TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
108/16
10.06.2016
1.
Burcu expressed the Turkish Cypriot side’s readiness to attend a meeting chaired
by Ban whenever the latter asks it
2.
They will build a mosque in the “international fair” in the occupied area of
Cyprus
3.
The water from Turkey is causing debates in the occupied area of
Cyprus
4.
More about Ataoglu’s meeting with Veysel Eroglu
5.
Turkish Cypriot shopkeepers ask for the opening of Deryneia
barricade
6.
Casein protein in dairy products; milk remains unsold in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus
7.
Akinci visited Maronite villages
8.
Ozkurt is the new “director” of illegal BRT
9.
Biden and Yildirim reaffirmed their strong support for a Cyprus
settlement
10.
Erdogan tells Germany to rectify resolution 'mistake'
11.
A public opinion poll by AKAM Research Company demonstrates an increase on the
HDP’s percentages if its leader is arrested
12.
Turkey is EU's strategic partner in energy, EU official Gargya
says
1.
Burcu expressed the Turkish Cypriot side’s readiness to attend a meeting
chaired by Ban whenever the latter asks it
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.06.16) reports that the so-called
presidential spokesman Baris Burcu, in exclusive statements to the paper,
commented on the meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Kasoulides
with the UN’s Secretary-General Ban Ki moon, and the UN’s readiness for a
meeting chaired by the UN Secretary General and the two leaders in the island
and stated that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to participate in this
platform, whenever the UN’s Secretary-General wishes to, either during the
maturity stage of the negotiation process or at the end of the process.
Describing
as very natural the fact that Ban would like to see the solution of the Cyprus
problem prior to the end of his term, Burcu pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci has also always expressed his wish for a solution within
2016.
Reminding
of the fact that during the latest leader’s meeting, they have decided to
intensify the process and to increase the number of their meetings, Burcu
argued that the Turkish Cypriot side’s utter goal is to be able to reach to a
result the soonest possible.
(AK)
2.
They will build a mosque in the “international fair” in the occupied area
of Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.06.16) reports that Turkish
Minister of Economy, Nihat Zeybekci is paying an illegal visit to the occupied
area of Cyprus today for attending the opening ceremony of the “40th
International Fair” and meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, the
“speaker of the assembly” Sibel Siber and “prime minister” Huseyin Ozgurgun.
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (10.06.16) publishes on its front page
a letter signed by the “director” of the “ministry of economy and energy”,
Metin Ozerem, who asks for financial aid, in order to construct a masjid [small
mosque] in the area in which the “fair” will take place.
The
paper’s general director, Cenk Mutluyakali refers to the issue in his column
under the title “Masjid for the economy” and notes that “they have probably
told Ozerem to write the letter and he wrote it and sent it”.
“The
letter reached some economic institutions and a backstage took place”, he says
adding that the letter asks for five thousand Turkish liras to build the
masjid in the fair, which will take place between 10 and 19 June, because this
is a period that coincides with the Moslem month of Ramadan.
(I/Ts.)
3.
The water from Turkey is causing debates in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (10.06.16) reports that Mehmet
Harmanci, self-styled mayor of the “Nicosia Turkish municipality”, has said
that he always preserves the view that water of high quality should continuously
be given to the people and that he will continue struggling for this. In a
statement yesterday, Harmanci referred to the fact that occupied Nicosia’s
“municipal council” rejected buying the water from Turkey for 2.30 Turkish liras
(TL) and expressed the view that it is wrong to correlate the use of the water
during this transitional period with the approval of the “agreement” which will
create a monopoly of a private company in the water sector. Harmanci
recalled that two members of the “municipal council” coming from the Social
Democracy Party (TDP) and one coming from the New Cyprus Party (YKP)
voted “no” yesterday because they think that the use of the water during this
transitional period would be tantamount to the beginning of the
privatization. He noted that eight members of the “municipal council”
coming from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) voted “no” because the price is
high, but other “municipal councils” unanimously approved this price and six
“mayors’ who belong to the CTP decided to buy the water for 2.30 TL.
