Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-07-30

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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 said no matter which "government" is it will always be a dialogue with Turkey

[02] Yorgancioglu urges Eroglu to work harder for the solution of the Cyprus problem

[03] Scenarios for possible "coalition government"; Observers see cooperation between CTP and DP

[04] Kucuk resigned from UBP after failing to be elected

[05] Names of the winners of the "parliamentary elections"

[06] YKP: a strong "no" came out from the ballot box

[07] Columnist in Hurriyet argues that "elections' results" dashed hopes of Talat getting elected to the "presidency" again

[08] Voting took place in a ruined church in occupied Koilanemos village

[09] Turkish Cypriot Businessmen Council praised Turkey for its help

[10] Davutoglu held phone conversation with Kerry, Ban and Ashton

[11] Ocalan's lawyers file request for retrial

[12] Turkish Commanders submit resignations ahead of key Turkish military meeting

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu said no matter which "government" is it will always be a dialogue with Turkey

Replying to a question whether the "election results" have stirred up or not any trouble for the Cyprus problem, Eroglu said that he doesn't think that any problems have been created regarding the Cyprus problem. He said that he doesn't think that the "early elections" have affected the Cyprus talks. He went on: "We will continue the negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side on October. Besides, we will continue our dialogue with all the political parties. Four parties have gained the right to enter the "assembly" and I can say that with these parties we have a good dialogue. All the political parties say that they desire an agreement on the Cyprus problem. However, the method of the agreement's approach changes accordingly to the party. In this coalition period, different approaches may be merged and according to me, this doesn't create any problem."

Replying to the question whether there may be a change or not in the relationship between the new "government" and Turkey, Eroglu said: "Unlikely, because all the political parties and the Turkish Cypriots know that we can solve the Cyprus problem with the support of Turkey. Until today, there hasn't been any disagreement between Cyprus and Turkey regarding a solution of the Cyprus problem.

Noting that as Turkish Cypriot leader, he has been in a dialogue with Turkey's Foreign Ministry, Prime Ministry and Presidency, Eroglu said: "Occasionally, we evaluate the issue (Cyprus problem) with esteemed the President and the esteemed Prime Minister. We have a continuous dialogue with the Foreign Minister. Whatever government is formed, this won't be spoiled."

Commenting on the results of the "early elections", Eroglu said that there was no disappointment among the people, but, there was disappointment particularly within the National Unity Party (UBP). Reminding that UBP took 44% of the vote in the 2009 "elections" but it only took 27% in these "elections", Eroglu added that the leader of the party has also lost in these "elections". He added that in fact, some things were expected. He concluded by saying that this situation was not a surprise for him.

[02] Yorgancioglu urges Eroglu to work harder for the solution of the Cyprus problem

"Experts believe that the CTP-led government could prompt an easing of Ero
lu's tough stance in talks with the Greek Cypriots in the south, on ending the island's nearly four-decade division", the paper writes and reports that in in a phone interview with Today's Zaman, Yorgancioglu noted the following:

"Eroglu should be sincere about a solution to the dispute. Until now, Eroglu was reluctant about the issue. I have concerns about his sincerity. We will work with Eroglu if he sticks to our program, otherwise we will fail to agree on a solution," Yorganc1
oglu said.

Yorganc1
oglu stated that the two sides should comply with the commitments of the past, calling on the two sides for tolerance. "Eroglu should also comply with the commitments. Due to his stance, we wasted time in solving the dispute. This also gave the opportunity for Greek Cypriots to claim that the Turkish side does not have any willingness for a solution. No backwards steps should be taken anymore," he said.

[03] Scenarios for possible "coalition government"; Observers see cooperation between CTP and DP

Political observers, notes Kibris, believe that the most predominant scenario is a "coalition government" between CTP-BG and the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG). It is estimated that CTP, which had twice in the past cooperated with the DP, will try coalition with this party once more in the existing conditions. The observers describe DP-UG as "key party" in these conditions noting that the most probable possibility is a CTP-DP "coalition" based on 33 "seats" in the "assembly", as the former "elected" 21 "MPs" and the latter 12.

It is also noted that according to the numbers, an effort for a "coalition" between CTP and the National Unity Party (UBP) is also possible, but political observers think that it is most unlikely for the CTP to knock at the door of the UBP, which "elected' 14 "MPs". Even if this "coalition government" is considered as strong because it is based on 35 "MPs", observers note that the grassroots of the CTP strongly oppose to such a model and this would constitute an element of great pressure on the administration of the party [for not proceeding with a "coalition" with the UBP].

A three-party "coalition" model with the participation of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) seems mathematically possible, but observers believe that it is most unlikely for such a model to be materialized. Another possibility that seems very low, reports the paper, is a coalition between the rightwing parties, UBP-DP, even though this is also mathematically possible.

According to the "constitution", the new "government" should be established within 15 days after the official results of the "elections" are announced and the Turkish Cypriot leader assigns an "MP" with the duty of forming a "government". The "constitution" says that 26 "votes" are needed at the "assembly" for a "government' to secure "vote of confidence".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Kucuk resigned from UBP after failing to be elected

Speaking to Havadis, Kucuk stated that the new leader must be one of the fourteen "MPs" that the party elected in the "elections".

[05] Names of the winners of the "parliamentary elections"

Kibris reports that 18 former "MPs" could not be "reelected". Among them is Irsen Kucuk, who came ninth in National Unity Party's (UBP) list in occupied Lefkosia, where his party 'elected" four "MPs".

According to Kibris, the following persons were "elected" in each district receiving the "votes" seen in the brackets:

Nicosia: Sibel Siber (24.800), Tufan Erhurman (21.043), Ozdil Nami (20.976), Ozkan Yorgancioglu (20.128), Ahmet Gulle (18.886) Birikim Ozgur(18.366) Dogus Derya (18.175) from the Republican Turkish Party ? United Forces (CTP-BG).

Tahsin Ertugruloglu (12.667), Faiz Sucuoglu (12.209), Ersin Tatar (11.957) and Huseyin Ozgurgun (11.785) from the UBP.

Serdar Denktas (12.710), Mustafa Arabacioglu (12.018), Hasan Tacoy (11.225) and Zorlu Tore (10.270) from the DP-UG.

Mehmet Cak1
c1
(3.866) from the TDP.

Famagusta: Teberruken Ulucay(16.408), Asim Akansoy (16.228), Ferdi Sabit Soyer (15.149), Erkut Sahali (14.794) and Arif Albayrak (14.269) from the CTP-BG.

Sunat Atun (12.749), Hamza Ersan Saner (12.197), Erdal Ozcenk (12.160) and Dursun Oguz (10.628) from the UBP.

Ahmet Kasif (12.575), Fikri Ataoglu (11.494) and Hakan Dincyurek(11.442) from the DP-UG.

Huseyin Angolemli (3.893) from the TDP.

Keryneia: Abbas Sinay (12.250), Salih Izbul (11.254), Fazilet Ozdenefe (10.851) and Omer Kalyoncu (10.508) from the CTP-BG

Unal Ustel (9.244), Kutlu Evren(9.175) and Izlem Gurcag (9.098) from the UBP.

Ozdemir Berova (5.853) and Esat Ergun Serdaroglu (5.823) from the DP-UG.

Zeki Celer (2.915) from the TDP.

Morfou: Armagan Candan (8.655), Mehmet Caglar (8.383) and Dr. Huseyin Ercal (8.178) from the CTP-BG.

Dr. Ali Pilli(7.951) and Kemal Durust (7.173) from the UBP.

Mentes Gunduz(4.449) from the DP-UG.

Trikomo: Onder Sennaroglu (6.969) and Biray Hamzaogullari (5.673) from the CTP-BG.

