TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 85/16
10.05.2016
1.Burcu disclaimed allegations about the establishment of a joint army
after the solution
2. Erdogan: “EU membership is Turkey's strategic
goal”
3. Message by Ozgurgun on Europe Day
4. Reactions on the statements of Mavroyiannis regarding the debt of
Turkish Cypriots towards Turkey
5. Denktas: The political equality and equal sovereignty are not
adequately protected in the Cyprus talks
6. Tatar: Akinci should speak
clearly
7. Akansoy criticizes Denktas for his statement on the “citizenship”
and notes that Turkey has exerted “a great pressure” on this
issue
8. Harmanci participated in the 8th European Conference on
Sustainable Cities and Towns in Bilbao
9. The Iranian Ministry of Science and Research reportedtly accredited
MSc, PhD and dual degree programs of “Near East
University”
10. Turkey plans to build an ‘Arab village’ to attract tourists from
Arab countries
1.Burcu disclaimed allegations about the establishment of a joint
army after the solution
Under the front-page title: “Burcu refuted the joint army”,
Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (10.05.16) reports on statements by the
so-called presidential spokesman Baris Burcu, who in a written statement
yesterday, commented on the recent statements made by the Minister of Defence of
the Republic of Cyprus, Christoforos Fokaides who argued that a “professional
joint military” will be established after the solution.
Burcu denied the above statement and said that “such a decision was
not taken by the leaders”. “An effort is exerted to bring this into the agenda
and create the impression that there is a common approach on this. This is not
right and this issue is among those to be discussed in the appropriate time”,
Burcu said.
Burcu also added that the reports published in the Greek Cypriot
press saying that the two leaders will issue a joint statement after their
meeting on May 27, about the issues where the two leaders had reached to an
agreement at the Cyprus negotiation talks until so far, is also not reflecting
the reality.
Referring to the reports published in the Greek Cypriot press and the
Turkish Cypriot press from time to time about the issue of security and
guarantees, Burcu reiterated that this issue will be discussed at the latest
stage of the negotiation process.
(AK)
2. Erdogan: “EU membership is Turkey's strategic
goal”
Turkish daily Sabah (09.05.16) reported that President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan said that the EU visa liberalization deal would speed up
negotiations with Turkey and called on the EU to show a more determined stance
in the fight against terrorism.
Along with Erdogan's remarks, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bilgic
also said that Turkey would implement visa liberalization policies in line with
Erdogan's recent statements.
With the debate on visa liberalization for Turkish citizens traveling
to the EU's Schengen zone ongoing, President Erdogan issued a statement
yesterday on the occasion of Europe Day in which he said that Turkey's
membership in the EU is a strategic goal and that he hopes the visa
liberalization deal with the bloc will accelerate the country's accession
process.
In the official statement, Erdogan praised the EU for embracing
democracy, human rights and the rule of law. He then urged the EU to follow a
stronger and more consistent foreign policy in these critical times. Explaining
that the EU membership is a strategic goal for Turkey, Erdogan further said:
"I hope that the visa exemption … will constitute a positive step in fulfilling
the promises made and speed up the accession process."
(…)
3. Message by Ozgurgun on Europe Day
Under the front-page title: “EU is the common goal”, Turkish
Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (10.05.16) reports that the so-called prime
minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, in a message he issued yesterday on the
occasion of Europe Day, stated, inter alia, that the “government’s goal” is the
Turkish Cypriot “people” to take their place inside the EU family.
Ozgurgun pointed out also that “the EU integration process is not
possible to be completed without the Turkish Cypriot people and motherland
Turkey”.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun claimed that among their
“rightful” expectations from the EU, is to support and contribute to the efforts
exerted for a fair and a viable solution, which on the one hand will lift all
the obstacles in front of Turkey’s EU bid and protect in the best way the
rights of the two “peoples” in Cyprus, and on the other hand will take into
consideration the Turkish Cypriot side’s goodwill for a solution and that the
biggest obstacle for the solution is the Greek Cypriot
side.
(AK)
4. Reactions on the statements of Mavroyiannis regarding the debt
of Turkish Cypriots towards Turkey
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (10.05.16) reports that
the self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas commented on the statements
made by Andreas Mavroyiannis, Negotiator of the Greek-Cypriot side in the
inter-communal talks on the Cyprus problem, who stated that Turkish Cypriots’
debt towards Turkey is 17 billion euro and that a solution of the Cyprus problem
cannot be reached unless this debt is erased.
Denktas claimed that the Greek Cypriots are the reason that the
breakaway regime owns so much money to Turkey: “It is the Greek Cypriot side
which forced us to live under isolation which prevented us from having contacts
and to borrow money from the IMF and the World Bank. […] It is the Greek Cypriot
side which should pay these 17 billion euro to Turkey along with the interest”,
Denktas alleged, adding that only Turkey left its doors opened for the Turkish
Cypriots.
