ir Atalay was speaking Saturday at celebrations marking Turkey's
1974 invasion of Cyprus that followed a coup by supporters of union
with Greece.
On the same issue, news portal World Bulletin (online, 20.07.13)
reported that Atalay, speaking at the 39th anniversary of Turkey's
invasion to Cyprus, said "Turkey and TRNC [editor's note: breakaway
regime in the occupied part of Cyprus] have put effort sincerely for
just and sustainable peace on the island until now. To believe that
Turks would accept living in minority status, is a vain hope."
Claiming that the solution would be reached within the scope of the
reportedly realities of the island, Atalay added that, therefore nobody
should expect Turkish Cypriots to give up their political equality.
Atalay alleged that it was the Greek Cypriot side's negative position
which stalled the Cyprus talks, adding that inaction of Greek Cypriot
leader Nicos Anastasiades has vanished hopes for solution.
"Greek Cypriot side should focus on negotiations, instead of leaving
the table," said Atalay, and continued, "If they insist on using the
sources in the south unilaterally, two-state solution may also prevail."
Eroglu, speaking also at the celebrations, called on the Greek Cypriots to
be aware of the realities and sit on the negotiation table. He claimed:
"There are two different states with two religions, languages and
nations," and declared that Turkish Cypriots would go on administrating
themselves after a solution was found.
Eroglu said "nobody had the right to bring restrictions to one another's
air and sea ports, right to travel with its state's passport or identity,
and blamed the UN and EU of not having adequate will to solve the
problem".
[02] Support to "TRNC" from foreign delegations
Turkish Cypriot press (20.07.13) reported on the contacts that a number
of foreign delegations and dignitaries carrying out in the occupied area
of the Republic of Cyprus within the framework of the "celebrations"
of the 39th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus.
Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, the self-styled speaker of the
assembly Hasan Bozer, self-styled prime minister Sibel Siber had separate
meetings with foreign delegations.
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (20.07.13), Eroglu met yesterday
with former US congressman Michael McMohan and Jasn Epstein, supporter
of the Turkish community in the USA. McMohan and Epstein said that it
is their honour to be in the "TRNC".
Later Eroglu had a meeting with a group of foreign representatives headed
by Lord Magginis from the British House of Lords. The delegation also
included representatives from Azerbaijan, Pakistan and "Kosovo".
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (20.07.13) reported that Lord Maginnis,
during his meeting with Siber, said that it was a high time a settlement
is reached in Cyprus and that they were ready to support all efforts.
He also stressed that they are in the island as persons, who support the
"TRNC" and that they wish, after 40 years, to see the "TRNC" be recognized
by the international community.
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (20.07.13) reported that during a meeting
with Bozer, Azeri Deputy Ceyhun Osmali said that they follow very close
the developments on the natural gas and oil.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (20.07.13) reported that
self-styled minister of economy and energy Atay Ahmet Rasit met with
"Kosovos'" deputy minister of industry and trade" Cuneyd Ustaibo and
"deputy minister of local administrations" Rifat Krasnic. Ustaibo said
that they want to continue the trade relations between "Kosovo" and the
breakaway regime.
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (21.07.13) reported that Eroglu met
with Mustafa Abdulcemil Kirimoglu, Chairman of the Crimean Tatar assembly
and a member of the Ukrainian Parliament.
During the meeting, Kirimoglu said that "TRNC" is an important part of
the Turkish world, adding that the fights of the Turkish Cypriot for
freedom are similar to the fights of Crimean Turks.
[03] Eroglu: Natural wealth belongs to both communities; Erk: We haven't
lost our hopes for Cyprus settlement
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 19.07.13), a conference
titled "Cyprus in terms of strategic resources" organized jointly by
the illegal Near East University (YDU) and the Turkish Journalists'
Association was held on Friday.
Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, addressing the conference,
drew attention to the importance of discussing the issues of water and
energy resources on the eve of the 39th anniversary of Turkey's invasion
of Cyprus.