Under
the title “The CTP is divided on the water”, Turkish Cypriot daily
Halkin Sesi newspaper (10.06.16) reports that members of the occupied
Nicosia “municipal council” who belong to the CTP rejected the price of the
water from Turkey, but in many areas, including occupied Famagusta, the
members of this party voted “yes”. “Municipalities” which belong to the CTP,
such as occupied Lefkoniko, Lisi and Chatoz, approved the agreement on the water
and applied to the “ministry of interior” for getting water from Turkey.
The
paper writes that Nazim Cavusoglu, self-styled minister of agriculture
and natural resources, said yesterday that ten “municipalities” have signed
the “protocol” on the water issue and eight “municipalities” decided in
favor of the agreement, but have not signed it yet.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (10.06.16) reports that the CTP
issued a statement yesterday calling on the “government” to share with the
public all the information as regards the water from Turkey and to prepare the
ground for the “municipal councils” to produce “sound decisions” on this issue.
CTP notes that the party will react to the pressures exerted on the
“municipalities” to sign the “subscription agreement” until this is done and
added that if the “municipalities” are forced to approve the agreement because
of these pressures, the “government” will be responsible for the problems which
the consumers and the “municipalities” will face in the future.
Noting
that “Everybody is confused”, the paper writes that the CTP said “no” in
Nicosia, but its stance in the rest of the occupied area is not known. According
to Havadis, 14 “municipalities” are under CTP’s control. Some “mayors” stated
that in case the price of 2.30 TL determined by the “government” is not reduced,
no “municipality” has the strength to survive financially and all of them will
go bankrupt.
(I/Ts.)
4.
More about Ataoglu’s meeting with Veysel Eroglu
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.06.16) reports that the so-called ministry of
tourism and environment, issued a written statement concerning “minister”
Ataoglu’s contacts in Turkey and his meeting with the Turkish Minister of
Forestry and Water Affairs Veysel Eroglu.
According
to the statement, Eroglu stated during the meeting that the water transferred
from Turkey to the occupation regime will contribute not only to the tourism
sector but also to the development of the agriculture sector in the “TRNC”.
Eroglu
also stated that incentives will be given for the production of olives, carobs
and almonds.
In
his turn, Ataoglu stated, inter alia, that they have reached to an agreement
envisaging that a fire-fighting helicopter will be deployed by turns during the
summer months both in Mersin and the occupied area of Cyprus and will be ready
to intervene in emergency cases and in fire cases.
(AK)
5.
Turkish Cypriot shopkeepers ask for the opening of Deryneia barricade
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.06.16) reports that the within the
walls shopkeepers in the occupied city of Famagusta will organize an activity
tomorrow demanding the immediate opening of the Deryneia barricade under the
slogan “open this gate”. The activity will take place at the entrance of the
within the walls area of occupied Famagusta and is supported by the Turkish
Cypriot teachers’ trade union (KTOS), the “ancient Famagusta foundation” and the
New Cyprus Party (YKP).
In
a written statement issued yesterday, the organizers of the activity said
that they will demand the opening of the barricade before the tourism season is
over.
Yilmaz
Parlan, shopkeeper in occupied Famagusta and one of the organizers of the
activity, told Kibris that politics is the “art of solving problems”, but in the
occupied area of Cyprus, it has been turned into the art of postponing the
solution of problems. He
noted that the Cyprus problem exists for 43 years and that they have been
exerting efforts during the past 13 years to open the Deryneia crossing point.
He pointed out that during the past 13 months they are carrying out an
“intensive campaign” for the opening of this crossing point.
Parlan
said that the generation which fights for the opening of Deryneia will not be
alive after ten years and complained of the fact that in spite of this, the
politicians are still telling them to wait.
Parlan
added that their debts to the “state” and the banks cannot wait and every month
the interest rate is added to them.
