TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 183/16
24-26.09.2016
1. “No clear timetable came out from the tripartite summit”
2. Statements by Eide to Turkish Cypriot media: The disagreements are
less than 10
3. Akıncı met with Cavusoglu in New York
4. Akinci: A Cyprus settlement within 2016 is
possible
5. Cavusoglu to Havadis: “This is the last chance for the solution”
6. Havadis paper reports that it is time for leadership on the Cyprus
problem
7. Ertuğruloğlu held contacts in New York
8. Denktas on the negotiation process
9. Turkish commentaries on Turkey’s benefits if there is a solution
on the Cyprus problem
10. Most effective counter-Daesh fight waged by Turkey, Erdoğan
says
11. Turkish officials criticize Moody’s cutting Turkey’s credit
rating to ‘junk’ level
12. British FM Johnson pleased to hold talks with Syrian opposition,
Turkey a vital partner to the UK
13. Stability in Turkey is in the interest of Europe and Hungary,
Hungarian Ambassador to Ankara says
14. Turkey’s top business group lobbies in Germany to restore
confidence
15. AK Party deputy chairman: More than 500 party members identified
as suspected FETO affiliates
1. “No clear timetable came out from the tripartite summit”
Under the above title Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
newspaper (26.09.16) reports that UNSG Ban Ki-moon, President
Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met yesterday in New York
and that no clear timetable [for the Cyprus negotiations] came out from the
tripartite summit which had been expected with interest.
The paper writes that in a statement after the meeting, the UNSG said
that he encouraged the sides to continue the procedure in a decisive, courageous
and creative manner and described the forthcoming period as having “vital
importance” for Cyprus, expressing his readiness to support the sides in
everything they will need, including the international aspect of the problem.
Evaluating the results of the meeting, Akinci said that the target
of reaching a solution in Cyprus within this year was reaffirmed with the
statement made yesterday by the UNSG. He noted that they want to launch
intensified negotiations in October with the aim of minimizing the problems in
the four chapters arguing that this understanding prevailed in yesterday’s
tripartite meeting.
Expressing the hope to be able to secure the conditions of a lasting
peace which will satisfy both sides in Cyprus, Akinci argued that they want
to reach a conclusion on the chapters of security and guarantees and the
territory at a five-party conference to be held in the following stage.
Akinci described the tripartite meeting as “satisfactory” and claimed
that it could have been more satisfactory if the Greek Cypriots did not exhibit
their known stance against the timetable in the negotiations. He argued that there is anyway a timetable because the term of
Ban Ki-moon in the office will be completed in the end of the year. He
reiterated the view that if some technical issues remain for 2017 no serious
problems will be created, but if the main issues are still open with the
beginning of 2017, they will face a “situation of non-solution” which they do
not wish, adding that time is limited not only for them but for the Greek
Cypriots as well.
Recalling that when he was departing for New York he had stated that
no miracles should be expected, Akinci said:
“No news for an agreement could come out of course from New York,
while the negotiations still continue. I think that there is no reason for
pessimism. There is also no reason for giving negative messages. Very
comprehensive negotiations were held here today. There is an
understanding on the road map, even though this is not said to the public.
If this understanding does not prove itself within three months and we cannot
produce a clear framework before 2017, then there will be reasons for being
pessimistic”.
Akinci noted that the UNSG said that he is ready to offer any support
which the sides want for reaching an agreement in Cyprus and argued that Ban
Ki-moon said that he will help in the international aspect of the problem, “that
is the organization of a five-party conference”.
Arguing that with yesterday’s statement by the UNSG a “new period”
started in the Cyprus problem, Akinci expressed the view that Ban Ki-moon is
more enthusiastic than anyone else for reaching a solution in Cyprus and he
wants to see a success during his own period at office. Alleging that if
the “very precious” period by the end of the year is wasted and the problem is
extended into 2017 as it is today, he worries that the solution will “remain for
another spring”. “And other things will be discussed in the solution which will
remain for another spring”, he alleged noting that everyone realizes that
Ban Ki-moon’s term in office will be completed in the end of the year, that a
very short period of time remained for the solution and that this is a
timetable. He claimed: “Since it is said that all sides have a will for a
solution, we should see them to do what is required for this. We will do our
part and we will expect from the Greek Cypriot side to do its own”.
