We should work with all of our strength for the
solution. I am trying to do this. Have we made progress within one year? Yes
we have. We did not throw in the garbage what had been done before us.
Therefore, taking a basis the agreements reached before, we have advanced in
four chapters. The property issue was discussed in detail for the first time.
Now there is only one text in the property, not two. They are not all black.
There are red which are ours, there are blue, which are the ones of the south
side. However, there are also black which reflect the joint understanding.
The efforts are continuing. If 2-3 elements are overcome, if some issues
in the Property, Economy, the EU and the Governance and Power Sharing are
settled, we could say that we came close to an agreement. If within the next
few days we advance in these four chapters, we could turn into a very different
format. The period after the Greek Cypriot elections until the end of the year
is of vital importance”.
Akinci expressed the belief that a result could be achieved by the
end of 2016 if there is a political will and added that if this does not happen,
it will not be the end of the world, but the procedure will become much more
difficult in 2017. He alleged that it is for this reason that the Greek Cypriot side
referred to a date for the first time and the end of 2016 was set as target.
Referring to the issues of natural gas, water and energy, Akinci
argued that they will either bring new tensions in Cyprus and the area within
the forthcoming process, or a positive climate will be created in the entire
area.
(I/Ts.)
3. Akinci: Next 7 months vital for peace in
Cyprus
Ankara Anatolia news agency (22.05.16) reported that the Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci stated that the following seven-month period is
vital for the Cyprus negotiation process.
Akinci made the remarks during a keynote speech at a festival in
occupied Famagusta. He stressed the long-lasting Cyprus problem had to come to
an end, especially for future generations.
Akinci said that the following seven-month period would be
significant to establish a two-side, two-community federal structure and added:
"I promise that I will do my best to use that time limit in the best way." "I
hope we altogether build a future in which we all live in peace without any
conflicts, cooperating at maximum level and also I hope Turkey and Greece built
further relationships along with Turkey and the European Union," said
Akinci.
In addition, illegal Bayrak television (21.05.16) broadcast that
Akıncı stated that: “All things come to a saturation point, and the Cyprus
problem has long come to such a point”. He made these statements during a
meeting with representatives of the “Public Servants Trade Union
(KAMU-SEN)”.
Akıncı said that 2016 is now “the point at which saturation has been
exhausted”.
“On the one-year mark of the negotiations, as the two leaders we
signed a joint declaration setting a time frame for the first time,” he said
referring to the joint statement that he and President Nicos Anastasiades issued
a week ago.
“There is no precedent to this. We set 2016 as the target for a
solution, and committed to this.” “When I think what may happen after this
[year], we might as well be squashing water. If we go into 2017 and we are still
trying to negotiate, in 2018 the Greek Cypriot side will have presidential
elections and they will live in that context.”
If nothing happens in 2018 and talks flow into 2019, this will drag
on for too long, he said. “This is why I believe all sides must realize the
importance of the coming seven months ahead of us – and I think they have,” he
noted.
4. UN Secretary General said that he is encouraged by the ongoing
Cyprus negotiations
Ankara Anatolia news agency (23.05.16) reports that U.N. Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon as he prepares to leave office, granted AA an interview to
discuss topics ranging from Syrian refugees to Cyprus reunification talks.
[…]
Turning to Cyprus, the Secretary-General said he is encouraged by the
ongoing negotiations there as the parties have expressed a commitment to
intensifying efforts with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement
agreement in 2016.
"I am confident that a peaceful reunification of Cyprus will reap
real political and economic benefits,” Ban said. “As someone who comes from
Korea, itself a divided nation, Cyprus offers me hope for the future."
5. Burcu dismisses reports on
guarantees
Illegal Bayrak television (21.05.16) broadcast that the spokesman of
the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Barış Burcu, dismissed reports
published in the Turkish daily Milliyet on Friday, alleging that a new system of
guarantees was being discussed at the negotiating table.
The reports claimed that Akıncı had proposed that Turkey should
remain as a guarantor power only in the north of the island should Cyprus get
re-united.
Burcu who denied the reports stated that the issue of guarantees will
be the last to come under the microscope in the peace process. He said that the
issue was tried to be raised for discussion by various press
reports.
“Everyone knows that the opposition of the Greek Cypriot side to the
continuation of Turkey’s guarantees is a reflection of its traditional positions
and policy. More importantly everyone is aware of the special importance and
sensitivity the Cyprus Turkish side attaches to the issue” he
said.
Burcu also said that the issue will be discussed with the right
parties at the right time through the right methods.
6. Cavuşoğlu announces price of
water
Illegal Bayrak television (21.05.16) broadcast that the self-styled
minister of agriculture and natural resources Nazım Cavuşoğlu has announced that
the water from Turkey will be sold to municipalities for 2.30TL (approx. 0.69€)
per tonne.
It is however unclear what the price consumers will be paying the
municipalities for the water.
Speaking at a press conference Cavuşoğlu said that work to start
distributing the water for public consumption was also
underway.
“The 2.30TL per tonne price at which the water will be purchased by
the municipalities emerged following talks with our Turkish counterparts. We
plan to start supplying this water to areas where the infrastructure is complete
and connected to the main pipeline as soon as possible. That includes Lefkosia,
Gionelli and Lapitho”, he said.
Cavuşoğlu also stated that the price agreed upon was acceptable for
the “government”.
“We would like everyone to know that the initial price requested by
the Turkish officials was much higher. Bargaining started at 6.63TL and we were
able to drop the price to 2.30TL” he added.
7. Ertugruloglu restricts the religious ceremonies to one per year
to the churches in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (21.05.16) reported that self-styled
foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus Tahsin Ertugruloglu has decided to give only one permission per year for
religious services to the churches in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus apart of three churches, Apostolos Andreas Monastery, St. Barnabas and
St. Mamas.
In statements to the paper, Ertugruloglu said that the churches will
be able to conduct one religious service either on Christmas, Easter or the Name
Day of the church per year. He argued that it is wrong to consider that the
religious ceremonies are forbidden, they are just restricted.
Mustafa Lakadamyali, self-styled undersecretary of the foreign
ministry, said that the criteria for the permissions of the religious ceremonies
have been reviewed. He argued that this decision was taken in order to prevent
“the exploitation of this right”, adding that they have constantly requests for
the “Name days” and the “police” has to take measures in the area for every
religious ceremony. He explained that “police force” has to be in different
churches at the same day taking security measures during the religious
ceremonies. He also argued that problems were encountered when the religious
icons are brought to the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus.
Lakadamyali claimed that the Greek Cypriot authorities, as he refers
to the Republic of Cyprus, do not give permission to all the “TRNC citizens” to
cross to the government controlled area of Cyprus, even if it is a religious
ceremony. He clarified that there is not any restriction regarding the
Maronites.
On the same issue, the paper reports that Serdar Atai, on behalf of
the “Initiative of Famagusta” criticized this decision, saying that this is a
serious blow to the constructive dialogue and to the rapprochement process in
Cyprus. He added that they do not accept such chauvinism at these days where the
two leaders declare full support to any kind of dialogue and the religious
leaders take their most liberal stance. He noted that he believes that these
religious ceremonies refresh the old friendships between Greek and Turkish
Cypriots.
Atai concluded saying that Ertugruloglu has also damaged the positive
atmosphere in Cyprus and gives previous examples.
Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (23.05.16) reports that the
leader of the so-called Turkish Resistance organization (TMT), Yilmaz Bora, in a
written statement, criticized the “Initiative of Famagusta” for criticizing
Ertugruloglu. He argued that it is not possible to live with the Greek Cypriots
in a United Cyprus, because the mentality of the Greek Cypriots has not changed
for 53 years now.
The paper also reports that Burak Mavis, the education secretary of
the Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Trade Union (KTOS) criticized the statements both
of Ertugruloglu and TMT. He said that it is shameful to attack those who use the
peace language, adding that within the framework of the religious and conscious
freedom, it is not possible to have a “state policy” in a modern world by
restricting the permissions of the religious ceremonies. He said that this is a
retrograde and racist political mentality.
(DPs)
8. İzmir Commerce delegation held contacts in the breakaway
regime
Illegal Bayrak television (21.05.16) broadcast that a delegation from
the İzmir Chamber of Commerce in Turkey is holding a series of contacts in the
breakaway regime.
Within the framework of its contacts, the delegation met with the
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı, the “speaker of the parliament” Sibel
Siber and “prime minister” Hüseyin Özgürgün.
Speaking during the visits, the President of the İzmir Chamber of
Commerce Ekrem Demirtaş said that the aim of their visit to the “TRNC” was to
examine possible prospects for investment and cooperation.
