TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
07/17
11.01.17
1.
Yildirim: “The rehearsal of Turkey becoming an EU member starts from
Cyprus”
2.
Burcu briefed the Turkish Cypriot delegation on the second day of Geneva summit
3.
Maps to be presented by the two sides at the second day of the Geneva meeting
4.
Sources argue that part of the 10 billion dollars financing of the solution may
be met throygh domestic sources
5.
Erel stated that the Geneva talks will not yield a positive outcome due to the
insistence of the Turkish side on the issue of guarantees
6.
Cavusoglu discussed with Jagland the Cyprus negotiation talks in
Geneva
7.
Denktas: No one in Geneva expects the Cyprus problem to be finalized
there
8.
Turkish Cypriot political party leaders evaluated the Geneva
talks
9.
Arikli argued that the Turkish citizens in the occupied area of Cyprus will
reject a possible agreement
10.
Four more “TRNC citizenships”
11.
Yildirim: European security starts with Turkey
12.
Turkish MPs adopt first two articles of constitution
change
1.
Yildirim: “The rehearsal of Turkey becoming an EU member starts from
Cyprus”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (11.01.17) reports that Turkey’s Prime Minister
Binali Yildirim, addressing the 9th Ambassadors Conference in Ankara yesterday,
referred, inter alia, to the Cyprus problem and argued that the rehearsal for
Turkey becoming a member of the EU will start with the solution of the Cyprus
problem.
Referring
to the Geneva talks, Yildirim said: “The security and trust between the two
communities is not enough. Already a great distance has been covered on a lot of
issues but still, Turkey is interested on this issue. A system of fair and equal
governance in the island should be guaranteed. In the light of the painful
events of the past, everything should be guaranteed. And for the Turkish Cypriot
side the guarantee is Turkey. For the Greek Cypriot side it is Greece. Our
biggest wish is the continuation of the negotiations talks which together with a
fair and lasting peace in the island, will bring a solution based on the
existence of two founding states with rotational presidency. We have contributed
towards this direction and we will continue to do so”, Yildirim alleged.
Referring
to Turkey’s EU bid, Yildirim stressed the need for the EU not to be on the edge
of the cliff as it did during 2004. “In 2004, we were deceived. Most correctly,
the Turkish Cypriots were deceived. This time we said that the same thing should
not happen. If a solution is reached, then the Turkish Cypriot side and the
Greek Cypriot side will simultaneously become EU members and no concessions
should be made on the issue of the four fundamental freedoms. No injustice
should be implemented. The freedom of movement and of course, the free movement
of people, services and capitals should be provided to Turkey as well. That
means, that the rehearsal of Turkey becoming a member of the EU could start from
Cyprus. All these issues should be examined and be discussed and we hope that a
good outcome will come up”, Yildirim also stated.
2.
Burcu briefed the Turkish Cypriot delegation on the second day of Geneva
summit
Illegal
Bayrak television (11.01.17) broadcast that the spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot
leader Barış Burcu held a press briefing to give information regarding the
developments that had taken place during the second day of the Geneva
summit.
He
said that during the second day of the summit prominence was given to governance
and power sharing.
“In
the future united Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriot side’s effective contribution in
the decision making process and what rules will be followed to make changes to
the constitution when needed, were the topics of main discussion”, said
Burcu.
He
said that the meetings did not only take place at the leaders level but from
time to time took place at a technical level and experts level adding that there
was a need for such meetings to take place.
Noting
that experts on property had come together and carried out a very long and
fruitful meeting Burcu said that the World Bank has also carried out a meeting
at an expert level to discuss the financing of the property
issue.
He
said that the Turkish Cypriot side was represented by Professor Dr Ömer Gökçekuş
and Layık Topcan at the meeting.
Burcu
said that if need be, experts from the International Monetary Fund will also be
invited to take part in these meetings.
Explaining
that experts on property had come together during a second meeting, Burcu said
that Turkish Cypriot experts Sülen Karabacak and Layık Topcan represented the
Turkish Cypriots during that meeting.
He
also said that he informed the Turkish Cypriot political party representatives
that are in Geneva regarding the developments that have taken
place.
Upon
being asked a question regarding whether or not on the third day of the summit
the leaders will discuss the issue of territory and exchange maps he said:
“Everything is going as planned and we hope that it will continue in this way.
We as the Turkish Cypriot side support this position”.
3.
Maps to be presented by the two sides at the second day of the Geneva meeting
Illegal
Bayrak television (11.01.17) broadcast that the maps to be presented by the two
sides in Cyprus during the Cyprus negotiations that are taking place in Geneva
will be kept in the UN’s secure box.
According
to information given by the Anatolian Agency’s diplomatic sources, the maps to
be presented by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı and President Nicos
Anastasiades will only be seen by 5 people.
Today’s
negotiations process will take place at the UN’s Geneva office and the territory
issue which is a critical part of the talks, will be
discussed.
Following
discussions the negotiating teams will leave the room.
Only
the two leaders, two map experts and the UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor
for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide will remain in the room.
Under
Eide’s supervision Akıncı and Anastasiades will simultaneously reveal their
maps. After the two side’s map experts study the maps, they will be handed over
to the UN envoy. Once Eide receives the maps he will place them in the UN’s
secure box.
4.
Sources argue that part of the 10 billion dollars financing of the solution
may be met throygh domestic sources
Under
the title “They will not find 10 billion dollars”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
Postasi newspaper (11.01.17), on its front page, reports that it is expected
that the property chapter to be closed in order to take a step towards the
preparations online with IMF and the World Bank that the 10 billion dollars,
which are needed for the compensations of the property issue will not be found.
Citing
information by sources close to foreign participants in the meeting with the IMF
and the World Bank, in case the leaders reach an agreement, then according to
the World Bank’s estimations, 10 billion dollars are needed. Officials from the
IMF and the World Bank confirmed that part of the compensation issue on the
properties may be met through domestic sources, clarifying that after the
solution they should be prepared to maintain the balance in order not to be the
cause for negativities like the overloading of the public finance, inflation and
fiscal deficit.
(DPs)
5.
Erel stated that the Geneva talks will not yield a positive outcome due to
the insistence of the Turkish side on the issue of guarantees
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis newspaper (11.01.17) under the front-page title:
“Geneva talks will collapse”, reports that the member of the executive board of
the “EU association”, Ali Erel, in exclusive statements to the paper, referred
to the Cyprus negotiation talks in Geneva, expressing the view that the talks
will not yield a positive result due to the stance of the Turkish side.
Erel
said that the Geneva summit will collapse due to the insistence of the Turkish
side on the issue of the agreement of guarantee. “It seems so far that the
Turkish side will not step back from the agreement of guarantees. If it
continues its insistence on this, there is a great possibility for tomorrow’s
international conference not to take place”, Erel argued.
Commenting
on the much debated issue of the recent days that if no solution in Cyprus is
reached, the “TRNC” will be annexed to Turkey, Erel stated the following: “If we
look over the ongoing situation during the last 40-50 years, it is possible to
say that the TRNC has been annexed to Turkey. However, the annexation will
deepen”, Erel argued.
(…)
(AK)
6.
Cavusoglu discussed with Jagland the Cyprus negotiation talks in
Geneva
Turkish
Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (11.01.17) reports that Turkey’s Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held yesterday a phone conversation with the Secretary
General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland.
According
to diplomatic sources, Cavusoglu and Jagland discussed Turkey’s ties with the
Council of Europe and the Cyprus negotiation talks in Geneva.
(AK
7.
Denktas: No one in Geneva expects the Cyprus problem to be finalized
there
Illegal
Bayrak television (11.01.17) broadcast that the leader of the Democratic Party
and so-called deputy prime minister and finance minister Serdar Denktas stated
that no one in Geneva expects the Cyprus problem to be finalized there.
Speaking
to BRT in Geneva, Denktas claimed that “the Greek Cypriot side with its usual
stance is continuing to approach the Turkish Cypriot side with extreme
demands”.
He
also claimed that if the Greek Cypriot side was sincere in its efforts towards
finding a solution, “it wouldn’t continue to make excessive demands that are
making the other side feel uncomfortable”.
“Yesterday
property was discussed. Generally the negotiations are continuing to take place
the way it was in Cyprus. No one expects the Cyprus problem to be finalized
here” said Denktas.
8.
Turkish Cypriot political party leaders evaluated the Geneva
talks
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.01.17) reports that the Turkish Cypriot
political party leaders in Geneva evaluated to the paper the Cyprus
talks.
Serdar
Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP) and self-styled deputy prime
minister and finance minister, alleged that this meeting in Geneva as well as
the five-party meeting are exaggerated, adding that this is not the final point.
He said that a good agreement is necessary for everyone, adding that there is a
progress, which is progressing well.
Tufan
Erhurman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that they had the
opportunity to discuss with the representatives of the Greek Cypriot political
parties. He noted that their approaches and views are very positive and that
they also support a permanent solution in the island. He further said: “Of
course, we briefed them on our views. For example, we told them that the issues
like the political equality should be overcome and that there is no other
alternative apart from a solution that the Turkish Cypriots will have a voice in
the administration”.
Cemal
Ozyigit, leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP), said: “There is beautiful
positive atmosphere here. (…) The rotating presidency is very important in order
to be able to be active and effective in the administration. We are very clear
in this issue as Turkish Cypriots. They should empathize with us as we do on
issues like guarantees and security. (…) The rotating presidency and the
political equality cannot be issues for bargaining”.
(DPs)
9.
Arikli argued that the Turkish citizens in the occupied area of Cyprus will
reject a possible agreement
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (11.01.17) reports that Erhan Arikli, leader of
the Revival Party (YDP), argued that the sides think that if there is an
agreement in Geneva, then this “work” is finished, but the “people” has the
final saying.
During
a visit to the paper’s office, Arikli claimed that there is not an issue that
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim are
open, so everyone expects that “the opposing side will dissolve the negotiating
table”. But, he continues, if an agreement is reached, then they have to work
for the “yes” vote in the referenda and the people will say the final word. He
further claimed that the so-called mayor of occupied Morphou told them that 80%
of the inhabitants there will vote “no”, alleging that President Anastasiades
takes whatever he wants and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci gives
everything.
Stating
that they will vote “no”, Arikli argued that the name of the Turkish origin
citizens is not in the plan, adding that the Turkish citizens are around to 35%.
(DPs)
10.
Four more “TRNC citizenships”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.01.17) reports that the “coalition
government” UBP-DP “granted” four more “TRNC citizenships”. With a “decision” of
the “council of ministers” published in the “official gazette” on January 6,
2017, the following persons “obtained” the “citizenship”:
·
Rulla
Saade, born in Israel, 1993
·
Secil
Ozer, born in Izmir, 1983
·
Ozan
Kasapoglu, born in Uskudar, 1986
·
Edip
Askaroglu, born in Antakya, 1985
(DPs)
11.
Yildirim: European security starts with Turkey
Turkish
Daily Sabah newspaper (11.01.16) reports that Turkish Prime Minister Binali
Yildirim addressed attendees of the 9th Ambassadors Conference in Ankara where
he stressed that Europe's security starts with Turkey, while stressing the
self-shouldering of the multi-dimensional counterterrorism fight in the country,
noting: "Picking and choosing terrorist groups, one over another, is the biggest
form of betrayal against world peace," the Prime Minister added. The second day
of the ambassadors conference began with opening remarks from Deputy Prime
Ministers Nurettin Canikli and Numan Kurtulmuş. Energy and Natural Resources
Minister Berat Albayrak also addressed ambassadors during a closed-door session
at the conference and the Turkish ambassadors attended a luncheon at Çankaya
Palace with the Prime Minister Yildirim.
During
the luncheon, the Prime Minister addressed activities regarding "perception
management" being directed against Turkey saying that "Despite overcoming the
'cowardly' terror organization [referring to the Gulenist Terror Group [FETO]],
worldwide campaigns in managing the perception other countries have of Turkey
continue. Not only at the hands of this terror group [FETO] but also by the PKK
terrorist organization; especially in Europe." Continuing his remarks by
strongly criticizing EU member states and various institutions for their support
of the terrorist PKK, Yildirim said, "Choosing a terror group over another is
the biggest form of betrayal against world peace."