Nazim Cavusoglu(5.820) and Mustafa Gokmen (4.960) from the UBP.

Huseyin Alanli(6.286) from the DP-UG.

(I/Ts.)

[06] YKP: a strong "no" came out from the ballot box

YKP's announcement said that despite all kinds of requests to the people to go to the ballot boxes, the censures and threats, a strong "no" came out from the ballot box, adding: "This is a hope, it is an invitation for the struggle, it is a continuous message against the regime."

In 2009 "elections", 30.000 people did not vote, in this "elections" the number was increased to 52.000. YKP also claimed that these "elections results" display a reaction in the community against the ruling government of the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

[07] Columnist in Hurriyet argues that "elections' results" dashed hopes of Talat getting elected to the "presidency" again

"The biggest loser of July 28's vote in northern Cyprus was former Prime Minister 0
rsen K???k and his National Unity Party (UBP). With the preference votes, supporters of the UBP "buried" the political aspirations of K???k in the ballot box and refused to elect the former premier. The UBP, on the other hand, saw a sharp decrease in its votes and parliamentary strength. It received only 27.3 percent of the vote and produced 14 deputies. In the 2009 elections UBP had received 44.07 percent of the vote and won 26 seats in the 50-member single-house Parliament.

The biggest winner of the election, on the other hand, was the small Democrat Party-Nationalist Forces (DP-UG) that produced 12 deputies with 23.23 percent of the vote. The DP had received 10 percent of the vote and produced five deputies in the 2009 polls. Still, party leader Serdar Denkta
declared he was committed to his pre-election pledge to step down if his party did not come first in the polls. Yet, he said he will refer the issue to the party executive and act accordingly.

Similarly, the second loser of the July 28 election, Democratic Society Party (TDP) leader Mehmet ?ak1
c1
, said he would abide by his pledge to step down, but would leave that decision be made by his party executive. The TDP received 7.7 percent in July 28's vote and produced three deputies, including ?ak1
c1
. It had two deputies in the previous Parliament.

The second winner of the poll was the leftist Republican People's Party (CTP), which with 38.37 percent of the vote increased its parliamentary strength by two seats to 21, five short of the required 26 seats to form a one-party government. The CTP had received 29.25 percent of the vote and obtained 15 seats in Parliament in the 2009 vote.

One last note: Results showed that none of the candidates with a labor union background managed to get elected. This naturally showed growing non-confidence of Turkish Cypriots in labor unions, which have a tradition of acting like political parties.

What's now? Not only a prime minister could not come out of July 28's ballot box, a new Parliament with many new faces was elected. For example Birikim ?zg?r, the academic son of late leftist leader ?zker ?zg?r made it to Parliament in his first attempt. In all parties some candidates received far more votes than party leaders. Coupled with the fact that July 28's was the poll with lowest participation (64 percent) it was obvious that Turkish Cypriots are frustrated with the performance of their parties and leaders and reflected (or not reflected) that in the ballot box.

Now, a new coalition will have to be established. Technically a nationalist alliance government of the UBP and the DP-UG is possible. Recent squabbles between the two parties, on the other hand, render that option rather difficult. Thus it will depend on the political skills of President Dervi
Ero
lu, if he wants his former UBP to form a coalition with his new-supporter DP-UG against the left aligned with the demanding AKP of Turkey.

The second and third coalition options have the CTP as the senior partner. The CTP can form a coalition government with the 12-seat DP-UG or go for a grand coalition with the UBP and make the AKP happy. For the past many years the AKP wanted a grand coalition in northern Cyprus which would make it easier to implement a bitter economic restructuring program as well as bitter acceptance of some painful compromises in any Cyprus settlement with Greek Cypriots. Still, a CTP-DP-UG coalition appears more likely.

