TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
136/16
20.07.2016
1.
Akinci: There are no ‘full stops’ in diplomacy only
‘commas’
2.
Akinci: If there is no solution of the Cyprus problem, all sides will
lose
3.
Ozgurgun and Sibel met with foreign parliamentarians and ministers who are
illegally in the “TRNC” for the “20th of July
celebrations”
4.
Kilicdaroglu and Turkes due to the occupation regime for the “celebrations” for
the Turkish invasion; The “celebrations” were
simplified
5.
Purge operations in Turkey will reportedly be expanded in the occupied area of
Cyprus
6.
Books and other items linked to Gulen were found burned in occupied Galateia
dump; Allegations that the FETO structure is been widely expanded in the
occupation regime
7.
Erdogan and Obama discussed the extradition of Gulen
8.
At least 49,000 government employees dismissed from duty over alleged links with
Gülenists
9.
Turkey annuled Gulen-linked broadcasters’ licenses
10.
Turkey’s religious directorate will not offer Islamic funerary services to coup
plotters
11.
MIT informed top generals hours before coup attempt
12.
The occupation regime launched works for the opening of the occupied
Karavostasi port
1.
Akinci: There are no ‘full stops’ in diplomacy only
‘commas’
Turkish
Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (20.07.16) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci said that a possible solution, which will be accepted by both
communities, is a new bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state based on political
equality.
Speaking
to foreign journalists and parliamentarians, who are currently in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus for the “celebrations” of the 42nd Turkish
invasion to Cyprus, Akinci said that there is no possibility to be accepted by
both communities a unitary state solution or a confederation. He added that
their aim in the Cyprus talks is to establish by the end of this year a new
bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state based on the political equality, which will
safeguard also the security, the freedom and equality of both communities.
Akinci further said that in such structure is of vital importance for them to
contain the bi-zonality, equality and security, adding that they explain this
insistently to the UN officials as well as to all the contacts they have. He
argued that the ongoing negotiations are the last chance for a federal solution
in Cyprus.”
Asked
to comment what will happen in case they do not reach a federal solution by the
end of the year, Akinci said: “Of course, there are no ‘full stops’ in the
diplomacy. A ‘comma’ will be put and will continue. The important thing is how
it will be continued after the ‘comma’. If a federal solution is not feasible by
the end of 2016, then a ‘comma’ will be put. After the ‘comma’, there is a huge
possibility of launching a process which will deepen the separation instead the
unification under the federal roof.
The
foreign delegations briefed by Akinci were the general secretary and “deputy” of
the Movement of the Turks Party (THP) in FYROM Enes Ibrahim, the Sudan Deputy
Osama Faisal Elsayed, the Pakistani Deputy Shaza Fatima, the Hungarian Deputy
Marton Gyongyosi, Musumba Isaac, Namuganza Persis, Annita Among Annet, Lord
Northbrook, the European Parliament Bulgarian Deputy Ilhan Kucuk and the Azeri
Deputy Ganire Pasayeva.
In
the briefing, there were also journalists and media representatives from
Belgium, Moldova, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Poland, Kirgizstan,
Lithuania, Serbia, Italy, “Kosovo”, Uganda, Tanzania, Nepal, Qatar, Malaysia and
Kuwait.
(DPs)
2.
Akinci: If there is no solution of the Cyprus problem, all sides will
lose
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (20.07.16) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci, in a meeting with the Turkish Grand National Assembly Deputy
Chairman Akif Hamzaçebi, said that in case there is no Cyprus settlement, then
all the sides will lose, adding that it is important Turkey to stand by this
process.
Hamzacebi,
for his part, said that they desire the Cyprus talks to come to an end with
success, adding that the Turkish Cypriot “people” have always supported the
solution. He further said that their biggest wish is a solution to be reached in
Cyprus based on the founding will of the two “people”.
Meanwhile,
Hamzacebi met also with the self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun and
self-styled assembly speaker Sibel Siber.
(DPs)
3.
Ozgurgun and Sibel met with foreign parliamentarians and ministers who are
illegally in the “TRNC” for the “20th of July celebrations”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (20.07.16) reports that so-called prime
minister Huseyin Ozgurgun met yesterday with the delegation of foreign
parliamentarians and ministers who are illegally visiting the occupation regime
on the occasion of the “42nd anniversary” of the Turkish invasion in
Cyprus.
