TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
233/16
03-05.12.2016
1.
Akinci: There was no pre-condition or give and take for the five-party
conference; The wise thing to do is to implement the European time
2.
Burcu denied reports published in the Greek Cypriot
press
3.
Cavusoglu’s interview to daily Sabah; He accused the Greek Cypriot side of
stepping back from the talks in Mont Pelerin
4.
Nami said that Akinci guaranteed that there will not be a solution text not
obtaining Turkish Cypriots’ equality and guarantee
5.
Denktas stated that he would say no to a possible referendum on the Cyprus
problem
6.
Erhurman: Sides outside the guarantor powers will participate in the
international conference only with the approval of the sides concerned
7.
Deputy Chairman of CHP for the Cyprus negotiations: “We won in 1974 and now it
is as if we are negotiating a defeat
8.
Ertugruloglu: Akinci should have known the “bad intentions” of the Greek Cypriot
side as regards the Cyprus negotiations
9.
Self-styled deputy assembly speaker carried out contacts in
Kosovo
10.
Harmanci participated in the OICC symposium in Morocco
11.
The so-called council of minister’s decision over the change of school and
working hours in the occupation regime created confusion and chaos; reactions by
trade unions and organizations
12.
The positive course of the Cyprus talks benefited the real estate sector in the
occupied area of Cyprus
13.
Erdogan calls the Turkish citizens to convert foreign exchange into gold or
Turkish lira; “Turkey to trade in local currencies with Russia, China and
Iran”
14.
Turkey's bank regulator converts cash assets into Turkish
lira
15.
CHP’s Kilicdaroglu kicked off rallies against presidential
system
16.
Survey in Turkey reveals that more than 50% support talks over draft
Constitution
1.
Akinci: There was no pre-condition or give and take for the five-party
conference; The wise thing to do is to implement the European time
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (05.12.16, online,
http://www.kibrispostasi.com/akinci-5li-konferans-icin-hicbir-on-kosul-yoktur-05122016)
reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said this morning
that contrary to what it is said there has been no pre-condition or
give and take for a five-party conference and that the agreement is as it was
announced by the UN.
In
statements at the illegal Tymbou airport prior to his departure for Brussels
where he is expected to meet with the President of the EU Commission Jean-Claude
Junker, the Speaker of the European Parliament Martin Schultz and the High
Representative Responsible for the EU’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policies,
Federica Mogherini, Akinci said that his contacts with the EU in this period
“have exceptional importance”, because the date for a five-party conference has
been determined.
Noting
that the date for a five-part conference has been determined and that they are
heading towards a “determined period in the solution process”, Akinci argued
that in case things go well, they will try to end with an agreement on the
points on which disagreement between the sides exist and wished for the Greek
Cypriot side to also show the same determination.
He
alleged that in case an agreement is reached in Geneva, the “TRNC” will take its
place in an honorable solution, it will be turned into one of the two founding
states and it will take its place in the international law and the
EU.
Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriots’ preparation process for the EU, which
has been going on for some time, will gain more importance now and expressed the
view that the meetings he will hold with the EU officials are of great
importance.
“There
are duties which fall on us and at the same time there are duties which fall on
the EU”, he argued claiming that the EU should do certain things in order for
the solution to be implemented in a healthy manner,
adding that the Turkish Cypriot “people” and the “TRNC” have expectations
from the EU as regards their preparation for the EU. Akinci said that
all these will be discussed during his contacts in Brussels and he will tell the
EU officials at which point the Cyprus talks reached.
Recalling
that a road map came out from the recent meeting he held with President
Anastasiades and the UNSG Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide, Akinci
said that they agreed on a road map according to which they will go to Geneva on
9 January and it will turn into five-party conference on 12 January. He
argued that contrary to some information given to the public, “there is
absolutely no pre-condition” in the road going to Geneva and the agreement is as
was announced by the UN. Noting that there is no pre-condition or give and take
carried out in the back stage, Akinci said that some “speculative news” is not
correct and that the truth is what is included in the agreement text announced
by the UN.