Pointing out that he had dreamt of bringing water to Cyprus from
motherland Turkey since his first day in politics, Ero lu said that
this dream will come true in the March of 2014. Noting that the water
to arrive from Turkey will be just as important for the Greek Cypriots
as it will be for the Turkish Cypriots, he added: "This water could be
shared with South Cyprus [editor's note: government controlled area of
the Republic of Cyprus."]
Touching upon the importance of hydrocarbons discovered in the
Mediterranean, Ero lu said that any resources to be discovered in the
area belonged to both the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. He added
that the Turkish side had made two proposals regarding the natural gas,
the first for all revenues to be collected in a fund to be used as
and when a solution is reached and for the gas to be discovered to be
transported to Europe via Turkey. Eroglu said that the Greek Cypriot
side had rejected both proposals due to Greek Cypriot reportedly fears
of becoming dependent on Turkey.
Meanwhile, "BRT" (online, 19.07.13) broadcast that self-styled foreign
minister Kutlay Erk briefed foreign journalists and politicians who are in
the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus to attend the "celebrations"
of the 20th of July Turkey's invasion to Cyprus.
Erk said that the Cyprus Turkish side supported a federal settlement in
Cyprus on the basis of UN parameters. Briefing the foreign journalists
and politicians, Erk claimed that the Cyprus problem was a 50 year old
dispute where efforts to reach a solution were still continuing.
Pointing out that the Cyprus problem had gone through numerous phases
since 1963, Erk said that the current negotiations were aimed at reaching
a just and lasting solution that will create an island of peace.
Claiming that despite the Cyprus Turkish side's will in favour of
a settlement, the Cyprus talks had yet to yield a positive result, Erk
said: "Nevertheless we still haven't lost our hope for a settlement. It
is our greatest hope that negotiations between Ero lu and Anastasiades
will commence as soon as possible."
[04] Gul and Erdogan sent messages for the celebrations of the Turkish
invasion to Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (21.07.13) reports that
Turkish President Abdullah Gul and the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan sent messages for the celebrations of the 39th anniversary of
the Turkish Invasion to Cyprus.
In his message, Gul said that the solution to Cyprus problem will increase
cooperation, security and prosperity in the whole Mediterranean region,
adding that "motherland" Turkey will be at the Turkish Cypriots' side
under any conditions. He went on and said that the Turkish Cypriots must
not be withdrawn from their "legitimized rights" and that Turkey's support
for the efforts of Turkish Cypriot side for a solution to Cyprus problem,
will continue. He went on and alleged that Turkey's "effective and active
guarantees" in Cyprus will be an essential element for safeguarding
peace and stability.
On his part, Erdogan stated that Turkey will remain committed to doing
its part with determination, for the prosperity and the peace of the
Turkish Cypriots. He also said that Turkey will continue to support the
development and strengthening of the breakaway regime in the framework
of Turkey's "effective and active guarantees" in Cyprus, as he alleged.
[05] Cicek describes the economic crisis in the government-controlled
area of Cyprus as opportunity in favor of the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (21.07.13) reports that Cemil
Cicek, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), has
compared the Cyprus problem to football and alleged that the "TRNC",
breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, has been given the
opportunity of a "penalty" in this period during which "south Cyprus",
as he described the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus,
is facing economic problems. Cicek said that the breakaway regime should
turn this "penalty" into a goal.
Cicek visited the occupied area of Cyprus within the framework of the
celebrations for the 39th anniversary from the 1974 Turkish invasion
of Cyprus.
In statements during his meeting with Hasan Bozer, self-styled speaker of
the regime's "assembly", Cicek wished for the "parliamentary elections"
which will be held in the occupied area of Cyprus on 28 July to bring
tranquillity and stability "to the country and the Turkish Cypriot
people". Turkey's self-styled ambassador to Nicosia, Halil Ibrahim Akca
and the chairman of TGNA's Friendship Group with the "TRNC", Faruk Oz
accompanied Cicek during this visit.
Cicek argued that the "TRNC was not gained very easily" and alleged
that it is the biggest gain of this 39 years. He claimed that now it
functions very well with all its organs and the issue is to make this
"state" function more actively and effectively.
