Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-09-04

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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] Akansoy: Ankara wanted to see UBP in the "coalition government"

[02] Yorgancioglu: CTP-DP "government" will not experience difficulties with Turkey

[03] Yorgancioglu is annoyed for not being aware of promotions in the "police"; It was shown that the "elections" were only a "theater"

[04] Ozgurgun: CTP-DP "coalition government" will have a short life

[05] Kasif to participate in the 2nd International Maritime and Communication Council in Turkey

[06] The regime spends more money for mosques than for schools

[07] Kuwait is number one in breakaway regime's halloumi exports

[08] Villages are being displaced due to the project of transferring water to occupied Cyprus

[09] Erdogan accuses EU of "smear campaign"

[10] European Parliament rapporteur calls on the Turkish government to guarantee the right to protest

[11] Davutoglu to attend UNHCR meeting in Switzerland

[12] Turkey talks of possible role in Syria with United States

[13] Commentary views officials who influence Turkey's foreign policy

[14] New ambassadors present credentials to Gul

[15] Kurdish National Congress postponed until 25 Nov.

[16] National Security Council says it will send records of February 28 meeting if court asks

[17] Labor union picks new chairman after resignation

[18] Sibel Siber is the new speaker of the self-styled assembly

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akansoy: Ankara wanted to see UBP in the "coalition government"

In statements to Kibris TV, Akansoy said that Ankara has interfered in the process right after the "parliamentary elections" in many ways and conveyed to them (i.e. the CTP-BG) that it wanted to see the National Unity Party (UBP) in the "coalition government".

Replying to questions regarding the information that the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay called CTP's chairman Yorgancioglu and informed him that Ankara was not satisfied with the fact that the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG) would participate in the "government", Akansoy said that "we all know" that AKP preferred UBP. He said that they lived together the periods when AKP officials were describing as "stability" the "economic and social disaster caused" by the then UBP's chairman, Irsen Kucuk.

He went on and said: "After the result of the elections was known, the CTP could have two choices. Turkey has conveyed its views through various mediators in the direction of which political party between them would meet its own expectations. If we say that it did not convey it, we would be lying?"

Akansoy noted that no one should be surprised for Turkey preferring the UBP, which offered unconditional support to the 2013-2015 economic program. Noting that there is no point in discussing whether a telephone call was made the last night before the CTP announced its "coalition' with the DP-UG, Akansoy said that the actual issue was that "Ankara's tendency was in the direction of UBP undertaking a duty [in the 'government']".

Recalling that after the "elections", the CTP-BG had announced that its distance between all parties is the same, Akansoy noted that a strong reaction against establishing a "coalition" with the UBP existed among the members of the CTP-BG, but in spite of this, CTP met with all parties and took their views before deciding.

Asked whether Turkey could withdraw its support to the breakaway regime and whether tension could be created in their relations, Akansoy said he did not believe that Turkey's support would be withdrawn or that tension would be created in their relations, because "Turkey's support and contribution to the TRNC is independent from the stance of the political parties".

He went on and said: "However, there was an economic model and approach foreseen by the AKP government for northern Cyprus. This approach will of course be put onto the table by our side. We will put forward our sensitivities and if necessary an additional protocol will be prepared, something else will be done. The sides will evaluate this mutually. The established government is not a government against Turkey or Turkey will not take a stance against the Turkish Cypriots because this government was established. I think that this issue is not so simple".

Akansoy referred also to the lack of women in the new "cabinet" and said that "if we were a serious party on the issue of women's rights and social sexual equality, we should have shown this in the cabinet". He said that he should make a self-criticism on this issue.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Yorgancioglu: CTP-DP "government" will not experience difficulties with Turkey

Yorgancioglu argued that it is out of the question for CTP-BG- Democratic Party - National Forces (DP-UG) "government" to experience any difficulty with Turkey.

Yorgancioglu said that the Cyprus problem is a priority for the CTP-BG and added that they will try to "contribute to the maximum extent" in the solution of this problem. He said that they will participate in the process by following the procedure, cooperating with the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu and consulting with him. He noted that since its establishment, CTP-BG attached importance to the solution of the Cyprus problem and expressed its belief in "a solution on a federal basis". He said that they believe that the solution of the Cyprus problem would "create positive results in other issues" and therefore the CTP-BG will exert efforts for the solution of the problem. Yorgancioglu argued that when we see the incidents that are happening in our area, we realize that the Cyprus problem must be solved.

