TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
33/17
16.02.17
1.
Akinci’s statements following the meeting with
Anastasiades
2.
Ozgurgun alleged that no place of the TRNC will be
returned
3.
Talat: “Those who want the celebration of 1950 plebiscite need psychiatric
treatment”
4.
Columnist argues that the House of Representatives’ decision on 1950 plebiscite
proves the demand for guarantees to be right
5.
Commentary: “Northern Cyprus: The new destination for Turks fleeing
Turkey”
6.
The occupation regime “granted” the “TRNC’s citizenship” to 13 more
persons
7.
The participants of the “2nd international north Cyprus cycling tour” which is
launched today
8.
Cavusoglu to attend the Munich Security conference and the G20 Foreign Ministers
meeting
9.
Turkey’s unemployment rate rises to 12.1%, highest in seven
years
1.
Akinci’s statements following the meeting with
Anastasiades
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 16.02.17), speaking to reporters following
the meeting held in the UN controlled buffer zone which lasted a little less
than an hour, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said that he had conveyed
the Turkish Cypriot side’s justifications for the reactions regarding the Cyprus
Parliament’s decision to commemorate the 1950 Enosis plebiscite at public
schools in Cyprus.
Underlining
the need for establishing a culture of peace, particularly at schools, Akinci
said that the fact that the decision had been approved by Anastasiades’ own
party DISY at the committee level and later indirectly at the House of
Representatives by voting in abstention had caused great disappointment and
anger within the Turkish Cypriot society.
Explaining
that the Greek Cypriot leader had read out a five page document, outlining the
Greek Cypriot side’s views regarding the issue in which reference is made to
events marked in the “TRNC” which is of great discomfort for the Greek Cypriot
community, Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriot “people” expected the Greek
Cypriot leader to undo this decision.
“It
may be true that there are a number of such events marked in the TRNC but the
difference being here is that these events have been carried out as part as a
tradition. They were not introduced by me. More importantly I acknowledged in
speeches delivered on those days that the Greek Cypriots too experienced great
suffering in the past. I have also taken a stance against other issues too, he
said.
Akinci
noted that the Turkish Cypriots did not want to see their future partners
collaborating and working together with extreme nationalist parties such as
ELAM.
Akinci
also denied reports in the Greek Cypriot press that he had walked out of the
meeting. “Once we exchanged our views on the issue which we chose to do
personally, the UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor tried to wrap up the
discussion, stating that steps were required to address the demands of the
Turkish Cypriot side. The Greek Cypriot leader angrily stated that he had
nothing else to say before walking out of the meeting”, said
Akinci.
Akinci
said that he felt the need to share this information as it was claimed by the
Greek Cypriot press that he had walked out of the meeting.
He
added it was not possible for the Turkish Cypriot side to tolerate such acts of
disrespect. “We have had occasions in the past when Mr Anastasiades lost his
temper. But no matter what our differences may be we have always maintained our
respect. Under the current circumstances it was not possible to ignore his
actions”, Akinci said.
2.
Ozgurgun alleged that no place of the TRNC will be returned
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris (16.02.17 online http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/kibris/ozgurgunden-anastasiadise-20-temmuzu-sen-de-coskuyla-kutla/12781)
reports that the so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, using social media
(twitter) called on the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades
“to declare as a disaster day enosis (TR. Note Cyprus union with Greece) which
murdered thousands of Greek Cypriots and caused the genocide of Turkish Cypriots
and to celebrate the July 20th”.
According
to Ozgurgun, in the period between 15-20 of July 1974, the persons who contacted
the coup and supported enosis, murdered more than two thousands Greek Cypriots
and aimed to assassin many Turkish Cypriots as well. He also claimed that
Anastasiades supported enosis when he called on the Turkish Cypriots not to
celebrate July 20th. Anastasiades made this statement when he was
called to comment on the decision adopted
with majority by the Cyprus House of Representatives regarding the celebration
in the public schools of the 1950 plebiscite.
In
addition, Turkish Cypriot Star Kibris (16.02.17 online http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=243778)
reports that the so-called prime minister claimed that no place of the TRNC is
open for bargaining and no place will be given back.
Ozgurgun
made these statements during a visit he paid to some occupied villages of
Mesaoria.
He
alleged that they will demonstrate with investments that they will make in some
areas that their answers for returning some areas mentioned at the Cyprus
negotiations are negative. He also claimed that every investment made in these
soils is sending the message that the Turkish Cypriot “people” are continuing
every kind of development in order to live in this land equally and with
dignity.
He
also claimed that they own a debt of gratitude to “motherland Turkey” which
always supports them and co-operate with them, as well as to the Turkish armed
forces who provide them with security.
Ozgurgun
also alleged that they do not pay attention to reports that so and so areas were
discussed for return at the negotiations because as he said “no place of the
TRNC is opened for bargaining”. He also claimed that investments started to
taking place in some areas while other investments are about to be launched in
other areas and that they try to have the same investments in every part of the
“TRNC” from occupied Limnitis to Rizokarpasso.