Underlining
that "terror groups are all monitored from a single center," the Prime Minister
further touched on the necessity of Turkey's presence in the "multi-dimensional"
combat against terror. "Turkey has to conduct a multi-dimensional combat against
terror as it is under an asymmetric attack. ... Turkey makes significant efforts
toward the establishment of stability in the region," Yildirim
added.
Continuing
his remarks by urging European states to contribute to hosting refugees and
combatting terror, Yildirim said, "European countries speak freely but they must
stop the talk and join us [on the ground], taking some weight off of our
shoulders. Terrorist threats should not be shouldered solely by Turkey. Europe's
security starts with Turkey. If Turkey is not secure, then Europe would not be
safe at all." Addressing combat against FETO, the Turkish prime minister said
that combat against FETO is the primary issue for Turkey as he urged the
ambassadors to remain fearless in the fight against FETO. Analogous to
Yildirim's remarks, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also said prior to the
opening of the luncheon that the conference will address the government's
counterterrorism efforts foremost against FETO. "Our friends [ambassadors] from
various countries will share with us the necessary strategies to be taken
against FETO. We have global aims and have domestic policies toward reaching
those goals," Cavusoglu said.
12.
Turkish MPs adopt first two articles of constitution
change
Ankara
Anatolia news agency (11.01.17) reports that Turkish lawmakers adopted late
Tuesday the first two items of a constitutional reform
package.
The
items concern the exercise of judicial power and an increase in Parliament
seats, respectively. Sixteen more amendments proposed by the ruling Justice and
Development (AK) Party will be voted in parliament.
In
Tuesday’s first secret ballot, 347 of the assembly’s 550 lawmakers voted in
favor while 132 rejected the motion, 66 were absent, two papers were blank, two
lawmakers abstained and one vote was invalid.
It
changes the ninth article of the Constitution – "the judicial power shall be
exercised by independent courts on behalf of the Turkish Nation" – to read
"independent and impartial courts".
The
second item of the package increases the number of lawmakers from 550 to 600 in
accordance with the rising population.
A
total of 480 lawmakers took part in the second ballot. It passed with 343 votes
in favor, 133 against, one abstention, two blank ballots and one invalid vote.
The general assembly session ended after the voting.
The
parliamentary process will likely be followed with a referendum in which the
option of replacing Turkey’s parliamentary system with a presidential model will
be put to the electorate.
President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his supporters have argued that Turkey needs a strong
presidency to avoid weak governance and allow the country to successfully tackle
a number of challenges, including terror attacks from Daesh, the PKK and the
Fetullah Terrorist Organization. Opponents claim it will weaken democratic
checks and lead to increased authoritarianism.
To
reach a referendum, the proposed changes must first be passed by 330 Deputies.
If it gets the support of 367 lawmakers it could pass into law without a
referendum, although the ruling AK Party has said it will hold a popular vote
regardless.
A
simple majority must agree to the changes in a referendum.
The
AK Party has 316 seats and Erdogan hopes the support of the opposition
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has 39 seats and which last month agreed
to back the package, will be enough to secure a
referendum.
Parliament’s
other parties -- the Republican People's Party (CHP), which has 133 seats, and
the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), with 59 Deputies -- remain opposed to a
presidential system. Two independent deputies are split over support for the
amendments.
Among
the changes are plans for an elected President to form a government
independently of Parliament and for the role of Prime Minister -- typically the
person leading the largest parliamentary party -- to be
abandoned.
Parliamentary
and presidential elections would be held on the same day every five years,
instead of the current four for the parliamentary vote.
The
president would be limited to two terms of office but will not be required to
leave his or her political party. When elected to the presidency in August 2014,
Erdogan had to resign as AK Party leader due to the supposedly apolitical nature
of the post.
In
the judiciary, the Constitutional Court, Turkey’s highest court for
constitutional affairs, would be reduced to 15 members while the Supreme Council
of Judges and Public Prosecutors, which deals with judicial and prosecution
appointments, would add the Justice Minister to its
number.
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