Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-11-18

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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] Turkish Foreign Ministry issue a statement for the passing of Glafcos Clerides

[02] Eroglu sends his condolences for the death of former President Clerides

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the death of former President Clerides

[04] Gul's message for the anniversary of the breakaway regime's establishment

[05] Bagis: Turkey will in no way, condition and manner abandon even a single hand span of Cyprus

[06] Yorgancioglu hosted a dinner for foreigners who visited the celebrations for the regimes establishment

[07] Celebrations of the breakaway regime in Washington and London

[08] Tension between Turkey and CTP-DP "government" has reportedly decreased

[09] Turkish F-16's reportedly send away an Italian airplane that passed over occupied Karpasia

[10] Ozyigit the new leader of TDP

[11] The "Immovable Property Commission" paid 140 million sterling pound in 7 years

[12] Erdogan, Barzani see eye to eye on four issues in Diyarbakir visit

[13] Davutoglu: Establishing stable regional order is Mid-East's real challenge

[14] Turkish Commentary: HDP Expected to become alternative to CHP

[15] A headscarf news presenter at TRT

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish Foreign Ministry issue a statement for the passing of Glafcos Clerides

"We are saddened by the news of the passing of Glafcos Clerides, a lawyer and politician who assumed a number of important positions at critical times, starting with the phase of establishment of the partnership State in Cyprus 1960, who served the Greek Cypriot community that he has led for several years.

It is the more regrettable that Glafcos Clerides, who, together with the TRNC's Founding President, the late Rauf Denktas, assumed an important role in the negotiation processes since 1968 aiming at solving the Cyprus issue, did not live to see the achievement of a lasting comprehensive settlement on the island after the coming to naught of the UN Comprehensive Settlement Plan, also known as the Annan Plan ? to the negotiations of a significant portion of which he had himself contributed ? due to the Greek Cypriot side's rejection in referendum of the Plan."

[02] Eroglu sends his condolences for the death of former President Clerides

According to a statement issued by Eroglu's office, Eroglu said in his message that Glafcos Clerides is "one of the personalities who left his name

in Cyprus' history" and that he took his place in the history of the island even since he was alive.

(I/Ts.)

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the death of former President Clerides

Kibris newspaper covers the issue under the title "Glafkos Clerides lost his life", noting that the 94-year old "former leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, who has been receiving treatment for a long time, lost the battle of life".

Kibris Postasi covers the issue under the title "Farewell on 15 November by Clerides". Star Kibris notes that "He died on the anniversary of the establishment of the TRNC", while Gunes writes that "He died the day on which the TRNC had been declared".

Under the title "Another historic figure died", Ortam reports that 'former Greek Cypriot leader Glafkos Clerides, who is one of the most important names of Cyprus' political history, lost his life on the 30th anniversary from the declaration of the TRNC".

Vatan covers the issue under the title "Former Greek Cypriot leader Clerides lost his life". Volkan, Kibrisli and Halkin Sesi used similar titles saying "Clerides lost his life".

Havadis covers the issue under the title "Clerides said goodbye to life".

Afrika reports that "Another historic figure passed away" and "Clerides died at the age of 94".

Yeni Duzen covers the issue under the title "Farewell on 15 November", noting that the fact the President Clerides died on the anniversary of the breakaway regime was interpreted as "irony".

Bakis is the only Turkish Cypriot newspaper which does not refer to the issue.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Gul's message for the anniversary of the breakaway regime's establishment

"The motherland of Turkey will continue to take the KKTC's side on their rightful case in the future, as it has up to the present, and will continue to support Turkish Cypriots for the settlement of a stable reconciliation that will be enabled by the establishment of a two-party state with two founders of equal status, producing a new partnership on the island," Gul said, according to a statement released on the presidency's website.

[05] Bagis: Turkey will in no way, condition and manner abandon even a single hand span of Cyprus

Referring to the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, Bagis alleged: "When the two sides agree and approach a solution, Turkey will only support this. However, I want to stress that the non-solution will in no way mean that the TRNC or our brothers on the island will be left alone. Turkey has never left the TRNC alone and it will never leave the TRNC alone. Turkey will always be by the TRNC's side".