(CS)
3.
Talat: “Those who want the celebration of 1950 plebiscite need psychiatric
treatment”
According
to illegal Bayrak television (16.02.17-(http://www.brtk.net/talat-rum-tarafinin-plebisit-kararini-elestirdi/),
the former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat condemned strongly the
decision adopted with majority by the Cyprus House of Representatives regarding
the celebration in the public schools of the 1950 plebiscite, arguing that
Enosis ideas constituted the beginning of the disaster in
Cyprus.
Recalling
that the decision was a proposal submitted by the fascist ELAM party, Talat
argued that this is nothing else but an effort to sabotage the peace process and
lead it to a deadlock.
Referring
to President Anastasiades’ statement “You should not celebrate the
20th of July as well”, Talat claimed that the two incidents differ
between each other.
On
the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris
(16.02.17-http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=243777) reports that
Talat alleged that those who wish for the Enosis to be commemorated need
psychiatric treatment. He also claimed the following: “The 1950 plebiscite was
Cyprus’ disaster. Commemorating a disaster is of course not normal. Those who
are not psychologically good need psychiatric treatment”.
(AK)
4.
Columnist argues that the House of Representatives’ decision on 1950
plebiscite proves the demand for guarantees to be right
Columnist
Basaran Duzgun in Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper
(16.02.17, online, http://www.havadiskibris.com/elam-disi-digerlerinden-garantilere-destek/)
argues that the Greek Cypriot political parties, which approved the decision
adopted with majority by the House of Representatives as regards the celebration
in the public schools of the 1950 plebiscite, have “dug their own grave”.
Under the title “Support to the guarantees by ELAM, DISY and the others”,
Duzgun recalls of the position regarding “zero guarantees, zero troops”, “no
need for guarantees in our time” and “Europe’s guarantees are enough”, and
alleges: “[…] These minds showed once more that the Turkish Cypriots are
right when they ask for guarantees. Because even if a federal Cyprus is
established, there is no guarantee that you will not say ‘we are an
indispensable part of the Greek nation and we want to unite with the
motherland’. There is absolutely no guarantee especially that you will not
use violence again against the Turkish Cypriots for this end, just like in the
past. Therefore, by blessing enosis, you actually affirmed the guarantees.
And for the sake of 3-5 votes, you will dig your own grave.
It
is a reality that the negotiations between Akinci and Anastasiades have fallen
into a coma.
Diplomatic circles refrain from talking about it, but the situation is there.
Some say that Akinci has shown so hard reaction in order for putting the
negotiations in danger. Some note that Anastasiades finds it difficult to
understand Turkish Cypriot side’s reactions. All these do not change the plain
truth. It is evident that the two leaders will not be able to return back to
bargaining. Therefore, an urgent interference in the negotiating table is a
precondition. The most creative proposal on this issue has come by AKEL’s
General Secretary, Andros Kyprianou. […]
AKEL
wants Anastasiades to state that he accepts the rotating presidency so that the
bargaining process to resume. This is a correct and reasonable
proposal.
Because AKEL also knows very well that if the negotiations are interrupted and
the table is overturned, everyone will be harmed. However, the Greek Cypriot
side [is the one which will be harmed] the most. Now is the time for
Anastasiades to show his leadership. […]”
(I/Ts.)
5.
Commentary: “Northern Cyprus: The new destination for Turks fleeing
Turkey”
Columnist
Barcin Yinanc, writing in Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 16.02.17),
publishes, inter alia, the following commentary with the above
title:
“Turks
call northern Cyprus baby land (editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), a term deriving from motherland.
(…)
But
some mainland Turks know Cyprus so well that they are now even migrating to the
northern part. There is a serious rise in the number of Turks who are settling
or buying property, according to Turkish Cypriot officials. This is not
surprising in view of the fact that a serious number of people who feel their
lifestyle is threatened by the current administration have been looking for ways
to emigrate.
While
they would not say it on record, Turkish Cypriots do admit that Turks come to
northern Cyprus to flee the oppressive atmosphere of Turkey.
It
is not just about the political environment which, in contrast to Turkey, is
devoid of tension. I think Turks are also attracted by the many attributes of
‘civilized’ life in the northern part.
(..)
Our
prejudice that the ‘Turkish Cypriots live a comfortable, nice and easy life
thanks to money coming from the mainland’, had led to confusion in our minds
about the characteristics of the Turkish Cypriots. We confused slow work and
joie de vivre with laziness. (…)”
6.
The occupation regime “granted” the “TRNC’s citizenship” to 13 more
persons
Under
the title: “13 new citizenships”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper
(16.02.16) following yesterday’s report published in Turkish daily Yeni Duzen,
writes that the so-called council of ministers has decided the illegal “granting
of citizenship” to 13 persons, which are the following:
1)
Abdullah
Kurklu, born in 1979 in Basoren-Turkey
2)
Yusuf
Yenidoganay, born in 1980 in Adana
3)
Ertugrul
Bulbul, born in 1973 in Berlin
4)
Orcun
Arslan, born in 1980 in Ankara
5)
Hasan
Govgoz, born in 1966 in Antakya, Turkey
6)
Ahmet
Bayraktar, born in 1974 in Altinozlu, Turkey
7)
Sevil
Baser, born in 1980 in Mersin, Turkey
8)
Nurullah
Uslu, born in 1997 in Antakya, Turkey
9)
Shengyul
Molla, born in 1985 in Turkey
10)
Hasan
Karagenc, born in 1943 in Turkey
11)
Serdar
Askaroglu, born in 1980 in Mersin
12)
Argun
Korhan Sayginer, born in 1976 in Bornova, Turkey
13)
Ahmet
Gurbuz, born in 1974 in Besni, Turkey
The
“decision” of the “council of ministers” was published in the “official gazette”
of the occupation regime on February 10.
(AK)
7.
The participants of the “2nd international north Cyprus cycling tour” which
is launched today
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (16.02.17 online http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/spor/20ye-yakin-ulke-18-takimla-bisiklet-turu-yarin-basliyor/12771)
reports that the “2nd international north Cyprus cycling tour” is launched today
in the breakaway regime with the participation of 18 teams and 300 athletes from
20 countries.
The
tour which is taking place between the 16th and 19th of February is under the
auspices of the so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, the “ministry of
sports” and the “cyclists federation of the TRNC” and aims to the promotion of
cycling tourism in the breakaway regime.
The
following countries are taking place in the tour:
Turkey,
Russia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Belgium,
Ukraine, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, FYROM, Venezuela.
The
participating groups are as follows:
Al
Salam Cycling Club (Saudi Arabia),
Astana
City Continental (Kazakhstan)
Biemme
Cycling Team (Ukraine)
Brisaspor
Bisiklet Takımı (Turkey)
CCN
Metalac Cycling Team (Serbia)
CNC
Cycling Team («Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus»)
Corratec
Cycling Team (Germany)
ISD
Jorbi Continental Team (Ukraine)
Kazakhstan
National Team (Kazakhstan)
Kempten
Cycling Team (Germany)
Kolls
Cycling Team (Ukraine)
Nessebar
Shockblaze (Bulgaria)
Rising
Star Cycling Team («Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus»)
Torku
Şeker Spor (Turkey)
Synergy
Baku (Azerbaijan)
Unieuro
Trevigiani Hemus 1896 (Bulgaria)
Velo
- M Kumanovo (Macedonia)
Wilier
Triestina Selle Italia (Italy).
(CS)
8.
Cavusoglu to attend the Munich Security conference and the G20 Foreign
Ministers meeting
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.02.17), Turkish Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend the annual 53rd Munich Security
Conference on February 17 in Munich, the Ministry announced on Feb. 15.
Cavusoglu
will deliver a speech at a panel and will also conduct bilateral meetings on the
side-lines of the conference, the ministry stated. Turkish Prime Minister
Binali Yildirim is also expected to briefly attend the conference and hold a
bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.
Meanwhile,
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 16.02.15) reports that Cavusoglu will
also attend the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in the city of Bonn in Germany's
North Rhine-Westphalia state on February 16-17.
Global
and regional issues such as peacekeeping, cooperation with Africa as well as
sustainable development are expected to be discussed during the
meeting.
In
addition to this meeting, the 9th MIKTA Foreign Ministers meeting will also be
held on February 16 in Bonn under the chairmanship of Turkey and with the
participation of member states Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea and
Australia.
During
the MIKTA meeting, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu will inform the members of the
body of Turkey's priorities during his term as chairman and exchange views on
global and regional issues.
Cavusoglu
is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several of his
counterparts.
9.
Turkey’s unemployment rate rises to 12.1%, highest in seven
years
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.02.17), Turkey’s
unemployment rate rose to 12.1% in November 2016, marking the highest such rate
since March 2010, official data showed on Feb. 15.
The
number of unemployed persons aged 15 years and above rose to 3.7 million in
November 2016, 590,000 more than the same period of the previous year, pushing
the unemployment rate to 12.1% with a 1.6 percentage point increase, according
to Turkish Statistics Institute (TÜİK) data.
While
the youth unemployment rate, including persons aged 15-24, was 22.6% with a 3.5%
point increase, the unemployment rate for persons aged 15-64 was 12.3% with a
1.6% point increase.
The
seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was also announced at 11.8% with a 0.1%
point increase.
The
number of employed people was 27.07 million in November 2016, up 391,000 from a
year earlier. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) was 52.1%, up 0.9%
point or 980,000.
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