6/7/15

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW



TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S



No. 124/15                                                                                        04-6.07.2015

1. Akinci: No traces of landmines have been found in 25 of the 28 minefields
2. Yorgancioglu resigns; The most likely is reportedly a CTP-UBP “coalition government”
3. Akinci met with French Minister Désir
4. The “Property Compensation Commission” might stop being a “local remedy” because it cannot pay compensations
5. TDP will participate in the meeting of the Council of the SI in NY
6. Cerkez on the efforts exerted for the establishment of a common GSM communication network in Cyprus
7. Toros calls for reform in the economy of the breakaway regime
8. Settler’s association reacted against the statements of the Archbishop
9. Vehicles in the breakaway regime have been increased by 60% in the last ten years
10. A rented fire helicopter from Turkey at the occupied airport of Tymbou
11. AKP Deputy compared the possible Turkish intervention to Syria with the Turkish invasion to Cyprus
12. Military increases presence on border as commanders summoned to Ankara


1. Akinci: No traces of landmines have been found in 25 of the 28 minefields
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 04.07.15), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has announced that no traces of landmines have been found in 25 of the 28 minefields presented by the Greek Cypriot leader NicosAnastasiades at their first meeting on the 15th of May.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Akinci said that inspections were held by teams from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the “Cyprus Turkish security forces” (editor’s note: the Turkish occupation forces in Cyprus) within the areas of which coordinates were provided by the Greek Cypriot side.

He reminded that the UNMAS teams had carried out the inspections in line with a request he had made to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during his meeting with him on the 4th of June.

Pointing out that there are landmines suspected in three of the areas provided, Akinci said that all three areas have been fenced off and pose no direct risk to the public.

Akinci also said: “No traces of landmines were found in 25 of the 28 reported coordinates. We only have suspicions in 3 areas. The first coordinated is located within a military zone in Gungor (editor’s note: the occupied village of Koutsoventis). Since there is no civilian access to the location in question, the area does not pose an immediate threat. The second coordinates are located in Alemdag (editor’s note: the occupied village of Agridaki). Part of the plot is private property while the remaining part is accessible to the public. The third area is on the side of the road near Omerli (editor’s note: the occupied village of Galini). All three areas have been fenced off and marked, posing no risk at all. Necessary work to screen and if needed clear the plots has begun.”

Akinci further said that there is no longer a need for this issue to occupy the public’s agenda, particularly now that it is high season for tourism and added: “I would like to thank both the UNMAS teams and the Cyprus Turkish security forces for the work they have carried out. Let everyone be assured that the areas fenced off will be checked and cleared in no time”.

2. Yorgancioglu resigns; The most likely is reportedly a CTP-UBP “coalition government”
Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen newspaper (04.07.15) reported that OzkanYorgancioglu, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, submitted on Friday his resignation to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci. Yorgancioglu said that he had resigned to give the opportunity to the establishment of a new formation. On his part, Akinci stated that he would separately meet with the party leaders and assign with the duty of establishing a “government” a “deputy”, who could form a “government” that will secure the majority in the “assembly”.

The paper writes that the second round of meetings for the establishment of a new “government” was held on Friday. A delegation headed by the Republican Turkish Party – United Forces (CTP-BG) leader, Mehmet Ali Talat visited the National Unity Party (UBP) and the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG).    

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (05.07.15) reported that Akinci met on Saturday with the political party leaders within the framework of the efforts of establishing a new “government”. Today Akinci is expected to assign Omer Kalyoncu, CTP-BG “deputy” of occupied Keryneia, with the duty of forming a “coalition government”. The efforts for establishing a new “government” are expected to begin this week.  

After meeting with Akinci, Talat said that they informed him that their party organs decided to establish a “government” under Kalyoncu. On his part, UBP leader, Huseyin Ozgurgun stated that they agreed with Akinci that the “country’ should not remain without a “government” for a long time and that the new “government” should be established the soonest. The chairman of the DP-UG, SerdarDenktas said that they have expressed a positive view for Kalyoncu, while the general secretary of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), SuphiHudaoglu stated that they are seeing Kalyoncu positively.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (05.07.15) reported that the CTP discussed once more in its central administrative committee the issue of the party with which it will establish a “coalition government”. The majority of the party’s competent organs and “deputies” were in favor of establishing a “government” with the UBP. According to the paper, this majority reached 55%. In case of a “coalition” with the DP-UG some “deputies” will resign in case they do not get a “ministry” and thus the party concerns that the “government” will numerically face difficulties in the “assembly”. It is said that three “deputies” will resign in case they do not become “ministers”. The CTP and the UBP have reportedly agreed on many issues except on the “privatizations”.

Referring to Havadis’ above-mentioned information, CenkMutluyakali, general publishing director of Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen newspaper (06.07.15) expresses the view thatthe possibilities for the establishment of the CTP-UBP “government” are currently around 70% and not 55% as Havadis has argued.  “Of course, we could not know what will happen when the timetable, the details and the sharing of the ministries will come to the table”, he notes. 
(I/Ts.)

3. Akinci met with French Minister Désir
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (04.07.15) reported that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met on Friday with Harlem Désir, the French Minister of State for European Affairs.

