TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
20/17
28-30.01.17
1.
Akinci issues statement on Cyprus talks
2.
Akinci to CNN-Turk: “Let the Turkish public opinion be at ease… The island is
going nowhere”
3.
Akinci held a meeting with Kidd
4.
Denktas”: “We neither want to be a province of the Greek Cypriot side or one of
Turkey”
5.
Denktas alleges that no other place except for the fenced off occupied Varosha
should be returned to the Greek Cypriots
6.
Allegations by Afrika regarding the four freedoms for Turkish
citizens
7.
The so-called foreign ministry reacted over the Security’s Council decision to
extend the mandate of UNFICYP
8.
Olgun: “There is no ground for a federal partnership”
9.
HP’s first extraordinary congress was held; Ozersay was re-elected as chairman
of the party
10.
Democratic Party not ready for “early elections”
11.
Caglar met with the chairman of PACE
12.
The breakaway regime delays the works for the opening of the Deryneia
barricade
13.
Figures on the occupation regime’s foreign trade deficit
14.
UK, Turkey sign defence deal and push for further trade ties
15.
Turkish military chief Akar pays surprise visit to Aegean's Imia islets amid
tense relations with Greece
16.
Greece a complete disappointment for Turkey, Turkish Defence Minister
says
17.
Turkish government downplays rating cuts for Turkey’s
economy
1.
Akinci issues statement on Cyprus talks
Illegal
Bayrak television (30.01.17) broadcast that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci said that every step he takes in the Cyprus negotiations process, he
takes it with a conscious, always keeping in mind the responsibility he has
towards the “Turkish Cypriot people”.
Pointing
out that the Cyprus problem had reached its final stage where determined and
courageous steps are required; Akinci said that it is possible to create an
island where all sides could live in freedom, security and political
equality.
Evaluating
the latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations process and responding to
criticisms as to how he is handling the process with a written statement issued
yesterday, he said that although there were still important issues on which
agreement had to be reached the convening of a 5-party conference in itself was
an important development.
Explaining
that progress from this point onwards requires political will, Akinci said that
the Turkish Cypriot side had made important contributions on the path of holding
the 5-party conference.
He
also highlighted the importance of maintaining the current momentum in the talks
and for all participants of the 5-party conference to continue their determined
support for a settlement.
“While
those who support a settlement have been extremely pleased with having reached
the point of a 5-party conference, those who oppose a settlement for their own
selfish interests have been troubled. We have seen this on both sides of the
island” said Akinci, pointing out that there were those in south Cyprus who
rejected the principle of a bi-zonal federation and who wanted to grant Turkish
Cypriots minority rights in a Greek Cypriot controlled unitary
state.
These
groups have been deeply disturbed by the fact that we are progressing towards an
outcome where the Turkish Cypriots will be granted political equality” he
said.
Akinci
added that there is a similar group in the “TRNC” who have been conducting
politics for years under the slogan that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem
is the solution.
“These
groups have also started worrying. The former president Dervis Eroglu who
accused me of wrong doing, during his term as prime minister had voted in
parliament in favour of accepting 29+ as a percentage for the territory to
remain in the hands of the Turkish Cypriot side in the event of a settlement.
Later on acted insincerely towards the people by touring villages, stating that
not a single inch of land would be given back to the Greek Cypriots” he
said.
Akinci
added that current “prime minister” Huseyin Ozgurgun is too contradicting
himself.
“The
prime minister says he wants a solution yet states that he will not accept
conceding an inch of territory. He too claims that we have made a strategic
mistake. He however fails to explain to people how a federal settlement will be
possible without making any territorial concessions. Why? Because this is the
point they have reached with the logic and rationale they have been pursuing for
years…they have been defending a non-solution the continuation of the status quo
for all these years” he said.
Akinci
reminded that the 11th of February 2014 Joint Declaration’s first article stated
that the status quo was not sustainable.