Yorgancioglu described as "unacceptable" and "not correct" the use of the British military bases in Cyprus in a possible intervention in Syria and said that the problems must be solved with compromise and not war.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Yorgancioglu is annoyed for not being aware of promotions in the "police"; It was shown that the "elections" were only a "theater"

Meanwhile, under the title "The first goal from the police", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (04.09.13) reports Yorgancioglu was not aware of the promotions, in spite of the fact that the "general directorate of the police" is bound to the self-styled prime minister's office. "The government started displeased" in the occupied area of Cyprus, which experiences a problem of 'transferring power to the civilians and of democratization", writes the paper, adding that many "police officers" are preparing to apply to "court" against these promotions, which Yorgancioglu heard from the media.

Wondering who is responsible for this action, Havadis' editor-in-chief, Basaran Duzgun writes, inter alia, the following: "The Turkish Cypriots gave the administration to CTP and DP with their will by using their votes. The CTP and DP established a coalition and assigned Ozkan Yorgancioglu and Serdar Denktas with the duty of administrating this country. The general director of the police showed to us that this was a theater, that they only give roles to the will of the people and to those assigned by this will and that actually neither a will nor officials exist".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ozgurgun: CTP-DP "coalition government" will have a short life

In addition Ozgurgun reiterated his position that the UBP's door is open to all the persons who left the party before.

[05] Kasif to participate in the 2nd International Maritime and Communication Council in Turkey

Kasif is invited to participate in the 2nd International Maritime and Communication Council which is taking place in Turkey between 5 and 7 of September.

[06] The regime spends more money for mosques than for schools

The chairman and general secretary of KTOS, Guven Varoglu and Sener Elcil respectively, organized a press conference yesterday in order to refer to the existing problems and suggest measures that should be taken for the solution of these problems.

Elcil said that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government and Turkey's so-called embassy to the occupied part of Nicosia are offering "any kind of support" to the "religious orders and Sunni Islam teachings" within the framework of their assimilation and integration policies. Elcil noted that the expenses for Koran lessons this year are covered by the self-styled ministry of education and added that the financial support to the religious orders exceeds the budget in the field of education.

Elcil said: "While 11 million Turkish liras were spent this year for the repair of 60 schools and the construction of additional buildings, 22 million Turkish liras were separated for the mosque of the complex of buildings at Mia Milia".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Kuwait is number one in breakaway regime's halloumi exports

According to "official data" by the "Dairy Manufacturers' Union", 4.027.442 kg of halloumi were exported in 2012 in the following countries: Kuwait, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Iraq, Australia, Japan and Holland and 1.773.100 kg of these were exported to Kuwait alone.

The paper notes that Turkey is the number two in breakaway regime's halloumi exports.

[08] Villages are being displaced due to the project of transferring water to occupied Cyprus

Noting that the dam will cover occupied area's need for water for 50 years, Bayraktar added that the inhabitants of the villages will be settled in a 60-hectar area of land. He noted that they will, inter, alia, construct 326 houses, three village mansions, three mosques for 300 persons and a school with 16 teaching rooms.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Erdogan accuses EU of "smear campaign"

Erdogan delivered a speech at the International Ombudsman Symposium held in Ankara.

"People who depict Turkey to the world as a country without freedom of expression are the same people who are against the [Kurdish] solution process.", he said.

In addition, reporting on the same issue, Turkish Zaman newspaper (04.09.13) writes that Erdogan accuses the 28-member bloc of conducting a "smear campaign" against Turkey.

Erdogan accused the EU of misleading the public on developments in Turkey, even after he said the country had patiently explained the issue of arrested and convicted journalists. He also added that the use of tear gas during the Gezi protests was "in line with the EU acquis."

"About the issue of arrested and convicted journalists, Europe and world public opinion has been misinformed completely in a systematic way. The same spheres are again informing [the world] in a very misleading way about the issue of freedom of expression in Turkey," Erdogan said.

"Likewise, the world and European public opinion have been systematically misled on the issues of intervention in societal events and the use of fundamental rights and freedoms," he added.

Erdogan also touched on environmentalism, a hot topic on Turkey's agenda since the Gezi unrest, again accusing Europeans of holding double standards. "Everywhere in Europe, when necessary, you pull out trees, take them from somewhere and transfer them somewhere else. We see this all the time. There is no such understanding saying 'trees cannot be pulled out.' Environmental technology has advanced to this extent," he said.

During the same event, Parliament Speaker Cemil Ci?ek also took the opportunity to criticize the EU. "I am complaining about the attitude of the EU to the ombudsmen. Because the philosophy that embodies this institution is law, justice, honesty and transparency. Unfortunately, for the past 50 years, we have had very serious complaints against Europe," Ci?ek said.

He also lashed out at Europe over its perceived reluctance to fight against terror and its inaction in Syria. "The most significant ombudsman is the public conscience. But this public conscience was also hurt in the face of developments in Syria," Ci?ek said. "What is the difference if I die in a chemical weapon attack or in fire from a machine gun?"

[10] European Parliament rapporteur calls on the Turkish government to guarantee the right to protest

She made these statements during the international Ombudsman Symposium which was held yesterday in Ankara.

"The right to hold demonstrations and protest is an important right. Within legal regulations, these must be underlined. Everybody wants to feel that their lifestyle is under guarantee. The majority has the duty to consider the status of the minority. At this point, after the inspection conducted by Interior Minister Muammer Guler, the use of disproportionate force [by the police] was detected in the protests and we think steps will be taken about this," Ria Oomen-Ruijten said, referring to the repeated criticism of the disproportionate use of force during the summer's Gezi Park protests.

"The police and security officials must know that they will face consequences if they violate the law. The Institution of Chief Ombudsman should audit the legal compliance of the use exercised by the police, and practices such as tear gas use, on the basis of human rights. This is a very important opportunity for the Institution of Chief Ombudsman to prove its impartiality and independence," she added.

Alongside Oomen-Ruijten, the symposium took place with the participation of Parliament Speaker Cemil Ci?ek, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis, Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Sahin, Ombudsman Nihat Omeroglu, and European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros.

Amid noting that Turkey had made significant reforms in the past few years, Oomen-Ruijten underlined the importance of keeping the ties between Turkey and the EU alive in the negotiation process, pointing out to the importance of opening of chapters on judicial structure, security, fundamental rights, and freedoms. "It is very important that Turkey continues with the reform process and consolidates fundamental rights and freedoms," she said.

Oomen-Ruijten also stressed the importance of bolstering ties with regard to the current turmoil in Syria and Egypt. "When we look at Syria and Egypt, strengthening Turkey-EU cooperation is more important than ever. For this, what is needed is to put forward a strong will. This will be realized by things such as constructive dialogue and strengthening common values. Both sides must make efforts for these. This is a hard time for bilateral relations, but if we are in mutual commitment, we can strengthen our future," she said.

[11] Davutoglu to attend UNHCR meeting in Switzerland

Foreign ministers from Iraq and Jordan and Lebanon's social affairs minister will also attend the meeting on Wednesday, said a statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. The meeting aims at drawing the international community's attention to the situation of Syrian refugees who had to flee the more than three-year-old war.

The topics to be discussed will include the strategies which will be followed by the international community and the countries hosting the Syrian refugees.

[12] Turkey talks of possible role in Syria with United States

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in a phone call to Democratic lawmakers, that those were the first three countries to make such offers, and other countries were expected to do so in the coming days as well, according to two people who were on the call, a CNN report said.

Approached by the Hurriyet Daily News, however, a Turkish diplomat dismissed the suggestion that Turkey had offered specific military assets, saying that in the talks several military options had been discussed involving Turkey. "In an action in which NATO would also participate, the possible role Turkey could play and what contributions it could make was discussed," the diplomat said.

CNN reported that two senior Arab diplomats had said talks with Saudi Arabia and the UAE were preliminary, and no details had been discussed.

[13] Commentary views officials who influence Turkey's foreign policy

"Turkey's chief diplomat is surely Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who has been running this post since May 1, 2009, following seven years of service to the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government as the chief foreign policy advisor. Foreign policy has always been one of the most important agendas of the AKP government over the last 10 years and was conducted carefully by former foreign ministers Abdullah Gul and Ali Babacan.

The advantage that Gul and Babacan enjoyed while doing their job, was a view shared by other Cabinet members and senior party officials that foreign policy was a special area requiring knowledge of diplomacy, which should not just be stepped into. [?]

In today's scene, however, my humble observation points out that we have multiple foreign ministers from the Cabinet and the AKP, whose statements and actions affect Turkey's interests and image abroad. I will name some of them.

Hakan Fidan, the chief of the National Intelligence Organization (M0
T), a close friend of the foreign minister and a right arm of the prime minister, has been serving like a shadow foreign minister for years. He has secretly carried the special messages of the prime minister as his special envoy to the leaders of Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and others in recent years. He was the one along with deputy AKP leader Omer Celik (the current culture minister) who tried to contribute to a deal between Hamas and Israel, following the latter's operation in Gaza last year.

Another significant name is obviously Huseyin Celik, deputy leader of the AKP and known as one of the most important "second-men" of the party. Celik, as the party spokesman, is frequently talking about foreign issues and sometimes puts the foreign minister in a difficult position.

In the Cabinet, there are others. First and foremost is Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, who is also the government's spokesman and head of the Turkish team negotiating the terms of a potential Israeli compensation over the Mavi Marmara killings. Arinc's strong-worded rhetoric sometimes goes too far for diplomacy. Important to note without creating any link between them, it's worth recalling that the kidnapping of two Turkish pilots in Lebanon came only a few months after Arinc described Hezbollah as "the Party of Evil" responsible for the Banyas Massacre in Syria in late May.

Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag, who is now heading the important task of forming a "Turkish Diaspora," could also be included in this group. He is one of the most public faces of the AKP, appearing on news stations more than any other government official, and commenting widely on foreign policy issues.

EU Minister Egemen Bagis has a special position among other figures. Due to very nature of his job in the government, his interventions into foreign policy issues are only natural but sometimes can create problems, as occurred when he bluntly slammed Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, bringing about a crisis with the EU on the opening of a negotiation chapter in late June.

[..]

One other figure is Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay, whose area of responsibility covers relations with Turkish Cyprus. Atalay was criticized for being part of a campaign to allegedly weaken the position of current Turkish Cypriot President Dervis Eroglu. However, his plans have apparently failed, as early elections held in July did not yield the result the AKP government was expecting.

Energy Minister Taner Yildiz is there, too, as a good majority of his work requires the establishment of relations with foreign governments. His northern Iraq portfolio, however, is seen as a major problem between Ankara and Baghdad, which put the minister himself in the middle of a diplomatic crisis when Baghdad refused permission for his plane to land in Arbil in early 2012.

Ibrahim Kalin, the coiner of the much-discussed "precious loneliness" term when describing the state of Turkish foreign policy, is also no doubt one of the most important members of this group.

Along with these well-known and veteran figures, there are a few freshmen emerging as potential future foreign ministers. Erdogan's advisors, Yalcin Akdogan and Yigit Bulut, are in this category, both being columnists for daily Star. In a recent interview Akdogan urged that it would be "madness and suicide" for Bashar al-Assad to attack Turkey, a NATO ally.

Bulut, whose influence over Erdogan is apparently increasing - or vice versa - is a believer of the idea that the 21st century will be Turkey's century, but this is only being prevented by Western forces. He urges that a more powerful foreign policy be implemented to eliminate the "games" of this anti-Turkey lobby.

Although the list can be extended with some other names, looking into the roots of this mushrooming is more important. The reason for this is the change in the characteristic of Turkish foreign policy from pragmatism to idealism, mainly based on the ideological roots of the government.

Three important parameters of this period were the appointment of Davutoglu as foreign minister, the worsening of relations with Israel after the tragic Mavi Marmara incident, and the coming of the Arab Spring. [?]".

[14] New ambassadors present credentials to Gul

[15] Kurdish National Congress postponed until 25 Nov

In a previous announcement, the Kurdish National Congress was said to be held between August 24 and 26, however the date was changed as September 15. After the recent decision, the date of the congress was changed for the second time.

[16] National Security Council says it will send records of February 28 meeting if court asks

However, records of the controversial MGK meeting on the date of the coup were absent from the courtroom. The office of the MGK undersecretary on Tuesday said there was no request from the court to send the records of the February 28 meeting.

The Turkish media earlier reported that the court had asked the MGK to send the records and that the MGK's legal consulting department has so far refused to send the records.

[17] Labor union picks new chairman after resignation

Turk-Is is Turkey's largest labor union in terms of the number of members. In a written statement, Kumlu said he was quitting as head of Turk-Is, which has more than 185,000 public servants as members. In his resignation, Kumlu cited what he described as "unrest" in the union, adding that his decision "would help solve the deadlock." New Chairman Atalay also served as the head of the railway workers' branch of Turk-is (Demiryol-0
s).

[18] Sibel Siber is the new speaker of the self-styled assembly

This is the second time that the "assembly" elected a woman for this position. The first woman speaker of the self-styled assembly was Fatma Ekenoglu.

In addition Bayrak broadcasted that Unal Ustel "MP" with the National Unity Party was elected deputy speaker of the "assembly".

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