Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-07-25

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu asks from Barosso to lift so-called isolations

[02] Eroglu: if Russia recognizes "northern Cyprus", the whole world will do the same

[03] Bagis said that Turkey "delightedly noted" President Anastasiades' statements on Milliyet

[04] Turkish Cypriot columnist argues that the EU "will become no one's postman" the issue of occupied Varosha

[05] Turkish MIT recorded Talat conversations, in which he called on AKP to support his party in 2009 "elections"

[06] Siber sends a letter to Turkey assuring she will implement the "economic protocol"

[07] Numan said that UBP-CTP could form a "government"

[08] Turkey warns Kurdish autonomy in Syria may lead to wider conflicts

[09] Turkey won't accept Israel's ex gratia payment as compensation in Mavi Marmara case

[10] President Gul congratulates Egyptian interim president on national day

[11] Columnist wonders whether Davutoglu will go or not

[12] Turkey now 154th in world press freedom index

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu asks from Barosso to lift so-called isolations

In statements after the meeting that lasted for more than one hour, Eroglu reiterated the allegation that the Greek Cypriots were the side which prevented a result when the negotiations came to a stage for reaching a result. Eroglu said that Barosso told him "openly and clearly" that the sides should solve the problem. Alleging that the Turkish Cypriot side had a will for reaching a solution, Eroglu said that he told Barosso that it would be more correct if he reminded their member, the Greek Cypriots, of these evaluations.

Eroglu said that he discussed with Barosso and Fule the issues of the negotiations for reaching a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem expected to resume in October, EU's financial aid to the "TRNC" [Translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus], the lifting of the so-called isolations, the Green Line Regulation and the stance of the Greek Cypriot side.

Eroglu argued that Barosso has clearly denied the information published in the Greek Cypriot press that "Varosha will be included in the bargaining" of opening the illegal Tymvou airport, outside of the negotiations for finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

Eroglu said that the important thing is for the negotiations to reach a result after 45 years and alleged that if the Greek Cypriots insist on keeping the Turkish Cypriots at the negotiating table and "playing with time", it will not be possible for a result to be reached.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu: if Russia recognizes "northern Cyprus", the whole world will do the same

According to the paper, Eroglu noted that they will give to the Greek Cypriot side about 1-1.5 year-time for the solution of the Cyprus problem and if a solution is not reached, they will "determine the future of the country without discussing with the Greek Cypriots". Eroglu said that if the alternative of establishing a federation of two peoples and two states is not realized, they will continue to exist as "a separate state" and they will officially launch efforts for recognition.

According to Kommersant newspaper, a delegation from the occupied area of Cyprus has recently visited Moscow and held contacts at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to Eroglu's meetings in Brussels. Citing Turkish sources, the paper said that the efforts of the Turkish side for finding mediators will "force Greek Cypriots to get into action" and argued that Russia and the EU are considered as mediators.

Eroglu said that he met President Anastasiades only at the dinner hosted by UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer and added that they agreed to launch negotiations in October. Eroglu alleged that the EU had committed "mistakes" which led the negotiations process into deadlock and referred to the Republic of Cyprus's EU term presidency and the "sanctions" allegedly implemented on "northern Cyprus". He said that their target is to "lift these sanctions" and added that he would discuss this issue in Brussels.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Bagis said that Turkey "delightedly noted" President Anastasiades' statements on Milliyet

Bagis said that they delightedly noted President Anastasiades' statements that his father was raised by a Turk. Bagis said that despite the reactions that President Anastasiades' statements could have caused to the Greek Cypriot side, he went on and talked on this issue and added that the Turkish side delightedly noted the braveness and fidelity he displayed. He went on and added that the steps taken by President Anastasiades for paying this debt will open the door of a happy future for the two communities in Cyprus.

Bagis also said that they are obliged to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem and claimed that Turkey's stance was pro-solution from the beginning. He said that nobody can abandon the efforts for the solution just because the previous efforts were not successful. However he said that they cannot tolerate the price of the non-solution to be paid by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, as he claimed and added that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not far if everybody appears sincere and determined.

[04] Turkish Cypriot columnist argues that the EU "will become no one's postman" the issue of occupied Varosha

"Therefore, the EU will not enter into an engagement which is not accepted by both sides on the Cyprus issue", argues Tumerkan adding that "in order for the EU to launch an initiative on the issue of Varosha, both sides in Cyprus should approve this". Noting that such a development is out of the question now, Tumerkan says that the EU is closely cooperating with the UN on the Cyprus problem and points out that UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer has given "very clear messages" to the European Commissioner Responsible for the Enlargement, Stefan Fule.

According to Tumerkan, Downer has in brief said to Fule the following: "There is no need to waste time by dealing with the issue of Varosha. If the sides are in the position of achieving progress on the issue of Varosha, they are in the position of solving the Cyprus problem anyway".