The results also dashed hopes of former President Mehmet Ali Talat getting elected to the presidency again. Results showed that the combined strength of the nationalist flank comfortably exceeds 50 percent of the vote and thus in the presidential elections to be held in less than two years' time, a consensus candidate of the right may have the upper hand."

[08] Voting took place in a ruined church in occupied Koilanemos village

The paper writes that the ballot box was firstly put in the church yard but because of the sunshine it was later put inside the church. The paper writes that the church was used because there was no other alternative building to be used for the voting.

[09] Turkish Cypriot Businessmen Council praised Turkey for its help

Erk made these statements during a meeting he held with the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen Council.

On his part the chairman of the Council, Ilker Zugurt stated that they will continue to work for the developments of businessmen in occupied Cyprus and in general for the prosperity of the "country" adding that their efforts are taking place via Turkey. He also said that wince the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power, they received a lot of help from the party.

[10] Davutoglu held phone conversation with Kerry, Ban and Ashton

Davutoglu discussed developments in Egypt and Syria with Kerry and Ban as sides voiced mutual concern over escalating violence in Egypt.

Kerry and Ban also expressed their sadness about the suicide attack on Saturday on a Turkish Embassy annex in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, that killed one Turkish guard and wounded three others.

Ban and Kerry have spoken in praise of Turkey's support to Somalia, sources added.

Somali President Mohamoud condemned the suicide attack on the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu, sources said.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (29.07.13) reports that Davutoglu also held a phone conversation with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, who made the second official visit to Egypt on Monday.

According to the diplomatic sources, Davutoglu and Ashton discussed the recent incidents in Egypt within the scope of Ashton's visit.

[11] Ocalan's lawyers file request for retrial

PKK [Kurdistan People's Congress, KGK] leader Abdullah Ocalan's lawyers Rezan Sarica, Cengiz Yurekli, and Mazlum Dinc appealed to the 11th High Criminal Court of Ankara -- which had previously convicted their client to aggravated life imprisonment -- for Ocalan's "retrial and suspension of sentence" under Temporary Article 2, which amends the rules of retrial in Law 6459 Article 21, publicly known as the fourth judicial package.

The lawyers summarized the preambles for their appeal by stating: "We request, in the scope of Temporary Article 2 attached to Article 21 of the amendment of jurisdiction concerning Criminal Court Law 5271, and Law 6459 regarding human rights and freedom of expression, the approval of Mr. Ocalan's retrial and the reordering or suspension of his sentence -- a situation that has been supported by a European Court of Human Rights verdict which states that the trial of Ocalan violated the European Convention of Human Rights and was based on a discriminatory process."

The lawyers continued: "In case the Court disagrees, we request, on the grounds of Article 152/1 of the Constitution, that the file be referred to the Constitutional Court with a request for the abrogation of the clause "concerning those who are inspected by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe as of 15.06.2012," and that the court decide for the annulment of the aforementioned statutory provision."

[12] Turkish Commanders submit resignations ahead of key Turkish military meeting

The Chief of General Staff, however, has intervened to stop the resignations of the Chief of Staff of the Turkish Air Force, Damci, and Kadioglu, the head of the Air Training Command, according to the report.

The military council, which has in recent years been dealing with debates over the promotions and retirements of top commanders facing accusations in coup plots, is set to start Aug. 1.

Damci was one of the figures said to be involved in the 2011 Uludere raid, which caused the death of 34 civilians when a group of smugglers was mistaken for terrorists.

In a similar case, former Navy Adm. Nusret Guner conducted an interview in which he broke months of silence about his resignation, which was accepted in late January, to say he departed in particular reaction to rulings in the "Balyoz" (Sledgehammer) coup plot case, as well as charges against military members involved in an alleged military espionage gang.

Around 170 commissioned officers have resigned from the Turkish Air Force since the beginning of this year, including 123 pilots. Most of the resignations are caused by disappointment over salary or family reasons. Some of the pilots, daily Hurriyet reported, have chosen to continue their profession in private companies. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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