Akinci
said that he will return to the occupied area of Cyprus on Thursday night and
that he will have a busy schedule until the meeting in Geneva. He wished for a
solution to be reached to the Cyprus problem in which both “peoples” are happy
and live in tranquility.
Referring
to the time implemented in the occupied area of Cyprus and the dispute caused on
this issue after the “government’s” decision to follow Turkey in not changing
the summer time into the winter time, Akinci said that this week started with
chaos regarding the time. He noted that his house is next to a school and
added that this morning the bell rang twice, at 08.00 and 08.30. He pointed
out that the Turkish Cypriots should not live in this chaos and that the problem
should be solved urgently.
Recalling
that he had expressed his view in the past and that everything depends on the
“government’s” decision, Akinci added that “the reasonable thing to is to
readjust to the system which has been implemented for years”. “I think
that it would be correct to repeat the system which has been implemented for
years”, he argued and added that he conveyed this view to the “government”
during their recent meeting. The most correct and reasonable thing to do is
to act according to the rules of nature and take the clocks one hour backwards
according to the EU time zone, he underlined.
(I/Ts.)
2.
Burcu denied reports published in the Greek Cypriot press
According
to illegal Bayrak television (03.12.16) so-called presidential spokesman Baris
Burcu issued a written statement noting that they had witnessed varied news
being broadcast in the Greek Cypriot press regarding who will be taking part in
the upcoming Cyprus conference.
Burcu
stated that on the 9th of January 2017 the leaders will begin discussions in
Switzerland and on the 12th of January the three guarantor powers in Cyprus will
take part in a summit with the aim of finding a permanent solution to the Cyprus
problem. “The statement made by the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser to
Cyprus Espen Barth Eide was very clear”, said Burcu.
“According
to this statement ‘in line with the leaders joint resolve to reach a
comprehensive settlement as soon as possible, the two leaders have further
decided that they will meet in Geneva on the 9th of January 2017. On the 11th of
January, they will present their respective maps. From the 12th of January, a
Conference on Cyprus will be convened with the added participation of the
guarantor powers. Other relevant parties shall be invited as needed, the UN
statement said”, noted Burce and added that this statement by the UN is very
clear and not open to misinterpretation.
He
emphasized that as the statement clarifies, the leaders will begin discussions
in Switzerland on the 9th of January and then on the 12th of January, with the
participation of representatives from the three guarantor countries Turkey,
Greece and the United Kingdom, it will become a
conference.
3.
Cavusoglu’s interview to daily Sabah; He accused the Greek Cypriot side of
stepping back from the talks in Mont Pelerin
Turkish
daily Sabah (04.12.16-online in English) reported that Turkey’s Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusuglu, in an interview to the paper during his official
visit to Lebanon on Friday, referred to his recent visit to Russia and his
contacts with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov last week, stating that with
Lavrov, they prioritized the implementation of a cease-fire in
Syria.
“Turkey
believes it can cooperate with the incoming Trump administration in the U.S. as
many of Ankara's concerns overlap with that of Trump, and the two allies can
once again become motivated by a common vision”, Cavusoglu said.
Underlining
the importance of distinguishing pre-election rhetoric with post-election
reality, Cavusoglu has predicted that under the Trump administration "Turkey and
the U.S. can once again become two allies motivated by a common
vision."
Referring
to his meeting with Lavrov, he underlined that if Turkey and Russia are
determined and the negotiations continue with sincerity, they can actually
instate a cease-fire and talk about the political process to follow it.
Cavusoglu also stated that they are taking some steps for this to happen and
added that they desire to conclude this process as soon as
possible.
Commenting
about the ongoing Mosul operation and the situation in the Turkmen populated
city of Tal Afar, Çavusoglu said that there is a plan that foresees how and
where each and every force within the offensive will attack, including the
peshmerga forces, the Iraqi military, local forces and the Hashd al-Shaabi. He
added that so far they have observed that the Mosul offensive was going
according to the agreement.
Regarding
the current state of Turkish-EU relations, Cavusoglu underlined that there is a
crisis of trust between the Turkish people and the EU: "The people don't believe
what the EU says anymore," he said.
Following
is an abstract of Cavusoglu’s interview:
“Q:
No results about Cyprus came out of Mont Pelerin. Is a new negotiation
possible?