Arguing that Turkey will not feel safe in an environment where the "TRNC" is not safe, Bagis claimed that "TRNC's" fate is as important as the one of the [Turkish cities of] Konya, Kayseri and Kutahya.

Bagis went on and said: "Turkey will in no way, condition and manner abandon even a single hand span of Cyprus. It should be known that she will reply in the most severe manner to these proposals. TRNC was entrusted to us by [the generations of] Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, Fatin Zorlu, Menderes and Erbakan".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Yorgancioglu hosted a dinner for foreigners who visited the celebrations for the regimes establishment

Stating that the regime had accomplished much during its "hard 30 year journey", Yorgancioglu said that there was still much to be achieved.

Expressing gratitude to "motherland Turkey" for its assistance he said that the strong relationship that existed between the two "countries" will continue in the period ahead.

Also touching upon the Cyprus negotiations process, Yorgancioglu alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side was adopting a positive stance at the talks so as to be able to reach a successful outcome. He said that this positive stance will continue in the future.

Stating that it was not clear as to how the negotiations will be concluded, Yorgancioglu said that the Turkish Cypriot people will nevertheless do its part to make sure the process will yield positive results.

[07] Celebrations of the breakaway regime in Washington and London

At the reception in Washington, Turkey's Ambassador to Washington Namik Tan, the US congressman of the Republican Party of North Carolina and member of the Committees of Foreign Affairs Mark Meadows were among the invited people.

Turkey's Ambassador in London Unal Cevikoz, Bahreyn Ambassador in London Alice Thomas, Chairman of the group "friends of TRNC" at the British Parliamentary Lord John Sharkey, member of the Southwark Municipality of London Abdul Mohammed, member of the Hammersmith and Fulham municipality Fraces Stainton, Baroness Meral Ece, MP of the Conservative Party of Westminster area Mark Fields and others representatives and businessmen of the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Communities in London participated in the reception in London.

[08] Tension between Turkey and CTP-DP "government" has reportedly decreased

According to the paper, during Atalay's recent illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus, agreement was reached to leave for 2014 some "critical" issues included in the "economic protocol", such as privatizations. In the meetings held between the delegations of Turkey and the breakaway regime the day before yesterday, it was reaffirmed that there was no problem in the implementation of Turkey's obligations in the "financial protocol". Therefore, no problem is expected in the payment of the 13th salary, notes the paper adding that Turkey will continue transferring the money it had promised in the "protocol" by the end of the year.

The delegations have reportedly agreed to discuss at technical level issues which especially the Turkish Cypriot side wants to change in the "protocol". Political discussions and decisions on the "protocol" are expected in the end of the year, writes Havadis noting that during the discussions held on 15 November it was seen that ground for making changes to the "protocol" exists.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Turkish F-16's reportedly send away an Italian airplane that passed over occupied Karpasia

(I/Ts.)

[10] Ozyigit the new leader of TDP

Ozyigit was the only candidate for the party leadership.

He expressed his dissatisfaction on how Mehmet Cakici used to administrate the party and called all the people, who are in favour of peace and democracy, to join the party.

[11] The "Immovable Property Commission" paid 140 million sterling pound in 7 years

Gungor Gunkan, chairman of the above-mentioned Commission, speaking to the paper, said that the number of the applications has serious increased during the years 2012 and 2013 due to the financial crisis in the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus.

The paper writes that while the Greek Cypriots applied to the "Commission" for 15 million 994 thousand 497 square meters of occupied land until today, the so-called Immovable Property Commission has turned into Turkish 10 million 13 thousand 944 square meters of occupied Greek Cypriot land.

Moreover, 460 thousand 968 square meters of land have been returned to their Greek Cypriot owners and one million 196 thousand 739 square meters were exchanged with Turkish Cypriot property in the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus.

[12] Erdogan, Barzani see eye to eye on four issues in Diyarbakir visit

Erdogan had a one-and-a-half-hour meeting with Barzani in Diyarbakir where he and the Kurdish leader addressed locals to enhance the settlement process. After the day's program, the two held a separate meeting and, according to the decisions that came out of the meeting, Erdogan and Barzani agreed that the KRG would not allow a de facto PYD government in the northeast of Syria, Prime Ministry sources said.