Stating
that he had promised to tell the truth to the Turkish Cypriot “people” from the
very beginning, Akinci in his statement said “I will not be abandoning this
position on the issue of maps either. A solution in Cyprus is only possible by
regaining our political equality stripped from us in 1963 by the Greek Cypriots,
through a federal framework and by returning land that we took from Greek
Cypriots as a result of the war in 1974.”
Pointing
out that all maps dating back to even the previous UN Secretary Generals
envisaged 29% of the land being left in the hands of the Turkish Cypriots in the
event of a solution, Akinci said that this will continue to be the figure as and
when a solution is reached.
He
said that it would be ultimately up to the “people” to decide whether or not
they would prefer to live in an entity which had a higher percentage of land but
was legally challenged at the ECHR or in a place that was recognized by
international law and freed of uncertainty.
Akinci
also stated that what was important is that as few Turkish Cypriots as possible
would be forced to relocate in the event of a settlement.
“Those
who will have to relocate will be provided new housing and job opportunities. No
one will be forced to move without these being provided” he
added.
Noting
that the people will have the final say as to whether or not the island should
be reunified when they vote in a referendum on the final settlement plan, Akinci
said that the talks were still not at that stage.
“It
is possible to reach that stage with the support of organized groups on both
sides. Instead of focusing on unjustified short term interests, we need to act
with the understanding that a settlement will have enormous benefits in the long
term. This is our responsibility to future generations” he
said.
2.
Akinci to CNN-Turk: “Let the Turkish public opinion be at ease… The island is
going nowhere”
Under
the title “Akinci: ‘Let the Turkish public opinion be at ease… The island is
going nowhere’”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi
newspaper (29.01.17) reported that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci replied
to questions of CNN-Turk television on the Cyprus problem. Referring to the
Geneva conference, Akinci said that during the first days the meetings were held
between the two communities of Cyprus and on 12 January the three guarantor
powers joined the discussions. He alleged that many “speculations” were made
regarding the participation of the Republic of Cyprus and the Five Permanent
Members of the UN Security Council, but this did not happen and will not happen.
He added that the participation of the EU as observer was approved.
Referring to the map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side, Akinci
argued:
“We
have not submitted it to the Greek Cypriot side. They saw it. And we saw their
map. The UN locked it up in the safe and it remains there. The Greek Cypriot
leader rejected our map. Actually we rejected their map, because no Turkish
Cypriots, not even a single citizen accepts that map. […] Our map is 29,2%”.
Akinci
reiterated that this percentage had been approved by the “assembly” during late
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas’ period and added that in order for this
map to be valid agreement on the remaining issues should be achieved,
alleging that within the framework the Greek Cypriot side should “digest” the
Turkish Cypriots’ political equality, the rotating presidency and the
continuation of Turkey’s “effective guarantees” after they are adjusted to the
2017 conditions so that the concerns of the Turkish Cypriots are satisfied.
Referring
to the presence of the Turkish army after a possible solution, Akinci said:
“We
are referring to an army of about 25-40,000. It is possible for this number to
be reduced in time. This number of troops is not necessary to stay after the
solution. We will agree on a reasonable number of troops. The works at lower
technical level are carried out to this end. The Treaty of Alliance and
Guarantee exists. The presence of the army depends on the Treaty of Alliance.
According to this treaty, reference is made to defending Cyprus from the outside
[dangers]. […] Its name might change. It is useful for its content to remain
the same. We believe that the presence of Turkish troops in reasonable numbers
there will help Cyprus. There is also the Treaty of Guarantee. While
security is provided on the one hand, on the other this should not be perceived
as a threat to the other side. This is important for us and Turkey. We do not
want a system of security and guarantees in which the one side will feel safe
and the other to be concerned. […]”
Referring
to the property issue, Akinci said that a property committee will be established
having equal number of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot members with the
participation of foreigners as well, if this is required. He
argued:
“We
say that this should to a great extent be solved with compensations. We have
entered into the 42nd – 43rd year. The Greek Cypriot
refugees of a certain generation have anyway left from this world. Those who are
still alive and their children have established a new life in the south. It is
not realistic for anyone to expect that they will leave everything and return to
the north. However, everyone wants something in return for their property.
