7/3/14

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW





TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW

C O N T E N T S


No. 45/14                                                                                           07.03.14
1. Davutoglu: The peace process will bring stability in Cyprus
2. Cavusoglu: A lasting solution will be found this year in Cyprus
3. Eroglu: The guarantees will be discussed at a meeting with the guarantors; the leaders will meet in the end of March or in April
4. Nami: Cyprus is state policy for Turkey
5. Self-styled deputies evaluated their contacts in Brussels
6. The cost of living in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus for February was increased by 2.29%
7. The EPBF to organize a European Championship in occupied Keryneia
8. Turkish court rules on jailing of Basbug
9. Special courts abolished as Turkish President Gul signs law
10. Erdogan might shut down Facebook and YouTube
11. Social media users and bloggers may face fines over alcoholic drink photos
12. Green co-chair Ozdemir: Media censorship might drive Turkey apart from EU
13. Ankara stands by Ukraine’s integrity
14. Sonar survey: Support for AKP slipped by 15%

1. Davutoglu: The peace process will bring stability in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (07.03.14) reports that the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu has argued that an agreement might come up from the economic crises in Cyprus and added that “the peace process will bring stability to the island”.
Davutoglu met yesterday in Italy with his Greek counterpart, Evangelos Venizelos at the side-lines of an international conference on Libya. Asked by a Turkish journalist how the government crisis, which allegedly exists in the Republic of Cyprus, will influence the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, Davutoglu replied:

“As you know, the cross visits were our common suggestion. We had decided this in New York in September. Both of us expressed our satisfaction with the realisation of these [visits]. And the developments are positive now. A government crisis is in question in south Cyprus [Translator’s note: the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus]. In any case, when taking difficult decisions is needed, some political crises need also to be taken into consideration. In this sense, we believe that a peace process will bring stability and not crisis in south Cyprus and in the TRNC. We think that all these could be overcome without a crisis. In our meeting the political issue in south Cyprus did not come onto the agenda. We mostly discussed the negotiations”.

Asked to comment on the information that US ships are heading towards the Black Sea, Davutoglu recalled the Montreux Convention regarding the regime of the straits of Bosporus, noting that the principles for ships passing from the straits are clear and Turkey implements these principles literally. “Everyone saw this in the war in Georgia”, he argued claiming that “we have always respected the international law and especially when the issue is the straits and Turkey’s sovereignty, we, on the one hand, do not give concessions from these and on the other, we implement the agreements which concern us and act on the basis of these agreements”.
(I/Ts.)

2. Cavusoglu: A lasting solution will be found this year in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (07.03.14) reports that the Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator, MevlutCavusoglu has said that a lasting solution will be found to the Cyprus problemthis year and this will speed up Turkey’s accession process into the European Union. 

Cavusoglu met yesterday at lunch organized by the Union ofChambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) with the Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

In his statements Cavusoglu alleged thatTurkey “has done more than its bit” in Cyprus. He also said that when a lasting peace comes to Cyprus, both political stability will come up and very important opportunities from the point of view of economic growth. “And this will be in the benefit of everyone”, he noted adding that “developments which will influence the Middle East countries and all countries around the Mediterranean will happen…”   
(I/Ts.)

3. Eroglu: The guarantees will be discussed at a meeting with the guarantors; The leaders will meet in the end of March or in April
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (07.03.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu said yesterday that the only issue which has not been discussed at the negotiating table in the Cyprus talks is the guarantees and added that this issue will be discussed in a meeting in which the guarantor powers will also participate.

Eroglu held separate meetings with delegations from the “Nicosia Friends’ Association” and the “Culture and Solidarity Association” representing the settlers from Gaziantep.

In his statements, Eroglu noted that the chapters in the negotiations are known and have been discussed ever since. He argued that they will exert every effort to speedily examine all chapters except for the guarantees, and reach an agreement which will be satisfying to the Turkish Cypriot “people”.
He argued that both sides must show will for an agreement at the negotiating table and lead the problem to a solution. He reiterated the allegation that negotiations on the Cyprus problem are held since 1968, thatsome texts for an agreement came up, but the Greek Cypriots rejected them and therefore this is the last chance.

Erogludescribed as “injustice” the world’s dealing with the Cyprus problem, while so many other problems exist.

Eroglu said that a meeting between the two community leaders is planned in the end of March or in the beginning of April. 

Finally, he recalled that the negotiators are meeting every week and added that the demands started coming gradually to the table.
(I/Ts.)

