TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
191/16
05.10.2016
1.
Akinci argues that the target is holding a referendum in the mid of
2107
2.
Ozgurgun: “The continuation of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is in the
interest of the international powers”
3.
Ertugruloglu: “The negotiation procedure will be ended in case a solution is not
reached in 2016”
4.
Ataoglu continues the promotion of the breakaway regime’s tourism in
Iran
5.
Occupied Geunyeli “municipality” signed the “subscription agreement” in order to
receive the water transferred from Turkey
6.
Saner said that 2,967 persons were benefited in one month by the “labor amnesty”
7.
The movement “We are gathering” filed a lawsuit at the so-called “higher
administration board”
8.
Yildirim announced a new medium-term economic program
9.
Demirtas: “AKP government is stupid”
10.
'Turkish Pentagon' to be formed in Ankara
11.
The chairman of the Turkish settlers’ party defends their right to come to
“power” in the occupied area of Cyprus
12.
Tunali: “We became a cemetery of universities”
13.
Columnist: It looks like the state of emergency in Turkey will come over to the
occupied area of Cyprus
1.
Akinci argues that the target is holding a referendum in the mid of
2107
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (05.10.16) reports that
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has argued that the target in the
Cyprus negotiations is for a referendum to be held in the mid-2017. Under
the title “The target is referendum in the mid of 2017”, the paper writes
that the third round of intensified negotiations for solving the Cyprus problem
started yesterday with a three-hour meeting between the community leaders,
during which they agreed to hold nine or ten meetings in October and in case
progress is achieved to discuss the territory issue.
In
statements in the occupied area after the meeting, Akinci said that the
territory issue will be discussed outside Cyprus during the first week of
November in a form of “camping meetings”, if everything goes as planned
and there is no “road accident”. Akinci reiterated that after this, they
want to hold a five-party conference for the discussion of security and
guarantees.
Asked
when a possible referendum could take place, Akinci replied that this could
happen in the mid of 2017, after a political agreement is reached by the end of
2016, the remaining technical issues are completed in 2017 and the agreement is
explained to the people.
Akinci
said that the leaders agreed to hold 9 or 10 meetings in October on 5, 7, 14,
16, 17, 24, 26 and 31 October, adding that a meeting might also be held on 13
October, depending on one visit he will be paying abroad. Akinci reiterated
that the target is to minimize the differences on four chapters during these
meetings in October.
Akinci
argued that all sides know very well the importance of time and that with
President Anastasiades they reaffirmed the target of reaching a solution by the
end of the year,
noting that the target is for a political solution to be reached by the end of
2016.
Replying
to a question, Akinci said that no blackout will be imposed on the
negotiations and that the public will be informed. Asked as to whether a
“Camp David type” process is on the agenda, Akinci replied that the
discussion of the territory and a Camp David type process will not be avoided,
because some issues might remain pending and added that all sides,
including the UN, wish such a meeting and are determined to hold
it.
Asked
to comment on a statement by President Anastasiades that he will invite the
members of the National Council in case of discussions are held abroad, Akinci
recalled he had also said that it would be correct to invite the Turkish Cypriot
political parties as well when they pass into a new form of negotiations.
Replying
to another question, Akinci said that the process is conducted by the leaders of
the two communities and the UN, but the EU is also at the “one side of this
process” and is invited in the room for expressing its views upon the approval
of the leaders.
(I/Ts.)
2.
Ozgurgun: “The continuation of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is in the
interest of the international powers”
According
to illegal Bayrak television (04.10.16) so-called prime minister Huseyin
Ozgurgun has said that he does not agree with the view that the current Cyprus
talks, should they fail, will be the last chance to reach a federal settlement
in Cyprus.
Speaking
on a program on BRT, Ozgurgun stated that he believes that the Cyprus
negotiations will continue no matter what the outcome will be.
Claiming
that contrary to the Greek Cypriot side, the Turkish Cypriot side has never
rejected any of the solution plans put on the table, he pointed out that the
Greek Cypriot side had rejected the Annan Plan in the 2004 referendum and
alleged that what is currently being negotiated at the table is similar to the
Annan Plan.
He
argued that even if the current talks succeeded in producing an improved plan,
both sides would still reject it.
Supporting
that there are issues which both sides do not accept, Ozgurgun explained that
these included bi-zonality, the issue of guarantees and the issue of governance
and power sharing.
He
further claimed that the “north” Cyprus economy will collapse if an agreement
which accepts the Greek Cypriot side’s demands on the property issue is reached.
“There is still disagreement regarding the relevant parameters of a settlement.
I do not agree with the view that a settlement is near”, he said.
“The
Turkish Cypriot people have been demanding equality for years… we are still
demanding it but the Greek Cypriots say no…They want it all for themselves. They
want us to remain as a minority” he alleged.
Stating
that he does not agree with the view that the negotiations will end if a
solution is not reached by the end of 2016, Ozgurgun alleged that the talks have
been continuing for years because the international community wants it to. “The
continuation of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is in the interest of the
international powers”, Ozgurgun claimed.
Also,
touching upon “Turkey-TRNC relations”, he stated that much has been accomplished
in terms of cooperation between the two “countries” since his “government” came
to “office” 5 months ago.
Pointing
out that the water being pumped to the “TRNC” from Turkey is an extremely
important project, Ozgurgun expressed the view that the water will not only
allow growth in the agricultural and industrial production of the “country” but
will also ease an important financial burden on the “country” caused by drought.
He
also said that a number of infrastructure and road “projects” are underway and
planning for a new “hospital” and prison is also being carried
out.
3.
Ertugruloglu: “The negotiation procedure will be ended in case a solution is
not reached in 2016”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (05.10.16) reports that self-styled foreign
minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu claimed that it is a fact that the negotiation
procedure will be ended in case a solution is not reached in
2016.
He
made these statements speaking during the World Association of Press Council
(WAPC) which is holding its 17th executive council meeting in the breakaway
regime between 2-6 of October.
The
self-styled foreign minister further claimed that due to the “uncompromising
behavior” of the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasides during the 3-party
meeting in New York, it was not possible for a schedule to be drowned up and a
road map to be made for conducting a 5-party meeting aiming to solve the Cyprus
problem in 2016.
On
his part, speaking at the council, WAPC’s chairman Kajubi Makajanka, stated
that they want to see the Turkish Cypriots taking the place they deserve in the
international community. He also stated that their visit to the occupied area
of Cyprus is very important since they were informed about the latest
developments on the Cyprus talks and because, as he alleged, they were able to
correct the false information they receive in their countries about the
procedure.
(CS)
4.
Ataoglu continues the promotion of the breakaway regime’s tourism in
Iran
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (05.10.16) reports that self-styled minister of
tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu who is currently in Iran aiming to promote
tourism of the breakaway regime held a meeting yesterday with the Ambassador of
Turkey to Tehran, Riza Hakan Tekin and with the General Secretary of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation based in Tehran and former “ambassador” of
Turkey to the breakaway regime Halil Ibrahim Akca.
Speaking
during the meeting Ataoglu alleged that the Iranian people could get out of the
dangerous atmosphere of the Middle East and enjoy a safe vacation in Cyprus. He
also reminded that events for promoting tourism in the breakaway regime will
take place in the Iranian cities of Tehran and Tabriz.
In
the framework of his contacts, Ataoglu visited a Turkish school in Iran and
invited the students to the breakaway regime.
(CS)
5.
Occupied Geunyeli “municipality” signed the “subscription agreement” in order to
receive the water transferred from Turkey
Turkish
Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (05.10.16) reports that occupied Geunyeli
“municipality” has signed the “subscription agreement” in order to receive the
water transferred from Turkey in the framework of the “water
project”.
After
this development all 28 “municipalities” of the breakaway regime will receive
water from the project.
(CS)
6.
Saner said that 2,967 persons were benefited in one month by the “labor amnesty”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (05.10.16) reports that self-styled minister
of labor and social security Ersan Saner, stated that 2,967 persons were
benefited by the “labor amnesty” which was issued on August 15 and ended on
September 29th after an “order” of the “constitutional court”.
They
were also benefited by the “immigrants’ amnesty” which was taking place at the
same time.
Speaking
exclusively to Yeni Duzen newspaper, Saner stated that soon after the “order” of
the “constitutional court” was issued, the applications’ submission was
ended.
He
also reminded that due to similar decisions regarding “amnesty” 1,613 persons
were benefited, in 2007, 2,122 persons in 2008, 9,543 persons in 2011-2012
and 1,109 persons in 2014-2015.
(CS)
7.
The movement “We are gathering” filed a lawsuit at the so-called “higher
administration board”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (05.10.16) reports that the movement called
“We are gathering” (“Toparlaniyoruz”) filed a lawsuit to the “higher
administration board” against the “appointment” in July of the chairman of the
“civil defense organization”, on the ground that the appointment was not made by
the “TRNC’s authorities” but under the instructions of
Turkey.
Stating
that according to the “article 10 of the TRNC’s constitution”, only the
“TRNC’s government” has the “authority” for the “appointment” of the “chairman
of the TRNC’s central bank” and the “chairman of the civil defense
organization”, the movement described the above appointment as illegal and
contrary to the “constitution”.
(AK)
8.
Yildirim announced a new medium-term economic
program
Turkish
daily Yeni Safak newspaper (04.10.16) reported that Prime Minister Binali
Yildirim stated that the Turkish government forecast a healthier Turkish
economy.
In
statements on Tuesday outlining the new medium-term economic program by the
government, Yildirim said: “On our path to the 2023 targets, Turkey's growth
rate will never be lower than 5 %”.
"2017-19
annual growth will be at least 5%," he said.
“The
program cuts the growth forecast for this year to 3.2% from 4.5% in the previous
report”, Yildirim said adding that Turkey, since 2003, has remained committed to
fiscal discipline. "It is an indispensable pillar of our economy," Yildirim
said.
He
added that the inflation will fall from the current annual rate of 7.5%. “The
inflation target is 6.5% for 2017 and 5% for 2018, according to the economic
program”, Yildirim said, noting that those numbers were calculated bearing in
mind the worst-case scenarios.
"Turkey,
with a growth rate twice the world average, will continue uninterrupted with
structural reforms," he said.
The
government forecast that the budget deficit will drop below 1.9% in 2017, with
the narrowing trend continuing in 2018.
9.
Demirtas: “AKP government is stupid”
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News Online in English (04.10.16) reported that co-chairman
of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas has called the ruling
Justice and Development Party (AKP) "stupid," while commenting on the failed
July 15 coup attempt.
"No
offence, but this government is the most stupid government in the world ... The
AKP's weakest spot is always being fooled," Demirtas said during parliamentary
group meeting of his party in Ankara on October 4..
"There
is no TV station left that will broadcast this speech. [The AKP] thinks people
will support it if they don't hear the truth. But yet again someone has fooled
them again. We are the only ones who haven't fooled them," Demirtas added.
Demirtas
criticized the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), accusing them of "kneeling down in front of
the Presidential Palace."
"There
is nobody other than us resisting, no hope other than us. They are all as timid
as mice in front of the Presidential Palace," Demirtas said, adding that there
are now "only two parties in Parliament."
"But
this is not the time to be afraid. If we have to pay a price for freedom, then
we will pay that price. We won't surrender ... Resistance against cruelty is a
legitimate right," he vowed.
Demirtas
harshly slammed the recent shutting down of radio stations and TV channels in
state of emergency decrees made after the coup attempt.
"If
the outlets that were closed down had sold their honor, it would be Ministers
visiting them rather than the police," added Demirtas.
10.
'Turkish Pentagon' to be formed in Ankara
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (04.10.16-online in English) reported that the
National Intelligence Agency (MİT), the Defense Ministry, the Turkish General
Staff and other Security Commands will be moved to the Etimesgut district of
Ankara, as a part of measures taken after the failed July 15 coup attempt, daily
Haberturk reported on Oct. 4.
The
move comes after the government decided to move all military units to outside
central areas of cities.
The
area in Etimesgut will become a "security campus" similar to the Pentagon in the
U.S. and security institutions will reportedly carry out their activities from
one center.
The
construction of the MİT's new building in the area is ongoing and the agency
will move there from Ankara's Yenimahalle district when construction is
completed. It will be joined by the Defense Ministry, the Turkish General Staff
and other military departments in the same area.
New
buildings will reportedly be constructed for the Defense Ministry and the
General Staff, with the Ground, Naval and Air Forces moving to those buildings.
The
current buildings of the General Staff and other military departments will be
protected due to their "historical characteristics," Haberturk reported, adding
that they are planned to be used by other state institutions including the
Interior Ministry.
(…)
11.
The chairman of the Turkish settlers’ party defends their right to come to
“power” in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (05.10.16) reports that the
Revival Party’s (YDP) founders’ council has unanimously elected Erhan Erikli as
founding president of the party. According to a statement issued yesterday
by the party, Turan Buyukyilmaz was elected as YDP’s general secretary. YDP
will submit its founding application to the “interior ministry” on Friday, 7
October.
Addressing
the meeting yesterday, Arikli said that their party has two main
principles: “Our doors are open to everyone who calls Turkey ‘my
motherland’ and believes in the TRNC”.
Arikli
alleged that since the establishment of the YDP had been announced, some circles
attacked it and tried to brand it as separatist. He claimed the
following:
“We
are accepting everyone who bears the TRNC identity as blessed consignment of
Allah and we consider as discriminatory stance to subject to discrimination,
because of their place of birth, the people who came here after 1974 and hold
this place as their homeland. It is a mean stance to accuse of separatism
those who started off for eliminating racism. Is there a law which prevents
the people who have been living here for 42 years from establishing a party?
Among us we have many founders of Cypriot origin. If they had not been there,
what difference would it make? Are the identity cards of the people from
Turkey insufficient on the issue of establishing a political party?
According to some, should these people have only the right of voting and be
deprived of the right of being elected and administrating the state?”
(I/Ts.)
12.
Tunali “We became a cemetery of
universities”
Under
the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (05.10.16) reports
that the chairman of the Social Democrat Party (SDP) Ozun Tunali, in a written
statement, described as very important and serious the warnings that came from
the chairman of the “Council of Higher Education” (“YOK”) on the issue of
terrorism and “FETO links” at the “TRNC’s universities” and stressed the need
for measures to be taken immediately.
Stating
that every passing day the “sector of universities” in the “TRNC” is developing
fearlessly, Tunali stressed that the “TRNC” became a “cemetery of universities”
and added that his party does not approve the attempts of some circles aiming to
open more “universities” in the “TRNC”.
Also,
referring to the Cyprus problem, Tunali stated that they will support Turkish
Cypriot leader Akinci’s efforts for reaching to a solution on the Cyprus problem
until the end.
Referring
to the issue of guarantees, he stressed the need for the continuation of
Turkey’s guarantees in a possible solution, arguing that the Turkish Cypriots
experienced difficult days in the past.
(AK)
13.
Columnist: It looks like the state of emergency in Turkey will come over to the
occupied area of Cyprus
Writing
in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (05.10.16)
columnist Sami Ozuslu reports that it looks like the state of emergency
implemented in Turkey after the 15 July coup will come over to the occupied area
of Cyprus.
The
columnist refers to the issue under the title “TRNC: Small Cyprus Republic of
Turkey” [Translator’s note: The initials of the breakaway regime in Turkish
is “KKTC”, which comes from the name “Kuzey Kibris Turk Cumhuriyeti” or “Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus”. The columnist explains the “KKTC” as “Kucuk
Kibris Turkiye Cumhuriyeti”
or “Small Cyprus Republic of Turkey” in English].
Ozuslu
recalls of statements made both by the Turkish Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim
and self-styled minister of agriculture Nazim Cavusoglu that “whatever exists
in Turkey it will exist in the TRNC as well” and
writes:
‘[…]
Transferring whatever exists in Turkey here is actually a political
preference. Binali Yildirim could have said that ‘we will make you a
small Turkey’. He would not have lied, because we have become [a small
Turkey] a long time ago. We are living in the Small Cyprus Republic of
Turkey. The administrators of Turkey are seeing this place as ‘our land’.
When they say ‘our land’, they mean ‘their’ land. In this case, we are at a
level of a ‘province’, or even a ‘town’ here. And the embassy here is acting
like a kaimakam, a district governorship etc. It behaves like a ‘shadow
government’ in every issue.
There
is a state of emergency now in Turkey. Prime Minister Yildirim had said after 15
of July that ‘even three months might not be needed’. […] is it so easy for the
state of to end? […] And it looks like the state of emergency will come over
here.
The
statements of the president of the Higher Education Council (YOK) regarding the
universities in Cyprus, the prepared reports are like a signal for this. Recall,
Mr Ozan Ceyhun had come to the island in the disguise of an Advisor of the
‘Ministry of Foreign Affairs’, hunted members of FETO and showed as target
certain names and circles.
He was silenced because of the reactions and went away, but perhaps a cauldron
is still boiling somewhere. Since ‘whatever exists in Turkey, it will also exist
in Cyprus’, we should be prepared. Because the witch hunt is continuing in
Turkey. […] Democracy has been shelved a long time ago. The human rights are
being violated continuously. The social lynching continues.
[…]
Being
related in everything with Turkey, this form of ‘flesh and nail’ relation, which
escalated especially with the behaviors of the existing partners in the
government, is seriously threatening this small population from the social,
cultural, political and democratic point of view. […]”
(I/Ts.)
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