TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
241/16
15.12.2016
1.
TDP to accompany Akinci in the Geneva Summit
2.
Turkish Deputy claims that at the Cyprus negotiations the Turkish side became a
minority
3.
Ozgur: Radio Vatan calls on those who consider an agreement possible to move to
the government-controlled area of Cyprus
4.
Ozgurgun reiterated that Cyprus talks are carried out in close consultation with
Turkey
5.
Ataoglu: A great majority of Turks do not even know what language and money is
used in Cyprus
6.
Rocks Hotel in occupied Keryneia was purchased by its current administrator
7.
Data about the stone quarries in the breakaway regime
8.
CTP to attend a meeting of Socialist International in
Spain
9.
KTOEOS’ chairman Gokcebel to represent the whole of Cyprus in
ETUCE
10.
Gokcekus was removed as head of YODAK by Akinci
11.
“Development Bank’s general assembly” held in the occupied area of
Cyprus
12.
Ankara snubs EU decision to halt accession talks
13.
Three party leaders vow joint fight against terror
14.
A mobilization by Turkey on Aleppo; Tripartite meeting in
Moscow
15.
Operation Euphrates Shield update: Turkish jets hit 84 Daesh targets in northern
Syria
16.
Imprisoned HDP co-chair Demirtas taken to hospital after suffering heart
spasm
17.
PKK bomber in Istanbul attack came from Syria, Cavusoglu
says
1.
TDP to accompany Akinci in the Geneva Summit
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (15.12.16) under the title: “TDP will be
in Geneva”, reports that the Social Democracy Party (TDP) announced that it
would attend the Cyprus summit that is schedule to take place in Geneva between
January 9-12.
According
to the paper, the chairman of TDP, Cemal Ozyigit, sent a written reply
yesterday to Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, thanking him for the
invitation.
Ozyigit
underlined in the letter of response that the TDP would accept his invitation
and attend the summit, adding that the party would continue contributing to the
efforts aiming to reach a fair, viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus
problem and to the efforts for the unification of the island with two” yes” in
possible referenda.
(AK)
2.
Turkish Deputy claims that at the Cyprus negotiations the Turkish side became
a minority
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (15.12.16) reports that Yusuf Halacoglu, Deputy
with the Turkish Nationalist Action Party (MHP) claimed that the Turkish side
had been transformed into an “artificial minority” at the Cyprus negotiations
and that this was wrong since the Turkish side had the same rights as the Greek
side in Cyprus.
Speaking
exclusively to Kibrisli, Halacoglu said that 29,5% of land is likely to be left
to the Turkish side during the Cyprus negotiations. However, he said, if someone
considers the churches, the land percentage is reduced to 25%. He claimed that a
large part of Cyprus belongs to Evkaf and that no other land compromises should
be made. “Some of the advantages should not be transformed into disadvantages”,
he stated. He also alleged that properties that belong to Turkish Evkaf should
not be transferred or be donated because they are under the protection of
international law.
Halacoglu
also refereed to Turkish guarantees and claimed that they should be applied to
the whole of Cyprus and not only to the Turkish side, since, as “this is the
only way to gain international character.
(CS)
3.
Ozgur: Radio Vatan calls on those who consider an agreement possible to move
to the government-controlled area of Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (15.12.16) reports that Birikim
Ozgur, “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has said that Radio
Vatan, owned the “civil defence organization”, broadcast an announcement saying
that those who think that an agreement could be reached with the Greek Cypriots
should move to the “south”, as the government-controlled area of the
Republic of Cyprus is described. Speaking in the “assembly”, during the
discussions of the “budget” of the “civil defence organization” which reaches
17,2 million Turkish liras, Ozgur asked for an investigation to be held on this
issue.
Referring
to the events in Aleppo, Ozrgur claimed that if an agreement in Cyprus is not
reached, the island could turn into Aleppo. He added: “[…] While the
situation is this, the radio of the civil defense [organization] broadcasts
announcements saying that ‘those who think that we can agree with the Greek
Cypriots, should go to the south’. The energy issue is on the agenda in
Cyprus and negotiations are being conducted in order for the two sides to agree,
that is, to determine the fate of the country together. Our president is
conducting these negotiations. How can Radio Vatan broadcast such things? Is
the wish not to have an agreement and for Cyprus to turn into Aleppo? […]
Some people must undertake responsibility on this issue, that is, the prime
minister, and put an end to these announcements”.
(I/Ts.)
4.
Ozgurgun reiterated that Cyprus talks are carried out in close
consultation with Turkey
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 14.12.16), self-styled prime minister
Hüseyin Ozgurgun has stressed the unbreakable bond between Turkey and the “TRNC”
(editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus).
Addressing
a conference organized by the Turkish Journalists Confederation, the
Mediterranean Journalists Association and the Young Journalists Society based in
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Ozgurgun said that the Turkish
Cypriot “people” were an indispensable part of the Turkish nation and that there
was an unbreakable bond between the two “countries”.
In
a short briefing on the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun alleged that the Turkish
Cypriot “people” were saved from annihilation in the hands of Greece and Greek
Cypriots by the timely “intervention of the Turkish Armed Forces in 1974”
(editor’s note: Turkish invasion to Cyprus in 1974) prompted by a coup carried
out by the Greek Junta.
Noting
that Turkey has been by the Turkish Cypriots’ side ever since, extending its
support in all fields as well as on the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun added that
negotiations aimed at settling the Cyprus problem were being carried out in
close consultation with Turkey.
Pointing
out that there were very small groups in the “TRNC” encouraged by outside forces
aiming to harm the relations and the unbreakable bond between the two
“countries”, Ozgurgun said that such attempts were futile.
He
further said that it is crucial that the media in Turkey inform the Turkish
public accurately and responsibly on developments regarding the “TRNC” and the
Cyprus problem and added: “This is a necessity of ethical and principled
journalism”.
5.
Ataoglu: A great majority of Turks do not even know what language and money
is used in Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Demokrat Bakis newspaper (15.12.16) reports that Fikri
Ataoglu, self-styled minister of tourism of the breakaway regime in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that in a survey they had conducted it
was established that only 8,5% of Turkey’s population visited the occupied area
of Cyprus and that the great majority of the rest 91,5% do not know what
language or money is used there.
Addressing
a panel on the role of the press in the relations between Turkey and the
breakaway regime and the “changing perception for tourism”, Ataoglu said that
following the survey they decided to promote the occupied area of Cyprus in ten
Turkish provinces starting from Bolu area. Not only tourism, but also education,
constructions, culture and businesses are to be promoted.
Referring
to the members of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot journalists’ organizations who
participated in the panel, Ataoglu argued that they had “serious duty” as
regards the breakaway regime’s promotion in the press.
(I/Ts.)
6.
Rocks Hotel in occupied Keryneia was purchased by its current administrator
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.12.16) reports that Rocks Hotel in
occupied Keryneia area has become a “Turkish property” since its current
administrator, the Kaysu Ticaret ve Turizm İşletmeciliği company, paid two
million euro as compensation to the Greek Cypriot who owned the hotel before
1974. According to information obtained by the paper, the purchase was
conducted the day before yesterday and the property was transferred to
Kaysu
Ticaret ve Turizm İşletmeciliği. The case started in January 2015. This is
the second hotel in the occupied area of Cyprus for which compensation is paid
its “pre-1974 owner”, after Acapulco Resort Convention SPA Hotel to its
rights were transferred to the current administrator.
The
paper writes that according to the “law” on compensation, exchange and return of
immovable property within the scope of “subparagraph B of paragraph 1 of article
159 of the constitution”, immovable property, the “ownership” of which belongs
to natural or legal persons, except for the “state”, could be purchased by its
lessee from its pre-1974 [Greek Cypriot] owner, provided that the former has a
lease contract for at least three years and that they have obtained the
“permission” of the “Immovable Property Commission” and a decision by the
“council of ministers”.
(I/Ts.)
7.
Data about the stone quarries in the breakaway regime
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.12.16) reports that according to data by the
“geology and metal department” for 2016, a total of 341 permissions have been
granted since 1974 for stone quarries in the breakaway regime. For the time
being only 31 of them operate.
The
paper notes that stone quarries cause a serious environmental problem and have a
negative effect on human health. The paper also reports on the poor working
conditions and safety standards adding that in the last 14 years 56 accidents
and 6 deaths occurred in the stone quarries.
(CS)
8.
CTP to attend a meeting of Socialist International in
Spain
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (15.12.16) reports that the Republican
Turkish Party (CTP) will attend the Socialist International Mediterranean
Committee meeting which is to take place in Malaga, Spain on December 16-17.
The
party will be represented in the meeting hosted by the Socialist Labor Party of
Spain, by Armagan Candan, “deputy” with CTP and “member of the central
committee” of the party.
In
the framework of the meeting, Candan will deliver a speech on the current
stage of the Cyprus negotiation process.
(…)
(AK)
9.
KTOEOS’ chairman Gokcebel to represent the whole of Cyprus in
ETUCE
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (15.12.16) reports that the chairman of the
“Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers Union" (KTOEOS) Tahir Gokcebel, has
been elected member of the “administration committee” of the European Trade
Union Committee for Education (ETUCE), representing the whole of Cyprus and all
six trade unions on education which attended the meeting.
According
to a statement issued by KTOES, the European region of Education International,
which took place in Belgrade on December 5-8, 2016, under the title:
“Sustainable financing for quality education”.
(…)
(AK)
10.
Gokcekus was removed as head of YODAK by Akinci
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 15.12.16), Prof. Dr Huseyin Gokcekus has
been removed as head of the “Higher Education Planning, Evaluation,
Accreditation and Coordination Council” (YODAK).
Prof.
Gokcekus was removed from his post by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci
following the completion of an inquiry on allegations that he had not executed
his duties and responsibilities impartially.
The
head of the council is appointed by the “president”.
Prof.
Gokcekus has been replaced by Prof. Dr Akile Sarioglu
Buke.
According
to a press release by Akinci’s office, “Prof. Dr Hüseyin Gokcekus was relieved
of his post on grounds that he failed to conduct his duties as required on the
basis of the fundamental principles of impartiality, truthfulness, equality,
competence and merit”.
The
statement also urged YÖDAK to focus all its energy on further elevating the
level of academic performance in the “country” and on regainning its capability
to administer higher education in line with the “country’s laws” and democratic
principles.
Meanwhile,
Prof. Gokcekus issued a statement criticizing Akinci’s decision to remove him
from office, stating that the launch of an inquiry, despite the view expressed
by the “Chief Prosecutor” that there was no misconduct, was thought
provoking.
11.
“Development Bank’s general assembly” held in the occupied area of
Cyprus
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 15.12.16), self-styled prime minister
Huseyin Ozgurgun has announced that with Turkey’s support the “government” has
put into force the “country’s” most comprehensive reform program to date, the
“Structural Transformation Program”.
Speaking
at the “general assembly of the TRNC Development Bank” yesterday, Ozgurgun said
that the aim of the reform program was to strengthen the competitiveness of the
“TRNC economy”. “We are giving a lot of importance to large sized enterprises
just as we are giving importance of SMEs” he added.
He
said that “it was important that the Development Bank which was an important
source of economic investments in the country was not experiencing a shortage of
liquid funds and was currently restructuring itself to provide faster and more
reliable banking”.
Among
those who attended and addressed the event was the self-styled minister of
economy and energy Sunat Atun, the self-styled minister of health, Faiz
Sucuoglu, and the self-styled minister of tourism and environment, Fikri
Ataoglu.
Sucuoglu
stated that the “TRNC Development Bank” had given out loans in the field of
health amounting to 7.5 million dollars. He
said that sector representatives needed incentives in order for this figure to
increase.
Underlining
the importance of health tourism, Sucuoglu said that the money spent on
health tourism was 7 times more than the money spent on culture
tourism.
Ataoglu,
for his part, highlighted the importance of the “development bank” for tourism,
adding that the sector had grown considerably with the serious support of the
bank. He also said that the “government” was in contact with the “development
bank” to overcome the problems faced by small investors.
Atun,
who also spoke at the event, pointed to the importance of keeping politics out
of the affairs of the “Development Bank”. He explained that loans from now on
would be given out in Turkish Liras in a bid to minimize the effects of
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
12.
Ankara snubs EU decision to halt accession
talks
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 14.12.16) with the above title
reports that Turkish European Union Minister Omer Celik has harshly
criticized the EU, for lacking self-confidence after the bloc unanimously
decided not to open new chapters in Turkey’s accession
talks.
“Not
opening new chapters means let’s not talk anymore. This indicates a lack of
self-confidence”, Celik said Dec. 14 while speaking to the press on the
sidelines of an event held by the Kebler Foundation in Berlin.
Meanwhile,
Celik has also described condemnations on terrorism and messages of solidarity
from leading European politicians after the Dec. 10 suicide bomb attack, as more
positive compared to similar reactions in the past. “Still,
words are not enough. We should look at deeds”, he said, calling on Europe to
take action against terror groups that are active in
Turkey.
13.
Three party leaders vow joint fight against
terror
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 14.12.16) reports that Turkey’s
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, following a meeting with opposition leaders on
Dec. 14 to discuss the recent terrorist attack in Istanbul, stated that three
parties in Turkey’s parliament had reached a consensus on a joint stance against
terror.
“The
topic of terrorism is above politics. The party leaders expressed their
intention to contribute to any kinds of action that needs to be taken, in their
decision and in the legal regulations”, Yildirim said in a joint press
conference after the trio’s meeting.
The
Prime Minister met with the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s
Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, and the leader of the Nationalist Movement
Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, at the Prime Ministry’s Çankaya Mansion.
The
third biggest party in Parliament, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), was not
invited to the meeting.
Speaking
at a press conference following the meeting, Kilicdaroglu said: “We agreed
that all political parties should have a joint stance against terror. Eighty
million people in Turkey should take a common stance”.
Bahceli
reiterated the call for a common fight.
“The meeting guided by maturity as our people expected. The political parties
demanded that the struggle against terror continue with a sharp and fierce
determination”.
14.
A mobilization by Turkey on Aleppo; Tripartite meeting in
Moscow
Ankara
Anatolia news agency (14.12.16) reported that according to a presidential
source, Turkish and Russian Presidents had a phone conversation on Wednesday on
the issue of Aleppo.
Recep
Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin discussed the human tragedy in Aleppo and
bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia,
said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The
two leaders agreed that the partial cease-fire agreement, which was agreed on
Tuesday, should be fully implemented and violations of the agreement should be
prevented. They also confirmed the decision to jointly start the evacuation
of the civilians and the opposition from Aleppo as soon as possible.
Erdogan
said that Turkey was ready to take all necessary measures regarding temporary
shelters and humanitarian aid following the opening of secure corridors.
Erdogan
and Putin also talked about Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim's latest
visit to Moscow, the steps to normalize the bilateral relations, and efforts to
strengthen cooperation in all areas, especially in the energy
sector.
On
the same issue, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 15.12.16) reports that
according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources, Foreign Minister Mevlut
Cavusoglu spoke by phone with his Russian and Iranian counterparts on the
situation in Aleppo on Wednesday, as Ankara tried to keep a fragile truce in
the besieged Syrian city on track.
Foreign
ministry sources did not provide details of the talks between Cavusoglu and his
Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif.
Earlier
on Wednesday, Cavusoglu spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "It
is easier for Moscow to reach a deal with Turkey -on Aleppo- than with the
U.S.", Lavrov was quoted as saying.
"It
is our wish that no one point the finger at someone else in such a humanitarian
situation. There is an agreement here, and this must also be implemented,"
Cavusoglu said.
Meanwhile,
Ankara Anatolia news agency (14.12.16) reports that Cavusoglu and U.S.
Secretary of State John Kerry also had a phone conversation on Wednesday,
which was dominated by the situation in Syria’s northern city of Aleppo,
diplomatic sources said.
According
to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the two Ministers discussed
the current developments in Syria, especially in Aleppo.
Cavusoglu
mentioned the importance of the evacuation of civilians from Aleppo and added
that Turkey continued resolutely its efforts to that end.
He
said that the Assad regime and its supporters violated a cease-fire in eastern
Aleppo.
Moreover,
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.12.16) reports that Cavusoglu
has said that Turkey, Iran and Russia will meet at a summit of Foreign Ministers
in Moscow on Dec. 27 to discuss efforts to secure a ceasefire in Aleppo.
“The
best solution [on Syria] is always a political one. We are making efforts to
provide a ceasefire across the entire country and at the same time to initiate a
resumption of negotiations. Our efforts will continue in this direction,”
Cavusoglu told private broadcaster TGRT late on Dec. 14.
15.
Operation Euphrates Shield update: Turkish jets hit 84 Daesh targets in
northern Syria
According
to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 15.12.16), the Turkish Armed Forces
(TSK) on Wednesday announced in a written statement that Turkish jets had killed
a Daesh terrorist in northern Syria as part of Operation Euphrates
Shield,.
In
airstrikes targeting Daesh-held buildings in northern Syria, Turkish jets hit 84
targets, the statement read. The TSK said that the targets included shelters,
defensive positions and command-and-control facilities.
In
addition, 10 targets in the al-Bab and Qabr al-Muqri regions were hit by Turkish
warplanes..
Wednesday
marks the 113th day of the operation, which began in late August to improve
security, support coalition forces and eliminate the terror threat along
Turkey's border using Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters backed by Turkish armour,
artillery and jets.
16.
Imprisoned HDP co-chair Demirtas taken to hospital after suffering heart
spasm
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 14.12.16) reports that according to
Anadolu Agency the imprisoned co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party
(HDP), Selahattin Demirtas, was taken to hospital in Edirne on Dec. 14 after
suffering a heart spasm.
Gendarmerie
soldiers took high security measures around the hospital.
Demirtaş
suffered a heart spasm in jail on Dec. 10, HDP lawmaker Ayhan Bilgen said on
Dec. 12.
“We
are concerned about our co-chair’s medical condition. We will apply to the
Turkish Chamber of Doctors and request that Demirtas receive treatment in
hospital by impartial doctors”, Bilgen said.
Demirtas
has previously suffered a heart spasm but has reportedly been denied medical
treatment despite presenting a medical referral.
17.
PKK bomber in Istanbul attack came from Syria, Cavusoglu
says
According
to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 15.12.16), Turkey’s Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said late Wednesday that one of the bombers who
perpetrated the twin blasts in central Istanbul last week came from Syria a week
before the incident.
One
of the suicide bombers that attacked Ankara, Abdulbaki Somer, also came from
Syria.
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