Cicek said: "Elections will be held next week. We wish for these elections
to bring peace and tranquillity to our brothers. It is an important
opportunity. While the south is dealing with its own problems, a penalty
is given in favor of the TRNC. It should not been kicked outside. The
responsibility for this belongs to us, the politicians. Both in Turkey
and here the legal framework of many efforts should be drawn. Primarily,
issues regarding the Immovable Property Commission exist, other reforms
exist. The Cyprus issue exists?"
Referring to the importance of Cyprus in the area and to the hydrocarbon
resources, Cicek argued: "The importance of Cyprus is increasing
every day that passes, because of the political developments which
happen in the area. There is underground and above the ground wealth
around Cyprus. The Turkish side will never accept a fait accompli on
this issue. Everybody has a right on whatever exists here. The north
has also a right. Whatever happens should be within the framework of
justice. Turkey is already holding the necessary contacts and efforts
and it is showing the necessary reaction".
Arguing that Turks want a lasting peace in Cyprus, Cicek alleged:
"?It is clear how lasting peace will be. The Turks are not a minority
here. These issues should be continued in equality. Two separate states,
two separate peoples and two separate democracies exist and peace will
be lasting if it is established upon these foundations? Our brothers here
will not return once more to the pre-1974 period, this is not right. It is
also not in harmony to justice. However, while the negotiations continue,
we should continue our way together here. We are the ones that will do
our job, no one else? We must use time well?"
(I/Ts.)
[06] CHP leader: Turkey gained prestige with the 1974 invasion to Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (21.07.13) reports that
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the chairman of the main opposition party in Turkey,
the Republican People's Party (CTP) stated that Turkey gained prestige
with the invasion in Cyprus in 1974.
Kilicdaroglu who issued this message to CHP's MPs Murat Karayalcin and
Sakine Oz who represented the party in the celebrations in the breakaway
regime, alleged that "Turkey's invasion was the most eminent sample of
how and when Turkey's power was used". He also alleged that with the
invasion Turkey gained prestige and also protected the Turkish Cypriots.
On his part, Murat Karayalcin, stated that the will for solution has been
reduced between the Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus. Karayalcin who illegally
visited occupied Cyprus representing CHP in the invasion celebrations,
made these statements in a meeting he held with Turkish Cypriot leader
Dervis Eroglu. He stated that is Turkey's duty to increase the interest
regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem.
[07] Siber: "The only thing that Turkish Cypriots want is to become a
recognized country in the international law"
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (21.07.13) reports that Sibel
Siber, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus, has alleged that the Turkish Cypriots
are living freely now and that the only thing they want is to "become
a recognized country by the international law".
In statements on Saturday during a meeting with Cemil Cicek, Speaker
of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Siber said that "Turkey,
which as the only country that recognizes the TRNC and is in the position
of being the only bridge of the Turks of Cyprus with the world, supports
the Turks of Cyprus financially and morally".
She alleged that Turkey's military intervention held in 1974, as a result
of allegedly Turkey using its right as guarantor power, guaranteed the
properties, freedom and future of the Turkish Cypriots.
She argued: "The Turks of Cyprus, who live freely now, want only one
thing: To become a recognized country in the international law. To be
represented with their institutional existence in sports and cultural
activities. We believe that this is a right of the Turks of Cyprus".
She also reiterated the Turkish allegation that the international
community has not fulfilled many promises given to the Turkish Cypriots.
(I/Ts.)
[08] Demonstration against Turkish occupation in the occupied area
of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (21.07.13) reports that a
demonstration against the coup carried out in Cyprus on 15 July 1974
and the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island on the 20th of
July of the same year was organized on Saturday in the occupied part of
Nicosia by the Communist Labor Movement. The protestors marched holding
torches. The protest ended outside the self-styled embassy of Turkey
to the occupied area of Nicosia. In a statement read out during the
protest, they asked "occupier state of the Republic Turkey to go away
from Cyprus". According to the paper, this is the first time that such
a demonstration is organized in the occupied area of Cyprus.
(I/Ts.)
[09] Atalay says Turkey expects stability in occupied Cyprus after the
"elections" and repetition of the "momentum" achieved in 2010-2011
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (21.07.13) reports that
Besir Atalay, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cyprus,
has argued that the breakaway regime had developed with the economic
program implemented for the past three years and added that "the TRNC
developed economically from every aspect", in a period during which
"the economic crisis which influenced some European countries mortgaged
the future of these countries".
In statements during his illegal visit to the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus within the framework of the celebrations for the 39th
anniversary from the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, Atalay said that
the private sector is strengthened and investments increase in occupied
Cyprus. He added that the businessmen dealing with the tourism sector
are also pleased and the number of students in education increased by
eight thousands.
He noted, inter alia, the following: "Unfortunately, during the last
year political developments, which we did not wish, happened and delayed
actions which should have been done. Our expectation is for the repetition
of the momentum reached in 2010-2011 after the elections".
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (22.07.13) reports that referring to
the above-mentioned statement made by Atalay, Irsen Kucuk, chairman of the
National Unity Party (UBP), argued yesterday that 2010 and 2011 are years
during which his party was "ruling" and added: "Therefore he has also
recognized our successes and noted that they want them to continue". He
said that UBP is the political organization of the TMT [Translator's note:
terrorist "Turkish Resistance Organization" established in the 1950']
and alleged that "people" should vote for the UBP in order to continue
its struggle and the good relations with the "motherland".
(I/Ts.)
[10] A cooperation protocol signed between TRT-"BRT"
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 20.07.13), a protocol
has been signed between illegal Bayrak Radio Television Corporation and
the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation TRT. Turkish Deputy Prime
Minister Beir Atalay, the General Director of the Turkish Radio and
Television Corporation 0brahim ^ahin and "BRTK director" Mete T?merkan
put their signatures on the protocol which foresees important developments
taking place at "Bayrak radio television corporation".
Making a statement before the signing protocol the T?merkan noted the
importance of the protocol for the corporation and said that he was
proud to say that with the signing of this protocol the "BRT" will be
changed 100% and will reach the place it deserves.
The General Director of the TRT Ibrahim ^ahin also made a short speech
by noting the importance of a new studio for the corporation. He said
that the "Turkish embassy" in the occupied part of Lefkosia will be
financing the building of the new studio for the "BRT" while refurbishing
another. He also gave the news that "BRT employees" will be able to
receive training at the TRT in Turkey.
In line with the protocol, the "Turkish embassy" in the occupied part
of Lefkosia will provide 2 million Euros to the "BRT" to build a 300
square meters studio which will contain the latest technology including
6 cameras and an area for audiences. As part of the protocol, the "BRTK
2" studio will be renewed and working conditions of employees will be
improved. The TRT will also provide information to the "corporation",
on the job training for its employees and support on issues pertaining
to royalties.
The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Beir Atalay for his part expressed
the hope that the protocol will be beneficial to all and added that
Turkey was very proud of the TRT.
[11] Environmentalists protested for the oil leak in occupied Gastria
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (22.07.13) reports that so-called
North Cyprus Environment Platform protested yesterday against AKSA
Energy Company for the environmental disaster happened because of the
recent leak of oil in the area of occupied Gastria village. Around 400
protesters held their two-hour-demonstration at occupied Gastria's coast.
The self-styled minister of tourism, environment and culture, Mehmet
Harmanci visited the protesters in order to listen to their demands. He
said that the quantity of oil leaked into the sea will be established
with "sensitive measurements". He noted that the damage was big and that
after the first reports "penal procedures" will be launched.
(I/Ts.)
[12] Quran lessons are given at the collapsing church of occupied
Mousoulita
Under the title "Quran lessons at the church!", Turkish Cypriot daily
Havadis newspaper (22.07.13) reports that Quran lessons are given at
the church of occupied Mousoulita village which is almost collapsed.
According to the paper, the lesson are given by teachers and Honjas
from Turkey at the church of the village since there is no mosque in
Mousoulita.
The paper writes that the children who follow the lessons are in danger
because of the church's condition.
[13] Opinion polls show that AKP's support drop after Gezi rallies
Under the title "Support to AKP drops after Gezi rallies, say poll",
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 20.07.13) reported that the
ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) votes have decreased 6%
since 2012 while the opposition parties increased their votes, according
to a recent survey conducted after the Gezi Park protests.
The AKP would have 44.1% of votes if elections were held today, according
to Sonar Research Company's recent survey, which means that the party
lost 6% of its support compared to the same company's survey taken in
February 2012, which predicted 53.2% of votes for the party.
The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) would get 28.2% of
votes, while the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) would receive
16.3% votes if elections were held today, according to Sonar's survey,
conducted between July 8 and 16 with 3,000 respondents across the country.
The AKP got 49.8% votes in the general elections June 12, 2011. Hakan
Bayrak?1, CEO of SONAR, said the Gezi Park protests across the country
had an influence on the decrease of the ruling party's votes.
"It is safe to link the results to the Gezi Park incident, which was like
the straw that broke the camel's back. A great deal of the drifting support
might be permanent. My assessment is that they had come to AKP mainly from
centre right or other right-wing parties and are now going back. I can say
the reaction is not against the AKP, but Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdo an's stance regarding the Gezi protests in particular. On the other
hand, the Gezi protests further consolidated the conservative voter support
for the AKP," Bayrak?1 told the H?rriyet Daily News on July 19.
The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) came in fourth with 6.4% of votes,
while both the Felicity (Saadet) Party and the Turkey Workers' Party
(T0P) got 2%.
Sonar surveys showed that the CHP lost votes in 2012 but then regained
its position this year. The MHP, however, has been steadily increasing
its share of the vote since 2010.
Sonar's prediction of the 2011 general elections results was the most
accurate one, as it predicted that the AKP would receive 50.9% of the
vote, and it actually got 49.8%.
Moreover, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 19.07.13), under the title
"Poll: Majority of Turks don't approve of gov't stance on Gezi protests",
reported that a poll conducted by the Konsensus Research and Consultancy
Company has revealed that 61.4% of the Turkish public do not approve of
the government's stance on the Gezi protests, which erupted in late May
over a plan to demolish Gezi Park in 0stanbul's famed Taksim Square.
The poll was conducted to determine the Turkish public's attitudes on
certain domestic issues that have topped the nation's agenda over the
last few months.
Asked whether they support the protests, 54% of respondents said "yes,"
while the remaining 46% said they don't support the protests. In response
to another question -- "Why did the Gezi Park protests turn violent?" --
36.7% cited Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo an's tough rhetoric as
the reason, while 22.1% cited disproportionate force used by police to
intervene in protests. A further 21.3% said the protests turned violent
because of marginal groups who provoked the demonstrators. Opposition
leader Kemal K1l1?daro lu's visit to Taksim and protesters' violent
acts were also cited as the main reason why the protests turned violent.
In response to a question on whether they approve of the government's
stance on the Gezi Park incidents, 61.4% said they don't approve of it,
while the remaining 38.6% said they do. The use of tear gas during the
protests has also been criticized severely by many. The Konsensus poll
revealed that 71.5% of respondents don't approve of the use of tear gas
in demonstrations.
Furthermore, Turkish daily Milliyet (15.07.13) published an opinion poll
summarizes voter preferences for 2014 local elections in Turkey. According
to the paper, the results of a public opinion poll conducted by the
Objective Research Centre [ORC] in July 2013 on the local elections [to
be held in March 2014] have been released. The results of the survey,
which was conducted in 81 provinces, rank the AKP [Justice and Development
Party] first with 41.5% of the vote. The CHP [Republican People's Party]
ranks second with 33.0% of the vote, followed by the MHP [Nationalist
Action Party] with 15.9% of the vote. The BDP [Peace and Democracy Party]
is ranked fourth with 5.6% of the vote. The survey was conducted with
face to face interviews with 63,750 respondents in 81 provinces. The
margin of error in this survey has been computed as plus or minus 1.5%
with a confidence of level of 0.95.
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio
