TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No.
141/16
27.07.2016
1. Akinci argues that Yildirim expressed the reality by referring to
a last chance for a solution in Cyprus
2. Yildirim: Cyprus problem no longer sustainable
3. Izcan evaluated the military coup attempt in Turkey and its
effects in the occupied area of Cyprus
4. The military coup attempt in Turkey dealt a heavy blow in the
occupation regime’s tourism sector
5. Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia on August
9
6. Turkish Council of Ministers decisions
7. Turkey detains Istanbul Governor, academics after failed coup
attempt
8. Turkish Foreign Ministry dismisses two Ambassadors, dozens of
diplomats over Gulen links
9. The illegal YDU “university” organized a workshop in
Italy
10. The illegal “UKU” signed a cooperation agreement with an American
University
1. Akinci argues that Yildirim expressed the reality by referring
to a last chance for a solution in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (27.07.16) reports that
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has said that the issues of territory,
security and guarantees will be discussed for the first time in the current
negotiating process during the meeting he will hold with President Anastasiades
on Friday 29 July, within the framework of the efforts for finding a
solution to the Cyprus problem.
In statements to journalists yesterday in the occupied area of the
island after his meeting with President Anastasiades, Akinci noted, though,
that maps, percentages and names of places will not come onto the agenda.
The Turkish Cypriot leader said that these issues will be discussed in an
interdepended manner according to the provisions of the joint declaration of the
11th of February 2014.
Akinci further noted that more common understandings were achieved
yesterday between himself and President Anastasiades, adding that if the
same fruitful work continues during the second half of August, the target of
finding a solution by the end of 2016 could be attained.
Asked to comment on a statement made yesterday by Turkish Prime
Minister Binali Yiildirim that this is the last chance for finding a solution in Cyprus,
Akinci reiterated that President Anastasiades and himself are leaders who
belong to the same generation and expressed the belief that this is the last
chance for their generation to find a solution. He added, inter alia, the
following:
“[…] Hundreds of people are very intensively working during this
period of the Cyprus problem. A lot of material which could lead us to a result
has been accumulated. […] Twelve years passed since the Annan Plan. Such a
process cost twelve years. If it does not happen now in an environment in which
so much labor has been carried out, what other name could we put to it except
for ‘last chance’? Within this framework, the statements by Turkish Prime
Minister Binali Yildirim regarding a last chance for the solution are not a
threat, but an expression of the reality”.
Asked to comment on information as regards the return of Maronites to
their occupied villages, Akinci recalled that four occupied Maronite villages exist and that
Maronites are currently living in Kormakitis, but in Agia Marina, which is
located in a “military zone”, new settlements should be built because no houses
to reside have been left. He said that they have been holding contacts with
Maronites living in the government-controlled area of Cyprus and argued that the
approach of both the military and the “civilian authorities” in the occupied
area of Cyprus is positive on this issue, but there is nothing concrete to say.
Replying to another question, Akicni expressed his sorrow for the
delay observed in the tenders invited by the UNDP as regards the necessary works
for the opening of the crossing points in Deryneia and Apliki areas and added
that according to some information the tenders were extended for three days upon
a demand submitted by the building contractors, but no proposals were
received for Apliki and only one high cost proposal was submitted for
Deryneia. Akinci noted that the UN will invite tenders again and that he
gave instructions in the direction of finding out the reason of the delay of the
tenders. He argued that, just like in the uses of the interconnection of
the electricity and cell phones networks, there is nothing which the Turkish
Cypriot side should have done and did not do it. He said that they
should meet with UNDP officials in order for speeding up the process.
(I/Ts.)
2. Yildirim: Cyprus problem no longer sustainable
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (27.07.16) reports that Turkish
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stated that the current situation on the divided
island of Cyprus is no longer sustainable.
Speaking in Ankara at a joint press conference with the self-styled
prime minister Huseyin Özgurgun, Yildirim said the situation in Cyprus "is not
something that could be sustained forever".
"For years, the Turkish Cypriot side has been almost ignored and
subjected to isolations while the Greek Cypriot side has continued to
enjoy-albeit in an unfair manner-all the opportunities provided by the European
Union and the world at large. It is apparent that this is not a sustainable
situation," he said.
The Turkish Prime Minister further said Ankara would continue to
support the Turkish Cypriot cause and be their
guarantor.
"Regardless of the circumstances of a resolution, or whether a
resolution is found or not, Turkey's effective guarantorship is a must in
Cyprus. Turkey will not let any developments that would allow another adventure.
Everybody must know this. We want peace," he said.
As for peace talks between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides,
Yildirim claimed that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side have always been
constructive, and called on the Greek Cypriot side not to miss this "last
chance".
"This is actually the last chance of the Greek Cypriot side which
keeps saying: 'Let's make peace and live together,' only to spoil the game every
time. We suggest that they make good use of this chance," Yildirim
added.