The meeting, which was held in Akinci’s office, was attended by the self-styled undersecretary of the foreign affairs ministry ErhanErcin and Akinci’s spokesperson BarisBurcu.
According to the paper, the progress, which has been obtained in the ongoing Cyprus talks for the reunification of the island, was discussed during the meeting. Désir said that the election of Akinci as a Turkish Cypriot leader has opened an opportunity window for the strengthening of the prosperity and stability of the island and to give an end to the division of the island in a way that will benefit the two communities in the island and the region as a whole with the EU. He also said that France is satisfied with the positive atmosphere of the Cyprus talks as well as the determination and courage that both leaders have exhibited.

Noting that France has given a strong support to the talks, Désir wished success to both leaders and the UN Special Adviser on Cyprus of the Secretary-General Espen Barth Eide.

Désir further said that the Cyprus settlement, which should be beneficiary for both communities, should also be agreeable to the EU fundamental principles.
(DPs)

4. The “Property Compensation Commission” might stop being a “local remedy” because it cannot pay compensations
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (05.07.15) reports that the “Property Compensation Commission”, established by Turkey in the occupied area of Cyprus, might stop being a “local remedy” because it cannot pay compensation to the persons who acquired this right after applying to the “Commission”. It is said that the “Commission” has no money to pay compensations.

The chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), CemalOzygit said that certain amount for compensating Greek Cypriots for their occupied properties has been secured by Turkey and added that in case the problem of securing resources is not solved, the “danger” of the ‘Commission” stop being a “local remedy” exists.

Referring to the request by the self-styled speaker of the “assembly”, SibelSiber to the political parties to submit their view on how this problem will be overcome, Ozyigit noted that his party will submit its views, but they do not support any step which will be contrary to the negotiating process, because the property issue is a part of this process.

It is known that the compensation for the land on which big hotels and the Middle East Technical University (ODTU) had been constructed was paid by Turkey”, he said adding that “our work will be related to the way by which compensations will be paid from now on and to the exchange [of property]”.

The paper recalls that HamzaErsan Saner, “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP), had prepared a “law” providing that if the Greek Cypriot owner of an occupied property and its Turkish Cypriot user agree, they could solve the problem through the “Commission”. The Turkish Cypriot could pay the money to the Greek Cypriot, the property will become “Turkish property” and the Turkish Cypriot’s points for “property of equivalent value” will be disengaged.

According to Ozyigit, however, in order for the “legal provisions” to be implemented, the following questions should be replied first: “Will a territorial concession be given? Are there places which will be returned? Which places will be returned? How the compensation mechanism will work in the places which are returned?”

Siber, on the other hand, said that in case the exchange of property is successfully implemented as a solution, the illegal title deeds given by the occupation regime will be internationally valid and in this way, “bi-zonality”, which is one of the parameters of the solution of the Cyprus problem will, allegedly, be guaranteed. Siber argued that if the “Commission” cannot pay compensations, the benefits gained from its establishment will be lost.
(I/Ts.)

5. TDP will participate in the meeting of the Council of the Socialist International in NY
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (05.07.15) reported that a delegation from the Socialist Democracy Party (TDP) headed by its leader CemalOzyigit will participate for the first time in the meeting of the Council of the Socialist International (SI) to be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 6-7 July, 2015.

According to a press release issued by TDP, the General Secretary of SI Luis Ayala sent an official invitation to the TDP on May and expressed his expectation from the TDP to accept and participate in the meeting.
(DPs)

6.Cerkez on the efforts exerted for the establishment of a common GSM communication network in Cyprus
Under the title: “There are no technical difficulties but financial issue are under discussion”, Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen newspaper (06.07.15) reports on statements by GunayCerkez, former chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the “Technical committee related with the GSM operators”.

Speaking to the paper about the efforts exerted for the “establishment of a GSM connection communication network in Cyprus” which is a measure announced amongst others in the framework of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) for the unification of Cyprus, Cerkez stated that the contacts between the 2 operators from the “north” and 3 GSM operators from the “south” continue.

Cerkez said that all the involved parties met twice and added that there is no technical problem on the issue of the connection network but as he said the discussions continue on “financial aspects”.  Cerkez said that all things will be clarified in a few weeks.
He pointed out that the operators will meet again next week in order to discuss financial issues and added that in spite of the fact that progress was achieved during the meetings, there is not a clear decision yet.

Cerkez underlined that the meetings on this issue from the political point of view will continue as well.  He said that they will inform the “president” about the developments concerning the discussions on this matter.
(AK)

7. Toros calls for reform in the economy of the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (06.07.15) reports that the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce FikriToros stated that reforms must take place so that the “TRNC economy” to come in balance with the economy of the Republic of Cyprus.

Toros made these statements regarding his expectations on the new “government” to be established in the breakaway regime soon, after the change of leadership in the Republican Turkish Party (CTP).

