TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
137/16
21.07.2016
1.
Akinci calls on President Anastasiades to decide whether he will lead his
community for a solution in Cyprus or he will become a candidate in 2018
presidential elections
2.
Turkes argues that this is the last chance for finding a solution in Cyprus
within the framework of the current UN parameters
3.
Kilicdaroglu’s contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; He met with Akinci,
Ozgurgun, Sibel, Talat and Eroglu
4.
Messages by Yildirim and Kahraman on the 42nd anniversary of the Turkish
invasion in Cyprus
5.
A three-month state of emergency declared in Turkey
6.
US Ambassador: Gulen’s case to be a ‘very high
priority’
7.
Top Turkish commander’s aide admits allegiance to
Gülenists
8.
‘Graveyard for traitors’ to be built in Istanbul for coup
plotters
9.
Three Turkish Cypriot students continue to be under custody in Turkey over the
military coup attempt
10.
Ozgurgun confirmed claims that FETO organization has been expanded in the
occupation regime; More reports about the issue
continue
11.
The population of occupied Morphou is reportedly decreasing
12.
The “Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Association” calls to give incentives to European
tourists coming from Larnaka airport
13.
Columnist: The coup has definitely a leg in Cyprus; 42 years after 20 July 1974
invasion the status quo is outside the international law
14.
Turkish lira hits new record low; Erdogan’s reaction to S&P
downgrade
1.
Akinci calls on President Anastasiades to decide whether he will lead his
community for a solution in Cyprus or he will become a candidate in 2018
presidential elections
Turkish
Cypriot illegal Bayrak television (20.07.16) broadcast last night an exclusive
interview with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, who said that
“every religious service which we prevent is a shot at our own feet”.
Arguing that a flexible policy had been followed in the past regarding Greek
Cypriots holding religious services at churches in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus, Akinci noted that he is worried about the fact that the
complaints on this issue have increased recently.
“If
there is no physical obstacle, if the place at which the service will be held is
not in a military zone, the possible flexibility should be shown for religious
services and permit should be given”, he added.
Referring
to the negotiations, Akinci said that for the first time the two leaders agreed
that a solution should be reached in 2016 and added: “We have difficulties.
There are still the issues of territory, security and the guarantees which we
have not discussed at all yet, but we have taken important steps in the other
four chapters regarding the economy, the EU, the property and the governance and
power sharing. Perhaps not everything will end in 2016 with all its
details, but the general framework of the solution will come up. If this general
framework is drawn in 2016, the details may remain for the first months of 2017,
but we will see where we are heading to, this solution will be materialized
and its details could also be settled”.
Arguing
that the campaign for the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus will
start in 2017, Akinci alleged that conducting solution negotiations in this
environment is difficult and claimed: “I think that Mr Anastasiades should
take a decision. Either he will lead his community for a solution or he will
consider enough for himself to become a candidate in 2018”.
Akinci
noted that in 2017 some international companies will resume their drillings for
natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean and argued that it is evident that this
will cause new tensions.
Replying
to questions regarding the course of the negotiations, Akinci said that as of
the second half of August they will enter into a new stage. He noted that the
leaders have started discussing the issues in detail like the negotiators had
been doing and added that “there are some aspects which go well, some which are
delayed and some on which more wok should be done”.
Underlying
the importance of not spoiling their agreements as regards some points on which
they reached consensus, Akinci said that they are experiencing problems in this
direction.
According
to Akinci, with their meeting of the 29th of July they will walk
through all issues, but the guarantees and the security will be discussed at a
five-party conference. He argued that on the territory issue they
have agreed that they would not discuss maps, names of places and
percentages. He alleged that this issue should be discussed in a “prompt
environment” in a manner which will not cause any speculations.