According
to the paper, the delegation is headed by the Sudan Deputy Osama Faisal
Elsayed. The so-called foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu was also present at
the meeting.
Speaking
during the meeting, Elsayed said, inter alia, that they are visiting the
“TRNC” in order to be briefed about the latest developments in Cyprus and also
about the “realities” on the Cyprus problem.
Elsayed
expressed also his full support to the efforts for reaching a solution in
Cyprus.
Also
speaking, Ozgurgun alleged that the 20th of July brought peace in the
island and to the Turkish Cypriots and expressed the wish that similar incidents
will not be experienced in the future.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli (20.07.16) reports that the delegation
composed by foreign parliamentarians and ministers from Sudan, FYROM, Uganda,
Hungary, the UK, Bulgaria and Azerbaijan, met also with the “speaker” of the
so-called assembly Sibel Siber.
Speaking
during the meeting, Siber stressed the need for the international community
to show respect to the “existence” of the Turkish Cypriots.
Referring
to the so-called embargoes, she claimed that it is incomprehensible why the
international community continues to impose “embargoes” to the Turkish Cypriot
community. She also expressed the need for the Turkish Cypriot community to have
the right of representation abroad.
Arguing
that the Turkish Cypriots support a bi-zonal solution and that they have proven
it during the period of 2004, Sibel added that the solution to be found will not
be viable if is not supported also by the Greek Cypriot side.
(AK)
4.
Kilicdaroglu and Turkes due to the occupation regime for the “celebrations”
for the Turkish invasion; the “celebrations” were simplified
Under
the front-page title: “Simple celebrations for the 42nd
anniversary”, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (20.07.16) reports
that the “celebrations” this year for the 42nd anniversary of the
Turkish invasion to Cyprus will take place under the shadow of the military coup
attempt which took place in Turkey.
According
to the paper, the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CTP)
Kemal Kilicdaroglu has arrived last night in the occupied area of Cyprus to
attend the “celebrations”. Also, Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for
Cyprus Affairs, Tugrul Turkes was expected to arrive this morning in the
occupation regime.
The
“celebrations” for this year were simplified writes the paper, adding
that
several receptions and concerts were cancelled.
Also,
Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (20.07.16) reports that due to the
recent developments in Turkey after the failed military coup attempt for the
first time in history the “celebrations” for the 20th of July will
take place with no military attendance. All military events have been postponed
and also no military units will participate to the parade that will take place
in the morning in the occupied part of Lefkosia.
Moreover,
the frigate TCG Gaziantep and the submarines TCG Kilic Hucumbotu and Burak
Reis of the Turkish Naval Forces anchored at occupied Keryneia’s port, will
remain close for the public.
5.
Purge operations in Turkey will reportedly be expanded in the occupied area
of Cyprus
Under
the title: “The witch hunt has been expanded to Cyprus as well”,
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (20.07.16) reports that the results of
the military coup attempt in Turkey have started to become obvious also in the
occupied area of Cyprus.
According
to the paper, the wide-range purge operations launched in Turkey to clean out
all the members of the military and all state organizations who are suspicious
to have links with the Gulenist organization FETO, has been expanded also in the
occupied area of Cyprus.
The
paper writes that Turkey has pushed the button for a cleaning out operations
to take place inside the so-called Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command
(KTBK) and Turkey’s Security Forces Command.
Also,
according to the paper, the army commander Galip Mendi who served in the past as
“chairman” of the “civil defence organization” in the occupied area of Cyprus
has been removed from duty as general commander of the Gendarmerie in Turkey.
According to information acquired, Mendi is mixed with the assassination of the
Turkish Cypriot journalist Kultu Adali which took place on July 6, 1996.
Meanwhile,
referring to the purge expanded operations in Turkey, Turkish Cypriot daily
Havadis newspaper (20.07.16) under the title: “Parallel structure in the
daughter land”, reports that the detentions of two commanders who served in the
occupied area of Cyprus in the past, has become the reason for the launching of
similar operations in the occupied area of Cyprus.
According
to the paper, Firat Alakus who served in the “civil defence organization” in
the occupation regime during the period 2014-2016, and Fatih Yarimbas who served
in the same post (2012-2014) have been arrested yesterday in Ankara.
As
it was made known, the Turkish General Staff will send a delegation in the
occupation regime in order to launch investigations.