The columnist added, inter alia, the following: "Downer pointed out that the obstacle to the solution of the Cyprus issue exists in the technical matters and that the Cyprus issue could be solved immediately if the Greek Cypriots were ready to compromise on technical matters such as the FIR or the customs? With these messages the EU preferred to exhibit a stance that approaches the issue of Varosha with distance?At this stage the issue of Varosha or a model related to Varosha does not exist on the agenda of the EU? Fule is exhibiting his stance on this issue by saying the following to persons whom he meets: 'No step could be taken on the issue of Varosha without the consent of the Turkish side'? In brief, neither the EU nor the UN intent to focus on macro-confidence building measures instead of the comprehensive solution at this stage reached on the Cyprus issue?"

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkish MIT recorded Talat conversations, in which he called on AKP to support his party in 2009 "elections"

According to the paper, in the tapes Talat is heard saying that the ruling in Turkey Justice and Development Party (AKP) must support the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in the elections and not the National Unity Party (UBP) noting that this would be of AKP's benefit.

Commenting on the issue, columnist Hasan Hasturer writes in Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (25.07.13) that the Turkish Cypriot community is of urgent need of democratization and civilization. He goes on and notes that according to him the contest of the conversation is far less important that the fact that the conversation was taped.

[06] Siber sends a letter to Turkey assuring she will implement the "economic protocol"

According to the paper, the Social Democracy Party (TDP), "coalition partner" in the interim "government", held a meeting of its council yesterday in order to discuss whether it should withdraw from the "government". However, no such decision was taken because only three days remained until the "elections", notes Halkin Sesi. However, the chairman of the party, Mehmet Cakici described as "contrary to the principle of transparency" the fact that TDP knew nothing about Siber's letter to Ankara.

Meanwhile, Irsen Kucuk, leader of the current main opposition National Unity Party (UBP), stated that the "coalition partners" in the interim "government" had said that they would not implement the "protocol", which had been signed by the UBP. "When they could not pay the salaries for two months, they put the signature and concealed it from the people. Is this transparency? Cakici had said that 'if there is such a thing, I will withdraw my support from the government'. What are you still waiting for, Cakici?"

Commenting on the reactions, Siber said that they had stated in the past that the "economic protocol" would not be on their agenda. "Bringing this issue onto the agenda and demanding revision, is tantamount to a show", she argued.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Numan said that UBP-CTP could form a "government"

Explaining that in case of necessity they could give the green light to cooperation with the Republican Turkish Party ? United Forces (CTP-BG), Numan said that in his opinion, the two political parties will obtain a yearly consensus in order to take steps on internal and external issues, by putting aside all their previous views.

[08] Turkey warns Kurdish autonomy in Syria may lead to wider conflicts

"Any act of fait accompli would lead to far more bloodshed and quickly turn clashes between two parties into a conflict involving several parties," Davutoglu said at a joint press conference with his Indian counterpart, Salman Khurshid, in Ankara. "A de facto situation that would emerge as a result of acts of fait accompli would trigger responses from others. If everyone attempts to create their own regions, difficulties will ensue."

Davutoglu was responding to a question on remarks made earlier in the day by pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) leader Selahattin Demirtas, who criticized the government's policy on ongoing clashes between Syrian Kurds and fighters affiliated with al-Qaeda in Syrian border towns. Demirtas said Turkey should refrain from "pouring oil on fire" and defend the rights of all groups in Syria. "That is not the case right now," he told a press conference in Diyarbak?r.

Referring to Kurdish groups and Syrian opposition forces fighting to oust Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad, Davutoglu said all ethnic groups in Syria were "friends of Turkey."

"We don't consider ethnic and sectarian identity [while pursuing policies]," Davutoglu said, adding that Ankara defended the rights of Kurds when they were discriminated against by the Syrian regime.

Davutoglu stressed that groups in Syria should refrain from taking unilateral steps until a legitimate parliament is elected in the country. Ankara will not accept any de facto autonomy in Syria before the establishment of a legitimate legislature, Davutoglu said in a separate speech on Tuesday, adding that this didn't necessarily mean that Ankara opposed the rights of Kurds in northern Syria.

[09] Turkey won't accept Israel's ex gratia payment as compensation in Mavi Marmara case

"In our first meeting [the Israelis] showed no opposition to this. But in the second meeting, they intended to give an ex gratia payment as a form of reparation because they fear compensation [as a result of their wrongful act] will set an example for other cases, which is not a concern to us," Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ar?nc told Ankara bureau chiefs late on July 23. Ar?nc is leading a Turkish team composed of diplomats and legal experts negotiating the compensation issue with the Israeli government.

"The amount of money is not the problem," Ar?nc said. "There are two problematic areas. The first one is that Israel should accept that it's paying this money as a result of its wrongful act, nothing less than this will be accepted. And second, we are waiting for them to realize our third condition of cooperating with Turkey in making life conditions easier for Palestinians. We are not talking about the amount of money as our first two conditions have not been met," he added.

"We are not going to rush for the money. Israel has to accept its wrongful act. Otherwise we will not say 'yes' to them," he said, adding that the amount of money to be given to the families of the victims will be automatically calculated in accordance with criteria.

If an agreement can be reached between Turkey and Israel, it will be brought to Parliament as an international agreement and will have an effect on ongoing cases opened against the Israeli state by the victims' families. "There cannot be two separate legal attempts to seek compensation. If the governments agree, it will cover [the victims'] demand for compensation as well."