Another issue among the topics of discussion between Barzani and Erdogan was Kurdish oil, which has strained relations between Ankara and Baghdad. Barzani and Erdogan agreed that the KRG's oil would be carried to markets around the world via Turkey in one-and-a-half months.

In a show of support for Erdogan, Barzani paid a visit to Diyarbakir, a predominantly Kurdish city. During his meeting with Erdogan, Barzani renewed his support for the settlement process, which was started by Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) last year to resolve the country's decades-old terrorism problem.

Ahead of Barzani's visit, the ruling party had stated its hope for the Kurdish leader's visit to Diyarbakir to contribute to the settlement process. Erdogan earlier referred to the Diyarbakir visit as "historic," saying he hopes it will "crown" the ongoing settlement process that aims to end the Kurdish conflict.

According to a source from the KRG, those four points had been expected to be agreed on as Turkey and the KRG have shared mutual concerns and interests in recent years. "During his speech in Diyarbakir, Barzani had already made it clear that he would give his utmost support to the peace process. Even before Barzani's visit, Turkey and the KRG had made it clear that the issues of the PYD, the oil pipeline and border gate were on the agenda. However, his priority is currently the peace process."

During his meeting with Barzani, Erdogan was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay, Foreign Minister Davutoglu and Deputy Undersecretary of the Prime Ministry Ibrahim Kalin. No ministers from the KRG accompanied Barzani during his visit to Diyarbakir, though his advisors were with him, according to the same source.

Sources from the Prime Ministry also made a statement on Erdogan's usage of the term "Kurdistan" for the northern part of Iraq while addressing the people of Diyarbakir, saying Erdogan used the word "Kurdistan" as the region is defined by Kurdistan in the Iraqi constitution. The source also added that Erdogan's use of "Kurdistan" was an important indication of Turkey's will to solve the Kurdish issue.

[13] Davutoglu: Establishing stable regional order is Mid-East's real challenge

"In today's ever more complex and fluid international environment -- with Syria in crisis and much of the Middle East in flux -- the U.S.-Turkish relationship remains vital for a sustainable regional and global order," he wrote.

He disputed analyses of increased distance between the regions by asserting, "As I prepare to visit Washington, I disagree with the perception that United States and its Middle Eastern allies are growing apart."

He continued to explain: "The partnership between the United States and Turkey is value-based, founded upon universal principles of fundamental rights and democratic norms. Turkey promotes these values in its neighborhood and encourages its Western partners to uphold them as well. Alignment with the West during times of crisis, such as the Arab Spring, is testament to how deeply such shared values are embedded in the genesis of our foreign policy. On that ground, the United States and Turkey do not have the luxury of remaining aloof or apart from each other; our joint work has proven indispensable to regional security and stability. As a result, we have diversified our cooperation with the United States in areas ranging from counter-terrorism and non-proliferation to defense cooperation, energy security, know-how transfer, and more."

Stressing that Turkey's leading role in transatlantic institutions is a primary pillar of its foreign policy, he expressed his belief that the country would play a more constructive role in shaping the future of Europe at a time when the region is recovering and becoming stronger.

In addition to the opening of a new chapter in Turkey's EU accession negotiations, there are also signs of progress towards the liberalization of EU visa regimes for Turkish citizens traveling to EU countries, Davutoglu added.

"NATO, meanwhile, stands as the cornerstone of Turkish security policy and our security cooperation -- from the Balkans to Central Asia -- continues to form a bulwark against instability in the broader region," he wrote.

Addressing the negotiations between the US and EU on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement (TTIP) process, he stressed the initiative would gain great richness through the inclusion of Turkey.

Noting that Turkey and the US are coming face-to-face with an increasingly chaotic geopolitical environment in the Middle East and North Africa, Davutoglu said:

He underlined that the region's future would not be determined by "strongmen with dictatorial illusions," but by legitimate and visionary leaders. Davutoglu conveyed that Ankara and Washington share the same goals regarding the Middle East.

