TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 241/15
17.12.2015
1. Eide met with Akinci
2. Bozkir on Cyprus problem: We are closer to a solution than ever
before
3. The Cyprus problem was discussed at the “budget debate” in the
“assembly”
4. Social Democrat Party continues to support Turkey’s guarantees in
Cyprus
5. Columnist: Solution to the Cyprus problem is not reached because
this does not suit Turkey’s interests; Akinci is surrendered to Turkey
6. Columnist: Turkish Cypriots are also worried about the regime’s
arbitrariness in “citizenship” policy
7. The “budget” of the “polis general directorate” was
approved
8. “Tourism ministry” launches a promoting campaign of “North Cyprus”
in Britain
9. The occupation regime to start using Euro diesel fuel instead of
diesel as of January 1st
10. US, Turkey agree on rules for future American air patrol missions
near Syria
1. Eide met with Akinci
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (17.12.15) reports that the
UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide held yesterday
a two-hour meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci.
The meeting took place at the so-called presidential palace. The
aim of the meeting was to discuss the preparatory works for the leaders’ meeting
next Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Eide said that his meeting
with Akinci was fruitful and explained that they are exerting efforts and work
hard to create the ground for the talks to take place in January. He added that
during the meeting of the two leaders on Sunday the program for January will be
discussed.
“On Sunday we will be discussing exactly how the schedule of
January will be. We have experienced fruitful developments on some key issues.
What we are trying to do now, is to see which the essential issues are in order
to be tackled at the final round” Eide said, adding also the following: “In
order to make those issues specific and clear and to limit them in number, we
are trying to reduce differences on other aspects. So, when we eventually go to
the final round of the talks, we will tackle with the most important
issues.
Touching upon the property issue, Eide said that no more time should
be wasted on this issue and added that they are focusing now on some ideas in
order to move to some other remaining issues. “I’m quite confident that we’re seeing the contours of a settlement
on property which I think both sides will be able to live quite comfortably with
but of course I’m not ready to say exactly what that will be before the leaders
have finally concluded”, Eide stated.
Explaining that they have been able to focus more of their work on
economy last week, Eide announced that the leaders are getting assistance now
from the principle and national financial institutions.
“We have World Bank experts and International Monetary Fund experts
working with us, in support of the leaders in order to look at all the aspects
which will be the banking sector and tax issues” Eide
said.
Upon being asked a question whether he considers that a referendum
will take place on March 2016, Eide said that there is no timetable at the
talks. He, however, underlined that the two leaders’ aim is to work consistently
in order to carry out the negotiations process
successfully.
Concerning the guarantee issue, he recalled that he held contacts in
Turkey on this matter and added that he would also have contacts in Athens very
soon. He also reiterated that all involved parties should gather sometime
somewhere to discuss the issue.
(AK)
2. Bozkir on Cyprus problem: We are closer to a solution than ever
before
Turkish daily Yeni Safak newspaper (14.12.15) published an interview
with
Volkan Bozkir, EU minister and chief negotiator of Turkey who
refereed to Turkey’s EU bid and the Cyprus negotiations.
“For the last 50 years, there is a dispute in Cyprus and today we are
closer to a solution than ever before. Today the solution of the Cyprus issue is more achievable than
solutions to disputes in Syria, Palestine, and Ukraine. The leaders of the two
sides of the island covered significant ground. The work on drafting a joint
constitution will, God willing, be completed in March and it will be possible to
found a state through a referendum. If this materializes, and I am hopeful that
it will, a dispute will be taken off the global agenda and this will be a model
for other disputes. Use of regional opportunities and resources will resolve the
problem. Additionally, the negatives that occurred in the EU process will
disappear”, Bozkir stated and added:
“When the Cyprus issue is resolved and South Cyprus lifts its
blockage on 13 chapters, we are in a position to complete these within two
months. Despite the blockage, we continued with our work on these chapters for
the last 10 years. Had we not done all that work, the negotiation process would
have lasted three to five years even once the blockage is
lifted.”
3. The Cyprus problem was discussed at the “budget debate” in the
“assembly”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (17.12.15) reports that the self-styled
foreign minister Emine Colak, in a debate in the “assembly” of the breakaway
regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the budget of
the “foreign minister”, commented also on the Cyprus talks, adding that their
first priority target is to support the negotiation process. She noted: “The
Cyprus problem has not gotten easier. There are difficulties. I said that ‘the
time is appropriate for a solution’. I was criticized for this. I don’t have
hallucinations on this issue. Turkey also supports a solution, which is one of
our many advantages. (…) This is an intense process”.
Noting that everybody needs a solution, Colak stressed that if they
do not show their maximum effort toward this, then it will not happen. She added
that Cyprus is an anomaly for the EU and everyone acknowledges this. She went
on: “The Cyprus problem is important for Turkey. Is it more important for our
interests or for Turkey to obtain a progress on this issue? There is no need for
such discussion. At this moment, there is suitable atmosphere for a
solution”.
Noting that there are no reservations on the issue of the
Confidential Building Measures (CBMs), Colak noted that works for the demining
in the crossing points of Apliki and Deryneia have been completed. She further
said that the tenders for the structure of the Deryneia crossing point have been
opened for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.
The paper reports that the budget of the “ministry of foreign
affairs” was approved unanimously for the amount of 41 million 140 thousand 800
TL.
Speaking also at the “assembly”, self-styled deputy Teberukken Ulucay
with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) said that the potential of the “foreign
minister budget” should be strengthened. He added that the duties and works of
the “ministry” are important in order for the Turkish Cypriots to be more
effective.
The general secretary of CTP Tufan Erhuman, speaking at the budget
debate, reminded that the “immovable property commission” does not have a budget
and added: “Is it proposed that Turkey will pay the compensations for the Greek
Cypriot properties? Is this not one? Who will pay this cost if there is not a
settlement? The Committee is not in a position to pay for this. For this reason,
it will go to the European Court of Human Rights. At the time, this institution
will be “pay pass”. And everything will return to the beginning. Loizides’
decision will produce decisions. The important thing is not who will pay the
compensations, but to whom the property belongs. If there is no solution, what
will happen to the property issue?”
The leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Serdar Denktas claimed that
the opening of the crossing points was one of the biggest political steps that
the Turkish Cypriot side took. He said that they asked for them to think about
what will happen if they say no to the solution, but they are obliged to think
about what will happen the next day of the solution. He added that they all
should pay attention to their views regarding the property issue.
(DPs)
4. Social Democrat Party continues to support Turkey’s guarantees
in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.12.15) reports that a
delegation headed by Tozun Tunali, the chairman of the Social Democrat Party
(SODEP) visited various villages in occupied Famagusta and listen to the
problems of the inhabitants.
Tunali stated that the “people” must be informed about the
developments regarding the Cyprus problem and stated that he is against reaching
an agreement just for the sake of an agreement. He went on and added that in
order for a central bi-zonal government to operate without any problems,
Turkey’s guarantees must continue after a solution is
reached.
(CS)
5. Columnist: Solution to the Cyprus problem is not reached
because this does not suit Turkey’s interests; Akinci is surrendered to
Turkey
Turkish Cypriot columnist Serhat Incirli reports in his column in
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.12.15) that the Cyprus problem has
not been solved for so many years only because the solution did not suit
Turkey’s interests. Noting that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci
was the hope of the community for finding a solution, Incirli argues that
Akinci has been surrendered to Turkey and now he is saying different things
comparing to what he was saying in the past. Pointing out that the options
the Turkish Cypriots have are to either solve the Cyprus problem with a
bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on political equality or to annex the
occupied area of the island to Turkey, the columnist writes, inter alia, the
following:
“[…] Is the second option possible? It is not. Because they know
that, that is not possible the non-solution continues and we are dying out. The
solution of the Cyprus problem has not been realized for so many years, because
this did not suit Turkey’s interests. […] Now Espen Barth Eide says that
‘Turkey wants a solution’ and tries to convince Anastasiades and consequently us
for this. There is of course a possibility of Turkey wanting a solution, but
in return for this, the price is very seriously high, in my view. I am
honestly curious about how this big price will be settled.
[…]
Mustafa Akinci was the hope of a very large part of the society. I am
still exerting serious efforts to continue having faith in the solution, but no
guide is needed to a village that is already within sight. He has also been
surrendered to Turkey. What he is saying on the issue of guarantees is different
from what he was saying in the past. His stance regarding the citizenship of our
brothers from Turkey is different than the one in the past. These are facts
which the Greek Cypriots will not accept and have been strengthening the
non-solution for years.
Even his relations with the administrators of Turkey are very
different. Especially his position regarding Recep Tayyip Erdogan is surprising.
[…] Do you know what the reality is? This reality is that Anastasiades and
Davutoglu meet and talk. Even if they deny it, the reality is that many issues,
including the security and guarantees, are negotiated outside the negotiating
table directly or indirectly between the Greek Cypriot side and Turkey, without
the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriot leadership knowing about it.
[…]
It is true that Akinci is our last bullet for not dying out, but the
course of things shows that when we compare his stance and statements today to
the past, we will shoot our own foot with this bullet! And when this last bullet
is shot, we will not remain ‘cripple’, we will die!”
(I/Ts.)
6. Columnist: Turkish Cypriots are also worried about the regime’s
arbitrariness in “citizenship” policy
Turkish Cypriot columnist Cenk Mutluyakali reports in his column in
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (17.12.15) that not only the Greek
Cypriots, but many Turkish Cypriots are also worried about the breakaway
regime’s arbitrariness in the “citizenship” policy. Mutluyakali writes,
inter alia, the following:
“[…] You know that in the past the increase in our population has
been twice as much as the normal one.
The ‘citizenship’ numbers are now more critical for the ‘solution’
process as well. I have honestly found strange the statements which relate the
issue to the ‘bedroom’. First I heard them from president Akinci and I was
surprised. In a speech at Kadir has University in Istanbul, he said: ‘How can I
immobilize the population of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots? Will I
stand as a guard in everyone’s bedroom?’ […]
The president of the Democratic Party, Serdar Denktas has made a
similar statement at the assembly: ‘Will they interfere in our love life as
well? Will I wait for 4 Greek Cypriot children to be born and then I will give
birth to one?’
Who are we deceiving now? These are very populist statements.
Everyone knows that the ‘citizenship’ problem in the northern part of Cyprus
is not deriving from the ‘bedroom’ or the ‘love life’! The worry is not about
our fertility. Otherwise, the number of our voters would not increase from
103 thousands in 1993 to 122 thousands in 1998 and 141 thousands in 2000. We
are known for carelessly giving or being forced to give citizenship for
reasons such as a decision by the council of ministers, a signature by the
minister, political populism, a request by Turkey, on financial grounds. Tens of
them have been given exaggeratedly by saying that ‘these are children, spouses,
brothers’ etc. And some by showing as false address of fifteen, twenty persons
the house of an undersecretary. Mr Akinci knows this. Serdar Denktas does too.
Everyone knows it. Not only the Greek Cypriots, but many people in the
northern part of Cyprus are also worried about the arbitrariness of our
‘citizenship’ policy.
Moreover no one has yet denied that Turkey had recently asked for
citizenship to be granted to 26 thousand new persons. […]”
(I/Ts.)
7. The “budget” of the “polis general directorate” was
approved
Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (17.12.15) reports that the
so-called assembly approved yesterday the “budget” of the “polis general
directorate” which is 211 million 356 thousand 600 TL.
Speaking during the discussion of the “budget” at the so-called
assembly, Mehmet Cakici, “deputy” with the Social Democracy Party (TDP),
referred, inter alia to the “draft law” envisaged for the “police” to bind to
“political authorities” instead of the “military” and stressed the need for the
“government” to bring the “law” into the agenda again.
Also speaking, Hasan Tacoy, “deputy” with the Democratic
Party-National Forces (DP-UG) said that the number of the “police staff” fall
behind and added that in total 1800 police staff serve at the “police”.
(…)
(AK)
8. “Tourism ministry” launches a promoting campaign of “North
Cyprus” in Britain
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli (17.12.15) reports that the
so-called ministry of tourism by the end of this month will launch an extended
advertising campaign in Britain, particularly in the airports of London Stansted
and Manchester, with the aim of promoting better the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus. The advertising posters of “North Cyprus” will be placed in
the most crowed airports of Britain ahead of the New Years Day.
The paper reports that the adverts promoting “North Cyprus” will be
placed in airports, city centres, black cabs, buses, internet sites and
newspapers. While the advertising campaign continues on the 130 black cabs,
which are one of London’s symbols, brochures promoting "North Cyprus" are also
being distributed to customers in the taxi cabs.
Self-styled minister of tourism Faiz Sucuoglu said that the Britain
market is very important and they will continue their promoting campaign in 2016
in order for this market to be increased.
(DPs)
9. The occupation regime to start using Euro diesel fuel instead
of diesel as of January 1st
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (17.12.15) reports that the
so-called ministry of agriculture, natural resources and food has announced that
the imports of diesel fuel in the “country” will be suspended, as of January
1st.
According to a written statement issued by the “ministry”, as of
January 1st, the “TRNC” will start using Euro diesel fuel instead of
diesel in order to comply with the standards of other EU countries and Turkey’s
as well.
(AK)
10. US, Turkey agree on rules for future American air patrol
missions near Syria
Turkish daily Sabah (17.12.15) reports that the United States has
reached a bilateral agreement with Turkey over the rules for combat air patrol
missions in Turkish airspace for future American aircraft deployments, a
Pentagon spokesperson told Daily Sabah. However, the U.S. decided yesterday
to pull back six F-15C aircraft from Turkey which were supposed to undertake
these symbolic missions against Russian air incursions near the Syrian border.
The warplanes had been deployed in November in response to a request
from Ankara for a demonstration of NATO's ability to rapidly transfer U.S.
assets to Turkey in support of an air defence mission.
However, Pentagon spokesperson Laura Seal downplayed the significance
of the aircrafts' withdrawal from Incirlik Air Base. She said the "enduring"
agreement reached by Turkey and the United States provides a framework for U.S.
aircraft to support Turkey when called upon in the future.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(CS / AA)