The
resolution of the Cyprus issue must not be delayed any further. The conference
date and location for the quintet must be decided. The two leaders had
previously agreed to talk with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about inviting
the quintet for the meeting while they were on their way to New York. However,
Anastasiades seemingly stepped back.
At
Mont Pelerin, the date and location was to be determined, however, first the
Greek Cypriot delegates pardoned themselves and abruptly left the table because
their demands were not fulfilled.
The Greek Cypriot administration wants to keep as much possible as to
themselves while going to the final meetings. This is against the
understanding of negotiations and the joint statement made on Feb. 11,
2014.
I
talked with the Turkish side. President Akıncı, the ruling party and the
opposition are all saying the same thing: The date of the conference must be
decided. Until then, they are saying that they will keep meeting with the Greek
Cypriot administration and they will continue trying to come to agreements on
some issues. In short, they are trying to do as much as they can before the
conference, to resolve issues during the conference and then hold a referendum
according to the decision. This is how a party wanting to resolve the issue
would behave. This process has been discussed frequently and intensely since
2015, however, they cannot keep this up for another decade. Therefore, it has to
be resolved as soon as possible.
Q:
Cyprus is also a crucial issue in Turkish-EU relations. How do you evaluate the
situation in this context?
I
can honestly say that we never acted in a calculated way while trying to resolve
the Cyprus issue. We never thought about whether the EU would open another
chapter or whether our relations would improve. We didn't do it, even though
this issue was always brought to the table. This means that we sincerely want to
resolve the issue in Cyprus. The advantages and opportunities of a resolution in
Cyprus and Turkey's contributions afterwards would be significant. The Greek
Cypriot administration is aware of this potential. Therefore, because so much
progress has been made, both parties should have a strong will to resolve the
issue.
(…)
Q:
The relations between Turkey and the EU are currently tense. If Turkey and the
EU go their separate ways in the days to come, will this mean that Turkey is
relinquishing EU values?
We
are not against the common values of Europe and we will not forsake democracy;
on the contrary we have to improve it. Laws and justice is needed by all. We are
disturbed by how the EU has been approaching us. We have been expressing that we
are troubled by their double standards, as we have clearly seen this, especially
after the coup attempt. The sensible ones have become aware of this and feel
ashamed.
We
also see in Europe the increasing threats and escalating issues, which we
commonly share. We are stating that this process may end catastrophically and we
express that some EU policies have been unsuccessful.
We
are clearly saying that the long and slow process of Turkey's full membership
bid is EU's responsibility.
This is what we are complaining about. Moreover, we are also critical of the EU
looking down on non-EU countries. We are expressing that this is not a healthy
approach to our colleagues in the EU, through official and unofficial channels.
We have explained that some EU countries have very different standards than
others.
We
are telling them that they cannot achieve anything with this kind of approach
towards countries like Turkey and Russia.
Firstly,
they should see us as equals; we will never accept any inferior or substandard
position. We know there are certain issues and that is why we are pushing many
reforms. These are our complaints. We are just saying that Europe has to correct
its mistakes. We have never said that we abhor democracy, human rights and
freedoms and we do not think about terminating our relations with the EU – that
notion is always voiced by them”.
(…)
4.
Nami said that Akinci guaranteed that there will not be a solution text not
obtaining Turkish Cypriots’ equality and guarantee
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (04.12.16) reports that the Turkish
Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami by giving details regarding the Cyprus talks,
guaranteed that there will not be a solution text in which the equality and the
security of the Turkish Cypriots will not exist.
Speaking
on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci at the 11th
ordinary general assembly of the “Cyprus Turkish Businessmen’s association”
(ISAD), Nami said that the whole process of the negotiation talks today is
based, first on the framework drawn by the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf
Denktas, the convergence paper of the former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali
Talat, and on the most important document, the joint declaration of February 11,
with the former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.
Nami
further said that Akinci has given his guarantee that he will not bring a
solution text, which does not include the political equality and does not
safeguard the full security of all the Turkish Cypriots.
Stressing
that during the whole process they are in close consultation with Turkey and
with Turkey’s support and its technical assistance, Nami argued that the model
which is formed, will be able to solve in a more advanced, clear, transparent
and quicker way the property issue than the Annan plan, and will not put the
Turkish Cypriots into financial troubles.
Noting
that the Governance and Power-sharing issue is one of the most important
chapters of the Cyprus problem, Nami explained that the issues, which were left
behind and some others which were precluded in order to safeguard progress in
this chapter, are not in the level that will prevent the solution of the Cyprus
problem.
(DPs)
5.
Denktas stated that he would say no to a possible referendum on the Cyprus
problem
According
to illegal Bayrak television (03.12.16) so-called deputy prime minister and
minister of finance Serdar Denktas alleged that with the announcement of the
date for the five- party conference and by saying that the Greek Cypriot side
has taken a step back means that extra concessions will be sought from the
Turkish Cypriot side.
According
to a statement released by the “deputy prime ministry”, Denktas informed the
mukhtars in the occupied Famagusta region regarding the developments that have
taken place at the Cyprus negotiations process.
He
drew attention to the fact that the phase reached in the Cyprus negotiations
process today was carried out in a different way from the Annan plan. “During
the Annan plan era, a joint document had been produced but now there is no such
document. The talks are being carried out privately and we are being told to
read the minutes. We are reading the minutes but how progress was achieved and
in which areas agreement has been reached is not clear”, said
Denktas.
Alleging
that in Geneva, maps had been discussed and the number of Greek Cypriots to
return to the “north” had also been agreed upon Denktas, added: “During the
first tour a map with the percentage of 28.2 to 29.2% was discussed and a call
was made for 80 thousand Greek Cypriots to return”.
He
claimed that political equality was out of the question and that in the lower
house of the parliament to be formed, there would be 36 Greek Cypriots and 12
Turkish Cypriots and that decisions would be made through a majority vote. “If
12 Turkish Cypriot parliamentarians vote no then the issue will be taken to the
Senate where there are two Greek Cypriots and two Turkish Cypriots. If an
agreement isn’t reached here then the issue will be sent to the High Court. One
of the five judges’ names given by the EU will be appointed here. One European,
two Turkish Cypriot and two Greek Cypriot judges will serve here, meaning three
against two. So Turkish Cypriots will lose out once again. Tell me where is
equality”, Denktas said.
He
added that if you take a close look at all of the meetings that have taken place
up until now on the Cyprus issue you could see the
“realities”.
Denktas
also alleged that in fact the date of the five- party conference had been set
previously and that although there are claims that the Greek Cypriot side has
taken a step back, in reality more concessions are going to be sought after from
the Turkish Cypriot side.
“In
the end it looks like we will be called to go and take part in a referendum in
March or April” said Denktas and added that he would be voting no at the
referendum as the developments in the country do not benefit the Turkish Cypriot
“people”.
6.
Erhurman: Sides outside the guarantor powers will participate in the
international conference only with the approval of the sides concerned
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (04.12.16) reported that
Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has
said that the statement issued by the UN shows that it will be possible for the
sides outside the guarantor powers to participate in the international
conference for the solution of the Cyprus problem only with the approval of the
sides concerned. In an interview with Yeni Duzen, Erhurman described this as
“extremely positive” and added:
“Our
expectation is of course for the conference to end successfully. A positive
point attracting attention is the fact that there is no pre-condition on the
issue of the determined timetable to work. That is, the timetable will work in
any case and this conference will be materialized. The side which
attempts to put forward a pre-condition as regards the timetable after this
point will be required to undertake the responsibility for the collapse of the
process. And this is a positive point which pushes all sides to contribute to
the process”.
Replying
to a question as regards the developments he expects, Erhurman noted that these
are mentioned in the UN’s announcement. He said that according to the “official
timetable”, the negotiators will meet aiming to achieve as much progress as they
can on the remaining issues and the leaders will also meet when this is
necessary. The sides will go to Geneva on 9 January, they will submit maps on 11
January and a conference with the participation of the guarantor powers will
start on 12 January, he added. If it is needed other interested sides will also
be included in the conference, he noted adding that this is the agreed
timetable, but some obstacles may come up or efforts may be exerted to cause
problems to the process.
(I/Ts.)
7.
Deputy Chairman of CHP for the Cyprus negotiations: “We won in 1974 and now it
is as if we are negotiating a defeat
Turkish
Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (05.12.16) reports that Ozturk Yilmaz, the deputy
chairman of the main opposition party in Turkey, the Republican People’s Party
(CHP) claimed that Greek Cypriots, even if they are in a position of advantage
at the negotiations, they act as if they are losing something and manage to get
even more compromises when they return to the island, by bargaining and by
slowing down the solution process.
Yilmaz,
who was speaking during a press conference at the Turkish Grand National
Assembly, said that the negotiations is Switzerland failed and expressed his
sorrow because as he claimed the Cyprus talks are conducted with the “just get
rid of it”, logic.
He
also claimed that the negotiations must be based on the “absolute equality of
the two founding states” and added that the mentality that the Republic of
Cyprus does not recognize the “TRNC”, creates problems. He also alleged that the
European Union has double standards over this issue.
Yilmaz
claimed that the reasons behind the talks’ failure were the extraordinary
demands of the Greek Cypriots on the territory issue, the condition that they
put that Turkey must abandon the guarantees on the island, the increase of the
number of the Greek Cypriots that will return in case of a solution to 90,000
and the non-acceptance of the rotating presidency. He alleged that the Greek
Cypriots use these excuses as a tactic method and said that they (the Turkish
side) have great concerns as regards the territory issue. “The Turkish side
accepted immediately to go down to 29,2% at the Cyprus talks. We think that is
wrong. The method followed for the territory and other issues, before clearing
up the conditions for the guarantees and for alliance, were wrong”, he
said.
He
also claimed that in January there will be an exchange of papers and that the
Greek Cypriot side will take the land it wants as regards the
territory.
“The
Greek Cypriot side will do anything possible so that the negotiations to have a
negative ending”, he stated.
Yilmaz
went on and added that the 1974 invasion to Cyprus was a victory for Turkey:
“However, It is as if we have we been defeated in 1974 and we are conducting the
negotiations of a defeat. That is, we are losing at the (negotiation table) in
2017, what we have gained in 1974. This cannot be done. We will not quit Cyprus
for anyone’s sake. What is the pressure that the (Turkish) government is facing,
(to act like this) during such an internationally complex period and oversees
what is going on here?”, he stated.
(CS)
8.
Ertugruloglu: Akinci should have known the “bad intentions” of the Greek Cypriot
side as regards the Cyprus negotiations
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis newspaper (05.12.16) reports that the self-styled
foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu claimed that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci should have known the “bad intentions” of the Greek Cypriot side as
regards the Cyprus negotiations.
He
was evaluating the recent developments of the Cyprus talks after Mont Pelerin
and the forthcoming new meeting in Geneva.
Ertugruloglu
also said that Akinci entered the negotiation taking a risk and exposing himself
to criticism and added that the Turkish Cypriot leader realized that the Greek
Cypriot side will not meet his expectations as regards the solution. “Akinci
should not have taken the risk. He should have known the bad intentions of the
Greek Cypriot side. […] the territory issues were discussed using a bad method
of tactic. Akinci thought that he would take the Turkish Cypriot people to a
positive point, based on his own vision”, Ertugruloglu stated.
He
went on and added that during the five –party summit, everything will be clear
and that the Turkish side will not tolerate any delaying tactics. Referring to a
recent statement of the Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides, that the Greek
Cypriot side can only accept guarantees for a short time, Ertugruloglu wonders
how the Greek Cypriot side may think that the Turkish Cypriot side could be
satisfied with such a statement.
(CS)
9.
Self-styled deputy assembly speaker carried out contacts in
Kosovo
Turkish
Cypriot daily Demokrat Bakis newspaper (05.12.16) reports that the self-styled
deputy assembly speaker of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus Huseyin Avkiran Alanli carried out contacts in Kosovo.
During
his visit to Kosovo, Alanli met also with the “deputy parliamentary speaker”
Fikrim Damka. Alanli expressed his satisfaction for being on good terms with the
brother country of Kosovo and added that the frequency of the mutual visits
among them in the recent years show the level of their relations. He added that
the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to increase the bilateral contacts in order to
consolidate more the cultural and social bonds among their “people”.
Referring
to the students from Kosovo studying in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus, Alanli said that the student exchange programmes may permit the
strengthening of the bonds by knowing the “people” of each “country”. He also
called on Kosovo not to abandon its state and its independence, because “state
means freedom, survival and not be dominated by anyone”.
(DPs)
10.
Harmanci participated in the OICC symposium in
Morocco
Turkish
Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (03.12.16) reports that Mehmet Harmanci, “mayor”
of the Turkish Cypriot municipality of the occupied part of Nicosia, was in
Morocco for contacts within the framework of the 12th symposium of
OICC (the Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities), which was held in Rabat
between November 29 and December 1.
According
to a press release by the “municipality”, Harmanci is continuing to take steps
forwards advancing the legal issue of the “Lefkosia Turkish municipality” in the
international arena. Harmanci met with mayors and officials of some important
towns, the General Secretary of OICC and the Prime Minister of Morocco Abdelilah
Benkirane.
Harmanci,
while in a meeting with the parliamentary committee of Tripoli, Lebanon, has
reached an agreement-in-principle to cooperate.
Harmanci,
who also had the opportunity to meet with the mayor of Rabat, Mohamed Sadiki and
the OICC General Secretary Omar Abdullah Kad, discussed the issues of
cooperation of the “Lefkosia Turkish municipality” in the international
arena.
On
the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (05.12.16) reports that
the delegation from the “Lefkosia Turkish municipality” presented a paper on the
sewage treatment in the occupied village of Mia Milia.
(DPs)
11.
The so-called council of minister’s decision over the change of school and
working hours in the occupation regime created confusion and chaos; reactions by
trade unions and organizations
According
to illegal Bayrak television (05.12.16) the so-called council of ministers
has decided to change working hours for “public offices” following last week’s
devastating traffic accident that left two school girls and their bus driver
dead.
Many
people blamed poor lighting due to the early time for the Tuesday accident after
the “TRNC” joined Turkey in deciding not to follow day-light saving along with
the rest of the island.
The
new time will see schools and “public” workplaces beginning their day at 8.30am
instead of 8am.
“Public
offices” will remain open until 4pm according to the decision taken by the
“council of ministers”. Offices on Thursdays will open between 8:30am-1pm and
2pm-5:30pm.
Also,
students studying in primary schools will start classes at 8:30am till 1.10pm
while secondary school students will end their classes at 1:40pm.
On
Mondays 3rd to 4th graders at primary schools will have a lunch break until
2:30pm while secondary school pupils will commence classes at 2:35pm.
Classes
on Mondays will end at 4:40pm and 4:35pm respectively.
The
“practice” will remain in place for December, January and February.
Despite
the government’s decision to start schools half an hour late, the school bells
rang at 8 o’clock this morning. While some students were present at school at
8am, others arrived at 8:30am as families were confused and undecided on what
time to drop off their kids to school.
Meanwhile,
referring to the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (04.12.16)
under the front-page title: “Chaos is about to come at the public sector”
reported that the “public servants trade union” (KTAMS), the “Turkish Cypriot
teacher trade union” (KTOS) and the Turkish Cypriot secondary school teachers’
union (KTOEÖS) have announced that they will not recognize the changes
introduced by the so-called government regarding the working hours and stated
that they will continue with protest and strikes until the so-called government
implement the daylight saving time.
The
three trade unions announced also that they will hold a general strike on
Tuesday and called all the members of the “Trade union platform” to support
their action.
In
statements on the issue, the “general secretary” of “KTOS trade union” Senel
Elcil, stated the following: “We are not accepting the change introduced by the
government which has led to chaos. We are demanding the implementation of
daylight saving time and for the three ministers who need to take responsibility
regarding the traffic accident to resign” Elcil said in a written statement.
Meanwhile,
the paper writes that the trade unions, commenting on deputy prime minister
and “minister of finance”, Serdar Denktas’ proposal to the trade unions
suggesting for the so-called government “not to increase salaries this year, not
to buy Mercedes and to cut 3% from the worker’s salaries in order to repair the
roads”, described this as an effort to change the “agenda”.