4. Nami: Cyprus is state policy for Turkey
Turkish daily Radikal newspaper (06.03.14) published an interview with the self-styled foreign minister OzdilNami who referred to the negotiations launching and the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Nami expressed the hope the political crisis in Turkey will not affect the efforts for solution. He said that Greece, Turkey and Britain have a very important role to play and added that Cyprus is state policy for Turkey. Referring to the cross meetings Nami said that during the meetings the two sides got the chance to understand each other and no negotiations were conducted.

Referring to the negotiations, Nami said that the main differences between the two sides in Cyprus are focused in property, territorial arrangement, guarantees and security. He said that the two sides have strong opinion on these issues. “Very difficult negotiations are expected to take place on these issues”, he stated.

Nami also said that the EU supports the solution and added that there is great interest from both the EU and USA for reaching a solution. He also said that according to a survey conducted in the occupied area of Cyprus, 58% of the persons asked, say “yes” to a solution. A similar survey was not conducted in the south, he stated.

5. Self-styled deputies evaluated their contacts in Brussels
 According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 06.03.14), the self-styled parliamentary delegation consisting of the Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) “deputy” ArmaganCandan, Democrat Party – National Forces (DP-UG) “deputy” HasanTacoy and the National Unity Party (UBP) “deputy” HamzaErsan Saner completed their contacts in Brussels. The “parliamentary delegation” told European Parliament officials that if they provide some advantages to the Turkish Cypriots then this would enable the Greek Cypriot side to come closer to an agreement.

Evaluating their contacts to the “BRT”, Tacoy said they held important contacts in Brussels.

Noting that the European Parliament is focused on its upcoming elections in May, Tacoy said those MPE’s who support the Turkish Cypriots, did not behave warmly in order not to lose votes.

Saner, for his part, said that the Turkish Cypriot side’s views on the joint declaration are welcomed by Brussels.

6. The cost of living in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus for February was increased by 2.29%
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (07.03.14) reports that the so-called state planning organization (DPO) has announced figures related to the cost of living in the occupied area of Cyprus for the month of February.

According to the “DPO” the cost of living in the occupation regime for February was increased by 2.29% compared to the last month.

The highest rise in the cost of consumer spending comparing to the previous month was experienced in food and non-alcohol drinks with 5.64% rise, followed by household utensils and home maintenance services by 2.74, transportation 2.63%, health sector 1.71% education 1.11% and e.t.c.

According to the “DPO” the cost of living compared to last December has increased by 4.43% and to the same month of last year by 14.58%.
(AK)

7. The EPBF to organize a European Championship in occupied Keryneia
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen (07.03.14) reports in its sport-pages that the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) is to organize from March 30th –April 9th in Hotel Acapulco in occupied Keryneia a championship called “European Championships for Men, Women and Wheelchair Athletes”.

As the paper writes more than 250 athletes from 33 different countries are expected to participate in the championship.

The paper writes that in spite of the fact the “south Cyprus”, as the Republic of Cyprus is called by the paper, is an official member of the EPBF, it has not registered yet to participate in the championship, as a type of a protest.
Translator’s note: More about the event can be seen at the EPBF’ website: http://epbf.com/european-championships/dynamic-billard-european-championships-forecast/
(AK)

8. Turkish court rules on jailing of Basbug
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.03.14), the Turkish Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that the imprisonment of the former head of the Turkish military, IlkerBasbug constitutes a violation of his legal rights.

Basbug's attorney filed a complaint to the Constitutional Court regarding the 'trial of Basbug's in a local court and his ongoing two-year imprisonment' but the appeal was rejected without being examined, according to Basbug's attorney.

The Constitutional Court said Basbug could not appeal to the highest appeal court (Yargitay) as the local court failed to complete legal procedure. So the decision is now with the local court which could decide on his release.

9. Special courts abolished as Turkish President Gul signs law
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 06.03.14) reported that President Abdullah Gul approved a law abolishing the notorious specially authorized courts (OYM), where the Balyoz and Ergenekon cases were held at. 

The OYMs were discontinued by Parliament in 2012, but a provisionary article allowed courts to finalize pending coup plot cases, such as: Ergenekon, “Balyoz” (Sledgehammer), OdaTV and Poyrazkoy. From now on, the eight OYMs that convicted soldiers in mass trials in 2012 and 2013 will be abolished and their case files will be passed on to regular criminal courts.

10. Erdogan might shut down Facebook and YouTube
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 07.03.14) reports that faced with ever-damaging accusations against him, Prime Minister RecepTayyipErdogan has threatened to shut down Facebook and YouTube “if necessary” via a controversial new law, while suggesting “he would not sacrifice the Turkish people” to the two websites. 