On
the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (20.07.16) reports
that the “authorities of the TRNC”, commenting yesterday on the allegations
published by the Cihan news agency that Turkey will launch similar purge
operations in the “TRNC”, have stated that they are not informed on this issue.
The so-called presidency said that Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci follows closely
the developments in Turkey, while the so-called police denied the allegations
that they held a high level meeting towards this matter.
(AK)
6.
Books and other items linked to Gulen were found burned in occupied Galateia
dump; Allegations that the FETO structure is been widely expanded in the
occupation regime
Turkish
Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (20.07.16) under the front-page title: “They
burned Fethullah’s books”, reports that the so-called police has found yesterday
in the occupied Galateia dump site 150 burned books written by Fethullah Gulen
and also 2 pc hard discs and one USB.
According
to the paper, workers at the occupied municipality of Galateia were informed
about the fire in the area and went there to extinguish it. As soon as they
realized that the books were written by Gulen, they informed the police which
immediately launched wide-range investigations.
In
statements on the issue, the “mayor” of occupied Galateia “municipality”
Cemil Saricizmeli, stated, inter alia, that after the military coup attempt in
Turkey, some people in the “TRNC” were scared and thus they decided to burn the
books. “This incident proves that a structure exists here as well. I do not
consider this a coincidence. This is an organized work. In these circumstances,
it is obvious that someone’s wanted to put out of sight some things”.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (20.07.16) reports on statements by
the chairman of Hizmet-Sen trade union in the occupied area of Cyprus, Mehmet
Kurumanastirli who argued that during the last three years the FETO structure in
the “TRNC” has been widely expanded. He argued that there are a lot of persons
inside the business world, the “public sector”, the “religious organizations”
who are supporters and have links with the FETO organization. He also claimed
that the people linked to Gulen movement organize meetings in the “TRNC” once a
month in order to explain Gulen’s positions.
Supporting
that the parallel structure was mostly expanded in occupied Karpasia and
Varoshia, Kurumanastirli added that the FETO structure in the “TRNC” will
explode like a bomb.
(AK)
7.
Erdogan and Obama discussed the extradition of
Gulen
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.07.16), Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan discussed the extradition of Fetullah Gulen from the U.S. during a
telephone call with President Barack Obama on Tuesday, the White House
said.
“The
President made clear to President Erdogan that the United States doesn’t support
terrorists and doesn’t support individuals who conspired to overthrow a
democratically elected government”, according to White House spokesman Josh
Earnest. He said that Obama “reiterated once again the strong commitment of the
United States to the democratically elected civilian government of Turkey” and
commended the Turkish people’s effort in “defending the government and repelling
the coup” last week.
According
to Earnest, the decision to extradite Gulen is not a decision to be made by
Obama but a "legal decision" based on the "long-standing treaty" between the two
countries. "That's the process that will follow", he added.
Materials
related to the extradition of the cleric who lives in self-imposed exile in the
US. state of Pennsylvania were submitted to U.S. authorities by the Turkish
government in electronic form, according to Earnest.
According
to a press release by Turkey’s Presidency, Obama condemned the attempt to
overthrow Turkey’s democratically elected government and made it clear the U.S.
supports democracy in the country. The statement also said that Obama told
Erdogan the U.S. is ready to cooperate with Turkish institutions investigating
the coup attempt.
Erdogan
told Obama that the proper punishment would be given to those responsible within
the framework of justice and the rule of law.
Meanwhile,
U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter on Tuesday called his Turkish counterpart,
Fikri Isik, to voice support for the democratically elected government in Ankara
following a recent failed coup attempt.
The
call comes four days after the coup attempt
by a fraction of officers in the Turkish Armed Forces linked to U.S.-based
cleric Fetullah Gulen.
“For
his part, Minister Isik expressed his appreciation for the call and assured the
Secretary that Turkey remains a determined and committed partner and ally in the
fight against ISIL and terrorism of all kinds,” Defence Department Peter Cook
said in a statement.
The
two Defence Chiefs also discussed the situation at the Incirlik Air Base where
U.S. aircraft are launching airstrikes against Daesh, Cook
said.
8.
At least 49,000 government employees dismissed from duty over alleged links
with Gülenists
According
to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 20.07.16), Turkish government has
taken steps to dismiss government employees, with suspected ties to FETÖ, after
the failed coup attempt on Friday night.