Referring
to the confidence building measures (CBM), Akinci recalled that a year ago the
leaders had been committed on the interconnection of the electricity networks
and the use of cell phones in the entire island and argued that not solving
these issues yet is not “wise”. He said that the applications regarding the
tenders for the Lefka and Deryneia crossing points have ended and after their
evaluation, the constructions of the roads will begin.
Replying
to a question, Akinci said he is against the implementation of the death
penalty and expressed the view that bringing the issue on the agenda in Turkey
is not right.
(I/Ts.)
2.
Turkes argues that this is the last chance for finding a solution in Cyprus
within the framework of the current UN parameters
Under
the title “The stands remained empty”, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni
Duzen newspaper (21.07.16) reports that the coup attempt in Turkey
shadowed the celebrations on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary
from the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus. For the first time
the celebrations were held without the participation of tanks and warplanes and
the citizens did not show much interest for the parade.
Under
the title “Quiet ceremony”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(21.07.16) reports that during his address at the ceremony, Tugrul
Turkes, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs,
alleged that “the ongoing negotiating process is the last chance for a
solution within the framework of the current UN parameters”. “Not solving
the Cyprus problem and entering into an endless circle without a time
perspective is in no one’s benefit”, he argued and reiterated the Turkish
allegation that Turkey had not invaded Cyprus for annexing the island or aiming
at achieving a “great ideal”, but used its “legitimate rights” for protecting
the Turkish Cypriots.
“The
Turks of Cyprus are exerting every effort for living in equality and peace in
this island”, he argued adding that “it is nothing but daydreaming to hope
that the Turks of Cyprus will abandon their equal status and equal partnership
and that they could accept to live as a minority”.
Turkes
argued that Turkey continues to expect a lasting, comprehensive and viable
solution to the Cyprus problem in 2016 and noted that the two leaders’
expressing their determination to reach a solution in 2016 is important.
According
to Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (21.07.16), in his address prior
to the parade, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said that by the end of
July the leaders will hold three meetings during which their aim is to reduce
the points of disagreement and, if possible, to turn 2016 into a year of the
solution.
Akinci
warned that in case we enter into 2017 without a solution there could be new
problems.
He said that the campaign for the presidential elections in the Republic of
Cyprus will begin and alleged “the planned initiatives in the direction of
carrying out drillings for natural gas in the beginning of 2017 will be
tantamount to triggering new tensions in an environment where we achieved no
solution”.
(I/Ts.)
3.
Kilicdaroglu’s contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; He met with Akinci,
Ozgurgun, Sibel, Talat and Eroglu
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (21.07.16) reports that the leader of the
main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is
illegally visiting the occupation regime for the 20th of July
“celebrations”, held yesterday separate meetings with the Turkish Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci, the so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, the “speaker” of
the so-called assembly, Sibel Siber, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party
(CTP) Mehmet Ali Talat and the former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.
During
the meeting with Akinci which took place at the so-called presidential palace,
Kilicdaroglu expressed his happiness over visiting Akinci for the first time at
the “presidential palace”.
Referring
to Cyprus negotiation process, Kilicdaroglu said that Akinci has undertaken an
important task after assuming his post.
Arguing
that their biggest wish is for Cyprus to become an island of peace, Kilicdaroglu
said that if peace is achieved, this would contribute not only to the changing
of the atmosphere between Turkey and Greece but also for the whole region.
In
his turn, Akinci stated, inter alia, that a solution to the Cyprus problem is
possible to open the gate for new regional cooperation and added that the rich
underground resources and the energy resources could trigger peace and not war
this time.
Sibel
stated in her turn that it is very important for the Turkish Cypriots for
measures to be taken this time in order not to experience the same pain they
felt in the past.
Also,
Ozgurgun referred, inter alia, to the strong ties that exist between Turkey and
the “TRNC” and added that the negative developments in Turkey caused deep sorrow
to the Turkish Cypriots.
Supporting
that the water transferred from Turkey is an indicator of their strong ties with
Turkey, Ozgurgun claimed that in a possible solution, the water could be
transferred also to “south Cyprus” and become the “water of peace”.