He
said that the shopkeepers have always been saying that trade will become a
bridge for peace and added that those who cannot conduct trade will not be able
to exist. Giving the example of Arasta area in the occupied part of Nicosia,
Parlan said that the volume of trade had been zero in that area and after the
crossing points opened it reached 42 million. He further complained that
the status quo and the politicians committed to it do not want them to become
free as a community and earn money. He noted that these politicians are
responsible for the non-opening of Deryneia crossing point until today.
(I/Ts.)
6.
Casein protein in dairy products; milk remains unsold in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (10.06.16), on its front page under the title
“Shocking news” and the subtitle “Everyone will become Arnold Schwarzengger”,
reports that 90 tons of milk remain unsold every day in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus, adding that there are also allegations that the casein
protein and milk powder are used for the production of
halloumi/hellim.
Oguz
Ceyda, former chairman of the “farmers union”, speaking to the paper, argued
that their milk production remains unsold, because the producers of
halloumi/hellim are being using casein protein and milk powder instead of milk,
adding: “The way things are going, everybody who consumes milk, especially our
youth, will become Arnold Schwarzenegger”. Ceyda also claimed that they are
consuming dairy products that are full with chemicals, adding that this has an
impact on the increase of cancer in the “country”.
Candan
Avunduk, chairman of the “dairy producers union”, said that the problem of the
unsold milk is because the exports of halloumi/hellim to Turkey have been
reduced.
On
the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.06.16) reports that
Gazi Guney, an animal producer in the occupied village of Elia, complained that
the raw milk is not taken by the “dairy board” and is asking the “officials” of
the breakaway regime to find a solution to their problems. He added that he
produces a half ton of milk every day and he has to scatter it because he cannot
give it to another place.
Furthermore,
the paper reports that self-styled minister for agriculture and natural
resources Nazim Cavusoglu, evaluating the problems of the milk producers at the
“assembly”, said that the issue is very “sensitive”. He added that he explained
the issue to the Turkish officials when they visited them and asked for their
help.
Meanwhile,
according to illegal Bayrak television (online, 10.06.16), self-styled minister
Cavusoglu met also with a delegation from the “Cyprus Turkish Chamber of
Industry”.
Speaking
during the meeting, Cavusoglu touched upon the Halloumi/Hellim issue, stressing
that traditional cheese should receive the pricing it deserves when being
imported. He further said that necessary steps will be taken on the issue in
light of the information that will be revealed during the recent workshop held
on dairy production and the extensive report to follow.
The
Chairman of the “Chamber of Industry” Ali Çıralı for his part informed the
“minister” regarding the ongoing developments on the registration process for
hellim as a Product of Designated Origin (PDO).
Çıralı
said that their priority is to raise the standards of the halloumi/hellim
production in Cyprus to that of the EU’s registration
standards.
Putting
forward requests for the further promotion of halloumi/hellim products, to raise
product prices, to prevent the export of hellim which doesn’t meet the standards
and to organize workshops so that hellim can be produced in line with the food
production statuette, Çıralı said that within this framework there is a need to
develop sheep and goat breeding in the “country”.
(DPs)
7.
Akinci visited Maronite villages
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.06.16) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci visited yesterday the Maronite villages of Karpasa, Agia Marina
and Asomatos.
According
to the paper, Akinci was welcomed by the head of the Karpasa village Yiannoula
Orfanou and by inhabitants of the villages.
After
inspecting the villages, Akinci was briefed about the restoration works which
are taking place in the temple at Asomatos village by the Cultural Heritage
Technical Committee. He then was briefed about the restoration works which are
taking place in Archangelos Michael church in Asomatos village.
(AK)
8.
Ozkurt is the new “director” of illegal BRT
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.06.16) reports that Meryem Cavusoglu Ozkurt
has being appointed by the “council of ministers” as the new “director” of the
illegal Bayrak television (BRTK).