The
Prime Ministry on Tuesday seized staff ID's of 257 workers, while the Council
of Higher Education (YÖK) demanded the resignation of 1,577 Deans throughout the
country.
On
Tuesday afternoon, the Ankara Public Prosecutor's Office launched an
investigation into 370 people in state-run broadcaster TRT over alleged links to
FETÖ.
The
Ministry of National Education also announced that 15,200 personnel had been
suspended from duty,
while the National Intelligence Agency (MİT) suspended 100 personnel from duty
in connection to the coup attempt.
Meanwhile,
the licences of 21,000 teachers working in private institutions were also
revoked, an official at the ministry told Reuters on Tuesday, part of an
expanding government crackdown following a failed coup attempt. Family and
Social Policy Ministry also dismissed 393 personnel after the coup attempt.
9.
Turkey annulled Gulen-linked broadcasters’
licenses
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (19.07.16), Turkey’s top broadcasting
authority on Tuesday unanimously revoked licenses for radio and television
companies linked to Fetullah Gulen.
The
Supreme Council of Radio and Television
(RTUK) cancelled licenses of 24 Gulen-linked broadcasters – including
Samanyolu, Can Erzincan television and Dunya Radio – following the failed
coup last Friday.
10.
Turkey’s religious directorate will not offer Islamic funerary services to
coup plotters
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 19.07.16), Turkey’s Religious
Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) issued a statement on July 19, saying it would not
offer religious funerary services, including funeral prayers, for soldiers
involved in the failed coup attempt, except for those who had been “forcibly
dragged” in the military actions attempting to overthrow the government on July
15.
In
the announcement, Diyanet said there had been many questions recently over the
funeral prayers of the coup attempters and therefore it was found necessary to
publish a statement regarding the issue.
Saying
that funeral prayers were reserved for believers who died and that blessing were
given for the deceased during the prayers, the statement added the coup
plotting soldiers did not deserve the blessings of the believers, as they “not
only put individuals’ laws under their feet but the whole nation’s with the
actions they were involved in” and therefore religious funerary services would
not be provided for these people.
The
statement, however, excluded the soldiers and security personnel who were
“dragged into the incidents forcibly and by threat, who found themselves in the
clashes without knowing what was going on”.
11.
MIT informed top generals hours before coup attempt
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 19.07.16), Turkey’s National
Intelligence Organization (MİT) informed the country’s top generals hours before
the coup attempt was initiated by a group of soldiers within the army on July
15, while Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar evaluated the information and
issued all necessary warnings and orders against “this despicable and miserable
attempt,” according to a statement published on the General Staff’s official
website on July 19.
Beginning
the statement by announcing that the attempts of the “terrorist traitors who are
members of an illegal gang [the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization - FETÖ] and
who have nestled into the Turkish Armed Forces [TSK]” had been suppressed as of
July 17 at 4:00 p.m. throughout the country, the General Staff continued by
denouncing any relation between this group and the “flag-loving, overwhelming
majority” within the army.
“The
information given by the National Intelligence Organization on July 15, 2016, at
around 4:00 p.m. was evaluated at the General Staff headquarters with the
attendance of Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar, Chief of the Army General
Salih Zeki Çolak and Deputy Chief of Staff General Yaşar Güler”, said the
statement, elaborating on the precaution orders given regarding the end of
mobility of all military vehicles including tanks, planes, helicopters and
concerning the return of the ones currently mobilized to posts.
12.
The occupation regime launched works for the opening of the occupied
Karavostasi port
Under
the title: “Karavostasi port to open”, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal
Kibrisli newspaper (20.07.16) reports that the so-called minister of public
works and communication Kemal Durust, during a visit he paid yesterday in the
occupied Lefka region, has stated, inter alia, that they are determined to take
steps for the opening of the occupied Karavostasi port.
Pointing
out that the opening of Karavostasi port which is closed for use since 1974 will
contribute to the revitalization of the economy in the area, Durust said that
they have launched works towards this issue. “We are determined to protect the
Karavostasi port. Carrying out imports and exports from this port will cost
less”, argued Durust.
Underlining
that they will continue with the same determination to carry out investments for
the development of the “TRNC”, Durust condemned the stance of the “Greek Cypriot
administration” to put obstacles to the development of the “TRNC” in all
international platforms. He further argued that their allegations that
strengthening the development of the “TRNC” will blow the solution process
cannot stop them from doing investments.
(AK)
---------------------------------------------------
TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