Further
claiming that the Turkish Cypriots have continuously show goodwill for the
solution, he alleged that the responsibility for the non-solution belongs to the
Greek Cypriot side. “The Turkish Cypriot people had proven that they are in
favour of the solution. However, if no solution is found, the Turkish Cypriot
people will continue strong their path together with Turkey”, Ozgurgun added.
(…)
(AK)
4.
Messages by Yildirim and Kahraman on the 42nd anniversary of the
Turkish invasion in Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (21.07.16) reports that Turkey’s Prime Minister
Binali Yildirim, in his message to the Turkish Cypriots on the occasion of the
42nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, has stated, inter
alia that Turkey stands by the side of the Turkish Cypriot “people”, much more
stronger than before in all fields, as he claimed.
In
his message, Yildirim argued also that the Turkish Cypriots, who continue
their struggle for years, displayed to the international community that they
will never make concessions on their “national cause”, that they will continue
to protect their freedom and “independence”, they will never abandon their
“legitimate rights” and\ will never give in to the pressures.
Also,
in his message on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, the Speaker of the
Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Ismail Kahraman, said that the
“20th of July Peace and Freedom Day”, has brought peace and welfare
in the island of Cyprus.
Referring
to the Cyprus negotiation process, Kahraman claimed that their biggest wish is
the current negotiation process to contribute so that the two “people” and the
two “states” in the island to solve their differences in order to be able to
reach to a right and legal compliance result which will institutionalize the
viable peace. Kahraman also assured that Turkey will continue to provide all
kinds of support for the Cyprus negotiation process to yield a positive result.
(AK)
5.
A three-month state of emergency declared in
Turkey
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.07.16), Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan announced on Wednesday a nationwide three-month state of emergency after
Friday's failed coup that martyred hundreds of people and injured over 1,500
others.
Speaking
at presidential complex after back-to-back National Security Council and Cabinet
meetings – the first since the coup – Erdogan said that the three-month state of
emergency was being declared under Article 120 of the Turkish Constitution.
Under
Article 120, in the event of serious indications of widespread acts of violence
aimed at the destruction of the free democratic order, a state of emergency may
be declared in one or more regions or throughout the country for a period not
exceeding six months.
"The
purpose of the state of emergency is to most effectively and swiftly take steps
necessary to eliminate the threat to democracy in our country, the rule of law,
and the rights and freedom of our citizens," Erdogan said.
The
President said that the move aimed at 'eliminating coup-plotter terrorist group'
in reference to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), which is led by
followers of US-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.
After
declaring the nationwide three-month state of emergency, Erdogan later addressed
people assembled in public squares across the country via video conferencing.
He explained that the state of emergency is not martial law, adding, “This is
a movement to clear terror members from state institutions to process democracy
better”.
“The
state of emergency law is a process of empowering governors more. The Turkish
Armed Forces will serve the governors in provinces, and work with them. There is
no any limitation on fundamental rights and freedoms during the state of
emergency. We are the guarantors of it," he added.
On
his official Twitter social account, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said:
"This [state of emergency] decision is not for the daily life of our people, but
rather is for the proper and swift functioning of state mechanisms".
Yildirim also reiterated his call to citizens to not leave the streets.
Deputy
Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters in Ankara: "The conditions of the
state of emergency will only be used for fighting the parallel
structure".
Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on his Twitter account, “The state of emergency
is definitely not against democracy, the law, or freedoms, but it is aimed at
protecting and reinforcing these values.”
Separately,
Interior Minister Efkan Ala spoke to Anadolu Agency, saying that the decision
would not cause any negative effects in the lives of Turkey’s citizens. "No one
needs to worry about it," he said.
On
the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 21.07.16) reports
that according to the law, a state of emergency can be declared by the
cabinet, led by the President, after taking the National Security Council’s
(MGK) opinion into consideration. It can be applicable in specific parts of the
country or throughout the country for up to six months.