“Some known circles immediately rebelled against this Internet law. We have done everything that we could do up to now, but there are some other steps that we can take after the [local elections on] March 30. We are determined; we won’t let the Turkish people be sacrificed to YouTube and Facebook.Whatever step is necessary, we will take it in the most precise way, including shutting down [both websites] because those people incite any kind of immorality or espionage for the profit of these institutions. There is no such mentality of freedom,” Erdogan said during a live interview on private broadcaster ATV late March 6.
Erdogan also said during the interview that he conveyed to U.S. President Barack Obama his complaints regarding Gulen.

“I said the person who is responsible for the unrest in Turkey lives in your country, in Pennsylvania. I said this clearly. ‘I expect what’s necessary,’ I said. You have to take the necessary stance if some threaten my country’s security,” Erdogan said. “He looked at it positively. ‘We got the message,’ he said,” Erdogan added.

Erdogan also said a Red Notice from Interpol may be sought for Gulen.

11. Social media users and bloggers may face fines over alcoholic drink photos
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 06.03.14), a new law paves the way for fines to be handed out for pictures of alcoholic beverages shared on social media websites or blogs.

Social media users and bloggers in Turkey will now have to think twice before uploading their pictures while casually toasting with friends or wishing each other.

After restricting the sale and promotion of alcoholic beverages, the government is now getting ready to chase down those who share pictures that may suggest advertising for alcohol brands.

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and especially blogs have become a refuge for alcohol companies to promote their products after all kinds of advertising, including sponsorship of cultural events, were controversially outlawed last year.

12. Green co-chair Ozdemir: Media censorship might drive Turkey apart from EU
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 06.03.14) reported that German Green Party co-chair CemOzdemir has criticized Turkey's censorship and interference in the media, saying that these acts are keeping the EU's longest running candidate off the 28 member bloc. 

“EU membership is Turkey's right, but if a Minister's son and a porter are not equal in the country, then Turkey cannot enter the EU,” Ozdemir said in a meeting of his party's Cologne branch on Wednesday.

Ozdemir also said if EU's standards against corruption were held in Turkey then the "Turkish Parliament would probably be left empty.”

“The censorship and limitations on the freedom of expression is unfortunately setting Turkey apart from the European Union. … If Turkey wants to be an EU member, then it needs to go through dramatic changes,” Ozdemir said.

Indicating that there are no "single man” politics in Europe, Ozdemir said: “There is a single man in Turkey, and everything is in his hand. Universities and the media and the judiciary are in his hands. This is impossible. Even if that person was the world's best person, this sort of system would still end in corruption.”

13. Ankara stands by Ukraine’s integrity
Turkish daily Sabah (online, 07.03.14), under the title “Crimea seeks split as Ankara stands by Ukraine’s integrity”, reports that Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson TanjuBilgic, referring to the latest situation in Crimea, stated: “For Turkey, the most important principle is the territorial integrity and political unity of Ukraine. We will continue our efforts to bring stability and internal peace to Crimea. Moreover, Crimean Tatars are one of the main principles of our policy on Ukraine."

 Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who is in Rome for the second round of the Libya support conference, discussed the situation in Crimea with chief diplomats of the Unite States, Italy, France, Germany and Britain. Noting that the most important principle is the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Davutoglu said: “If Ukraine disintegrates; this will not be limited to Ukraine only. It will have an impact on Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, everywhere."

On the same issue, the World Bulletin news portal (online, 06.03.14) reported that Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Jemilev,  revealing the details of his meeting with Davutoglu last week in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, said that Davutoglu promised that Turkey would get involved if the Crimean Tatars came under threat.

14. Sonar survey: Support for AKP slipped by 15%
Under the title “I can already announce that support for AKP slipped by 15%”, Turkish daily Cumhuriyet (04.03.14) reported that according to a survey by SONAR, support for the AKP [Justice and Development Party] slipped by 15% in the wake of the leaked telephone conversation between Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan and his son Bilal.

SONAR Research Chairperson HakanBayrakci made an announcement in which he said: "During the previous elections, we were not in a position to say this. However, I can already say that the support for the AKP has slipped by 15%. As for the other pollsters, which show support for the AKP at 47%, I wish them all the best. I wonder how they are going to justify their forecasts once the elections results are revealed."

Bayrakci went on to say: "Support for the AKP has slipped between 10% and 15%. The AKP is likely to lose in municipalities where is running neck-to-neck with other parties. The CHP [Republican People's Party] is uncontested in the coastal areas; however, the MHP [National Action Party] will well exceed expectations in central Anatolia and the Black Sea region. The CHP has a 10% lead in Antalya. We will shortly be sharing our detailed survey results with the general public."

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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION