TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 114/16
18-21.06.2016
1. The Turkish Cypriot press gives extensive coverage to the fire on
Troodos Mountains; Akinci offers help with fire planes from
Turkey
2. The “assembly” approves the “economic and financial cooperation
agreement” between Turkey and the breakaway regime
3. The Platform “We reject” held a protest action against the
approval of the “sport coordination office”
4. Ozgurgun evaluated the establishment of the “sport coordination
office”, the Cyprus negotiation process and the “citizenship”
issue
5. SDP leader Tunali argues that they don’t need the “coordination
office”
6. Illegal TAK news agency is accused of censoring the protest of
“We Are Rejecting It” Platform
7. Statements by Akinci after meeting with
Anastasiades
8. Turkish Cypriot daily alleges that a proposal has been submitted
in the Cyprus talks regarding the International Airport of Nicosia
9. The syllabus of the “Theological Hala Sultan College” was found to
be illegal
10. Writing with sprays on historical walls in the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus
11. A new five-star hotel will be constructed in the occupied town of
Keryneia
12. Erdogan condemns ‘both sides’ over Istanbul record store
attack
13. Erdogan: The Turkish nation will call the EU to account for
supporting terrorism
14. Israel and Turkey are reportedly very close to a deal for the
normalization of their ties
15. CHP’s refugee report reveals widespread child abuse, child labor
in Turkey
1. The Turkish Cypriot press gives extensive coverage to the fire
on Troodos Mountains; Akinci offers help with fire planes from
Turkey
The Turkish Cypriot newspapers give extensive coverage today
(21.06.16) to the fire on the Troodos Mountains.
Under the title “They did not accept help”, daily Vatan
newspaper reports that the “fire in the south continues” and that Baris
Burcu, spokesman of Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, has stated
that after it had been understood that the fire could not be controlled, Akinci
personally contacted President Anastasiades on Sunday night and conveyed the
Turkish Cypriot side’s readiness to undertake an initiative in the direction of
a fire plane from Turkey helping in extinguishing the fire. Burcu said
that President Anastasiades told Akinci that he believed that the
Republic of Cyprus could put the fire under control using its own means,
that the Republic was committed to accept help from Israel in case it could not
put out the fire alone and that it did not need such help at that
stage.
Under the title “Fire horror in south Cyprus”, daily
Kibris reports that Burcu said that Akinci gave instructions for
readiness and mobilization of all Turkish Cypriot forces since the beginning of
the fire in the Pafos area. Burcu argued that he tried to call the
Government Spokesman in order to offer help in extinguishing the fire, but he
was unable to contact him. After that, he added, Akinci’s adviser Erhan Ercin
called President Anastasiades’ adviser Pantelis Pantelides and conveyed him
their readiness to help. Burcu argued that Akinci gave instructions that all
fire vehicles of the breakaway regime to be ready to interfere in case the Greek
Cypriots asked for help.
Under the title “Troodos in flames”, Afrika newspaper
reports that after occupied Pentadaktylos Mountains, Troodos was also burned and
argues that the Greek Cypriots denied the Turkish Cypriot offer for help as
the Turkish Cypriots had rejected the Greek Cypriot offer for help when
Pentadaktylos was burning. The paper refers also to Burcu’s statements
under the title “Akinci offered help from Turkey”.
Yeni Duzen newspaper refers to the issue under the title “We are burning
inside” and Havadis newspaper talks about a “Big disaster on
Troodos”.
(I/Ts.)
2. The “assembly” approves the “economic and financial
cooperation agreement” between Turkey and the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (21.06.16) reports that
the “economic and financial cooperation agreement” between Turkey and the
“TRNC”, the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, was
discussed and approved yesterday at the regime’s assembly. The
“agreement” passed with 26 positive votes [The regime’s “assembly” has 50
members]. During the discussion of the issue, “ruling” National Unity Party’s
(UBP) “deputy”, Ersin Tatar said that with the implementation of the
“commitments” included in the “protocol” the money flow will start and the
regime will avoid taking loans.
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (21.06.16) reports
that the discussion lasted for more than ten hours and that 16 “deputies”
voted against the “protocol”, while eight abstained from voting.
According to the paper, the “protocol” includes a clear time table
for privatization of the occupied ports and the “telecommunication authority”.
It also provides for the division of the services offered by the “electricity
authority”, which will be assigned to [private] companies. A time table also
exists for carrying electricity from Turkey with a cable to the occupied area of
Cyprus. Turfan Erhurman, general secretary of the “main opposition”
Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has stated that they will not accept
privatizations and handing over their “institutions”.
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (21.06.16) reports
that the efforts for decreasing the number of the “municipalities” in the
occupied area of the island have started, according to the provisions of the
“economic protocol” for the period 2016-18 signed between Turkey and the
regime. The “protocol” provides for the decrease of the number of the
“municipalities” from 28 to 15 through the merging of some “municipalities”.
The target is to materialize this change by the end of 2016.
The paper publishes a map of the new 15 “municipalities”, which will be the
following:
Lefka, Morfou, Lapithos (occupied Lapithos and Karavas
“municipalities” will be merged), Keryneia, Dikomo, Gonyeli (occupied Gonyeli
and Yerolakkos “municipalities will be merged), Nicosia, Agios Epiktitos
(occupied Agios Epiktitos and Agios Amvrosios “municipalities” will be merged),
Kythrea (occupied Kythrea and Louroudjina “municipalities” will be merged),
North Mesaria (occupied Lefkoniko, Chatoz and Akanthou “municipalities” will be
merged), South Mesaria (occupied Lysi, Sinda, Vadili, Ashia and Pergamos
“municipalities” will be merged), Famagusta, Trikomo, Galateia (occupied
Galateia and Komi Kepir “municipalities” will be merged) and Yialousa (occupied
Yialousa and Rizokarpaso “municipalities” will be merged).
(I/Ts.)
3. The Platform “We reject” held a protest action against the
approval of the “sport coordination office”
According to illegal Bayrak television (18.06.16) the Platform “We
reject” held a protest action in the occupied part of Lefkosia on Friday
night.
The protestors made up by a large majority of youth walked from the
traffic lights junction at the beginning of Dereboyu all the way to the
“parliament” blocking traffic.
The youth chanted slogans and protested the “parliament’s approval”
of the establishment of the “youth and sports ministry’s overseas coordination
office”.
Delivering a short speech there, the Social Democratic Party’s (TDP)
“deputy” Zeki Celer thanked the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci for
sending the “law” and the “protocol” on the establishment of the “coordination
office” to the “constitutional court”.
Akinci sent the “bill” to the “constitutional court” on the notion
that the “law” contained “articles” which were in violation of the “TRNC
constitution”.
The protestors then moved on to the “parliament” where Celer
delivered another speech noting that the youth would not accept the
“coordination office” and therefore, the “office” would not function
properly.
4. Ozgurgun evaluated the establishment of the “sport coordination
office”, the Cyprus negotiation process and the “citizenship”
issue
According to illegal Bayrak television (20.06.16) so-called prime
minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, in statements during a televised program broadcast by
ADA TV, argued that the “overseas youth coordination office” has turned into an
instrument of politics aimed at alienating Turkey from the Turkish Cypriot
people and described this as wrong and dangerous.
Evaluating the issue, Ozgurgun claimed that “this office is solely
aimed at contributing to the youth and sports of the TRNC. It is an
international agreement which was signed with motherland Turkey and which aims
at providing support and funding to our sports in accordance with our
projects”, Ozgurgun said.
He, however, complained that although they tried to explain the task
of the office, there were some circles who did not want to understand. “You
cannot explain to those who do not want to understand. How can you explain by
force to someone who does not want to understand? You can’t. The General
Secretary of the Greek Cypriot AKEL Party also made a statement on the issue.
How can you explain to those who want to act with them?” Ozgurgun also
said.
Stating that a strong infrastructure was formed by passing the
“agreement” from the “parliaments” of both countries, he alleged that the
“coordination office” will serve to develop Turkish Cypriot sports and youth
projects through a “law” to be enacted by the “TRNC prime
ministry”.
Stressing the need for the Turkish Cypriot “people” to see the
scenario played clearly, Ozgurgun added: “Would I, as prime minister give my mandate, my
authorities to someone else? I wouldn’t. However I am not going to explain
anything to those who act with the General Secretary of AKEL. Their aim is
clear. The Turkish Cypriot people should clearly see this scenario. This is only
a support office for youth and sports.”
He further argued that in accordance to the “agreement”, no project
or investment which does not have the approval of the “TRNC” will be carried
out.
“Since we shall be the ones giving the approval and since we shall be
the ones carrying out the project at our own facilities, then we shall be having
full authority and control. It could not be in any other way”, he said.