Demirtaş who pointed out that Cyprus could become the region’s
Singapore in the event a settlement was reached on the island, stated that
immovable property had no real value in a divided island and that there could be
no sustainable economy in a place where investors did not
come.
He stated that economic developments have a positive impact on
politics.
Özgürgün for his part said that the economic losses of a divided
Cyprus were great and that they are aware that an island reunified through a
settlement would enhance Cyprus’ economic potential tenfold. He also claimed
that the Turkish Cypriots had tried everything for a
settlement.
Siber said that nothing could replace or substitute a settlement on
the island. She further argued that the Turkish Cypriot side’s stance in favour
of a settlement is always clear and that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem
did not benefit any of the two sides on the island.
9. Harmanci in Istanbul for the UN World Humanitarian
Summit
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (23.05.16) reports that the
“mayor of the Turkish municipality” in the occupied part of Nicosia Mehmet
Harmanci flew yesterday to Istanbul in order to attend the UN World Humanitarian
Summit, which will be held on 23-24 May.
According to the paper, Harmanci was invited by the Mayor of
Buyuksehir Municipality of Istanbul, Kadir Topbas. It is also reported that
Harmanci was also invited directly to the summit by Stephen O'Brien, UN Under
Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, as “mayor of the Nicosia Turkish
Municipality (LTB)”.
Topbas invited Harmanci to participate in a side event of the Summit
on “core session of Mayors on the migration issue”. It is expected that Harmanci
will also address this meeting.
(DPs)
10. Denktas: “We will come across a referendum this
year”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (23.05.16) reports that the
leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Serdar Denktas, in statement while
visiting several villages in the occupied area of Cyprus during the week-end,
said that the DP has to undertake a difficult task, taking into account not
only the “country’s situation” but also the way things are going in the Cyprus
negotiation process.
Reiterating the belief that a referendum will take place in Cyprus
within this year, Denktas stated the following: “It seems that we will come across a referendum
within this year. We can see very obviously the insincerity of the Greek Cypriot
side and provided that our sovereignty, equality and expectations are not
included in the document to be set for a referendum, then the DP will have to
undertake a difficult duty”.
(…)
(AK)
11. Talat will not seek reelection as CTP’s president; CTP’s
charter was amended
Illegal Turkish Cypriot Bayrak television (23.05.16) reports that the
president of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Mehmet Ali Talat will not
seek reelection as CTP leader in the party’s forthcoming congress in
November.
Addressing yesterday the CTP’s congress held for amending the party
charter, Talat announced that he would be stepping down from the party’s
presidency at the next ordinary party congress in November. He said that when
he had returned to the leadership of the party one year ago, his aim was to
re-establish unity and solidarity within the party.
“We are very close to achieving that goal”, he
claimed.
Arguing that the disputes within the party had mostly ended and that
the CTP was on the road to recovery, Talat said that the public had lost
confidence and trust in the politicians which was something that needed to be
addressed.
Talat also explained that his goal was for the party to achieve full
unity and to come to “power” on its own. He added that he did not need to be at the head of the party for
this goal to be achieved.
Some of the main amendments approved at the congress were the switch
from the delegate system to a membership system and the raising of the party’s
gender quota from 30 to 40%.
Term limitations were also introduced as part of amendments for
positions such as the party leadership, members of the “parliament”, “mayors”
and district chairmen.
12. The “New Rising Movement” to become a
party
Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(23.05.16) reports that the “New Rising Movement” (“YDP”), which was established
in the occupied area of Cyprus last year, held an extended meeting during the
week-end, where it decided to establish the ground for the formation of a party,
until August 1st, to create the base and exert efforts for any kind
of cooperation with other NGO’s in the occupation regime.
The YDP is composed by illegal Turkish settlers and it is a movement
which supports a two-state founding solution with Turkey’s guarantees.
(AK)
13. Erdoğan gives AK Party chairman Yıldırım mandate to form new
government as PM
Turkish daily Sabah (23.05.16) reports that Turkish President Recep
Tayyip Erdoğan gave newly appointed AK Party chairman Binali Yıldırım the
mandate to form a new government as Prime Minister following the resignation of
Ahmet Davutoğlu, the presidency said.
Erdoğan handed Yıldırım the mandate in a meeting at the presidential
palace hours after the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) chose him as
its new chairman at an emergency convention.
The members of the Cabinet of the 65th government is expected to be
announced afterward.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) held an emergency
convention on Sunday where Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications
Minister Binali Yıldırım was elected as the new chairman after receiving support
from 1,405 party delegates.
Yıldırım, has vowed to boost efforts for the adoption of a
presidential system as part of the new Constitution in line with President Recep
Tayyip Erdoğan’s demands after officially taking the reins of power from Ahmet
Davutoğlu at an extraordinary convention.
“The most important thing we have to do today is to turn this de
facto situation into a legal one and thus end the confusion. The way to do is
with a new Constitution and the presidential system within it,” Yıldırım said in
a statement to the Justice and Development Party (AKP) at the convention on May
22.
Yıldırım was the sole candidate for the leadership, replacing
Davutoğlu, who declared his resignation this month. Yıldırım was scheduled to be
given the mandate to form the new government late May 22 after Davutoğlu
submitted his resignation to Erdoğan after the closure of the AKP convention.
In a sign of a substantial reshuffle in the Cabinet and party
management, Yıldırım’s list for the 50-seat Central Decision-Making Body Council
(MKYK) featured 26 new figures.
“My legal ties with my party might have been cut on Aug. 27, 2014,
when I was elected as the President. But my bonds of love with my party have
never been cut and will never be cut,” Erdoğan said, during the meeting .
His message went beyond a routine congratulatory one as he directly
expressed his demands from the next government. “I believe this weird rule that
obliged the president to cut ties with the political cadres will be soon removed
in this new era as part of efforts to renew the Constitution and governance
system,” he said.
Erdoğan also thanked Davutoğlu while wishing success to the new
leader and party management. Thousands of AKP members and Ministers stood up in
the hall as Erdoğan’s message was read out by Bozdağ.
Continuing the symbolism, Yıldırım started his speech by respectfully
saluting Erdoğan as “our leader, the architect of a bright Turkey.”
In addition, Hurriyet Daily News (23.05.16) reports that outgoing
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu during a farewell address at an extraordinary
party convention, reiterated that he did not want to resign but was doing so for
the party’s unity.
“Today our party came to another crossroad. Going to this
extraordinary convention after a successful election was not something I had
demanded. I am also aware of the questions it has created in your conscious,”
Davutoğlu said in a highly emotional speech. “We may bid farewell to positions
and seats… but we will never bid farewell to our main cause.”
Davutoğlu said his only motivation in stepping down was his concern
for the unity of the AKP. “
14. Erdoğan says vote on lifting immunity expresses nation's
will
Turkish Yeni Safak Newspaper (21.05.16) reported that Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that the result of a parliamentary vote on
lifting legislative immunities on lawmakers expressed the will of the Turkish
nation.
"What did our nation want? They said, we do not want to see traitors
in this country's Parliament. And the Parliament did what the nation wanted,"
Erdoğan said in a speech to the public in Artvin province.
His remarks came a day after the Turkish Parliament approved
stripping its members of immunity from prosecution. The new bill allows the
Turkish judiciary to try lawmakers for their unlawful actions especially direct
or indirect support to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Turkey's Parliament has approved the bill lifting lawmakers' immunity
from prosecution. In Friday's third and final vote in a secret ballot, 376 MPs
in the 550-seat parliament backed the plan to lift MPs' immunity from
prosecution, a high enough level of support to change the Constitution directly
without needing to hold a referendum.531 MPs attended the first and second
rounds of the secret ballot process, while 526 MPs voted in the second round.
The bill will not be taken to a referendum as the results has standed at 367 in
the final round of voting. The amenment will be presented to President Recep
Tayyip Erdoğan for final approval, without holding a referendum as the 367 vote
threshold was surpassed.
15. Erdoğan’s chief advisor criticizes EU demands from
Turkey
Ankara Anatolia news agency (23.05.16) reports that a chief advisor
to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Yalçın Topçu, has criticized the European
Union over its demands for Turkey to modify its anti-terror
law.
He said the EU “could not damage our fight against terrorism on this
visa pretext. This is not moral or faithful to the deal.” Topçu said Turkey was
the country “most affected by terrorism,” with many soldiers and citizens having
been killed. “Unfortunately, we cannot see the necessary support from our
friends [in counter-terrorism],” he added.
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(CS / AM)