Compensations within the framework of reason will be in question. There are
studies of the World Bank and the IMF. […] They have made studies on the extent
of the compensations. Reference is made to a number of 9-10 billion euro the
maximum. […]”
Replying
to the allegations that “Cyprus is being sold out, Cyprus is being lost”, Akinci
said that the Turkish public opinion should relax as “the island will go
nowhere”. He claimed: “We have taken more territory from them, but they are
usurping our equal rights which they have taken in 1963. We will have to return
one part of the territory we had taken from the Greek Cypriots. Not all of it.
[…]”
(I/Ts.)
3.
Akinci held a meeting with Kidd
Illegal
Bayrak television (30.01.17) broadcast that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci met with the British High Commissioner to Lefkosia Mathew Kidd.
The
latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations process was discussed during the
meeting.
No
statement was issued before or after the meeting.
4.
Denktas”: “We neither want to be a province of the Greek Cypriot side or one
of Turkey”
Illegal
Bayrak television (30.01.17) broadcast that “deputy prime minister and finance
minister” Serdar Denktas stated that the “Turkish Cypriot people defended the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for itself”.
“We
neither want to be a province of the Greek Cypriot side or one of Turkey”, he
stated.
According
to a written statement issued by the “deputy prime ministry”, Denktas attended
and addressed a panel entitled: “The Cyprus issue and the latest developments on
the negotiations process” which was organized by the Ankara Forum
Association.
Stating
that he frequently came across expressions that the “TRNC should be declared the
82nd province of Turkey”, Denktas said that almost 99.8% of the Turkish Cypriots
would have said ‘yes’ to this had this proposal been made to them in
1974.
He
however underlined that this was out of the question
today.
“I
am a politician who embraces his independent state; the TRNC has been supporting
an agreement with the Greek Cypriot side. I never had and never will have the
intention to become a patch to the Greek Cypriot side. Similarly, it won’t be a
right approach to dissolve our state and become a province of Turkey” Denktas
said.
Saying
that he defended the “TRNC” state because he wanted the continuation of the
“Turkish Cypriot identity”, he alleged: “Therefore my independent state should
continue to exist. It is out of question to become a province of the Greek
Cypriot side or that of Turkey. What is necessary is to carry intergovernmental
relations with Turkey to a better point.”
Stating
that “the Anatolian and Turkish Cypriot people are part of the same nation,
speaking the same language and belonging to the same religion”, Denktas claimed
that the “TRNC is the second independent Turkish state established by war of
independence”.
“We
should not drag our people into such a discussion. Let’s continue with our unity
and solidarity forever. Cyprus and Turkey cannot exist without the other. Both
the TRNC and Turkey is our homeland. Two separate states but two sister
countries. Two different states which possess the same national character. This
is what we are” Denktas alleged
5.
Denktas alleges that no other place except for the fenced off occupied
Varosha should be returned to the Greek Cypriots
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (30.01.17) reports that Serdar
Denktas, self-styled deputy prime minister of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has alleged that only “border
adjustments” should be made on the territory issue and that after so long time
no other place except for the occupied fence off city of Varosha should be
returned to the Greek Cypriots.
Recalling
that Akinci has submitted a proposal for 29,2% on the territory and the Greek
Cypriot side for 28,2%, Denktas argued that this is a certain sign that the
territory of the Turkish Cypriot side will go below 29%. “And together with
those who will come among us to obtain property and will not exceed 20%, this
percentage will decrease to 27% and perhaps more”, he alleged and described as
wrong the fact that a map was submitted before the Greek Cypriot side to show
whether it wants a partnership with the Turkish Cypriots in the other four
chapters.
Referring
to the guarantees, Denkas alleged: “The guarantees must in no way be revised.
The Treaty of Alliance and Guarantee is a part of the primary law of the EU
because is a part of the Treaty of establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. The
slightest change to be done there will remove the guarantees from the primary
law and they might be annulled in the future”.