Speaking also in the joint press conference, Özgurgun said that the
security forces "will clamp down" on the Gulenist Terror Organization [FETÖ], if
anything is detected by the government.
When asked whether a widespread operation against FETO is expected or
not, Özgurgun said that they added the group to their terrorist list on July 21,
adding that all Gulen-movement activities are banned.
Özgurgun said he sees his “official visit” to Prime Minister Yildirim
as "a meeting of brothers".
"Turkey's presence on the island is the main element in assuring
Turkish Cypriots' security until there is a permanent and fair resolution found
for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots," Özgurgun said. "Turkey's being strong and
healthy in every aspect is the most important thing for
us."
Özgurgun said: "If a permanent solution is reached, the water project
will be for the benefit of Greek Cypriots as well." Adding: "Realizing this
project could only be done by a big state, Turkey."
The paper also reports that in the framework of his visit Ozgurgun
also met with the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and with the Chief of the
Turkish Armed Forces Hulusi Akar.
3. Izcan evaluated the military coup attempt in Turkey and its
effects in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.07.16) reports that the
leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, evaluated in a written
statement the military coup attempt in Turkey and its effects in the “TRNC”.
Expressing his deep sorrow over the incidents in Turkey, Izcan
argued that “it has been revealed once again that they need a modernized
Constitution and a democratic administration and that neither they nor Turkey
need dictators who consider themselves to be rare persons”.
Describing “north Cyprus” as “Turkey’s backyard”, Izcan stressed that
all kinds of “religious organizations” in the “TRNC” which belong to the
community represent and implement in practice what Turkey’s Prime Minister
Yildirim has said, that “whatever happens (exist) in Turkey it happens also in
the TRNC”.
(AK)
4. The military coup attempt in Turkey dealt a heavy blow in the
occupation regime’s tourism sector
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.07.16) under the
front-page title: “We received a blow”, reports that the decision taken in
Turkey to declare “state of emergency” after the 15th July failed
coup attempt, dealt a heavy blow in the occupation regime’s tourism.
According to the paper, 80% of the hotel reservations in the “TRNC”
and the 50% of the schedule flights were cancelled.
Also, a remarkable decrease has been observed on the number of
tourism from Turkey which holds the 70% of the “TRNC market”. Also, the
cancellation of hotel reservations by European tourists has reached to 10%.
The paper adds that the so-called ministry of environment and
tourism has established a “crisis management center” to confront this situation,
while, the so-called minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu went
urgently to Turkey to hold contacts. It is expected writes the paper by
Ataoglu to make comprehensive statements on the issue after returning from
Turkey.
Moreover, in statements to the paper, representatives of the
“hotelier’s union”, travel agents and representatives of the “aviation sector”
pointed out to the seriousness of the crisis and stressed the need for measures
to be taken urgently.
(AK)
5. Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia on August
9
Ankara Anatolia news agency (27.07.16) reports that Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin
in St.Petersburg on Aug. 9, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said
Tuesday.
The meeting will be the first since Russia and Turkey began
normalizing relations following the downing of a Russian jet in November last
year.
Speaking ahead of a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister
Arkadiy Dvorkovich in Moscow, Simsek said the two countries wanted to normalize
relations "as quickly as possible".
"Russia is not only our valuable neighbor, but also our important and
strategic partner," Simsek said.
"We are here to improve our relations and bring them to an even
higher level than before Nov. 24," he added.
In addition, Hurriyet Daily News (27.07.16) reports that the
leading Ministers of the Turkish economic administration visited Moscow on July
26 to discuss ways to mend ties with their Russian counterparts for the first
time since the downing of a Russian jet by Turkey last November, which strained
bilateral relations in a dramatic manner.
Deputy Prime Minister Şimşek and Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci
attended a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dvorkovich at the
Government House in Moscow on July 26.
Russia and Turkey will gradually unfreeze trade and economic
relations that soured after Turkey downed a Russian bomber near the Syrian
border last November, Dvorkovich told his Turkish counterpart.
According to Dvorkovich, Russia was ready for constructive talks with
Turkey, but normalization of relations should be phased. He added that the two
countries had good opportunities to expand trade and investment cooperation,
including implementation of major projects, and recover tourist
flows.
Dvorkovich said he believed that given the goodwill of the parties,
implementation of the Turkish Stream project could progress. “Ankara confirmed
it is open for resuming the dialogue on the project. Russia’s Energy Minister
Alexander Novak is going to hold consultations with his colleagues on the
topic,” he said.
The sides also discussed the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power
plant, according to news agencies.