Akinci said that during the one and a half hour long meeting, they
evaluated the negotiating process in a very comprehensive manner. He noted that
both sides and the UNSG expressed their views and put forward “very clearly” the
current stage of the negotiations.
Noting that their views are known and that the Greek Cypriot side
also realizes their views, because “at every opportunity we explain that
especially on the issue of the territory we want issues such as the names of
places, the map and the percentages to be discussed only in a different format
and be concluded in a series of meetings and afterwards we support passing to a
five party conference and conclude the security and the guarantees”. “We
have anyway been explaining often how important the time element is and the
dangers which leaving [the solution in 2017] could bring. We explained this once
more”, he added and claimed:
“We are referring to the last three months of the UNSG’s term in
office. His term in office is completed in the end of December. In his own
statement, he anyway also underlined how important time is. In our joint
statement we have asked for his further contribution in the process. He once
more reaffirmed that he is ready for this and he is ready to offer any kind of
contribution. He referred to this in his statement today. He gave a message
as regards the international dimension of the issue. That is, he implied the
five-party conference there and underlined that he will help us on this issue as
well. An important point in the UNSG’s statement is also that the 2016
target was reaffirmed. Therefore, with this statement of the UNSG we are
beginning now the new period we have ahead us. We will return to Cyprus and
in October we will enter into a process of intensified negotiations as we have
thought before. The target here is to minimize the problems in the four chapters
and contacting the UNSG to pass into another format
afterwards”.
Asked whether President Anastasiades agreed on this, Akinci replied
that everyone agrees and that these issues are discussed, but there could be a
problem on the issue of writing them down and announcing them to the
public. He argued that this might not have been expressed in this manner in
the UNSG’s statement, but this is the climate which prevailed in the meeting.
Referring to the territory issue, Akinci alleged that speculative
information in the Greek Cypriot press harms the climate and that it would be
better if the territory, the map, the percentages and the names of places were
discussed outside Cyprus and in a series of meetings. He argued that no one
opposes to this.
Referring to the rotating presidency, Akinci argued that there
could be no solution in Cyprus without the rotating presidency, which he
described as an “important element of the political equality” for the Turkish
Cypriots. He reiterated that he will not submit to referendum an
agreement which will not include the rotating presidency.
(I/Ts.)
2. Statements by Eide to Turkish Cypriot media: The disagreements
are less than 10
Under the title “Eide: A new tripartite summit in the horizon”,
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (26.09.16) reports that
Espen Barth Eide, UNSG’s special adviser on Cyprus, has argued that
the two leaders in Cyprus agree that the issues on which agreement has not been
reached are not many. In statements made to Esra Aygin, the paper’s
correspondent in New York, Eide said:
“Actually the remaining issues are some political issues of
strategic importance. I can say that their number has one digit. And this means
that they are mostly nine. The security and guarantees and the territory are two
of them […] The one side wants more things to be said and the other less.
Actually they think exactly the same thing in principle. Even though no date
has been set, there is a consensus as regards the issue of a new tripartite
meeting in the near future […]”.
Asked to say what happened in the tripartite meeting
yesterday, Eide said that the leaders told the UNSG “using almost the same
words” where they are and what should be made. He expressed the belief that
another conclusion from the meeting was that the chapters of governance and
power sharing, economy, the EU and the property could be settled within a short
period of time, except for one issue, which is the rotating presidency.
“The UN has no timetable. There is only a goal set by the two
leaders. However, we recall the people that time is of vital importance and the
UNSG said this today, because we see the opportunity and we know that we will
not be able to wait for the window of opportunity to remain open for very
long”.
Asked to comment on what went “wrong” in the tripartite meeting and
the expected road map was not produced, Eide said that the sides agree on the
issue of where they want to go, but they face difficulties on the issue of how
to walk this road and how they will plan it. Arguing that there is a “big difference in the political
culture” of the two sides, Eide alleged that even though the Greek Cypriot side
knows that this issue should be completed and return there [to New York] within
a few weeks, it does not want to say it in order for not giving the impression
that the UN exerted pressure or there is an artificial time table. He
claimed that the format and the dates are very important from the point of view
of the Turkish Cypriot side’s political culture. “I must help them in overcoming
the problem”, he said alleging that “open-ended processes can lead us nowhere.”
Eide said that they have to change their methodology in the
forthcoming process since the two leaders need to personally follow the
political issues. Noting that the leaders should determine the policy, Eide said
that other should deal with the technical details. He noted that they should now
prioritize the issues according to their importance, the leaders to deal with
the issues of strategic importance and others to discuss the less important
issues.
Asked what is important in the new process, Eide replied that this
is the leadership, as the international support and help is there and the
guarantor powers want the problem to end, something which they have openly said.
“Now this issue is in the hands of the Cypriots more than ever. The
decisive characteristic of the following months is leadership”, he argued.
He further alleged that he faces difficulties to find an issue about which to
say “yes, the Cyprus problem may remain unsolved because of this issue”.
Eide said that both leaders exert every effort they can to lift the obstacles in
front of the solution in both communities. “And this is a very big burden. I see
this”, he added arguing that we now have a better, more advanced and more modern
document than the Annan Plan.
Meanwhile, under the title “Eide: The disagreements are less than
ten”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (26.09.16)
publishes statements made by Eide to its correspondent in New York Rasih Resat
after the tripartite meeting. Eide argued that the Cyprus problem has not
come to its “last mile” and that what is needed now is for the two leaders to
show leadership. He further claimed that the disagreements between the
sides are less than ten, that leadership is needed to solve these issues
and that the leaders are ready to solve them.
Asked to comment on the “high expectations” of the Turkish Cypriot
side from the tripartite meeting and on the statements of the UNSG which were
described as “not satisfactory” by the journalist, Eide said that the meeting
was very useful pointing out that expecting a result [such the one reportedly
expected by the Turkish Cypriot side] “would be extremely optimistic”.
He argued that “there is a road map the name of which is not said” and that a
new intensified process will begin in October. He expressed the view that
the leaders should show leadership in the first period of October and that the
few issues which have not been agreed in the first four chapters will be
negotiated by the leaders themselves.
Commenting on the issue of as to whether a solution could be reached
within the next 90 days, Eide said that in the past solutions had been reached
within shorter periods of time and to much more difficult problems. “If there
is a will for a solution, a way is always found”, he noted.
Referring to the existing problems, he said: “One of these
problems is the property and in order for this problem to be fully overcome the
chapter of the territory should also be discussed, because these two issues are
completely related to each other. Therefore, it is not possible to close the
property without discussing the territory”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Akıncı met with Cavusoglu in New York
Illegal Bayrak television (24.09.16) broadcast that Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci met with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.
Evaluating his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Akıncı
pointed to the fact that he is holding very important meetings while in New York
and that these meetings gave him an opportunity to exchange views with the
people he met with.
Explaining that the process was being carried out through dialog and
consultations with Turkey, Akıncı said that this has gained significance at the
current stage reached during the talks. He also pointed out that Turkey would
continue to hold discussions with Greece on the issue of
guarantees.
“[…] We have reached the last phase of the efforts for solving the
Cyprus problem. All of our efforts are aimed at bringing forward a political
framework by the end of 2016 and we have always said that technical details may
continue in 2017.” All of the chapters becoming more defined will benefit both
sides in political terms otherwise 2017 will be a year of great risks’ said
Akıncı and added that his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister contributed
greatly to the process and was very beneficial.
4. Akinci: A Cyprus settlement within 2016 is
possible
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (25.09.16) reports that
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said that there are many reasons for a
solution in 2016, adding that after so much effort the last months, the Cyprus
settlement may be possible within 2016. He further said that it is time to
create a future in peace for the future generations, and for the Cypriots, who
used to share the problems and the pain of the past, to share now the prosperity
and wealth.
Speaking to the press after a 20-minute meeting with the UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon in New York, Akinci referred to the security issue, and
noted that the critical point on this issue is the need of the community not to
feel that it is threatened by the other side. He further said that the key word
on the security issue is “empathy”.
Asked to comment on how the UNSG can be involved on the negotiation
process since his duty will come to an end by the end of the year, Akinci said
that the General Secretary has said it openly that he will assist in any way is
asked by the two sides, affirming his personal determination on this.
Commenting on the issue of Turkey’s guarantees on Cyprus, Akinci
reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot “people” want the continuation of Turkey’s
guarantees, adding that the sensitivities of both sides on this issue should be
taken into consideration.
Asked whether there will be a five-party meeting, Akinci said that a
roadmap is expected to turn out from the trilateral meeting. He also reiterated
the potential dangers if they enter 2017 without a Cyprus settlement, by
explaining that there will be a new UN General Secretary and a new U.S.
administration and they will need time to be informed on the Cyprus problem.
(DPs)
5. Cavusoglu to Havadis: “This is the last chance for the
solution”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (24.09.16) under the
front-page title: “It is not a threat but the reality: This is the last
chance for the solution”, published an exclusive interview by Turkey’s Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to the paper’s correspondent in New York, Esra Aygin,
prior to the tripartite meeting.
According to the paper, Cavusoglu has sent important messages
concerning the guarantee issue and the cost of the solution.
Describing the current negotiation process as the “last chance for
the solution”, Cavusoglu said that this is not a bluff or a threat but the
reality. He added that they would not even like to think for other alternatives
in case of a non-solution. “Let’s evaluate the point we have reached until
today”, Cavusoglu said.
Referring to the issue of security and guarantees, Cavusoglu stated
that the worries of the two communities concerning the issue of security should
be satisfied. “After all, the two peoples would live together. Both sides should
be satisfied in order to say yes to a referendum. The Turkish Cypriot side cannot forget the incidents experienced in
the past. And I am sure that the Greek Cypriot side as well. We can reach to a
result if looking the issue from a positive perspective”, Cavusoglu said.
Stating that Turkey and Greece are holding an unofficial dialogue towards the
issue of guarantees, Cavusoglu stressed the need for finding a formula that will
take into consideration the sensitivities of both communities.
Asked to reply to the question whether Turkey will finance a possible
solution on the Cyprus problem and whether Turkey will write off the “TRNC’s
debt”, Cavusoglu stated the following: “Neither Turkey, nor Greece will
unilaterally cover the cost of the solution. The EU, the international community
and the other countries that support the solution, we should all exert common
efforts towards this. In such a case, again Turkey would contribute more.
Regarding the loan and the fund to be established regarding the properties,
Turkey would again contribute more. In a possible solution, great economic
opportunities will come up. Implementing these opportunities would be of the
benefit not only of the two sides, but also of Turkey, Greece and the whole
region as well”.
Regarding the occupation regime’s debt, Cavusoglu stated that this
matter will be solved between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot founding state.
“This issue should not become an issue of bargaining in the current negotiation
process. We would settle this matter between ourselves”, Cavusoglu stated,
adding also, that Turkey and the “TRNC” will proceed with economic and
structural reforms until a solution is found, in order to cover the gap exist
between the two sides in their economy.
Replying to another question, Cavusoglu stated that nobody can
impose a solution in the island. “If this happens, then the solution
would not be viable. For this reason, there would not be any impositions,
the solution will be found by the two sides at the negotiation table. Finally,
there will be referenda. The two sides will not accept anything imposed by
others. The solution to be found should be approved and accepted by the two
peoples”, said Cavusoglu.
Asked to reply to the question “what will happen if a solution is not
found within 2016, Cavusoglu stated that the Cyprus problem has been prolonged
and will not be discussed open-ended. He stated that he does not want to say
what will happen in case of a deadlock”.
(AK)
6. Havadis paper reports that it is time for leadership on the
Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (25.09.16), on its front page
under the title “Now is the time for leadership”, reports that Esra Aygin,
paper’s correspondent to New York, wrote that according to EU and UN sources,
issues that need time and technical work for the Cyprus talks had fallen behind
and after this, political will, courage and leadership is needed. The same
sources stressed that the international community expects leadership from Akinci
and Anastasiades.
According to diplomatic sources, no one will force them for a
multi-party meeting, if the sides are not ready for this. However, international
actors share the view that the completion of this issue would be considered a
historical mission after so much distance has been covered. Evaluating the current stage as a
“historical opportunity for solution”, the diplomatic sources argued that none
of the issues, which have not been agreed yet, can be a reason for not reaching
to a solution.
(DPs)
7. Ertuğruloğlu held contacts in New
York
Illegal Bayrak television (24.09.16) broadcast that self-styled
foreign minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu has been holding contacts while in New
York.
He met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadiyarov and
informed him regarding the latest phase reached at the Cyprus talks. Both came
to an agreement to take steps that will further develop the already existing
relations between the two “countries”.
Meanwhile Ertuğruloğlu also met with the UN Secretary General’s
Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous. During the
meeting the duty of the Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus was taken up and the
Turkish Cypriot side’s stance was also discussed.
8. Denktas on the negotiation process
Turkish Cypriot daily Demokrat Bakis newspaper (26.09.16) reports
that the chairman of the Democratic Party (DP) and “deputy prime minister”,
Serdar Denktas, in statements during a ceremony for the 24th
anniversary from the establishment of his party, referred, inter alia, to the
Cyprus negotiation process and stated that he does not trust at all the Greek
Cypriot side.
Claiming that the Greek Cypriot’s mentality has not changed at all,
Denktas alleged that the Greek Cypriot side’s aim is to disconnect them from
Turkey, to lift totally the guarantee system and to Hellenize the island of
Cyprus.
Denktas further alleged that the only way for the federation to be
established and be viable is the agreement to be achieved to be signed between
the “TRNC” and the Republic of Cyprus. He claimed that otherwise, it will not be
a federation based on the equality, but it would mean that the Turkish Cypriots
would accept minority rights and to be a part of the Republic of Cyprus.
Denktas reiterated further that the “existence of the TRNC” is the
only security for the Turkish Cypriot “people”.
(AK)
9. Turkish commentaries on Turkey’s benefits if there is a
solution on the Cyprus problem
Two Turkish columnists evaluate the recent developments on the Cyprus
talks and called on Turkey to focus on the settlement of the Cyprus
problem.
Under the title: “If you have some sense, focus on Cyprus'”, Asli
Aydintasbas writes the following on Turkish daily Cumhuriyet (23.09.16):
“[…] There are only two formulae for Turkey to come out of the
vicious circle the country's foreign policy is in, and the low level dispute it
is engaged in with its Western allies. […] The first one is the peace process in
the Kurdish question (regrettably Ankara is currently not open to this idea) and
the second one is a settlement in Cyprus.
For the first time in a decade, the settlement in Cyprus is once
again on the agenda. It is within reach. If Ankara is to focus on this a little
bit, it is not difficult to make it happen.
Let me first explain how this issue will make life easy for Turkey.
If there is a settlement, Turkish Cypriots will join the European Union right
away, Turkish will officially become an EU language, Turkey's EU process will
come off the fridge, and the closed EU chapters will open easily. I am not
imagining things. I am talking about a gigantic, in fact, a tectonic improvement
in foreign policy. The majority of the chapters cannot be either opened or
concluded because of the Cyprus blockage. This situation will inevitably change.
The resumption of the EU process will automatically improve the quality of the
democracy a notch and help us to take a breather.
There is more to it; in line with the newly initiated normalization
process with Israel, Turkey will be able to create new resources for itself out
from the petrol and natural gas fields off Cyprus. It will feel comfortable in
terms of energy and its dependence on Russia will be
reduced.
All this is not a dream. As I said, it is within reach. Nevertheless,
Ankara has to focus on the issue a bit, pursue it and hold the hand of KKTC
leader Mustafa Akinci, who is making an effort of his own accord. (I am merely
saying, ''hold his hand'' without suffocating him.)
I am not sure whether Ankara is capable of doing this. These days
FETO [Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization] is the only topic on the agenda!
Ankara hears very little other than its own echo. The entire bureaucracy from
the Foreign Ministry to the Finance Ministry is dedicated to this issue. Since
15 July, there is not even any strategic focus let alone any strategic depth. In
its place, there is a Turkish style MGK [National Security Council] mindset and
an obsession with FETO. What is needed is a courageous and solid approach
similar to the one put forward during the Annan plan period. The fundamental
principle of this approach has to be about reaching out to Europe once again via
the KKTC and totally focusing on the negotiation process in a way that shatters
cliche views. If this happens, there will be another referendum on the island in
early 2017. As far as Turkey is concerned, the issue should not be about
having three or five thousand more or less troops on the island but about the
big picture, which is to rebuild the strategic bond with the West via
Cyprus.
Under the title: “'Cyprus Settlement, Turkey'”, Mensur Akgun
writes the following in Karar Online magazine
(21.09.16)
“ Given the news reports from both sides of the island […] it appears
that a settlement is possible and an agreement has been reached on a large
number of issues. However, there are still reservations around land, property,
and guarantees. We hope that the negotiations in New York will help advance the
process and progress is made toward the settlement of the
dispute.
* * *
However, we have to acknowledge that these sort of problems, which
are an accumulation of years, are always difficult to resolve. Prejudice, vested
interests, security concerns, and naturally, interference from outside make
efforts for a settlement more complicated. […]
It is true that Turkey previously, most manifestly in 2003, backed a
settlement. It did everything it could for the implementation of the Annan plan.
However, between 2003 and 2106 a lot has happened and the circumstances under
which politics could create a settlement have changed. Turkey's EU membership is
no longer on the agenda, partially because of its own stance as well as those of
some of the main EU member states, and also because of the reasons stemming from
EU's own crisis.
Settlement of the Cyprus dispute will remove the technical obstacles
facing Turkey's accession negotiations, but the political obstacles will
regrettably remain. That is why the EU lost its position as a power that can
encourage Turkey and Turkish Cypriots to reach a settlement. Turkey backs the
settlement process mainly because Turkish Cypriots want such a settlement and it
avoids paying the price of deadlock, adding more problems to its current ones.
Turkey's expectation to benefit from the hydrocarbon reserves in the
Mediterranean obviously plays a role in the country's ongoing support for a
settlement.
However, Turkey's support should not be taken for granted. If the UN
or all third parties likely to get involved in a solution and of course, the
Greek Cypriot leadership really want a solution, they have to take into account
Turkey's expectations, which also include the interests of the Turkish Cypriots.
We should not forget that Turkey has been part of this equation from the very
outset. Aside from the period of the Ottoman Empire, it has been involved in
this problem since the 1950s.
As it is the case in almost any settlement of a problem, it is
imperative to find a settlement that will satisfy all the sides in Cyprus at an
optimum level. For its part, Turkey, too, needs to achieve an outcome from the
settlement that will, in its perception, safeguard, consolidate, and bolster its
interests at least in one arena. Given that the EU membership promised in 1999
is not on the agenda any more, the concrete benefit a settlement will offer
Turkey should be made clear.
[…]
This should not be misunderstood; this does not mean in any way that
talks should be held with Turkey instead of the Turkish Cypriots. Parameters for
the settlement of the problem will be agreed upon by the direct sides, and first
and foremost, the Greek and Turkish Cypriots will come to an agreement. There is
already a widespread agreement on the settlement parameters negotiated over the
years. Nevertheless, it should also be not ignored that Turkey needs to benefit
from such a historic negotiation.”
10. Most effective counter-Daesh fight waged by Turkey, Erdoğan
says
Turkish daily Sabah (26.09.16) reports that Turkish President Recep
Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking to journalists on the Presidential plane on his way
back to Turkey from New York where he attended the annual opening of the U.N.
General Assembly, said the most effective fight against Daesh was waged by
Turkey contrary to the concerted disinformation campaign.
The Syrian crisis remained the top priority of world leaders, argued
Erdoğan, adding that he himself had explained the current state of affairs in
the country to all those who asked. "I had a phone conversation with [Russian
President Vladimir] Putin yesterday [Thursday]. We talked about the airstrike on
the aid convoy going to Aleppo. Evidence points toward the Assad regime being
responsible for the attack."
He strenuously objected to identifying Daesh as an "Islamic State."
"Such a terrorist group cannot be linked with Islam in any way. Abbreviations
such as ISIL or ISIS contain the words 'Islamic State.' This is unacceptable.
That's why we call them Daesh."
Erdoğan said no matter where the leader of the Gülenist Terror Group
(FETÖ) fled, Turkey will be pursuing him. He also said their efforts to inform
all countries of the danger posed by FETÖ was continuing
determinedly.
Among the heads of state and government with whom Erdoğan held
one-on-one meetings during his visit to New York were the Emir of Qatar, Saudi
Arabia's crown prince, the Presidents of Ukraine and Slovenia and the Prime
Ministers of the U.K., Pakistan, Greece and Japan. He also met with the
representatives of various Turkish nongovernmental organizations, American
Muslim and Jewish groups, and a delegation of American businessmen led by
Michael Bloomberg.
11. Turkish officials criticize Moody’s cutting Turkey’s credit
rating to ‘junk’ level
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (26.09.16) reports that senior Turkish
officials have criticized the cutting to Turkey’s sovereign credit rating by
ratings agency Moody’s, claiming that the move is “biased” and does not reflect
the realities of Turkey’s macro indicators.
Moody’s cut Turkey’s long-term issuer and senior unsecured bond
ratings by one notch to the speculative or “junk” level of Ba1 with a “stable”
outlook late on Sept. 23, citing risks related to the country’s sizeable funding
requirements and a slowing in its GDP growth and institutional
strength.
The Moody’s cut came a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdoğan criticized ratings agencies in an interview with Bloomberg in New York.
“I don’t care at all [if they downgrade],” Erdoğan said, accusing
them of making decisions based on politics rather than economic
fundamentals.
Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said the action showed Moody’s was
“not impartial” and not basing its ratings solely on economic
factors.
“We don’t believe these assessments are impartial. We believe they
are attempting to create a certain perception of the Turkish economy,” Yıldırım
told reporters on Sept. 24.
Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said Moody’s had “turned a
blind eye” to recent reforms and steps Ankara has taken to boost growth and
savings.
One of his first responses to Moody’s downgrading came from Deputy
Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek. “The best reaction to rating agencies is to
accelerate structural reforms further and to maintain our fiscal discipline,”
Şimşek tweeted, adding that the economic fundamentals of Turkey are robust and
resistant to shocks.
Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci also criticized the move, saying the
decision “does not reflect the realities” of the Turkish economy.
Moody’s, which had previously delayed its decision, cited the
increase in the risks related to the country’s sizeable external funding
requirements and the weakening in previously supportive credit fundamentals,
particularly growth and institutional strength, as reasons for the
downgrading.
The agency said it expects the deterioration in Turkey’s credit
rating to continue over the next two to three years.
12. British FM Johnson pleased to hold talks with Syrian
opposition, Turkey a vital partner to the UK
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (26.09.16) reports that British Foreign
Minister Boris Johnson arrived in Ankara on Sunday for a two-day visit to show
solidarity with Turkey after the failed July 15 coup attempt against the Turkish
government perpetrated by the members of Gülenist terror
cult.
During his visit, he will hold talks with Turkish officials,
non-governmental organizations and representatives of the Syrian opposition. In
a tweet, he said that Turkey is a "vital partner" to the United Kingdom. Johnson
also emphasized that he was "pleased" to visit Turkey for the first time as
Foreign Secretary.
Johnson, accompanied by a delegation from the U.K., will be staying
in Turkey from Sept. 25-27.
The Secretary, who himself has Turkish heritage, is scheduled to
visit the parliament in a trip intended to demonstrate Britain's solidarity with
Turkey following a failed coup in mid-July which was perpetrated by a small
Gülenist junta embedded in the Turkish military.
Johnson will also be received by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,
Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and EU Minister Ömer Çelik.
13. Stability in Turkey is in the interest of Europe and Hungary,
Hungarian Ambassador to Ankara says
Turkish daily Sabah (25.09.16) publishes an interview by Hungary’s
Ambassador to Ankara Gabor Kiss who stated that his country has done a lot to
protect the EU's external borders and that Hungary cannot be punished for
protecting the EU's values. He added that Hungary will take the necessary
measures to guarantee its own security as well as that of
Turkey
The Hungarian refugee policy has been criticized by Turkey and
several EU countries since Europe began struggling to cope with the refugee
crisis last year. However, the tone of criticism rose to another level when
Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn suggested the suspension or even
expulsion of Hungary from the EU last week. Refraining to comment on this
statement, Ambassador Kiss said in his exclusive interview to Daily Sabah that
these kinds of ideas reflect a very isolated opinion and that many of these
messages are actually intended for internal consumption. Underlining that
Hungary has no intention to leave the EU whatsoever, Ambassador Kiss said that
Hungary, has done a lot to protect the EU's external borders and his country
cannot be punished for protecting the EU's borders and
values.
Regarding the July 15 failed coup attempt, Ambassador Kiss stressed
that Hungary has condemned the coup attempt since the very first moment.
14. Turkey’s top business group lobbies in Germany to restore
confidence
Ankata Anatolia news agency (24.09.16) reported that Turkey’s largest
business group sought to assure German businesspeople on the political and
economic stability in the country following the failed July 15 coup attempt.
Cansen Başaran-Symes, chairwoman of the influential Turkish Industry
and Business Association (TÜSİAD), said the defeated coup attempt led to
confusion among German business partners, but their exchanges in Berlin offered
a better picture of the situation.
“We are closely following the German media coverage and the negative
atmosphere regarding Turkey since the July 15 coup attempt. Our aim with this
visit has been to correct the wrong perceptions, by clearly telling what has
really happened in Turkey. We have had very fruitful meetings,” she told a press
conference.
The Turkish businesswoman also stressed the importance of reviving
Turkey’s stalled EU membership talks, to facilitate positive developments in the
country.
“We believe that Turkey’s EU process has become more important than
any time before. During our meetings in Germany we have underlined the need for
creating a positive agenda between the EU and Turkey again,” she said.
Başaran-Symes called on Germany to use its influence for reviving
EU-Turkey ties, by opening chapters 23 and 24 in Turkey’s EU membership talks,
which cover the reforms in the fields of democracy, rule of law and fundamental
rights.
15. AK Party deputy chairman: More than 500 party members
identified as suspected FETO affiliates
Turkish daily Sabah (25.09.16) reports that Justice and Development
Party (AK Party) deputy chairman in charge of organizations Mustafa Ataş stated
that the party has been conducting a comprehensive investigation against those
members who may be affiliated with the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO), further
noting that 519 party members along with 100 provincial and district heads with
links to FETO have been identified.
According to information received by Al Jazeera Turk, the AK Party
administration has been following three criteria throughout the investigations
against its provincial, district and municipality organization members since the
beginning of August. While the three criteria have been indicated as "Strong
Suspicion, Suspicious and Weak Suspicion," AK Party's Ataş said, "We are
conducting our investigations carefully as we do not want to make any unfair
judgment."
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