On his part, the self-styled deputy with the National Unity Party
(UBP) and former “finance minister” Ersin Tatar stated that the debt of the
breakaway regime towards Turkey is noτ 17 billion euro, but 4 billion euro the most. He also claimed that
Turkey has offered a lot of assistance to the Turkish Cypriots for free.
Also, commenting on the same issue, Kibris Postasi (10.05.16) calims
that despite that the debt of the Greek Cypriots towards Troika is up to 25
billion dollars, the debt of the Turkish Cypriots towards Turkey is not even 3,5
billion dollars.
The paper siting information by the “Report for the economic
situation for 2014”, prepared by the so-called ministry of finance, writes that
the debt towards Turkey is 3,626 million dollars and if the exchange rate
between dollar and euro is taken into consideration, it means that the debt in
euro is only three millions. Adding to this, if taken into consideration that
the amount of 395 million Turkish Lira that the breakaway regime borrowed from
Turkey in 2014 and the 215 million Turkish Lira that were given so that the
deficit to the budget of the breakaway regime to be met, then the debt is much
less than t3,5 billion euro.
(CS)
5. Denktas: The political equality and equal sovereignty are not
adequately protected in the Cyprus talks
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.05.16) reports that
Serdar Denktas, self-styled deputy prime minister and finance “minister”
of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has
said that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and his team are carrying out
the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and they will be
responsible of the result. In statements yesterday to illegal TAK news
agency, Denktas added: “I do not believe that we are carrying out a
negotiating process in which the political equality and equal sovereignty are
adequately protected”.
Referring to the issue of electricity, Denktas said that their target is to secure cheap and continuous
electricity of high quality and that they will do whatever is necessary for
this. “Being bound to an interconnected system with Turkey is absolutely
necessary”, he argued adding that this will not happen with threats, but
they should sit, discuss the issue, put forward their conditions and agree with
their trade unions and their “people”.
Denktas said that he discussed the issue of the “economic protocol”
with the self-styled minister of economy and energy, Sunat Atun and agreed on
how they will act.
Denktas noted that they are examining how early they can invite
tenders on the water issue and added that they do not want to rush, but to
prepare a correct contract which will not create problems in the future.
Referring to the issue of illegal Tymbou airport, Denktas pointed out
that the regime will start getting income [from its privatization] as of January
2017, adding that “if the company does not pay, the agreement will in any case
end”.
Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper
(10.05.16) reports that Denktas described as “normal” the lifting of the visa
requirement by Turkey for the EU citizens. He said: “I think that Turkey
should have lifted the visa requirement earlier. Then more people and Greek
Cypriots would have entered Turkey and they would have the opportunity to see
that Turkey is an opportunity for them, not a threat”.
Describing as “positive” Turkey’s move, Denktas expressed the
belief that this practice will not prevent the solution of the Cyprus
problem. He argued that many Greek Cypriots want to visit Turkey and
claimed that the use of illegal Tymbou airport will increase because travelling
to Turkey from there is easier. “This will bring economic benefit to us”, he
added.
Recalling that the Republic of Cyprus is not in the Schengen area,
Denktas claimed that in such a case the Greek Cypriots will decide not to join
the Schengen area. He said that the Turkish citizens may not be able to travel
to the government-controlled area of Cyprus, but those who acquire a visa could
not be prevented. “This is a development which will bring about the Greek
Cypriot sincerity or insincerity”, he alleged adding that this practice will not
be tantamount to Turkey recognizing the Republic of Cyprus just like the Greek
Cypriots do not recognize the “TRNC” when they show their identity and cross
over to the occupied area of the island.
(I/Ts.)
6. Tatar: Akinci should speak
clearly
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (10.05.16) reports that
the self-styled deputy of the National Unity Party (UBP) Ersin Tatar
called on the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to protect adequately the
Turkish Cypriots’ rights in the presence of the President of the Greek Cypriot
administration Nicos Anastasiades (translator’s note: as he refers to the
Cyprus President).
Claiming that the answers that Akinci gives to the Greek Cypriot leader
are not sufficient for them, Tatar argued and because Akinci does not speak
clear, the real estate and constructions sector in the “TRNC” continues to
suffer. He added that an important part of their population lives in anxiety
that their future security will be lost and they worry about
it.
In a written statement, Tatar also criticized Anastasiades’ statements and
Akinci’s stance on these statements. Tatar claimed that Anastasiades deceived the Turkish Cypriots with the EU and
it is proved that he will continue the Greek Cypriot mentality to transform the
island into a Greek one.
(DPs)
7. Akansoy criticizes Denktas for his statement on the
“citizenship” and notes that Turkey has exerted “a great pressure” on this
issue
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis newspaper (10.05.16) reports that
Asim Akansoy, “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and
“minister” of the breakaway regime’s former “government”, has criticized the
“deputy prime minister” Serdar Denktas for his recent statement that the regime
will grant “citizenship” to those [Turkish settlers] who have the right to take
it. Arguing that the target is the political exploitation of the persons
who will be granted “citizenship”, Akansoy said:
“A great pressure has been exerted on us by Turkey on the
citizenship issue. And then we put forward the white identity card issue.