Responding to a question regarding claims that the staff of the
“youth coordination office” will be granted diplomatic immunity, Ozgurgun said
that similar immunity had been granted to the EU Coordination Office.
“Those working in the coordination office will be able to benefit
from diplomatic rights. The same rights were granted to staff working at the EU
coordination office. Does that mean that those at the EU coordination office can
do whatever they want…did we hand over any authority there? No. There is nothing
to be concerned about at the youth and coordination office. More importantly we
have signed this agreement with motherland Turkey…If there is something that we
are not happy about we shall be amending it with an additional protocol”, he
added.
He also claimed that a similar atmosphere to that during the Annan
Plan was attempted to be created with the recent protests.
Commenting on Akinci’s decision to send the “law” on the
“coordination office” to the “constitutional court”, Ozgurgun said that Akinci
had the right to seek the views of the “constitutional court”.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (20.06.16)
reported that Ozgurgun, commenting on the “citizenship” issue, described this
matter a “humanitarian tragedy”.
Supporting that there are a lot of “people” living in the “TRNC” who
meet the conditions and have the right to be granted the “TRNC’s citizenship”,
Ozgurgun described as tragic and distressing the fact that the “state” violates those people’s
rights.
On the Cyprus negotiation process, Ozgurgun accused the Greek Cypriot
side for not showing the necessary goodwill for a solution to be found within
2016 and argued that the Greek Cypriot side considers the Turkish Cypriots as
“minority” and exerts efforts in all fields including sports to put obstacles.
Accusing the Greek Cypriot side for turning the negotiation process
into a theater stage, Ozgurgun claimed that even though their “president”
participates in the negotiations with goodwill, the Greek Cypriot side, with its
delaying tactics, plays with time.
(…)
(AK)
5. SDP leader Tunali argues that they don’t need the “coordination
office”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (18.06.16) reports that the
leader of the Social Democrat Party (SDP) Tozun Tunali said that the “youth and
sport coordination office” is not needed. He added: “A state within the state
cannot exist. This situation is contrary to our TRNC constitution
(translator’s note: the constitution of the breakaway regime in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus”.
Noting that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci sent this
“agreement regarding the establishment and activities of an overseas
coordination office of youth and sports ministry” to the “constitutional court”
in order to investigate whether its “articles” are consistent or not with the
“constitution”, Tunali said that in case the decision is that its articles
are inconsistent, then the “coalition government” should resign immediately.
(DPs)
6. Illegal TAK news agency is accused of censoring the protest of
“We Are Rejecting It” Platform
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (19.06.16) reported
that the illegal TAK news agency has not followed the protest held the day
before yesterday by the “We Are Rejecting It” Platform against the “youth and
sports coordination office” to be established by Turkey in the occupied area of
Cyprus. Moreover, the “agency” removed the platform’s announcements from its
bulletin.
The chairman of TAK’s “administrative council”, Emin Akkor said
that the above-mentioned developments happened without the “council” knowing
them or approving them. Akkor noted that censorship as regards the
protest took place upon pressures exerted by the “government” on the “agency’s”
director. The paper publishes also statements by three members of TAK’s
“administrative council”, Ali Baturay, Aysu Basri Akter and Bekir Azgin, who
stated that they oppose any kind of censorship. Baturay said that TAK should not
be taken under pressure by using tactics of the 1980’s and the 1990’s.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (21.06.16)
reports that the trade unions of the employees and the workers in the “public
sector” (KAMU-SEN and KAMU-IS), the Journalists’ Union and the trade union of
press workers (Basin-Sen) held a protest yesterday outside the illegal news
agency on the issue and the censorship implemented following pressures by the
“government”.
Moreover, addressing the regime’s “assembly”, Zeki Celer, “deputy”
with the Social Democracy Party (TDP), asked the “deputy prime minister” Serdar
Denktas to say why the protest of the Platform had been censored and whether he
was authorized to give an instruction as regards the removal of the news item
from the bulletin. Replying to Celer, Denktas said he had received a call
from “prime minister” Huseyin Ozgurgun, who told him that a news item and a
picture in TAK’s bulletin urged for participation in the Platform’s protest and
asked him who was responsible for this. Denktas added: “After that I
called TAK’s director Mr Saygili and asked him who was responsible for this
appeal. I found out from the director that the call had not come together with
the news item and afterwards I asked for the removal of the appeal from the
bulletin”.
(I/Ts.)