On
the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (05.12.16) under the
title: “No change at the working hours of the private sector”, reports that
the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) commenting in a written statement
the so-called council of ministers’ decision to change the school and working
hours, announced that it is out of the question for the private sector to change
its working hours.
Also,
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (05.12.16) under the front-page title:
“We do not want the hour of Saudi Arabia”, writes that the “government’s
insistence” which trailed behind Turkey’s tail, not to follow the day-light
saving zone will lead the community again into chaos.
Commenting
on the issue, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) called on the so-called
government to implement the Europe time-zone, supporting that the “decision
taken”, will affect negatively the quality of life of the “people” and will
cause difficulties in their daily life.
(AK)
12.
The positive course of the Cyprus talks benefited the real estate sector in the
occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (05.12.16) reports that the
positive course of the Cyprus talks benefited the real estate sector in the
occupied area of Cyprus, where 36,093 residences and businesses were built
within three years. According to data regarding the construction projects of
the Turkish Cypriot building contractors’ union for which permit was obtained
within the period 2013-2015, the 6,093 building projects were distributed as
follows: 531 in occupied Trikomo, 451 in occupied Morfou, 1,192 in occupied
Famagusta, 1,940 in occupied Keryneia and 1,979 in occupied Nicosia.
The
number of the construction projects increased by 15% in the period
January-October 2016 compared to the same period of 2015,
since 2,462 projects were materialized in the first ten months of 2016 and 2,141
in the same period of 2015.
The
majority of the investors preferred to invest in occupied Nicosia and
Keryneia,
notes the paper adding that during the period 2013-2015 the average number of
residences and businesses built in occupied Nicosia was 11,874, in Famagusta
7,152, in Keryneia 11,640, in Trikomo 3,186 and in Morfou 2,706.
Cafer
Gurcafer, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot building contractors’ union, told the
paper that in case a solution is reached in Cyprus the prices of the immovable
properties will increase by four times.
He said that the main reason for which demand for investments by investors from
Turkey increased in the occupied area of Cyprus is the solution process on the
island.
(I/Ts.)
13.
Erdogan calls the Turkish citizens to convert foreign exchange into gold or
Turkish lira; “Turkey to trade in local currencies with Russia, China and
Iran”
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (04.12.16) reported that President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan has repeated his call on citizens to convert their foreign exchange into
gold or Turkish Lira, claiming that “some circles” which could “not destroy
Turkey by tanks and rifles” are now trying to hit the country economically.
“Those
who keep dollar or euro currency under their mattress should come and turn them
into liras or gold,” Erdogan said in a speech in the Central Anatolian province
of Kayseri on December 4.
He
added that several steps had been taken by the Turkish authorities to promote
shopping on a lira basis rather than other currencies. “Now it is time for
trade. Our Prime Minister [Binali Yıldırım] will go to Russia tomorrow. He will
hold key meetings with Russian officials the following day. We will soon take
steps to conduct our bilateral trade with Russia with our own currencies,”
Erdogan said, adding that similar steps would also be taken with China and Iran.
(…)The
Turkish currency, which has lost nearly a fifth of its value this year, reached
its worst monthly performance since the 2008 financial crisis last month,
hammered by a resurgent U.S. dollar and domestic concerns.
The
lira fell to a record low of 3.60 against the dollar on Dec. 2, before seeing
some rebound after a general decline in the dollar in global markets. The coming
weeks will be crucial for the lira ahead of a key Fed meeting on Dec. 14 as well
as key domestic developments, including constitutional amendment moves.
Top
officials have announced a number of measures to ease the pressure on the lira.
Yıldırım
said that the government and the Central Bank have been taking necessary
measures to ensure that the country suffers only minimal effects from the recent
“temporary fluctuation” in the economy, ahead of an economic coordination board
(EKK) meeting late on December 2. The results of this meeting are expected to be
announced this week.
14.
Turkey's bank regulator converts cash assets into Turkish
lira
Turkish
daily Sabah online in English (04.12.16) reported that the Turkish Deposit
Insurance Fund (TMSF) decided on Friday to convert all of its cash assets into
Turkish lira following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call to support the
declining Turkish currency against the US dollar.
