TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 93/17 17.05.17
1. Akinci briefs Turkish Cypriot political parties on the Cyprus problem
2. Akinci discusses Cyprus problem with Turkish Foreign Minister
3. Ozgurgun: “A conflict can occur”
4. CTP’s Akansoy proposed the suspension of the negotiation talks for at least one year
5. Atun attended the Treasury Ministers meeting of IDB in Jeddah
6. Turkish Cypriot academicians went into a hunger strike in order to express support to Turkish academicians
7. Turkey and US to ‘fight terror’ together despite rift over YPG
8. Afrika: “Erdogan-Trump meeting was the shortest in history”
9. Turkish groups warn US against FETO
10. Nine hurt, two detained in altercation at Turkish Embassy in Washington
11. Sabah: “Relocating German troops to Jordan 'costly, unrealistic'”
1. Akinci briefs Turkish Cypriot political parties on the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (17.05.17) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci briefed yesterday the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot political parties represented in the “assembly” on the Cyprus negotiations in view of his meeting with President Anastasiades today, which is described by the paper as a “key” to whether the negotiating process will continue and a decision for the sides and the guarantor powers returning to Geneva Conference on Cyprus will be taken. In statements after the briefing, the party leaders agreed that a “deadlock” is observed in the process.Huseyin Ozgrugun, leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) and self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that the sides should return to the Geneva summit and alleged that “the five-party conference should definitely be realized by the end of June”.
Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the “main opposition” Republican Turkish Party (CTP), noted that the minutes of the negotiations show that no progress has been achieved during the last four meetings between the leaders. Erhurman argued that a new effective method should be searched.
Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP), argued that not only the methodology should change, but also the basis and the mission of the negotiations. He alleged that a solution based on the 1977-79 High Level Agreements has not been possible because the international community sees the Greek Cypriots as the sole owner of the island. Denktas accused President Anastasiades of not conveying the realities to his voters because of the forthcoming presidential elections and of lying on the issue that the Turkish Cypriot side has taken a step backwards on the six chapters of the negotiations.
Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), argued that the sides should go outside the “routine meetings” and take effective steps. He wished that President Anastasiades will put aside his so-called “election concerns” and reply to what he called as Akinci’s positive steps. According to Ozyigit, the negotiating process should enter into an “effective stage” before the commencement of the natural gas drillings in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
(I/Ts.)
2. Akinci discusses Cyprus problem with Turkish Foreign Minister
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.05.17, online, http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/kibris/muzakerelerdeki-son-gelismeleri-ele-aldilar/18737) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci held a telephone conversation last night with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. According to Anatolia news agency, the telephone conversation was held upon a demand by the Turkish Cypriot side. Akinci and Cavusoglu discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations.(I/Ts.)
3. Ozgurgun: “A conflict can occur”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (17.05.17) reports that the self-styled prime minister and leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun, visited yesterday Havadis and claimed that there will be tension in Cyprus after the drilling that the Greek Cypriots will start in July.Ozgurgun stated that if tension is rises it could lead to a hot conflict claiming that all these “are used by the Greek Cypriot leader as a tool for the forthcoming presidential elections”.
He went on to add that it will not be reasonable for the Turkish Cypriot side to leave the negotiation table at this point. He added: “You cannot leave the talks because you will be accused for it and no-one wants to take the blame. If you say ‘we are leaving the table’ a revolution will occur and strategically we are not at the point to say this”.
Asked on the possibility of “early elections” in the breakaway regime, Ozgurgun said that the “government’s” aim is to hold “elections” in April 2018.
(CS)
4. CTP’s Akansoy proposed the suspension of the negotiation talks for at least one year
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (17.05.17) reports that the “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Asim Akansoy, in statements yesterday during the meeting of the so-called assembly, evaluated the latest developments on the Cyprus negotiation talks, stating, inter alia, that the negotiation process has entered into a crucial phase.Alleging that a possible blockage at the talks will not be turned upon the one side, Akansoy further supported that a possible blockage will try also the international community’s patience.
Referring to the issue of the natural gas, Akansoy stated that this issue which is one of the most important dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean is directly affecting the Cyprus negotiation process. “In order to achieve stability in the region, we should act with seriousness on the issue of the natural gas. At the current stage, we should behave with common sense, we should produce a policy based on common sense, we should follow a preventive policy in a possible hot development in the Eastern Mediterranean and we should also be accelerant for our common interests”.