[10] President Gul congratulates Egyptian interim president on national day

The ties between the countries have been strained since Turkey adopted a harsh stance against the military takeover in Egypt on July 3, repeatedly emphasizing the illegitimacy of the elected President Mohamed Morsi's ouster.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Levent Gumrukcu said in a written statement that the message sent by Gul on July 23 was a "customary" one, conveyed every year, intending to send regards to his counterpart for the national day.

Gumrukcu also said that the letter had been addressed to Adly Mansour.

Despite saying that it would not cut diplomatic ties with Egypt, Ankara is leading efforts to push the international community to re-instate Morsi.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with Egypt's Ankara envoy Abderahman Salaheldin last week to soothe the ongoing tension.

[11] Columnist wonders whether Davutoglu will go or not

"I have been privy to talk among diplomats in Ankara recently about whether Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will change Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, seeing as Turkey's foreign policy needs a serious overhauling now that the 'zero problems with neighbours' policy has been replaced by tensions with just about everyone. The names being bandied about as possible replacements range from current EU Minister Egemen Bag?s, current Culture Minister Omer Celik to Mevlut Cavusoglu, the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) deputy head in charge of foreign affairs.

The basic argument is that the government cannot afford to allow Turkey's foreign policy interests to keep taking blow after blow, as they appear to be doing presently. The fact that the Middle East is turning out not to be the place that either Erdogan or Davutoglu expected, is seen as the most serious blow to the government, which once had pretensions of being the 'principle game-setter' in the region.

Ankara has ended up instead with serious difference with just about every Arab capital, a fact that is also apparent over Egypt now where 'the keepers' of the region's Sunni order think differently to Erdogan on the coup that toppled the Muslim Brotherhood. From Syria to Egypt, and beyond, Ankara misread the prevailing realities, which really matter in the end, and which govern the region. Tellingly, it is now in a state of near panic over the possibility of another autonomous Kurdish entity emerging on its borders, which is not just similar to, but also directly related to Kurdish northern Iraq.

The notion among some diplomats therefore appears to be that if Davutoglu were to be replaced, this dire situation might change. The first thing to be said here is that it is extremely unlikely for Erdogan to dismiss Davutoglu at a time like this. The simple reason is that it would reflect adversely on him politically, more than it would on Davutoglu, because it would amount to admitting that he selected the wrong person to run Turkey's foreign policy after having appointed him with so much fanfare.

Davutoglu's dismissal would also provide grist to the opposition's mill given that hardly any Turkish Foreign Minister in living memory has caused so much controversy. Erdogan obviously cannot allow this to happen at a politically delicate time for himself and the AKP as this. Finally, and perhaps most crucially, the question of whether Turkey's foreign policy would return to a more traditional and cautious line if Davutoglu were to go, is a wide open one.

It is, after all, Erdogan, and not Davutoglu, who has been the main driving force behind Ankara's foreign policy debacles, with his abrasive tone and full-frontal attacks against other leaders, countries and organizations. The simple fact is that being the unquestionable leader of the AKP, which appears more like a movement with a mission today than a regular political party, neither Davutoglu nor anyone who might replace him is in a position to question Erdogan.

It is, for example, hard to believe that highly qualified members of the government like Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, Turkey's 'economic supremo', or Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek believe the malarkey about 'an interest rate lobby that is trying to undermine Turkey'. But all they can do when Erdogan keeps carping on about this is to timidly try and rationalize for others what their leader means when he says such things. It is also clear, especially after his latest choice of 'Chief Adviser' ? who incidentally is on record saying 'he is prepared to die for Erdogan' ? that Erdogan does not want advisers who have the courage to correct him when his is blatantly wrong. Therefore, the simple answer to the question is that Davutoglu is here to stay, at least until the next elections. The situation might change after that, but then many things are likely to change in Turkey then, for better or worse."

[12] Turkey now 154th in world press freedom index

RWB stated that Turkey, a country of "political importance" amid the Syrian conflict, was "currently the world's biggest prison for journalists." The country suffered a six-slot fall, plummeting from 148th to 154th.

The report also targeted Turkey for failing to live up to its regional model aspirations "despite a varied and lively media" presence in the country. The Turkish state was criticized for pursuing "a paranoia about security, which has a tendency to see every criticism as a plot hatched by a variety of illegal organizations."

The ongoing paranoia has intensified during the past year, which was "marked by a rising tension over the Kurdish question," the organization said.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (24.07.13) reported that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a message released to celebrate Journalists' Day on July 24, said that members of the press should not ignore the moral values that come with their occupation, the interest of their home country, public order and societal dynamics.

"Our institutions of the press should not ignore the interest of the country, public order, societal dynamism and the moral values that their occupation brings while pursuing a free, objective and responsible way of doing their jobs," the statement said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the press as "an institutional force" in advanced democracies, capable of "influencing and guiding a large part of society."

Erdogan also added that the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) government had realized "important reforms on the issue of information and freedom of expression in parallel of Turkey's advancement in issues of human rights and democracy." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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