Before
her appointment, Ozkurt was the director of TRT in
Istanbul.
(AK)
9.
Biden and Yildirim reaffirmed their strong support for a Cyprus
settlement
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (10.06.16), U.S. Vice President Joe Biden vowed
to continue the U.S.’ counterterrorism assistance to Turkey during a Wednesday
telephone call with Turkish Premier Binali Yildirim.
"The
leaders pledged to continue the robust cooperation between the two countries on
combatting terrorism”, according to the White House.
Biden
strongly condemned the attacks during the call with Yildirim, according to the
White House and, congratulated the newly-appointed Prime Minister on his post.
"The
leaders also reaffirmed their strong support for efforts in Cyprus to reach an
agreement that reunifies the island as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation," the
White House added.
10.
Erdogan tells Germany to rectify resolution
'mistake'
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (09.06.16), Turkey has outlined its possible
moves if Germany does not correct its “mistake” following Bundestag’s
non-binding Resolution recognizing Armenian “genocide” claims, Turkish President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.
In
remarks made to reporters late Wednesday at Ankara Esenboga Airport prior to his
visit to the U.S. where he would be attending Muhammad Ali's funeral, Erdogan
said that a high-level security meeting had discussed the issue on Wednesday.
"We specified some topics for our possible steps during our talks with the
government. We will take those steps if Germany will not correct its mistake,"
he said.
He
also called on Germany to desist from what he termed as the "wrong" step.
"If
it [Germany] does not desist from this wrong step, our steps will be different.
In other words, the process will not be as it is now," he added. He also noted
that almost 3.5 million Turkish people lived in Germany.
11.
A public opinion poll by AKAM Research Company demonstrates an increase on
the HDP’s percentages if its leader is arrested
Turkish
daily Milliyet newspaper (10.06.16) reports that a public opinion poll
conducted by the Eurasia Public Opinion Research Center (AKAM) between May
31-June 3, in 24 provinces and 96 districts in Turkey, with a sample of 1,642
people, demonstrates an increase on the percentages of the People’s Democratic
Party (HDP) in case of its leader arrestment, of Selahattin Demirtas, after the
recent development in Turkey related with the lifting of Deputies’
immunity.
Also,
replying to the question: “Which party would you vote for if elections were
to take place today?”, the participants in the poll answered as follow: AKP
47,66%, CHP 25,33%, MHP 11,16%, HDP 11,16%, other parties 4,69%.
The
poll demonstrates also an increase on the HDP’s percentages, from 11,16 to
14,05% in case of Demirtas’ arrestment.
(AK)
12.
Turkey is EU's strategic partner in energy, EU official Gargya
says
Turkish
daily Sabah newspaper (online, 10.06.16) reports that the Head of the Trade,
Agriculture, Economy and Energy Policy and Projects Section of the Delegation of
the European Union to Turkey Balazs Gargya said: "We see Turkey as a strategic
partner in energy and we wish to continue our negotiations in the field of
energy".
Speaking
to Anadolu Agency at the International Geothermal Conference, Gargya said the EU
and Turkey held positive meetings regarding energy issues. Stressing the
importance of Turkey's goal to be an energy centre for Europe, Gargya argued
that “the establishment of a direct line between Turkish and European markets
and Turkey's transformation into an energy centre will be beneficial for
Europe's energy supply security."
Gargya
further argued that Turkey's becoming a centre in energy would revive the
natural gas trade among countries in the region and that this situation would
positively affect the pricing of the natural gas supply that would go through
the country.
Highlighting
two conditions for Turkey to become an energy centre, Gargya said: "First, the
market operations need to be distinguished as foreseen in EU regulations,
meaning that the transmission network operation's complete separation from the
supply operations need to be guaranteed. Second, it is really important to
provide equal and transparent access for the third parties to the natural gas
transmission network, LNG [liquefied natural gas] and storing facilities within
the country."
---------------------------------------------------
TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
