TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
219/16
15.11.2016
1.
Akinci argues that the “TRNC” will take its place as “equal partner” in case of
a solution in Cyprus or will continue its own way
2.
Yildirim; “We want a solution with rotating presidency in Cyprus; Turkey’s
effective guarantees should continue”
3.
Turkes alleges that the breakaway regime is not an obstacle for the solution in
Cyprus
4.
Akinci had separate phone conservations with Biden and
Cavusoglu
5.
Akinci alleges that the “TRNC” could look at the future more safely as long as
it stands on its own feet in cooperation with Turkey
6.
Burcu argues that a final and comprehensive solution to the territory issue will
not be achieved in Switzerland next week
7.
Messages by Denktas, Eroglu and Ozersay on the 33rd anniversary of the UDI of
the “TRNC”
8.
Ertugruloglu briefed the foreign journalists
9.
General Musa Avsener of the Turkish occupation forces visited Akinci, Siber and
Ozgurgun
10.
Siber met with a delegation from Kosovo
11.
Turkish vessels violate once more Cyprus’ territorial waters
12.
Chinese MFA: China is Turkey's 'friend in need'
13.
Turkish PM Yildirim to visit Russia to normalize process between Ankara and
Moscow
14.
Turkey supports Kashmir’s right to self-determination, as well as Pakistan’s
support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue
15.
AKP delivers charter draft to MHP
16.
“Bird Airlines” is not a member of ICAO or IATA
1.
Akinci argues that the “TRNC” will take its place
as
“equal partner” in case of a solution in Cyprus or will continue its own way
Turkish
Cypriot illegal Bayrak television (15.11.16) broadcast that
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has argued that the “TRNC”, as he
called the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus,
will take its place as equal partner in a federal structure in case a
solution to the Cyprus problem is reached and will continue its own way in case
a solution is not reached due to the continuation of what he described as
“maximalist demands” by the Greek Cypriots.
Addressing
the ceremony prior to the parade at Fazil Kucuk boulevard in the occupied part
of Nicosia within the framework of the celebrations for the 33rd anniversary
from the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) of Turkey’s subordinate
administration in the occupied area of Cyprus, Akinci reiterated the allegation
that as it is noted in the “declaration of independence” the breakaway regime is
“open to a federation between two equal peoples”, but a federation could not be
achieved during the negotiations held between the sides until today.
Expressing
the view that negotiations cannot continue for another 50 years, Akinci
reiterated that they achieved progress during the talks held last week in
Switzerland, but issues which are considered important for both sides still
exist.
“The
criteria on the territory issue have been discussed within the framework of the
principle that all issues will be discussed interdependently, like it is noted
in the agreement of 11 February 2014, and the security issues have been
discussed within the framework of an exercise of ideas”, he said claiming that
the time for discussing the issues of security and guarantees has come.
He
argued: “As I have stated before going to Switzerland, in case an agreement
is reached on the criteria of the territory issue, the two sides will prepare
their own map and at the same time they will determine a date for the five-party
conference at the presence of the UN. This date will be within a period of time
of a few weeks. The five-party conference will be realized within the framework
of the method followed at the Burgenstock meetings where the Annan Plan had been
discussed and the map with the security and guarantees issues will take their
final shape there. The issues of security and guarantees will be discussed
and decided with the participation of the guarantor countries. Last week at the
last day of the negotiations at Mont Pelerin and in a moment we were approaching
the last hours, the Greek Cypriot leader Mr Anastasiades noted that he was
not ready to decide and demanded to be given the opportunity to hold contacts in
Cyprus and in Greece by giving a recession of one week. Because we could
not ignore that this demand came from the leader of the community with which we
will establish a partnership in the future, we came back after agreeing that the
negotiations will continue on 20 November again in Switzerland. It is
obvious that what will be experienced within this week will be important. Of
course, during this week we will also continue our works here with our
negotiating team and we will brief our political parties on the
developments. We will continue our consultations at the highest level with
the officials from Turkey. We will be in Switzerland with the same will and
determination after one week”.
He
argued that a “serious opportunity” exists for the establishment of a bi-zonal,
bi-communal state in which sovereignty will equally derive from the two
communities and it will consist of two founding states which will not enter
under each other’s dominance.
“This opportunity could be turned into reality by paving the way for a
five-party conference in the negotiations which will resume during the weekend”,
he claimed.
Akinci
reiterated the allegation that the rotating presidency is one of the two
important parameters of the Turkish Cypriots’ demand for equality adding that
the other one is the effective participation in the decision-making. Arguing
that the Turkish Cypriots should have the right to vote in the decision-making
process, because otherwise there will be a unitary state”, Akinci noted that
“the Greek Cypriot community is obliged to be prepared for the reality that a
Turkish Cypriot will in rotation be president of the federal republic. “Without
this, there will be no solution”, he said.
Referring
to the guarantees, Akinci underlined that importance of living in security
and recalled that Greece and the United Kingdom said that they could abandon
their guarantees. “However, this situation is different for the Turkish
Cypriots who are less in number and Turkey. It is not possible to persuade the
Turkish Cypriots by saying ‘do not worry, nothing can happen in the EU’. A new
sense of security could be reached only by experience. And this cannot happen
from the first day. We must first see that the new status which we will
establish is advancing. The experience of the past showed us that the
partnership state was demolished within three years and that we have been left
outside of it for 53 years. We do not want to live this again. […] There are
some parties in south Cyprus which oppose in principle to the bi-zonal
federation. And these parties increased their influence comparing to the past.
If these circles are further strengthened, there is no guarantee that they
will not want to violate the agreement which will be reached. Therefore,
we need Turkey’s deterrent power”.
Akinci
further argued that the real security will not be eternally searched under the
shadow of the arms and that we could re-evaluate the situation if we see that
mutual trust is strengthened. “It is very useful for everyone to understand
this. The only thing which could be done today is not to lift the guarantees,
by to adopt them to the conditions of 2016”, he alleged and claimed: “[…] In
parallel to this effort of ours, we have no right to postpone our
responsibilities regarding the internal affairs of our home. It is not possible
and right to escape to the easy way of saying that ‘there will be a solution and
everything will be settled’. Yes, we are trying and we will try for a
solution, but we will work as hard as we can for the TRNC to advance in every
sense. If we reach a reasonable and realistic solution with the Greek Cypriot
side, the TRNC will take its place as equal partner in the solution. In case the
Greek Cypriot side cannot control its maximalist behaviors and does not approach
a reasonable agreement, we will continue our way as TRNC […]”.
(I/Ts.)
2.
Yildirim; “We want a solution with rotating presidency in Cyprus; Turkey’s
effective guarantees should continue”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (15.11.16, online
http://www.kibrispostasi.com/yildirim-umit-ederiz-ki-gorusmeler-iki-tarafi-da-memnun-edec)
reports that Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has argued that Turkey
wants a solution in Cyprus which provides for the “rotating presidency” and
continuation of Turkey’s “effective guarantees”.
Addressing
Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) group at the Turkish Grand National
Assembly (TGNA), Yildirim congratulated the “TRNC” on the occasion of the
33rd anniversary of its UDI and referring to the Cyprus talks claimed
that Turkey’s guarantees will continue. He alleged: “[…] First we congratulate
this beautiful day of our Cypriot brothers. We will continue any kind of
support, [and] sensitivity towards providing aid for Cyprus’ political, economic
and social development. Negotiations are going on these days in Cyprus. Their
aim is to end the injustices on the island which have been continuing for years.
The Greek Cypriot side represents the whole island and embargo is implemented
on the TRNC. The aim of the negotiations is to eliminate this injustice.
Whatever the result is, a solution which will take back the rights of our
Cypriot brothers and harm their just representation rights can never be
accepted. We also wish very much a solution which includes the two sides’
rotating presidency in Cyprus and the fair sharing. In order for the events of
the past not to be repeated, Turkey’s effective guarantees should continue. Let
those who put forward different alternatives not be deceived. We hope that
these negotiations will be concluded in a manner which will satisfy both sides”.
(I/Ts.)
3.
Turkes alleges that the breakaway regime is not an obstacle for the solution
in Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot illegal Bayrak television (15.11.16, online,
http://www.brtk.net/kktc-33-yasinda-2/) broadcast that Turkish Deputy prime
Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs, Tugrul Turkes has alleged that the
“TRNC”, as he called the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus, does not constitute an obstacle for a solution based on equal rights
on the island and added that Turkey will always offer its support to the
“TRNC” under any condition.
Addressing
the ceremony prior to the parade at Fazil Kucuk boulevard in the occupied part
of Nicosia within the framework of the “celebrations” for the 33rd anniversary
from the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) of Turkey’s subordinate
administration in the occupied area of Cyprus, Turkes claimed that the
“state”, which the Turks of Cyprus established 33 years ago, is “the highest
symbol of their just struggle”.
Turkes
alleged that the establishment of the “TRNC” declared the existence of two
communities on the island and argued: “[…] The TRNC, which founded its
traditions on sound foundations, continues growing in the social and economic
field in spite of the unjust isolation to which it has been subjected. It has
obtained the identity of both a tourism and education center in the world”.
Turkes
said that he wants the world to give the Turkish Cypriots their “legitimate
rights” without further delay and asked for the lifting of all the “embargoes”
in the air and sea transportation.
He alleged that the existence of the “TRNC” has never been an obstacle to a
lasting peace on the island and claimed that the Turkish Cypriots have always
supported the solution.
Arguing
that the Turkish Cypriots are exerting efforts for peace and solution during the
ongoing negotiations, Turkes said that “the world must see this reality” and
added: “A solution in Cyprus is possible. In parallel to the UN and
the guarantor countries, the support of the people living in the south of Cyprus
is important. We support reaching a final peace in Cyprus, which protects
the legitimate rights of the Turks of Cyprus. This is the result we want
to come out on 20 November. A bi-zonal, bi-communal united Cyprus, in which
equal founding rights exist, is in favor of all sides. Whatever is the
result which will come out from the process, Turkey’s support will continue
under any condition”.
(I/Ts.)
4.
Akinci had separate phone conservations with Biden and
Cavusoglu
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.11.16) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci had a 20-minute phone call last night with U.S. Vice President
Joe Biden upon his request.
During
the call, Biden thanked Akinci due to the Turkish Cypriot side’s positive stance
exhibited in Switzerland and the leadership he demonstrated too.
Moreover,
illegal Bayrak television (online, 14.11.16, http://www.brtk.net/muzakere-surecinde-gelinen-son-asamayi-degerlendirdi/)
broadcast that Akinci had also a phone conversation on Monday with the Turkish
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. They evaluated the latest stage of the Cyprus
talks.
(DPs)
5.
Akinci alleges that the “TRNC” could look at the future more safely as long as
it stands on its own feet in cooperation with Turkey
Turkish
Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (15.11.16) reports that Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has alleged that the “TRNC”, as
he called the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus,
will be going better every day in cooperation with Turkey and be able to look at
the future more safely as long as it soundly stands on its own feet.
In
statements yesterday during a meeting with a delegation from the Turkish Grand
National Assembly (TGNA), Akinci referred to the negotiations which will
start in Switzerland on 20 November and wished for a date for holding a
five-party conference to be determined, describing the five-party conference as
“the last stage of the process of finding a solution to the Cyprus
problem”.
Akinci
reiterated that in case a solution to the Cyprus problem is reached, the “TRNC”
will become one of the two equal partners of the federal structure, as it is
noted in its “declaration of establishment”
and alleged: “However, if the Greek Cypriot side does not abandon its
maximalist approaches and continues demanding the impossible, the TRNC will
continue its own way”.
Akinci
expressed the view that the Turkish Cypriot side has not the luxury of
postponing its internal problems saying that a solution to the Cyprus problem
will be reached and claimed that a “TRNC” which has a strong economy and
democracy will become a sounder partner of the federal structure which will be
established.
Akinci
reiterated that his wish is a lasting peace in the island to be reached, and
added that there is the opportunity for both sides to obtain their rights and be
able to make use of the wealth in the area together, to be able to jointly
exploit the natural gas and transfer it to Europe through Turkey and jointly use
the water which came from Turkey.
Referring
to the negotiations which will be held in Switzerland next week, Akinci said:
“I hope that when we meet again next weekend, we will determine the date of a
five-party conference at which Turkey will also be present together with the
other guarantor countries”.
(I/Ts.)
6.
Burcu argues that a final and comprehensive solution to the territory issue
will not be achieved in Switzerland next week
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (15.11.16) reports that Baris
Burcu, spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader, has argued that a
comprehensive and final solution to the territory issue will not be reached
during the negotiations which will resume in Switzerland on 20 November. In
statements to illegal TAK news agency, Burcu said that during these talks
next week the date for a five-party conference will be determined on the one
hand and the sides will prepare maps on the basis of the agreed criteria on the
other.
Asked
to comment on a statement made by Government Spokesman, Nikos Christodoulides
that the negotiators of the sides would meet during this week to discuss issues
that remained open, Burcu noted that no meeting in Nicosia will be held
between the negotiators prior to the talks in Switzerland, because this would
allegedly be contrary to the achieved agreement, which provides for
“continuation of the negotiations from the point they were left, at the same
place and in the same form after one week”.
Burcu
described as “wrong” the statement made by the Government Spokesman to CyBC
saying that “if everything goes well and an agreement is reached on the
territory in Switzerland, this does not mean that an international conference
will immediately be convened”. Burcu alleged: “A comprehensive and final
agreement on the territory will not be achieved in Switzerland. The criteria on
the territory will be agreed and we will pass to the stage of the map, but the
search for an agreement on maps will take place during the five-party
conference. It will take its final form during the five-party conference where
the security and the guarantees will be discussed”.
(I/Ts.)
7.
Messages by Denktas, Eroglu and Ozersay on the 33rd anniversary of
the UDI of the “TRNC”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (15.11.16) reports that Serdar Denktas,
self-styled deputy prime minister and finance minister, former Turkish Cypriot
leader Dervis Eroglu and Kudret Ozersay, leader of the People’s Party (HP)
issued yesterday messages to mark the 33rd anniversary of the unilateral
declaration of independence (UDI) of the breakaway regime in the occupied area
of Cyprus.
Denktas
claimed that the “TRNC”
(translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus) exists as a “state” and is a part of the international law and
relations and it will continue to exist. He further argued: “The TRNC today
is an independent and sovereign state. This state was established through the
right to self-determination of the Turkish Cypriot people. It is suitable to
international law and recognition. Regardless of whether or not it is recognised
the TRNC is a state and exists and will continue to
exist”.
Eroglu,
in his message, argued that taking into account of what is going on in the
region and the world is unreasonable to give up or water down the effective and
active Turkey’s guarantees on Cyprus.
Ozersay
also alleged that a “TRNC”, which is administered well and its institutions are
also operating well, then it can be the most important guarantee of the
permanence and viability of the Cyprus settlement.
(DPs)
8.
Ertugruloglu briefed the foreign journalists
Turkish
Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (15.11.16) reports that Tahsin Ertugruloglu,
self-styled minister of foreign affairs gave a briefing to 27 foreign
journalists from 19 different countries who are currently in the occupied area
of Cyprus in order to attend the celebrations of the 33rd anniversary of the
unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of Cyprus.
During
the briefing which was held at the “ministry of foreign affairs” yesterday,
Ertugruloglu informed the journalists about the Cyprus problem and the Cyprus
talks. He also replied to questions of the foreign journalists following the
briefing.
(DPs)
9.
General Musa Avsener of the Turkish occupation forces visited Akinci, Siber
and Ozgurgun
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 14.11.16), Turkish 1st Army Commander,
General Musa Avsever who is representing the Turkish occupation forces in Cyprus
at the 33rd anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) of
the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus visited the Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci, the self-styled speaker of the parliament Sibel Siber and
self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun respectively.
During
his visit to Akinci, Commander Avsever presented to him a letter sent by
Turkey’s Chief of Staff. Akinci handed a letter containing his many thanks to
the Turkish Land Forces for the sacred duty that it took on many years ago and
is still continuing today to the General to hand to the Turkish Chief of
Staff.
Speaking
during the visit, Akinci said that while working towards establishing a
federation which will be just and formed by the two equal constituent states
they also worked towards further improving the “TRNC
economy”.
General
Avsever later visited Siber. The Commander of the “Cyprus Turkish peace forces”
Command Lieutenant General Ömer Paç was also present at the meeting.
For
her part, Siber said that Turkey is going through difficult days and sent her
kindest regards to Turkey’s Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar. She also
expressed the belief that everything will be better for both the Turkish
Cypriots and Turkey in a short period of time.
The
Commander then met with Ozgurgun, who pointed to the important duty the Turkish
occupation Forces were carrying out on the island since 1974 (editor’s note:
since the Turkish invasion to Cyprus in 174).
Reminding
that the Cyprus negotiation process is continuing, Ozgurgun claimed that
“there is one certainty and that is that the Turkish Armed Forces which is
providing peace and security on the island since 1974”. He said that “the
continuation of this is a major red line of the Turkish Cypriot people” and
added that “the government supports a solution that guarantees the security of
its people”.
Ozgurgun
argued that hopefully the Greek Cypriot side will also support a solution that
gives equal rights to the partners on the island.
10.