7. Statements by Akinci after meeting with
Anastasiades
According to illegal Bayrak television (18.06.16) the Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot leader met on Friday morning as part
of the intensified negotiations process.
The meeting between the two men lasted for five
hours.
Making a statement upon his return to the so-called presidential
palace Mustafa Akinci said that the meeting had been very fruitful, detailed and
result orientated. “There are still a few points but I think we have come to a
point where we are about to reach an agreement and complete the Federal
competences chapter. We have appointed our negotiators and in the coming days
they will work further on this issue so that the next time we hold our meeting
we can complete this subject”, Akinci said.
He also underlined that they had previously decided to discuss the
issue of property on Tuesday 21st of June, however, Akinci explained that as
working on federal competences extended, they have to complete the chapter first
before moving on to property.
(…)Upon being reminded of a statement made by President
Anastasiades that revenues received from natural resources on the island could
be used to finance an agreement, Akinci expressed the hope that many more
natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will be
found.
Supporting that it shouldn’t be forgotten that all natural resources
on the island belong to everyone, Akinci expressed hopes that it will be
distributed equally and fairly.
“Of course it only makes sense that the revenues obtained from the
natural resources are used to finance the solution, it would aid the solution
process. That’s why I think we should support this thought”, said Akinci, adding
that it should not be forgotten that the international community has also given
the green light towards aiding in financing a solution on the
island.
8. Turkish Cypriot daily alleges that a proposal has been
submitted in the Cyprus talks regarding the International Airport of Nicosia
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (19.06.16) reported
that a proposal has been submitted regarding the opening of the International
Airport of Nicosia, which remains unused since the 1974 Turkish invasion of
Cyprus. Citing reliable sources, the paper writes that the proposal,
submitted by the Greek Cypriot side during the negotiations for finding a
solution to the Cyprus problem, provides for the use of the airport
not for trade purposes.
The sources told the paper that the proposal also provides for the
authority in the airport to belong to the federal government. They also said
that some problems exist on the issue of the FIR, which is discussed
within the framework of the governance and Power Sharing Chapter. The Turkish
side wants more than one control tower on the island, while the Greek Cypriot
side is in favor of only one control center.
(I/Ts.)
9. The syllabus of the “Theological Hala Sultan College” was found
to be illegal
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (18.06.16),
the syllabus of the “Theological Hala Sultan College” in the occupied village of
Mia Milia was found to be illegal. The “supreme administrative court” cancelled
the so-called education ministry’s “administrative decision” which gave
permission to the “college of theology” to operate two years ago by ruling that
the syllabus of the “Theological Hala Sultan College” is illegal. The Turkish
Cypriot Teacher Trade Union (KTOS) and the Turkish Cypriot Secondary School
Teachers’ Trade Union (KTOEOS) filed a suit against the “Theological Hala Sultan
College” at the “supreme administrative court” in 2014. The trade unions asked
from the “court” the annulment of the decision by the “national education
ministry” and the “vocational technical education department” to give permission
for the opening and operation of the “Hala Sultan college of
theology”.
The general secretary of KTOS Sener Elcil said that the “court
ruling” shows that the decision of the “ministry of education to open this
school was wrong, adding that it is a proof that the “TRNC government” took this
decision under the influence of Ankara’s government.
Elcil further said: “The religious education should be lifted from
the schools. (…) This school should not be closed by turned into a college of a
normal education system”.
(DPs)
10. Writing with sprays on historical walls in the occupied area
of the Republic of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (18.06.16), on its front page
under the headline “Vandals are multiplying”, reports that while the physical
damages in historical sites in occupied Famagusta, Keryneia and the occupied
part of Nicosia are increasing, no measures are being taken in order to prevent
them.
The paper publishes photos of writing with spays on the historical
walls of occupied Famagusta and Nicosia, as well as on the occupied castle of
Keryneia.
Dr Ege Uluca Tumer, restoration specialist, speaking to the paper,
described these writing as vandalism. He added that in the whole world measures
are being taken in order to prevent these attacks on the historical sites, but
in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus no one takes it seriously.
(DPs)
11. A new five-star hotel will be constructed in the occupied town
of Keryneia
Turkish Cypriot weekly Cyprus Today newspaper (18.06.16), on its
front page under the headline “Five-star hotel spa to go up behind Girne
castle”, reported that an unfinished hotel project opposite the amphitheatre in
the occupied Keryneia town is set to be demolished to make way for the
construction of a new five-star DKS hotel spa casino behind occupied Keryneia
castle.