Regarding the civil war in Syria, Davutoglu wrote, "In Syria, progress toward the elimination of Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons is a step in the right direction, but there is still more to be done. Turkey will continue to extend its full support to the Syrian people until a political transition is achieved and the rule of cruel despotism comes to an end. We will not become casualties of the ongoing psychological war that in vain tries to identify the Syrian people's legitimate resistance with the dark forces of terrorism."

Indicating that political transformations were taking place in neighboring countries, he concluded the real challenge in coming years would be the establishment of a stable regional order.

[14] Turkish Commentary: HDP Expected to become alternative to CHP

"The Gezi Park protests changed the whole Turkish political scene. It drove the point home that although there is no organized opposition powerful enough to challenge the incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, there is enough popular dissatisfaction that can be aired spontaneously throughout the nation to show the limits of unilateral governance.

The missing opposition may become a countervailing center of gravity to balance out the hegemonic power of the government -- if this discontent can be channeled and organized.

In his recent visit to Istanbul, Socialist International (SI) Secretary-General Luis Ayala expressed the situation eloquently: "We believe strongly that there's a big deficit of democracy when a government is moving in an agenda that goes in the opposite direction of what citizens believe are the fundamentals. ? The struggles of the people in Gezi Park ? are common today in many parts of the world. Because people feel powerless when governments do not listen to them, when political institutions do not respond to their concerns, when the agendas are being shaped somewhere else, not on the basis of the peoples' expectations. And people take to the streets and mobilize themselves?"

The government could have easily seized on the opportunity, gotten the message of the Gezi protests and reshaped its political practices. But its belief in itself and the correctness of its deeds, reinforced by the absence of internal criticism, led the government to think that the protests were the making of disruptive external forces. It missed a historic opportunity to reconcile with those who do not vote for the AKP. As a result, the government further distanced itself from them.

It was at this time that a new political party, inspired by the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, emerged. He aimed to fill the void of opposition in the urban centers of Western Turkey, especially in Istanbul, that makes up one-sixth of the national electorate. The new People's Democracy Party (HDP) is expected to capture the Gezi spirit to unite diverse groups against the AKP. The newly born party has become the fifth political party in the Turkish Parliament, staffed by several Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies and an independent legislator.

[?]

With this strategy in mind, the HDP appeals to liberals, social democrats, socialists and other excluded groups, like the Alevis, and sexually oppressed groups under a non-Kurdish name and agenda. In a sense, the HDP is expected to be an alternative to the Republican People's Party (CHP), the main opposition party, which derives about 60 percent of its votes from the Alevis.

The HDP presents itself as a pluralist party representing oppressed and discriminated groups and creeds. It can boast of having set aside a 10 percent quota for LGBT individuals and a 50 percent quota for women. It is being reported that the BDP will enter the local elections in March 2014 in 21 provinces in east and southeast Turkey. Concurrently, the HDP will solicit Kurdish and anti-AKP Turkish votes in western urban centers of the country. The parties are expected to merge before the 2015 parliamentary elections.

Some have claimed that intense competition between the CHP and the HDP will take place during the 2014 local elections in western Turkey. Other observers, however, think that they will not be foolish enough to divide the votes that are vital if they are to snatch Istanbul away from the AKP.

There is a third group that believes that the HDP is redundant and won't rally as many votes as expected because, as a Kurdish party and the brainchild of Ocalan, its attractiveness as an all-Turkey party will be limited among Turks.

[?]

Furthermore, there are Kurds living in the West who believe that the HDP is too much of a Turkish party to ever endorse an autonomous "Kurdistan." Furthermore, as the rumor goes, it may find it expedient to form an electoral coalition with the Kemalist, (Turkish) nationalist CHP, which is the creator of the Kurdish problem in the first place. These feelings and arguments have accompanied the founding of a new party in Parliament inspired by a Kurd who wishes to unite the feeble Turkish opposition!

[15] A headscarf news presenter at TRT

The news presenter was Feyza Cigdem Tahmaz, who used to be the news reader at Hilal TV until lately. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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