Yeni
Duzen (29.01.17) reported that Denktas said that a delegation of 25 persons
from Turkey visited the occupied area of Cyprus between 16 and 20 January in
order to carry out a financial control. The delegation went around all the
“ministries” and is expected to prepare a report, noted Denktas.
Replying
to a question on the issue of “granting the citizenship” to Turkish settlers and
on whether the so-called “citizenships by exception” will
continue,
Denktas said that they will continue giving this kind of “citizenships”,
because some people were born in the occupied area, their parents and
brothers have the “citizenship”, but they could not get it for various reasons.
He also noted that the “citizenship” of some persons had been annulled by the
“court” because they did not possess “health or police certificates” and added
that those who possess these “certificates” now and belong to the group of
persons described above or are businessmen who invested in the occupied area,
will take “their rights” with decisions [by the “council of ministers”].
(I/Ts.)
6.
Allegations by Afrika regarding the four freedoms for Turkish
citizens
Under
the title “We are revealing the secret document”, Turkish Cypriot daily
Afrika newspaper (30.01.17) reports the following:
“It
has come out that, during Talat - Christofias negotiations in 2010, the Greek
Cypriot side has accepted Turkey’s insistent demand regarding the recognition of
the right of the four freedoms to citizens from Turkey after a possible
solution, but it bounded it to some conditions. Our paper Afrika attained
the document which had been kept secret as regards this for years.
Subtitle:
Talat submitted it
According
to information we have obtained, Mehmet Ali Talat submitted this proposal in
the package of proposals he submitted to Demetris Christofias during the meeting
they held on 4 January 2010.
During
the meeting held by the two leaders on 29 January 2010, this document was signed
between the sides and was locked up in the UN registries.
Meanwhile, it was decided that the document should remain secret.
Subtitle:
What is included in the document
In
the secret document it is noted that the Greek Cypriot side has accepted in
principle the four freedoms to be given to the Turkish citizens. It is decided
that Greece should be briefed on this issue. The EU is asked through the UN what
procedures could be done on this issue. It is stressed that this should be done
in a manner that the two sides’ demographic structure is not spoiled. And the
final acceptance of this is depended on an agreement to be reached regarding the
population from Turkey in the island.
Subtitle:
Kudret Ozersay
The
chairman of the People’s Party Kudret Ozersay, who spoke the day before
yesterday to BRT, also emphasized on the issue and said the
following:
While
the Greek Cypriot political parties are angry on the issue of the demand for
giving Turkey the four freedoms, it has come up that the Greek Cypriot side
accepted in 2010 the four freedoms right for the citizens from Turkey. The
demand for the four freedoms, which was included in the Turkish side’s ‘package
proposal’ upon a demand from Turkey during Talat’s period in order to balance
the cross-voting, was accepted by the then Greek Cypriot leader Christofias and
this was written down. Replying to a question on this issue during a program
on the BRT in which he participated, former negotiator Ozersay drew attention to
the fact that there is a convergence paper on this issue and that the then Greek
Cypriot leader has accepted it. The document regarding the four
freedoms for the Turkish citizens bears the date 2010. Due to the fact that
Anastasiades has said that he continues the negotiations from the point they
were left remaining committed to the convergences, the aforementioned
convergence seems to be at the table. It is understood that the demand put
forward by the officials from Turkey for their own citizens is based on this
convergence of 2010”.
Furthermore,
the paper publishes on its front page the following excerpt in English,
alleging that it is the expression in the above-mentioned
“convergence”:
“The
Greek Cypriot side agrees in principle on the enjoyment of four freedoms by
Turkish nationals. The Greek Cypriot side expressed the need to consult Greece
first regarding the above. Both leaders will jointly appeal to the EU in order
to initiate the necessary work on how this can be accommodated by the EU. This
appeal will be done through the Good Offices Mission of the UNSG. This will be
done in a way that the demographic ratio between the two communities is not
altered. The above is subject to reaching agreement on the issue of Turkish
nationals/settlers residing in the north before the solution”.