The
law enables state of emergency exercises in situations of natural disasters,
epidemics or intense economic depression, as well as at times when the country
faces threats to its constitutionally-protected free and democratic order and
indicators of violent acts targeting basic rights and freedoms. It can also be
put into force when public order is seriously disrupted by violent incidents.
According
to the law, Ministries will be tasked with coordinating the state of emergency,
while there will be a coordination commission and there also may be state of
emergency councils. Governors will also play a more effective role during this
period in terms of both security and local governments.
During
a state of emergency, detention periods can be extended beyond 48 hours, which
is the maximum amount of detention time before suspects can be tried by a court
under normal constitutional procedures.
The
state of emergency will also allow authorities to impose limited or full
curfews, as well as prevent people from gathering or traveling at certain times
or in certain places. Body, vehicle and property searches and the seizure of
potential evidence will be authorized as well. People will also be asked to
carry their IDs with them everywhere.
The
authorities will also be able to ban the pressing, publishing, distributing and
replicating of certain newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, books and leaflets, as
well as seize such publications that were banned previously. Controlling,
recording, and banning certain speeches, scripts, pictures, films, records,
theatres and films, as well as audio and image records and all audio-related
broadcasts, will also be possible.
The
practice will limit certain individuals’ or groups’ entrance to certain places
and will permit removing them from certain places. Public gatherings and
meetings, marches and parades can be banned or postponed by the authorities. The
operations of associations can also be stopped without exceeding three months.
The
Parliament will be tasked with discussing and finalizing the state of emergency
decree laws within 30 days and it has the authority to reject or approve it with
or without making amendments. If the Parliament rejects a state of emergency
decree law, it will be dismantled. All approvals, amended approvals and
rejections will be made not by parliamentary decisions but through law.
The
practice also allows law enforcement officers to shoot individuals who violate
surrender orders or attempt to exchange fire, or in self-defence situations.
Probes regarding such cases will also be carried out without suspects being
arrested.
The
last state of emergency was declared in Turkey in July 1987 in a number of the
country’s south-eastern provinces and lasted until November
2002.
Meanwhile,
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 21.07.16) reports that Deputy Prime
Minister Mehmet Şimşek said on Thursday that the government's declaration of
three-month state of emergency will not affect the general public, and that the
economy will work within market rules. Şimşek added that despite concerns,
the state of emergency will strengthen Turkey's democracy and economy.
Şimşek
also said that the credit rating agency S&P's decision to lower Turkey's
credit rating was a mistake and that it was a rushed decision. Deputy PM also
added that the Turkish treasury does not work with
S&P.
Meanwhile,
the deputy PM also called on the opposition parties to cooperate with the
government to minimize economic risks.
6.
US Ambassador: Gulen’s case to be a ‘very high priority’
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.07.16), John Bass, the US Ambassador to
Turkey, said Wednesday that the case of Fetullah Gulen, the expatriate cleric
accused of being behind last week’s failed coup, would be a “very high priority”
for Washington.
“It
will depend on the scope and quality of evidence that is provided and how
compelling that is. But I can assure you that we are committed to reviewing
quickly as soon as we receive materials. It will be a very high priority for the
US Department of Justice”, Bass told a group of reporters before a July 4th
reception at the U.S. consulate general in Istanbul, commenting on how long it
might take U.S. officials to review the documents.
Turkey
accuses U.S-based Gulen of being behind the coup attempt and has demanded that
he be extradited to face trial. Materials related to the extradition of the
cleric, who lives in self-imposed exile in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, have
been submitted to U.S. authorities.
Bass
declined to comment on the future of Turco-American relations if Washington does
not hand Gulen back to Ankara. “The United States government is focused on what
we can do together between two countries to help Turkey pursue this
investigation”, he stressed.
Bass
also raised concerns about Ankara’s steps to dismiss tens of thousands of public
employees in the military, police, education sector, and civil service.
“We
see mass arrest or detentions and mass firings of people from positions of
employment in a very rapid period [of] time without a lot of evidence having
been presented for those actions, that creates concerns,” he
said.
On
how the thwarted coup affected operations against Daesh from Incirlik Air Base
in Adana, southBass said that there is still no electricity at the base. He said
the Turkish government cut electricity at all air bases in response to the coup
attempt. “The longer it continues, the more impact it will have on
operations, which is not to benefit either Turkey or the United States or the
other countries that are threatened by Daesh terrorism”, he
said.
7.
Top Turkish commander’s aide admits allegiance to Gülenists
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (20.07.16), the Chief of General Staff
Gen. Hulusi Akar’s aide, Infantry Lt. Col. Levent Türkkan, has revealed in
testimony his allegiance to the suspected group behind the July 15 failed coup
attempt, detailing how his involvement with the movement began and admitting
that the group bugged Turkey’s top commanders.
Türkkan
pleaded guilty to bugging former Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Özel with a
listening device. “We used to listen to Necdet Özel Pasha with a bug all the
time. A ‘brother’ working at Turk Telekom provided the device.
Türkan
was working as a deputy aide for Özel between 2011 and 2015 and then promoted to
the aide position.
“I
sincerely regret not only participating in the coup, but also being a part of
the Gülen movement. I have responsibility for these events but I’m not a
traitor. I didn’t shoot at the police or civilians and I would never do that,”
Türkkan said.
8.
‘Graveyard for traitors’ to be built in Istanbul for coup
plotters
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 21.07.16), the Istanbul
Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbaş has said that the city ordered a
space which will serve as a graveyard for the plotters of the July 15 failed
coup attempt as no cemetery would accept their corpses, calling the plot “the
graveyard for traitors”.
“I
ordered a space to be saved and to call it ‘the graveyard for traitors’. The
passers-by will curse the ones buried there. ‘Everyone visiting the place will
curse them and they won’t be able to rest in their graves’”, Topbaş told a group
of coup protesters gathered in Istanbul’s Taksim Square late on July 19, while
adding that the Mayor of the Black Sea province of Ordu had refused to provide a
burial place for the coup plotters.
“The
Mayor of Ordu didn’t provide a spot for their dead bodies. A family took a dead
body and buried it in their garden. I congratulate the Mayor”, he also said.
Saying
that the cemetery of the nameless was not a suitable place for the coup plotters
to be buried as it included religious people, Topbaş noted that the plotters
“won’t be saved from hell”.
9.
Three Turkish Cypriot students continue to be under custody in Turkey over
the military coup attempt
Turkish
Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (21.07.16) under the title: “They were arrested!
It was not possible to be rescued from Erdogan’s regime”, reports that three
Turkish Cypriot youth, students at the Military high school in Istanbul who were
taken into custody in Turkey with the accusation that they were involved in the
military coup attempt, appeared yesterday at court which ordered their
detention.
According
to the paper, even though the other 22 students of the military high school who
were also present during the night of the military coup attempt at the Bosporus
bridge were released, the Turkish Cypriots are still under custody.
The
paper points out that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s attempts from the
first day of the incident yielded no result. Neither the attempts of the “TRNC
consulate” in Istanbul.
(AK)
10.
Ozgurgun confirmed claims that FETO organization has been expanded in the
occupation regime; More reports about the issue
continue
Turkish
Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (21.07.16) reports that so-called prime
minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, in exclusive statements to ATV channel, has stated
that the FETO organization which belongs to Fethullah Gulen and is responsible
for the 15th of July military coup attempt in Turkey, has connections
with the “TRNC”.
Also,
writing in his daily column in the same newspaper, columnist Sener Levent
supports that the pure operations launched in Turkey after the military coup
attempt, are expected to be expanded also in the “TRNC”.
Levent
argues that the pure operation in the “TRNC” will take place not only in the
army, but also inside the “police”, the “universities”, the “religious affairs
department” and the “public sector”.
“Are
we inseparable? Whatever happens in the military will happen also here. The FETO
supporters are arrested in Turkey and the same thing will take place here. At
the universities…pure operation in the religious affairs department…the police
and like in Turkey, at the state organizations. And perhaps some TV channels
will close… and perhaps journalists will be also arrested here. They speak about
Fethullah Gulen today that is FETO in short. And all these under Erdogan’s
instructions”, Levent, inter alia, writes.
On
the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (21.07.16) reports that
the Aid Foundations of Health and Education Services which belong to the
Koza-Ipek Group in Turkey, known for his close links with Fethullah Gulen’s
community, has transferred the amount of 4 billion dollars to some accounts in
the “TRNC”.
The
issue came into light on September 1st, when the Ankara Prosecutor
Office ordered Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) to carry
out investigations at the house of Akin Ipek, chairman and owner of Koza Ipek
Holding in Turkey. As a result of the investigations, the MASAK found out that
the Koza Ipek group has transferred money to accounts in Bahrain, Malta and the
“TRNC”.
Also,
according to information acquired by the paper, many businessmen in the “TRNC”
in several sectors such as the casinos, the education, the media, the
construction sector and the financial organizations have close links with the
terrorist organization FETO.
Meanwhile,
an Imam who was living in the “TRNC” with close ties with the FETO organization
left from the occupied area of Cyprus right after the military coup attempt,
adds the paper.
(AK)
11.
The population of occupied Morphou is reportedly decreasing
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (21.07.16) reports that Resat Kansoy,
chairman of the so-called development association of occupied Morphou, has said
that they are determined to struggle using every “legal” means for shaping
occupied Morphou’s future in a correct manner.
In
statements to Kibris, Kansoy argued that occupied Morphou and its inhabitants
have been influenced in the most negative manner by the political uncertainty
which exists since 1974 and added that the population of the area migrates
because they are concerned about their future due to the uncertainty and the
unstable and unplanned policies of the regime.
Kansoy
said that Morphou’s population had been 9,4% of the total population living
in the occupied area of Cyprus in 1990’s and decreased to 6,4% twenty years
later. He warned that this percentage will decrease to 5% by 2021, in case the
“country’s physical plan and regional development plan” is not
implemented.
(I/Ts.)
12.
The “Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Association” calls to give incentives to
European tourists coming from Larnaka airport
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (21.07.16) reports that the chairman of the
“Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Association” (“KITOB”) Mehmet Dolmaci said that the
coup attempt in Turkey is a huge blow for the tourism industry in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus. He stressed that the incentives should be given
to the tourists coming from Larnaka airport, adding that the tourists will not
come despite the fact that they will be “safe” because there are not direct
flights to “TRNC” (translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area
of the Republic of Cyprus). For this reason, he further said that they should
concentrate on the tourists from Larnaka.
Speaking
to the paper, Dolmaci said that a lot of reservations not only from Turkey but
also from Europe were cancelled, adding that these cancellations will affect
also 2017. For this reason, he noted that different measures should be taken
and a road map should be introduced.
Dolmaci
also said tha they should have a more effective use for Larnaka airport,
although they face there obstacles from the “South” (translator’s note: the
Republic of Cyprus), adding: “They cannot do anything for those who are coming
as individuals, however a whole of difficulties are raised for the groups. They
don’t give permission for charter flights, they want hotel reservations. We
should direct the individual clients from Europe to Larnaka. Our
president (translator’s note: Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci) may want to
help on the issue of using the Larnaka airport for tourism. He may discuss it at
the negotiating table”.
Claiming
that the intentional use of the Larnaka airport by the Turkish Cypriots will
benefit both sides, Dolmaci noted that the European tourists may visit also
“South” and “spend their holidays on both sides”.
(DPs)
13.
Columnist: The coup has definitely a leg in Cyprus; 42 years after 20 July
1974 invasion the status quo is outside the international law
Writing
in Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (21.07.16) columnist Basaran
Duzgun refers to the coup attempt in Turkey and the 42nd anniversary
from the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus. Noting that two commanders
of the breakaway regime’s “civil defence organization” were taken into custody
in Turkey, he reports, inter alia, the following:
“[…]
The coup has definitely a leg in Cyprus. And a series of operations are
expected here. While Turkey is being turned into a complete mess, it is not
known how much they will remember of us, but some questions are waiting for
answers. What would have happened to us, if the organizers of the coup got
into action here? The police officers and the soldiers who resisted to the
coup protected the Turkish Armed Forces’ chief commander Erdogan, but who would
protect our chief commander Mustafa Akinci, the chief of the Civil Defense
Organization Huseyin Ozgurgun and all of us? I know that we have conducted this
debate many times saying that the police should be bound to the civilians. In
the end, we could not bind them. However, at the very end, who the company
which protects the president of the republic would have taken commands from?
Would it have taken from chief commander Akinci or from its captain? Was
Huseyin Ozgrugun aware of what was happening at the Civil Defense Organization?
I wonder, does he know why two of his ‘employees’ were arrested?
42
years passed since 20 July 1974. Two realties exist after 42 years. The first is
that Turkey disembarked at Cyprus using its rights deriving from the
international law and with an invitation by the Turkish Cypriots. The second
is that the status quo established in Cyprus after 20 July has been outside the
international law and against the Turkish Cypriots.
We
have been expecting for 42 years that ‘the Cyprus problem will be solved and
this situation will cease to exist’. Moreover, we live under custody as
Turkey’s subordinate administration, but we demand full equality from the Greek
Cypriots. We want from the Greek Cypriots more than the sovereignty denied to us
by Turkey. Thus we live by deceiving ourselves. […]”
(I/Ts.)
14.
Turkish lira hits new record low; Erdogan’s reaction to S&P
downgrade
According
to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 21.07.16), the Turkish lira hit a
new record low against the U.S. dollar at 3.0769 on Wednesday after Standard
& Poor's lowered Turkey's sovereign credit outlook amid concerns following
the failed coup attempt. The dollar last reached 3.07 level on September 24,
2015.
S&P
decreased Turkey's foreign currency rating to BB from BB-plus with negative
outlook, which means that the credit agency could further lower the rating in
short or medium term.
Meanwhile,
Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.07.16) reported that Erdogan blasted Standard
& Poor's downgrade of Turkey's main sovereign rating in the wake of last
week’s failed coup as politically motivated. “Why are you even interested in
Turkey? We're not a member of you… Don't even try to mess with us”, he
said.
In
2013, S&P failed to reach a rating agreement with the Turkish Treasury,
since which it has only issued an unpaid, unsolicited assessment. The Treasury
has deals with other international rating agencies, Fitch and Moody’s, which
kept the country’s investment-grade rating in the failed coup’s
wake.
The
President said that Turkey is still committed to advancing infrastructure
projects and will continue its economic reforms.
Erdogan
said that S&P’s assessment does not reflect the realities of the Turkish
economy, which grew 4.8% in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same
period last year.
The President vowed that Turkey will maintain fiscal discipline. “Turkey will
continue its economic reforms without any interruption….There is no liquidity
problem,” he said.
On
the same issue, Turkish daily Yeni Safak newspaper (online, 21.07.16) reports
that Turkey’s Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci, evaluating the downgrading by
the international rating agency Standard and Poor, said Wednesday that one
agency's “rush" to downgrade Turkey's credit rating is incomprehensible and
macroeconomic indicators should also be factored into credit rating
decisions.
He
said that the government will soon introduce legislation to streamline
investments, production, and exports in the country. "As always, Turkey will
take necessary steps both in the financial sector and the real economy," he also
tweeted.
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