Denktas says ‘we will grant it to those who deserve it’. Actually, this
statement gives hope to the people. Those living in this country know the
law. The embassy of Turkey knows it very well. Turkey’s Aid Delegation also
knows it very well. What is the criterion for ‘we will give to those who deserve
it’ as Denktas said? Clarify this. First let us know this and then let those at
the negotiating table know this. Politics should be carried out not by
making populist statements, but by stepping your feet on the ground so that
people are not given hope in vain”.
Noting that when they were in the “government” they granted
“citizenship” based on a certain “regulation”, Akansoy said that in the last
period “26 thousand persons have been related to the
citizenship”. He pointed out that currently the “interior ministry” “legally”
has the authority to grant “citizenship” to any person who possesses “work
permit” for successive five years. He added: “If we consider that every
family has averagely four members, because when you grant citizenship to a
person you grant it also to his wife and children, then this number reached 35
thousands. This is the real number. […]”
(I/Ts.)
8. Harmanci participated in the 8th European Conference on
Sustainable Cities and Towns in Bilbao
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (10.05.16) reports that
Mehmet Harmanci “mayor” of the occupied part of Lefkosia municipality
participated in the 8th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns
(ICLEI) which took place in Bilbao, Spain.
According to the paper, 200 mayors and deputy mayors from 43
countries participated at the conference which lasted for four days. Harmanci
signed the “Basque Declaration”, which contains new pathways for a liveable and
inclusive Europe that was the outcome document of the Conference adopted by the
participants.
In the sidelines of the conference Harmanci held meetings with the
Mayor of Bilbao Juan Maria Aburto and the Deputy Mayor of Paris, Celai Blauel.
Harmanci invited the latter to the occupied part of Lefkosia.
(CS)
9. The Iranian Ministry of Science and Research reportedtly
accredited MSc, PhD and dual degree programs of “Near East
University”
Turkish Cypriot daily Demokrat Bakis newspaper (10.05.16) reports that
the Iranian Ministry of Science and Research accretided post graduate, doctorate
and dual degree programs of the illegal Near East University (“YDU”) in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the paper, representatives of the Iranian Ministry did the
accreditation after paying an illegal visit to the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus.
The Iranian delegation assessed the educational opportunities provided
by the “Near East University”, and following the assessment, the Ministry
reportedly accredited their degree programs.
The Ministry of Science and Research of Iran accredited the programs
included in the protocol signed between the “Near East University” and the
University of Tabriz. The MSc, PhD and Dual Degree Programs, which are included
in the protocol and accredited by the Ministry of Science and Research, are the
“Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications,
Biomedical Engineering, Computer and Information Systems, Architecture,
Veterinary Science, English Language and Literature, English Language Teaching,
Psychology, Nanotechnology, Oil and Gas Engineering, Food Engineering,
Information Systems Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Business, Banking and
Finance”.
The students, who enroll in the dual degree programs in accordance with
the protocol signed between the two “universities”, will be able to conduct
their theoretical studies in the first two years at one of the “universities” of
their own preference, and following the completion of the theoretical studies
within the first two years, they can carry out their research studies likewise,
at either “universities” of their own preference.
(DPs)
10. Turkey plans to build an ‘Arab village’ to attract tourists
from Arab countries
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (09.05.16) reported that Turkey is
considering establishing an “Arab village”, in a bid to attract more visitors
from Arab countries.
The idea came up by the head of the Jeddah-based Arab Tourism
Organization (ATO) during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia by Foreign Minister
Mevlut Cavusoglu.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Cavusoglu had a meeting with Bandar
bin Fahad al-Fahaid, the President of ATO, an affiliate of the Arab League, in
Jeddah on April 23.
“During this meeting, various ideas, especially the signing of an
agreement between the Arab Tourism Organization and Turkey, the arranging of an
‘Arab-Turkish Tourism Security Conference,’ and the founding of an ‘Arab
village’ were addressed,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Bilgic told
reporters on May 9.
“The head of the ATO particularly floated the idea of establishing an
Arab village in order to further revitalize tourism relations between Arab
countries and Turkey,” he added.
“[At the conference] meetings on this issue were held again based on
the proposal of the ATO. In other words, the main goal is to increase the number
of tourists coming from Arab countries to Turkey and strengthen our tourism
relations,” Bilgic also added.
Turkey’s tourism sector has suffered a dramatic decline in recent
months, amid a string of diplomatic and security issues.
The country’s tourism revenue fell by 16.55% in the first quarter of
this year compared to the same period of 2015, amid repercussions of the refugee
crisis, bilateral tension with Russia, and a series of bomb attacks by both the
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and militants of the outlawed
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
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