6. Turkish Council of Ministers
decisions
Illegal Bayrak television (27.07.16) broadcast that Turkish Prime
Minister Binali Yildirim said that a number of small-scale constitutional
changes are coming through the consensus of the parties whose leaders met with
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Speaking to reporters in Ankara after the third Cabinet meeting since
the July 15th coup attempt, Yildirim said that the parties have agreed on the
need for necessary changes to the Constitution to ease deadlocks in the
system.
Earlier the leaders of the ruling Justice and Development (AKP)
Party, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), and Nationalist Movement
Party (MHP) met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential
Palace.
“We will work together to prepare the infrastructure for this
system,” Yildirim said. On bigger changes to come, he added, “We have decided to
continue the unfinished process to make a new
Constitution.”
Yildirim announced that the Supreme Military Council (YAS),
customarily held at the end of August, will be held this Thursday instead, and
for the first time the venue will be the Prime Ministry.
7. Turkey detains Istanbul Governor, academics after failed coup
attempt
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (27.07.16) reports that Turkey has
detained scores of suspects, including a former Istanbul Governor, a well-known
journalist and high-ranking military officials, as part of the ongoing crackdown
on what the government calls the Fetullahist Terror Organizations (FETÖ), which
is accused of orchestrating the failed coup attempt on July 15.
Former Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu was detained in Istanbul
early on July 26 over links to the outlawed Gulenist
movement.
Mutlu was the Governor of Istanbul during the nationwide Gezi Park
protests in 2013. He was one of the 246 local authorities who have been
suspended from their duties by the Interior Ministry in the aftermath of the
coup plot.
The Ministry has suspended a total of 8,777 officials from duty since
the failed attempt.
Journalist and former parliamentarian Nazli Ilicak, who was among 42
people for whom a detention warrant was issued as part of post-coup attempt
crackdown operations, was also detained on July 26 in the touristic resort town
of Bodrum in the Aegean province of Mugla.
Five other journalists - Yakup Saglam, İbrahim Balta, Seyit Kiliç,
Bayram Kaya and Cihan Acar - were also detained in operations.
Meanwhile, simultaneous operations were staged across universities in
eight Turkish provinces, with police detaining a total of 188 people and another
54 people being suspended from duty.
8. Turkish Foreign Ministry dismisses two Ambassadors, dozens of
diplomats over Gulen links
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (27.07.16) reports that the Turkish
Foreign Ministry dismissed two Ambassadors and dozens of lower-level diplomats
on July 26 in the aftermath of the July 15 failed coup attempt, as part of the
government’s massive purge against civil servants believed to have links to the
Fethullah Gulen organization.
The purge included Gurcan Balik, who for long served as the chief
advisor to former Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, and former Ambassador to
Canada Tuncay Babali. Two other Ambassador-level diplomats, Şenturk Uzun and Ali Findik,
were dismissed prior to the July 15 failed coup attempt.
According to information gathered by Hurriyet Daily News, the
Gulenist infiltration into the Foreign Ministry took place in high numbers
between 2007 and 2013. Both Babali and Findik served at the Human Resources
Department of the Ministry during this period. Babali was the head of the
department between 2010 and 2012 before being appointed to Ottawa while Findik
was sent to Costa Rica as the Turkish envoy.
9. The illegal YDU “university” organized a workshop in
Italy
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (27.07.16) reports that the
illegal Near East University (YDU) has organized together with the Konrad
Adenauer Organization of Germany, a workshop in Italy under the subject:
“Opportunities and Risks in Cyprus”.
According to the paper, during the workshop, officials from the
European Union, Germany, Greece, Israel and Turkey discussed and expressed their
views on the future vision of the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus.
Also, during the workshop, the opportunities and risks in Cyprus
in the light of the latest developments in the region, were discussed.
Former Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ergun Olgun and the “director” of
the illegal Near East Institute, Dr. Umut Koldas, and the “rector” of the
illegal YDU, Dr. Irfan Gunsel represented the Turkish Cypriot community at the
workshop.
Speaking during the workshop, Gunsel underlined the importance of
the increase of the international “representation” of the Turkish Cypriot
community not only in the academic field but also in the political field.
Gunsel expressed also the importance of preventing the Greek Cypriot
side from unilaterally representing the whole of Cyprus at international
meetings and conference especially in important issues such as in economy,
health, education and tourism.
(AK)
10. The illegal “UKU” signed a cooperation agreement with an
American University
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (27.07.16) reports
that the so-called “International Cyprus University” (“UKU”) signed an
“academic cooperation agreement” with the Robert Morris University (RMU) of the
USA.
The “cooperation protocol” was signed by the “rector” of the illegal
university Prof. Dr Halil Nadiri and the rector of RMU, Prof. Dr Christopher B.
Howards.
The “protocol” envisages among other, cooperation between the two
“universities” in the academic and education fields, exchange of students and
academic staff, organization of common research and projects, the organization
of common symposiums, seminars and conferences. It also provides the right to
the students who study at the “universities” to obtain double diplomas.
(…)
(AK)
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