The paper also wrote: “The project is a joint venture by local
developers Bastaslar insaat (constructions) and a hotelier from Turkey.
Excavators were already on site yesterday to break ground-level concrete
foundations in preparation for the 508-bed, 254-room
project.
Developer Ahmet Bastas said: ‘The project has just been approved by
the ‘antiquities and monuments council’ and we are ready to demolish the
existing buildings. Due to planning restrictions, we have come up with a unique
design by award-winning Turkish architect Durmus Dilekci, which rises gradually
from three to ten floors’.”
The $40 million project includes a casino – from a pre-existing
license – and it is expected to be finished within 18 months. The total
construction area of 19,923m2 includes underground car parking on two
levels for 194 cars. The hotel facilities will include a casino, spa, gym,
restaurant, open and closed pools and conference rooms with 19 suites, 230
standard rooms and five rooms for the disabled.
12. Erdogan condemns ‘both sides’ over Istanbul record store
attack
Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.06.16) reported that Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on June 19 that both the attackers and the
attendees of a listening party for Radiohead’s new album were wrong, after a
violent attack targeted a record store in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul on
June 17.
“To intervene with force is as wrong as engaging in such an event
that poured onto the streets during Ramadan. Both sides are wrong. Those who do
not respect the sensibilities of their own nation and city and those who respond
to this with an undemocratic reaction unfortunately overshadowed our hospitality
with the brawl they started,” Erdoğan said.
“But I say clearly that those who want to distort this simple
event to create a legend about ‘an attack against those who do not fast’ are
malevolent and ill-minded,” he added, speaking at an iftar dinner hosting
artists at the Huber Palace in Istanbul’s Tarabya
district.
A group of 20 assailants carrying sticks and bottles attacked the
Velvet IndieGround, beating up store owners and Radiohead fans that were at the
listening party of the band’s latest album, “A Moon Shaped
Pool.”
Fans were listening to music and drinking alcohol when a group of
angry men burst into the store and assaulted them. One of the fans was injured
after being hit with a bottle while the record store was also
vandalized.
Radiohead issued a statement condemning the
attack.
Three suspects were detained over the assault but all were released
on June 19.
Meanwhile, police fired teargas and used water cannons to disperse
around 300 protesters who gathered in Firuzağa Square in Istanbul’s Cihangir
neighborhood to protest the attack on June 18.
13. Erdogan: The Turkish nation will call the EU to account for
supporting terrorism
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (21.06.16) reports that President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that The Turkish nation will make Europe pay for
“supporting terrorism,” as he castigated the European Parliament for supporting
Syria’s Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the PYD’s militia forces, the People’s
Defense Units (YPG).
“I am calling on the EP from this meaningful gathering: Whom are you
trying to give a message to with flags of terrorist organizations that you hung
on the walls of the European Parliament?” Erdogan asked during an iftar dinner
organized in Turkey.
Earlier this week, reports in Turkish media covering the Peoples’
Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş’s discussions at the EP,
were accompanied by photographs showing Demirtas walking in the corridors of the
European Parliament passing by a flag of the YPG.
“The Turkish nation will call the relevant persons to account for
their acts when the right time comes. MPs, acting as if they were militants of
the terrorist organization, carrying terrorists and weapons in their vehicles
and putting their means at the disposal of terrorists will be held accountable
for their acts before the court. Files and summaries of proceedings have already
started to be sent to courts,” Erdogan said.
(…) Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)
government have long accused the HDP of being “a political front” for the
outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and “aiding and supporting
terrorism.”
“They were challenging. They were calling for the removal of
immunities. You have seen how they cried out with rage when the removal of
immunities was put on the agenda, haven’t you? Now they are touring the west,”
Erdoğan said regarding tours by Demirtas and other HDP Deputies to raise
awareness about human rights abuses allegedly committed by the state in
Southeast Anatolia.
“The terrorist organization sets fire, destroys and vandalizes; and
the state, on the other hand, builds, constructs and rehabilitates. The
terrorist organization might be prevented from staging acts of terror if
required precautions are implemented; however, if it cannot be ensured that the
people of the region put distance between themselves and the terrorist
organization, the terrorist organization resurges and regains strength,” Erdogan
added.
(…)
14. Israel and Turkey are reportedly very close to a deal for the
normalization of their ties
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (21.06.16) reports that sources
have said that the strained relations between once close allies Turkey and
Israel may be nearing recovery, with both parties agreeing to conclude a deal on
June 26.
Delegations from both sides, headed by Turkish Foreign Ministry
Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Special
Envoy, Joseph Ciechanover, will meet on June 26 to declare that they have
reached a deal to end the six-year-long conflict, according to high-level
sources speaking on condition of anonymity.
The relationship between Turkey and Israel was severely strained
after the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara vessel was raided by Israeli commandos in
2010, killing nine Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American citizen on
board.
Sources said that after the declaration on June 26, the agreement
would be finalized and signed in July by the Foreign Ministry Undersecretaries
of both countries.
With the reciprocal reappointment of Ambassadors, diplomatic
relations are expected to be normalized by the end of July.
If all this passes without a hitch, both countries’ reservations
regarding each other in international agreements will also be lifted. As a
result, the last obstacles to joint military exercises, joint energy
investments, and joint defense investments will also be removed.
(…)Sources said the two sides have met halfway on Turkey’s last and
most controversial condition – the lifting of the embargo on Gaza. Accordingly,
Israel has accepted the finalization of procedures for a hospital to be built to
serve Gazans, and will not put forward any obstacles to Turkish supplies of
medicine and personnel for the hospital.
Meanwhile, Turkey and Germany will jointly build an energy power
plant in Gaza to supply the electricity demand in the region, while Turkey will
also construct a sea water distillation plant.
All the aid from Turkey will be delivered to Gaza on condition that
it is transferred from the Ashdod port.
The steps for normalization of ties come after Turkish Prime Minister
Binali Yıldırım sent reconciliatory messages to Israel on June 17.
“We are coming to a point with Israel. They are also showing the
will. There are contacts. It’s not concluded yet but I don’t think it will take
long. The most important thing here is lifting the isolation of Gaza for
humanitarian purposes,” Yıldırım had said.
15. CHP’s refugee report reveals widespread child abuse, child
labor in Turkey
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (21.06.16) a report
prepared by the main opposition Republic People’s Party (CHP) has shone a light
on bitter truths about the conditions of Syrians in Turkey, with children
particularly vulnerable to violence, sexual abuse and hunger.
The age of many children forced into prostitution by gangs starts at
12 or 13, according to the report prepared under CHP Deputy Chair Veli Agababa
and also printed in a book.
The project was initiated after the photo showing the body of Alan
Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian boy which was washed ashore in the Turkish resort
of Bodrum on Sept. 2 last year, shaking the world.
Launching the report on June 20, Agbaba said it was the result of a
10-month study.
“The [Justice and Development Party] AKP’s approach is not a
contemporary one based on human rights. Refugees in our country face vast human
rights abuses and are used as a bargaining tool for the AKP to reach its
political goals,” he added.
The report says that the state fails to prevent gangs in Turkey from
exploiting the helplessness of Syrian women, while it quotes witnesses saying
that Christian Syrians in Turkey are “in fear” due to the activities of some
Islamist groups in the country.
Nearly 2.5 million refugees in Turkey live outside the official
camps, the report stated.
“Families of 21, with 15 children, try to live on food assistance
from neighbors, living in single-room houses with no bathroom or electricity.
Babies die of cold, while young girls face sexual abuse in the name of so-called
‘marriages’ in exchange for house rent, or they are forced to become ‘second ’
or ‘third’ wives. All these things are being overlooked by the state,” the
report said.
Violence and xenophobia against refugees is also rising in Turkey, it
added, also calculating that around half of the refugees in Turkey are under the
age of 18.
It cited sources as saying that up to 5% of Syrian children in Turkey
are forced to marry or sold as third or fourth wives.
The municipality of Seyhan, a district in the southern province of
Adana, concluded in a recent study, also included in the CHP’s report, that
around 16% of refugee children in the district between the ages of 12 and 17
were “married.” Some 40% of the girls in this category are pregnant, according
to the report.
The CHP’s inspectors also witnessed children as young as 5 working at
textile manufacturers, a sector where child labor is widely abused.
Meanwhile, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) also issued a press
statement to mark International Refugees Day, calling on Ankara to provide a
permanent status to refugees - rather than seeing them as temporary guests - in
order to fully undertake the state’s legal responsibilities.
“The political authorities are today continuing an unethical and
unlawful bargain with the European Union, violating international and human
rights law, instead of taking steps to lift its reservations on items of
international agreements,” the HDP stated.