The
announcement came hours after Borsa Istanbul said it converted all cash reserves
into Turkish lira and will keep them in Turkish Lira deposits as of December 2,
2016.
The
U.S. dollar/Turkish lira exchange rate went up to stand at 3.5430 at 5 p.m.
(1400GMT) Friday, compared to 3.4860 at Thursday's
close.
Earlier
on Friday, Erdogan called on Turkish citizens to convert their foreign exchange
savings into lira and gold to help boost the value of the local
currency.
Erdogan
also said that volatility due to the rising value of foreign currency would not
have a negative impact on the economy, adding that exchange rate fluctuations
would have a minor effect on the Turkish economy, which he said was now three
times richer than it was 14 years ago.
Turkey's
benchmark index was up 1.20% at the close of the daily session Friday.
15.
CHP’s Kilicdaroglu kicked off rallies against presidential
system
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (03.12.16) reported that Turkey’s main opposition
Republican People’s Party (CHP) head Kemal Kılıcdaroglu has vowed to protect the
democratic parliamentary system in Turkey against a government-supported shift
to a presidential system, speaking at a party rally in the southern province of
Adana on December 3.
“The
philosophy that established our Republic must be a value for all of us to
uphold. The ones who built this Republic paid a heavy price and fought for a
better Turkey to leave to their children and grandchildren,” Kılıcdaroglu said,
vowing his commitment to protect the parliamentary system.
The
potential change in Turkey’s governance system is set to be introduced in a bill
that will make changes on the country’s Constitution. After long negotiations,
the leaders of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on December 1 announced they agreed on articles
that will be changed in the Constitution, while the AKP said it would introduce
the draft to Parliament this week. The draft has to have 330 votes in Parliament
in order to be taken to the people with a referendum.
“If
Turkey belongs to all of us, and if we fight for this, we have to stop engaging
in politics through identities. We should stop doing politics through beliefs
and lifestyles,” Kılıcdaroglu said.
He
vowed that there would be no oppression if his party came to power, pointing the
finger at those who “polarized” Turkey by politicizing belief and identity.
“There is no rule of law in Turkey. It is simply the law of the superiors,”
Kilicdaroglu said.
“He
[President Erdoğan] says ‘I don’t listen to the Constitution. I don’t respect
the Constitution.’ When it comes to the people there is law; when it comes to
[Erdogan], there is not,” Kılıcdaroglu added.
(…)
16.
Survey in Turkey reveals that more than 50% support talks over draft
Constitution
Turkish
daily Sabah (03.12.16) reported that according to a recently conducted survey by
A&G consultancy, the public's support for the ruling Justice and Development
Party (AK Party) and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is at
52.9%.
The
survey was announced after Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and opposition MHP
leader Devlet Bahceli said last week that their parties had reached agreement on
the proposed draft Constitution to introduce a new presidential system aimed at
more effective governance for the country's political stability.
As
90.6% of AK Party supporters welcomed the reconciliation between the two
parties, the A&G survey also revealed an interesting result: 84.2% of the
main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) voters also welcomed the
settlement of the presidential system proposal; 45.7% of the participants
expressed support for the presidential system compared to 37.4% back in June.
When asked the reason for supporting the presidential system, 44.8% said it was
due to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while 55.2% said they did not believe
"the parliamentarian system was suitable for Turkey." The results indicated also
that "With the coup attempt [on July 15], trust and sympathy for President
Erdogan increased."
The
presidential system proposal agreed upon by the AK Party and MHP would come to
Parliament for a vote this week. However, according to the Constitution,
constitutional changes can be directly passed only if approved by two-thirds of
the Deputies in Parliament, which corresponds to 367 of the 550
parliamentarians. Currently, the AK Party has 317 seats in Parliament, while the
MHP has 40, meaning the two parties do not hold enough seats in Parliament to
pass the proposal directly. In spite of this, if the proposal receives between
330 and 366 votes, the proposed constitutional change can be brought to a
referendum.
------------------------------------
TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
http://www.pio.gov.cy
(AK/ECh)