Akansoy further stressed the need for the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel to suspend all its research activities in the Mediterranean. He also proposed the suspension of the Cyprus negotiation talks for at least one year.
(AK)
5. Atun attended the Treasury Ministers meeting of IDB in Jeddah
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 17.05.17), self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun, who is currently holding contacts in Jeddah, attended also the Treasury Ministers meeting held as part of the 42nd Annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group.The “TRNC” (editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) was represented for the first time at the meeting which was attended by Treasury Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference member countries.
Turkey was also represented by Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek at the event.
During his Jeddah visit, Atun is being accompanied by the “General Director of the Development Bank” Ercan İbrahimoğlu, the “Vice-President of the board of directors of the Development Bank” Nevzat Nevzat, the self-styled private secretary of the economy and energy ministry Hurşide Baybora and the Director of KOBİGEM Ebru Kaptan Sertoğlu.
Atun is also expected to hold a series of “high level official contacts” in Jeddah.
6. Turkish Cypriot academicians went into a hunger strike in order to express support to Turkish academicians
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.05.17) reports that members of the “DAU-SEN” (“trade union of the academicians of the illegal Eastern Mediterranean university”) went yesterday into a one day hunger strike, in order to express their support to two university teachers at the Konya Selcuk University who are continuing a hunger strike for 68 days in Ankara. The two university teachers were dismissed from their duties after the Turkish government issued a decree law, after the July 15 coup.The “members of the personnel” of the illegal university, went yesterday into a hunger strike with the aim to express support to Nuriye Gulmen and Semih Ozkca, members of the academic staff of the Konya Selcuk University. The hunger strike will end today writes the paper, adding that the protesters were holding placards writing “you are not alone”.
(AK)
7. Turkey and US to ‘fight terror’ together despite rift over YPG
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 17.05.17), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump gave strong messages of cooperation against terrorism at a crucial meeting at the White House on May 16, despite continued discord over their respective stances against the People’s Protection Units (YPG), a Syrian Kurdish group that Turkey views as a terrorist organization.The U.S. will “support any effort to reduce violence in Syria and create a peaceful resolution,” Trump told reporters alongside Erdogan after the meeting, which he said was productive.
He said his country “offers support to the Turkish nation in its fight against [the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] ISIL and the [outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party] PKK.”
Erdogan raised the YPG issue, saying that using YPG militants in the region goes against agreements and “will never be accepted”. He added that “Turkey will work with the U.S. to fight all terrorist groups in the region.”
Erdogan said that he “hopes and prays” for future consultation and cooperation in laying a “new foundation” for the Turkey-U.S. relationship under Trump.
For his part, Trump vowed that the U.S. will rapidly deliver military orders placed by Turkey. The two were meeting for the first time since Trump took office in January, amid lingering disagreement over Washington’s partnership with the YPG.
The visit is also complicated by Turkey’s calls for the U.S. to take steps to extradite Pennsylvania- based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, believed to be behind the failed coup attempt of July 2016.
8. Afrika: “Erdogan-Trump meeting was the shortest in history”
Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (17.05.17) reports that the meeting between the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan with the US President Donald Trump, which took place yesterday at the White House was very short.The paper also argues that Erdogan did not find what he was looking for at the meeting and his expectations were not met by Tramp. The paper reports that in statements to the press, during the joint press conference with Trump, Erdogan admitted indirectly that they did not agree with Tramp on the issue of the weapon aid to the Kurds of YPG/PYD in Syria.
“Terrorist organizations have no place in our area”, he stated adding that it is not right for any country to consider the terrorist YPG/PYD as a collocutor no matter which country this is.
The paper also reports that Erdogan made a long statement while Trump made a much shorter one. Both of them read a written statement and no questions were allowed to be made after this. The paper also writes that it was noted that Trump turned his back to Erdogan after the written statements and left.
(CS)
9. Turkish groups warn US against FETO
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (17.05.17), Turkish groups on Tuesday published a full-page advertisement in the Washington Post newspaper that urged President Donald Trump against cooperating with terror groups.The open letter by the Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC) that represents nearly 150 non-governmental organizations based in the U.S., emphasized the strengths of the Turkey-U.S. partnership in security and trade.
The letter was published on the same day Trump hosted Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their first meeting at the Oval Office.
TASC said the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), accused by Ankara of mounting a failed coup attempt last summer in Turkey, is "an insidious cult that has also been spreading across this nation disguised in the form of charter schools and intercultural and interfaith associations. "We urge Americans to exercise great caution", the letter added.
The TASC letter also asked the Trump administration to drop its support for the PYD/YPG, the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terror group.
The Pentagon announced last week the U.S. would begin directly arming the group in the fight against Daesh. "The U.S. should support its ally rather than back a terrorist organization," the letter concluded.
10. Nine hurt, two detained in altercation at Turkish Embassy in Washington
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 17.05.17) with the above title reports that nine people were hurt and two were detained during an altercation at the Turkish ambassador's residence in the U.S. capital on May 16, authorities have said.Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said the altercation broke out between two groups but he did not elaborate on the circumstances. He said two people were detained, including one who was charged with assaulting a police officer.
According to Voice of America, the altercation occurred between pro-Kurdish protesters and supporters of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in front of Ambassador Serdar Kılıç’s residence. Video shot by Voice of America also showed men in suits identified as Erdoğan’s bodyguards joining the melee.
The altercation came the same day that Erdogan met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
The State Department declined to comment.
11. Sabah: “Relocating German troops to Jordan 'costly, unrealistic'”
According to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 17.05.17), the German government lashed out at Ankara on Monday for preventing a parliamentary defence committee from visiting German troops currently stationed at the İncirlik Air Base, hinting at the possibility of moving the personnel to Jordan. However, the possibility of such a move remains questionable. Another crisis in already sour Turkish-German relations surfaced at the beginning of the week after it was confirmed that German lawmakers were denied a visit to the İncirlik Air Base. Diplomatic sources told Daily Sabah that the visit from the lawmakers was "considered inappropriate for the time being."
Daily Sabah reached out to the German government as well. Responding to a question of whether Berlin has already been in contact with the Jordanian government regarding the issue, the German Foreign Ministry pointed to a statement by the spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry, Jens Flosdorff.
Flosdorff said in a press conference on Monday that Berlin has already started to look for other options to replace the İncirlik Air Base by the end of 2017.
Stressing the fact that Jordan, the Republic of Cyprus and Kuwait are the leading alternatives for Germany, Flosdorff said that Jordan is the most affordable option for the German government.
"Jordan cannot be compared to Turkey in this regard. Jordan is a fragile country in terms of security," Bora Bayraktar, an academic, at the International Relations Department of Istanbul Kültür University, that focuses on developments in the Middle East and North Africa region, said.
Bayraktar contended that Jordan cannot be an option for Germany, saying it was "irrational and unrealistic".
Meanwhile, Bayraktar also drew attention to the cost of such a move.
Stressing that moving all personnel and jets as well as other equipment to Jordan or Kuwait would be costly, the academic said, "It would be five or six times more costly than flying from the İncirlik Air Base. Germany cannot afford it."
Daily Sabah reached out to the German government as well. Responding to a question of whether Berlin has already been in contact with the Jordanian government regarding the issue, the German Foreign Ministry pointed to a statement by the spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry, Jens Flosdorff.
Flosdorff said in a press conference on Monday that Berlin has already started to look for other options to replace the İncirlik Air Base by the end of 2017.
Stressing the fact that Jordan, the Republic of Cyprus and Kuwait are the leading alternatives for Germany, Flosdorff said that Jordan is the most affordable option for the German government.
"Jordan cannot be compared to Turkey in this regard. Jordan is a fragile country in terms of security," Bora Bayraktar, an academic, at the International Relations Department of Istanbul Kültür University, that focuses on developments in the Middle East and North Africa region, said.
Bayraktar contended that Jordan cannot be an option for Germany, saying it was "irrational and unrealistic".
Meanwhile, Bayraktar also drew attention to the cost of such a move.
Stressing that moving all personnel and jets as well as other equipment to Jordan or Kuwait would be costly, the academic said, "It would be five or six times more costly than flying from the İncirlik Air Base. Germany cannot afford it."
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