He said that in the framework of the new economy program to be announced, investments must be encouraged and reforms should take place so that the “TRNC economy” to be strengthened and to be balanced with the economy of the Republic of Cyprus. “If this is not safeguarded, the Turkish Cypriot economy will be dependent on the Greek Cypriot economy after a possible solution”, he argued.
(CS)

8. Settler’s association reacted against the statements of the Archbishop
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (05.07.15) reported that the members of the “existence movement” which consists of settlers protested against the statements made by Archbishop Chrysostomos B who speaking to a Turkish newspaper stated that the settlers who came to Cyprus after 1974 must be sent back to Turkey.
The paper wrote that various settlers gathered in a park in the occupied part of Lefkosia and marched holding flags of Turkey and of the “TRNC” towards the Ledra Street barricade. They also held banners in which it was written “we are not leaving” and chanted slogans  like “We are not going back, we came here to die”.

Later a delegation of the protestors went to the Archbishop palace and handed a letter with the position and the reaction of the movement.
(CS)

9. Vehicles in the breakaway regime have been increased by 60% in the last ten years
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (04.07.15) reported that vehicles in the breakaway regime have been increased by 60% in the last ten years and now go beyond 200.000.

According to statements of the “director of traffic” of the so-called police, AhmetBeserler, the increased number of vehicles is related to the increased number of fatal accidents in the occupied area of Cyprus and the lack of a sufficient number of “police officers”. Beserler said that the number of “traffic policemen” is 220 and added that there is only one “police officer” for every thousand persons in the breakaway regime while the analogy in the UK is one for every 500 persons.
(CS)

10. A rented fire helicopter from Turkey at the occupied airport of Tymbou
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 04.07.15), the fire helicopter finally arrived in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Friday. 

The fire helicopter rented for the summer season is stationed on standby at the occupied airport of Tymbou.

A mock exercise was also held in occupied Famagusta to test the helicopter. Speaking at the event, self-styled minister of environment and natural resources HakanDincyurek said that the renting of the fire helicopter is an important step towards preventing devastating destruction caused by forest fires. He added that the presence of a helicopter in the “TRNC” has made them stronger and more confident.

Dincyurek also pointed out that the helicopter will be standing ready to assist “South Cyprus” (editor’s note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus) or Turkey in the event such a request is made.

11.AKP Deputy compared the possible Turkish intervention to Syria with the Turkish invasion to Cyprus
Under the title: “AKP Deputy Sahin compared Cyprus with the operation in Syria”, Turkish daily Zaman (05.07.15) reported on statements by Ali Sahin, Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs with the Justice and Development party (AKP) who via his twitter account commented on a possible Turkish operation in Syria.

Sahin stated that a possible Turkish intervention to Syria is Turkey’s right which derives from the international law. Sahin supported also that a possible operation in Syria will have similar effects with that of the “Cyprus peace operation”, as he called the Turkish invasion in Cyprus.
(…)

Sahin alleged that a possible intervention to Syria by Turkey will put forward the unification of their rights like it happened with the “operation in Cyprus”.
(AK)

12. Military increases presence on border as commanders summoned to Ankara
According to Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 05.07.15), the Turkish military has deployed additional missile launchers and artillery units to reinforce its troops along the Syrian border, raising the likelihood of an incursion amid the media buzz of a long-debated military intervention in Syria, as senior military commanders visit the border area to inspect the readiness of forces stationed there and draw out plans for an operation.

The commanders of troops deployed along the border will take part in a high-level meeting to hammer out all contingency plans for a possible intervention in Syria, a Turkish daily reported on Sunday.

According to Hurriyet newspaper, Land Forces Commander Gen. HulusiAkar and Commander of the 2nd Army AdemHuduti sent an order to attend the meeting to the commanders of armoured brigades of border troops, after they conducted inspections on Turkey's border with Syria last week.

The military will discuss which steps will be taken during a possible operation and how many troops will be deployed in Syria if the government finally gives the go-ahead. The meeting will take place this week in Ankara.

Advanced weaponry, including missile launchers and other heavy weaponry, from Ankara were sent to the border in the southern province of Kilis on Saturday, in the latest dispatch of equipment to the region.

On Sunday, the commander of Turkish elite Special Forces Gen. SezaiAksakal inspected commando units that arrived in Sanliurfa last week. On Saturday, a unit from the Tunceli 4th Commando Brigade was deployed to the border. A total of 54,000 members of Turkey's land forces have reportedly been deployed on the country's Syria border.

A plan to have more than 400 armoured vehicles, which will carry military personnel and be protected by jammers, to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) by planting mines across Syria's border with Turkey is expected to be assessed. The role of Turkey's air forces in a possible intervention is also among the topics to be discussed during the meeting.

Members of the Special Forces Command -- also known as the Maroon Berets -- which are deployed in the southeastern province of Sanlıurfa are also assumed to be a part of the operation plan. The Maroon Berets were involved in a military incursion into Syria to evacuate the tomb of SuleymanSah in northern Syria in late February.

The scale of the recent mobility of troops and equipment unleashed expectations that the military will make a move in northern Syria. Turkish officials told media that ISIL's advances in the northern Syrian town of Azaz, a critical town that sits 10kms away from the border and links Kilis with Aleppo, would trigger a new wave of refugees flowing towards Turkey.

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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/ AM)