Siber met with a delegation from Kosovo
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 14.11.16), Sibel Siber, self-styled
assembly speaker, has said that it is on their agenda to organize “TRNC Days” in
Kosovo.
Siber
met with a delegation from Kosovo consisting of the “deputy parliamentary
speaker” Fikrim Damka and “deputy” Müferra Şinik who are in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus to attend the celebrations of the 33rd anniversary of the
unilateral declaration of independence (UDI).
Speaking
during the visit, Damka expressed satisfaction for visiting the “TRNC” and said:
“The sister country Kosovo shared in the Turkish Cypriot people’s
joy”.
Siber,
for her part, expressed the hope that cultural ties and mutual visits will
further improve between the “TRNC” and Kosovo.
Reminding
that they visited Kosovo on the 23rd of April, she said during that time they
planned to organize “TRNC Days” in Kosovo however she added that this could not
be realized due to the latest developments.
Stating
that this project was still on the agenda, Siber said: “Visits where two peoples
will know each other and each other’s culture, tradition and art are important
for the country’s tourism, peace, and friendship”.
11.
Turkish vessels violate once more Cyprus’ territorial waters
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.11.16) reports that the so-called security
forces command, within the framework of the celebrations of the 33rd anniversary
of the breakaway’s regime Unilateral Declaration of Indepedence (UDI), announced
that the TCG Anafartalar submarine, the TCG Giresun frigate and the TCG Tufan
torpedo boat, which all belong to the Turkish Naval Forces, are open today for
the public to visit.
According
to a press release by the so-called security forces command, the TCG Tufan
torpedo boat is anchored at the occupied harbour of Famagusta, the TCG
Anafartalar submarine is anchored at the occupied port of Keryneia and the TCG
Giresun frigate will be anchored at the open sea of the occupied town of
Keryneia.
(DPs)
12.
Chinese MFA: China is Turkey's 'friend in need'
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (14.11.16), China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has
stressed how his country stepped up to demonstrate "immediate" support to Turkey
after the failed July 15 coup bid.
Speaking
to Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview on Sunday in Ankara, paying an
official visit, Wang said, “China immediately expressed support for the
Turkish government’s efforts to uphold stability in accordance with the law and
sent a vice foreign minister to visit Turkey”.
Asked
about Turkey and China’s cooperation on security issues and the Fetullah
Terrorist Organization's (FETO) activities in the country, Wang said:
"Neither of us allows any activity on its soil that undermines the other's
security and stability”.
Wang
added that since last year, the nation’s Presidents, Xi Jinping and Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, have met three times and reached important agreements on protecting
national security and fighting terrorism. Ahead of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou
this September, Erdogan and Xi signed three bilateral agreements in the areas of
energy, nuclear security, and agricultural health
certification.
"There
is zero tolerance for any organization or individual that engages in such
activities," Wang said, adding that China's support for Turkey in the wake of
the coup attempt "proves that China is a friend in
need”.
13.
Turkish PM Yildirim to visit Russia to normalize process between Ankara and
Moscow
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.11.16), Turkey’s Prime
Minister Binali Yıldırım will pay a visit to Russia in the first week of
December in a bid to accelerate the ongoing normalization process between Ankara
and Moscow, as well as to seek cooperation in Syria and Iraq.
Yıldırım
and Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev will chair the meetings in Moscow,
although the date for the Turkish Prime Minister’s visit has not yet been fixed,
according to sources.
The
trip will be Yıldırım’s first visit to Russia since he was appointed as Prime
Minister In May.
According
to sources, the main agenda of the Yıldırım-Medvedev meeting will include
economic cooperation between the two countries after a number of sanctions
imposed by Russia continue to be gradually lifted.
Expected
to be accompanied with a delegation of businessmen, Yıldırım and his counterpart
will also discuss trade in the Turkish Lira and the Russian Ruble, the
establishment of a free trade zone, and the enhancement of tourism between the
two countries.
The
two Prime Ministers will also discuss developments in Syria and
Iraq,
at a time when the international community has intensified efforts to clear the
two countries from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) through the
ongoing Mosul and upcoming Raqqa operations. Turkey and Russia established a
mechanism composed of diplomats, soldiers and intelligence officers in order to
provide better coordination in Syria, as Turkey has continued its Euphrates
Shield Operation since late August.
After
the prime ministerial visit, the Turkish-Russian High Level Cooperation Council
is expected to convene under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
and President Vladimir Putin in January.
14.
Turkey supports Kashmir’s right to self-determination, as well as Pakistan’s
support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue.
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (14.11.16), Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan is visiting Pakistan this Wednesday and Thursday at the invitation of
President Mamnoon Hussain, said a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry
Monday.
Erdogan
has visited Pakistan on a number of occasions, but this will be his first
bilateral visit since rising to the presidency in August
2014.
Erdogan
will be accompanied by a high-level entourage, including Ministers and senior
officials, as well as a large business delegation, the statement said.
Besides
meeting with Hussain, Erdogan will hold talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
covering a wide range of bilateral matters, as well as regional and
international issues.
Erdogan
is also scheduled to address a joint session of Parliament. Pakistan's President
will host a banquet in honour of the distinguished guest and his entourage.
Erdogan will also travel to Lahore, where the Prime Minister will host a banquet
in his honor at the Shahi Fort.
"Pakistan
and Turkey are bound by an exemplary relationship characterized by warmth,
cordiality, and mutual trust. These are embedded deep in history, common faith,
cultural and linguistic affinities and a sense of common destiny. Frequent
exchanges at the leadership and ministerial levels and growing cooperation in
diverse fields are the hallmarks of the unique bonds between Pakistan and
Turkey," the statement said.
"The
leadership of both countries is committed to transforming this historic
relationship into a strong strategic partnership, in line with the realities of
the 21st century. The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council at the leadership
level and a host of other bilateral institutional mechanisms provide an
effective platform for frequent exchanges of views," it
continued.
Bilateral
ties between Pakistan and Turkey have seen tremendous growth and dynamism in
recent years, and both sides are working to boost trade, investment, and
commercial cooperation as part of efforts to build a robust economic
partnership, the statement said.
The
statement also stressed Turkish and Pakistani collaboration on supporting the
people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s right to self-determination, as well as
Pakistan’s support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue.
The
Pakistani and Turkish leaderships remain strongly committed to further deepening
and strengthening bilateral ties in all areas, and Erdogan’s visit will further
solidify their abiding relationship, the statement
concluded.
15.
AKP delivers charter draft to MHP
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.11.16), the ruling Justice
and Development Party (AKP) officially delivered a charter draft to the
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on Nov. 15, days after the leaders of both
parties agreed on principles over constitutional changes that will pave the way
for the adoption of a presidential system.
“The
AKP’s constitutional draft text has been handed into us officially,” MHP leader
Devlet Bahceli said in an address to his party group in the parliament. The MHP
will scrutinize the text in detail, Bahceli said, stressing that a commission
composed of the two parties will finalize the draft “in line with his party’s
sensitivities”.
“As
a party, we are examining the text in a very meticulous, careful and detailed
manner. We are outlining the articles that we approve or do not approve … We
will conclude our work to submit the constitutional changes as soon as
possible,” he added.
The
draft includes a detailed amendment focused on solving the immediate problems in
Turkish politics Bahceli said. He recalled his previous criticism of the AKP for
imposing a de facto presidential system by decree laws, which led him to propose
bringing the constitutional draft to a public vote.
After
examination of the draft, the constitutional amendment will be introduced to
parliament’s Constitution Committee, Bahceli added, calling on the main
opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) to participate in the process.
“We
are hoping to introduce the amendments we have agreed on in the Constitutional
Committee to a parliamentary vote as soon as possible,” he
said.
“The
CHP should not be reluctant in this process”, Bahceli said, recalling CHP leader
Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s recent expression of willingness to meet Prime Minister
Yıldırım in order to discuss the text.
“Our
door is always open,” Kilicdaroglu had said on Nov. 13, stressing that his
party’s stance would not be decided before examining the
text.
The
CHP has repeatedly declared that it supports strengthening the parliamentary
system and opposes any regime change introducing the executive presidential
system. “If their doors are open to the prime minister, if they say they would
like to see the draft, then let’s come together and eliminate the de facto
predicaments”, MHP head Bahceli said.
16.
“Bird Airlines” is not a member of ICAO or IATA
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper reports that the general secretary of the
People’s Party (HP) Tolga Atakan, in a post at the social media, argued that the
airline company “Bird Airways”, which got “permission” of the “government” of
the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus to operate to and from the
occupie airport of Tymbou, is not registered at Turkey’s General Directorate of
Civil Aviation. Atakan also said that the airline company “Bird Airways” is not
a member of ICAO and does not appear among the 265 airline members of IATA.
He
added in his post: “It seems that it is a ghost company”.
(DPs)
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/AM)