(I/Ts.)
7.
The so-called foreign ministry reacted over the Security’s Council decision
to extend the mandate of UNFICYP
Turkish
Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli newspaper (28.01.17) under the title: “Unilateral
and wrong stance”, reported that the so-called foreign ministry, in a written
statement, reacted over the Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of
the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and claimed that the expressions
used in the statement by the Security Council were wrong and unilateral.
The
“foreign ministry” described in its written statement the Security Council’s
stance as “wrong and unilateral” and reacted over the reference made about the
Republic of Cyprus on the one side, and on the Turkish Cypriot community on the
other side. “If they continue with the approach that in Cyprus where there are
two equal sides, there is on the one side a ‘state’ or a ‘government’ and on the
other side a community, then it will be impossible to reach to a fair and viable
solution on the Cyprus problem”, the statement alleged.
(AK)
8.
Olgun: “There is no ground for a federal partnership”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli (30.01.17) reported that the former Turkish Cypriot
negotiator Ergun Olgun, in statements during a televised program broadcast by
Genc TV, alleged that he does not consider that there is ground for a federal
partnership in Cyprus and argued that the atmosphere in Geneva has proven this.
Claiming
that the goal for a federal partnership and power sharing in Cyprus is not
possible to happen due to the Greek Cypriot side’s excessive demands, Olgun also
alleged that the Greek Cypriot side has brought them to the point of making
concessions from their own rights as Turkish Cypriots. “This is very dangerous.
History has shown that the Turkish Cypriots cannot defend themselves without
having Turkey, neither economically or socially due to the population majority
of the Greek Cypriots”, Olgun further claimed.
Olgun
expressed also the view that the Turkish Cypriot side has lost its bargaining
power on the territory issue after the submission of maps by both sides. “We
have not taken what we wanted on the issue of bi-zonality and political equality
in exchange for this. And this is a wrong negotiation practice”, he further
alleged.
(…)
(AK)
9.
HP’s first extraordinary congress was held; Ozersay was re-elected as
chairman of the party
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (30.01.17) reports that the 1st
extraordinary congress of the People’s Party (HP) took place on Sunday.
Kudret
Ozersay has been re-elected in the post of the chairman of the party without any
other candidate.
Speaking
during the congress, Ozersay stated, inter alia, that their goal is to become a
single-party government.
(AK)
10.
Democratic party not ready for “early
elections”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (30.01.17) reports about the possibility of
“early elections” in the breakaway regime and writes that while the nine
Turkish Cypriot political parties that operate are in favor of conducting
“early elections”, the Democratic Party (DP), which is the “junior partner” of
the “coalition government”, is against it.
According
to the paper, the general secretary of DP Afet Ozcafer stated that “early
elections is the last thing that people want”.
However,
Ersin Tatar, “deputy” with the big partner of the “coalition government” the
National Unity Party (UBP) stated that during a meeting heled recently between
“UBP deputies”, discussions took place regarding a possible date for the
“elections”, which could take place either in October 2017 or April 2018.
(CS)
11.
Caglar met with the chairman of PACE
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.01.17) reported that Mehmet Caglar,
“deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), who was recently in Strasbourg
in order to attend the general assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe (PACE), met with the chairman of PACE, Pedro Agramunt.
According
to a written statement issued by CTP, Caglar evaluated during the meeting the
recent developments on the Cyprus negotiation process and proposed that Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos
Anastasiades to jointly address the next general assembly of PACE that will take
place on April.
Caglar
referred also during the meeting to the importance of Turkey’s active and
effective guarantees in Cyprus for the Turkish Cypriots.
(AK)
12.
The breakaway regime delays the works for the opening of the Deryneia
barricade
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (29.01.17) reports that there are a lot of
reactions because the breakaway regime started with delay the works that must be
done for the opening of the Deryneia barricade.
At
the same time the works for asphalting the road are conducted by UNDP at the
buffer zone for opening the barricade in Deryneia area.
The
deputy chairman of the “Association of the within the walls region of Famagusta”
Serdar Atai, stated to the paper that asphalting the roads and building
pavements has been scheduled. As he said it appears to be a problem regarding
the fact that the “government” started with a delay the works that must be done
in the region.
(CS)
13.
Figures on the occupation regime’s foreign trade deficit
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (30.01.17) reports that the occupation regime’s
foreign trade deficit for the period of January-November 2016 has reached to 1.2
billion US dollars.
According
to the figures given by the so-called department of trade, the exports of the
occupation regime for the above period were 95.1 million dollars while the
imports were 1 billion 286 million dollars.
(…)
(AK)
14.
UK, Turkey sign defence deal and push for further trade
ties
Turkish
Hurriyet Daily News (29.01.17) reported that British Prime Minister Theresa May
signed a defence equipment deal with Turkey on an official visit to Ankara on
Jan. 28, as the two countries promised to ramp up trade partnerships ahead of
Brexit.
May
held three hours of talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before meeting
with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in Ankara.
She
announced the creation of a joint group to boost trade to over $20 billion ahead
of Britain’s departure from the European Union, while also overseeing the
signing of a deal for Britain’s BAE Systems to develop a new Turkish fighter
jet.
May
said that after meeting Erdogan at his palace, she was “proud” Britain had stood
with Turkey’s democratically elected government during a July 15, 2016,
coup.
“Now
it is important that Turkey sustains that democracy by maintaining the rule of
law and upholding its international human rights obligations, as the government
has undertaken to do,” she said.
May
stressed that Turkey was one of Britain’s “oldest friends” with relations going
back over 400 years, referring to the establishment of relations between the
Ottoman Empire and England under Elizabeth I.
Erdogan
said the two sides were aiming to increase annual trade from over $15 billion to
$20 billion.
May
said Britain and Turkey had agreed to set up a working group to “prepare the
ground for our post-Brexit trading relationship” after Britain leaves the
bloc.
“We
both want to build on our existing links and I believe that doing so will be to
the benefit of both of our countries and for the prosperity of both our
nations,” she said, as quoted by Agence France-Presse.
Yildirim
said the two sides would also now target a free trade
deal.
Under
their non-binding 100 million pound ($125 million) agreement, BAE Systems and
state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will establish a partnership for
the development of the TF-X fighter jet.
May
said it indicated that “Britain is a great, global, trading nation and that we
are open for business,” after the Brexit vote.
She
added that “it marks the start of a new and deeper trading relationship with
Turkey.”
In
addition, the paper further reports that May cautiously warned Turkey on human
rights following last year’s failed coup attempt in a visit to
Ankara.
May
also discussed the recently-held Astana talks as well as the upcoming Geneva
talks at the end of February, both of which aim to find a political solution in
Syria.
Erdogan
also said he discussed the issue of Cyprus with May. “We also discussed what
kind of steps we could take for Cyprus,” the Turkish President said. May said
the U.K. and Turkey were committed to playing their parts “for an early
settlement.”
15.
Turkish military chief Akar pays surprise visit to Aegean's Imia islets amid
tense relations with Greece
Turkish
daily Sabah newspaper (29.01.17) reported that “Turkish Military Chief of Staff
General Hulusi Akar paid a surprise visit to Kardak (Imia) islets in the Aegean
Sea on Sunday on the 21st anniversary of the military muscle show incident that
brought the two countries on the brink of armed conflict, while relations are
tense due to Greece's refusal to extradite eight FETO-affiliated pro-coup
soldiers to Turkey.
Accompanied
by army, navy and air force commanders, Akar first visited Aksaz Navy Base
Command located near Turkey's Aegean resort town of
Marmaris.
Following
the visit, Akar and the accompanying commanders cruised near the Kardak islets -
known as Imia in Greek - which are claimed by both countries and had been a
source of tension again between Turkey and Greece since late 2016. The Kardak
Islets are a pair of two small uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea, situated
between the Greek island chain of the Dodecanese and the southwestern mainland
coast of Turkey.
Right
after Akar's visit, Turkish media reports claimed that a Greek military vessel
tried to prevent the ship carrying Akar from getting close to the islets.
Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) denied these reports in a statement, showing a photo
of Akar on the vessel near one of the islets while a Greek patrol boat cruising
next to it”.
16.
Greece a complete disappointment for Turkey, Turkish Defence Minister
says
Turkish
daily Sabah (28.01.17) reported that Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik has
slammed the Greek court's decision to not extradite eight fugitive former
Turkish soldiers affiliated with the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) linked to the
July 15 defeated coup, saying that it has been a complete disappointment for
Turkey.
Speaking
at a ceremony to mark the handover of a submarine rescue ship to the Turkish
Naval Forces Command in Istanbul Saturday, Fikri Isik said: "This is not a
judgment, it is not a decision that dispenses justice."
He
called Thursday's ruling of the Greek Supreme Court case a "political decision"
and a "complete disappointment".
"Our
urgent expectation from Greece is that this wrong and unjust decision be
corrected as soon as possible and those eight people are returned to Turkey," he
said.
Isik
also said: "Greece has also revealed how wrong it is in the fight against
terrorism," underlining that Turkey would continue to follow the
case.
The
ex-soldiers -- Ahmet Guzel, Gencay Boyuk, Feridun Coban, Abdullah Yetik, Ugur
Ucan, Suleyman Ozkaynakci, Mesut Firatand, Bilal Kurugul -- fled to Greece in a
stolen Black Hawk helicopter a few hours after the July 15, 2016, coup bid was
defeated in Turkey. The men -- two majors, four captains and two sergeants --
were dismissed from the military after they fled.
Turkey
sent a second extradition request to Greece on Friday calling for the
repatriation of the soldiers, a Justice Ministry official
said.
The
ex-soldiers have been fighting extradition since they arrived in Greece and
claimed asylum on July 16.
The
official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to
the media, did not explain how a second request would help nullify the Greek
court's decision.
Interpol
has also been asked to issue international arrest warrants for the eight, the
official said.
17.
Turkish government downplays rating cuts for Turkey’s
economy
Turkish
Hurriyet Daily News (29.01.17) reported that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan
Kurtulmus stated that positive or negative decisions by ratings agencies
regarding the economy should not be taken too seriously, calling for a smooth
process following downgrades both by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s on the
Turkish economy.
Fitch
downgraded Turkey’s sovereign debt to “junk” late on Jan. 27, snuffing out its
last remaining investment grade and underscoring deepening concern about
politics and monetary policy in what was once a star emerging market. The
ratings cut, although widely expected by the markets, came hours after rival
agency S&P surprised investors by lowering its outlook for Turkey from
“stable” to “negative,” citing concerns over the plunging Turkish Lira and the
rising inflation rate.
During
a televised interview Kurtulmus said the process should occur in a smooth way.
“Any
upgrade in our ratings does not mean ‘everything is great in the Turkish
economy.’ This is also the case for the downgrades, as the rating or outlook
cuts should not be seen as ‘we are dead or something like that,’” he told CNN
Turk.
Kurtulmus
said there was no great problem with the country’s macroeconomic indicators.
“The
point is to boost our production capacity… In a bid to reach this target, we
have been taking some key measures, including a new incentive program to create
attraction centers, which was recently announced by Prime Minister Binali
Yildirim,” he said, adding that what the government should do was run the
economy so as not to shake the macroeconomic balances and the financial system.
According
to Kurtulmus, rating agencies sometimes move according to political motives
rather than economic ones. “I believe that the recent decisions by such agencies
are part of a smear campaign against Turkey that is aimed at driving it into a
corner,” he added.
Fitch
lowered Turkey’s rating to BB+ from BBB-, the latter being its lowest
investment-grade rating. Fitch revised Turkey’s ceiling to “BBB-” from “BBB” but
maintained the country’s stable outlook.
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
(CS
/ AM)
