Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-01-17

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu discussed the Cyprus problem and the "Immovable Property Compensation Commission" in Ankara

[02] Cicek alleges that precondition for a solution in Cyprus is recognition of the "Turkish state"

[03] Nami: The efforts on a joint declaration should not be wasted, in case of deadlock the Cyprus problem will be shelved

[04] Kayalp: 80% of Famagusta's inhabitants are in favor of the return of occupied closed Varosha to its legal owners

[05] Talat alleges that time is wasted with "games of words" on the issue of the joint declaration

[06] Austrian Ambassador: Famagusta Eco-city project will be an example of peaceful cooperation

[07] Turkey Confederation Community aims to bring investors from Europe to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[08] Forth candidate for the Democratic Party presidency

[09] Police defy arrest order; Major reshuffle in Turkish judiciary amid graft probe row

[10] Council of Europe concerned over Turkish government's 'hasty' judicial bill

[11] AKP moves to expel Deputy known for close ties with Gulen movement

[12] Davutoglu warns envoys not to speak to press

[13] Ambassadors uneasy over Erdogan's orders concerning graft probe

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu discussed the Cyprus problem and the "Immovable Property Compensation Commission" in Ankara

Eroglu's meeting with Gul lasted for one hour and after their face-to-face meeting, they continued their discussion over a working dinner with the participation of the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs, Besir Atalay and Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu.

In statements to Kibris, Eroglu said that with Gul they exchanged views on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, the steps which will be taken from now on, the property issue and the "Immovable Property Compensation Committee" [Translator's note: established by Turkey in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus].

Eroglu noted that they were "in harmony with Gul" and argued that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not possible with a joint declaration. He noted that a solution could be reached only by sitting at the negotiating table.

He said he could not know whether a new proposal will come up in the light of the report which the UN Secretary-General will submit to the Security Council and added: "I could not know whether Downer or the person that will be appointed at Downer's place will come to us, but the last proposal we have submitted was a proposal adopted by the USA, Britain and even some countries of the EU. And it has been said that it should be accepted as it was, but when the Greek Cypriot side rejected it, it was said that this was a 'double-crossing'".

In statements before meeting with Erdogan, Eroglu said he would discuss with the Turkish Prime Minister not only the Cyprus problem, but also the economic problems which the breakaway regime faces and the "expectations" of the Turkish Cypriot "people".

Eroglu argued that the importance attached by the AK Party government to the Cyprus problem will not decrease, because of the internal problems the government in Ankara faces after 17 December, 2013. He said: "The AKP government, in spite of the problems it is dealing with, gives weight to the Cyprus issue. (?) The states, the governments might have problems, but it is not possible to ignore the Cyprus problem because they have internal problems. Turkey has shown how sensitive she is on the Cyprus issue by exerting intensive efforts regarding Cyprus, especially in a period like this".

The paper writes that Eroglu's meeting with Erdogan was planned to last for one hour, but lasted almost two hours. No statement was made after this meeting.

Eroglu returned last night to the occupied area of Cyprus stating that his meetings in Turkey "were fruitful". He said that they evaluated "thoughts about the future and the path to be followed" in case the negotiations on the Cyprus problem begin.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (17.01.14) reports that evaluating his visit to Anatolia news agency in Ankara, Eroglu said that "we as TRNC have always stood on our feed with the support of Turkey". He added: "To the extent Turkey is strong, we are relaxed and in tranquillity both at the negotiating table and in Cyprus. We defended our cause together? The stronger the economy is in the motherland, the more the democracy is rooted, the longer Turkey continues being powerful in the external world, the more relaxed we are in the TRNC? Some negative developments are happening now in Turkey. This influences stability. Of course, stability - especially the political stability and the economic stability- are very important. The lack of political stability might spoil the economic stability. The fact that Turkey is strong may of course annoy some circles, but we as Turkish Cypriots always think that Turkey is strong?".

Eroglu wished for Turkey to overcome her problems and noted that yesterday he saw a very strong leader and very strong teams around him. "I wish these problems are overcome soon", he noted.

Eroglu argued that when Turkey is strong, her power is felt on the Turkish Cypriots as well and added that Ambassadors of many countries, such as the USA and Britain, hold meetings with them, even though they do not recognize the breakaway regime. Eroglu alleged that especially after the Turkish Cypriots submitted their positions in the last negotiations, those who had said in the past that the Turkish Cypriot side was intransigent, now they see that the Turkish Cypriots "are right and establish that we are in favour of an agreement".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Cicek alleges that precondition for a solution in Cyprus is recognition of the "Turkish state"

In statements yesterday before a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in Ankara, Cicek claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey have allegedly exerted a great effort for the solution of the problem, but in spite of this, no solution could be achieved.

Cicek said that Cyprus is one of the most important problems in Turkey's foreign policy and argued that "if there is going to be peace, this should be a lasting and just peace". He said that the solution should be established on the basis of political equality.

"As TGNA we support every decision you will take", he said referring to Eroglu.

Cicek accused the Greek Cypriot side of not taking a step in the direction of the solution until today and of following "delaying tactics".

Referring to the news that the UN Secretary-General's special adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer would resign from his duties, Cicek argued that such a development would show that the process that continues since 2008 is unsuccessful.

Cicek argued that all the developments could not be depended on the solution of the Cyprus problem and added that everything should be done for the "TRNC" to develop in all fields and prosper.

In his statements, Eroglu said that they have been friends for years with Cicek and that they have always agreed on the Cyprus problem. "The views he put forward today are views adopted by the Turkish Cypriot people", he alleged.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Nami: The efforts on a joint declaration should not be wasted, in case of deadlock the Cyprus problem will be shelved

In statements yesterday, Nami argued that the text of the joint declaration "satisfied the sensitivities" of both sides and alleged that the letter sent by President Anastasiades to the UN Secretary-General "has no buyer in the international community".

"If the Greek Cypriot leader has regretted about the point to which the joint declaration came and experiences difficulties with his coalition partners, the UN must not permit this", he claimed adding that the sides must sit at the negotiating table and focus on the solution with good will and the leaders should "respond to the demands of the peoples and the civilian organizations in both sides".

Claiming that Turkey supports the solution of the Cyprus problem and that the Turkish side has done its bit, Nami alleged that the actual responsibility is on the Greek Cypriot side.

Meanwhile, under the title "The UN might not insist further", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (17.01.14) publishes statements made by Nami to its correspondent. According to the paper, Nami said that even if the effort on a joint statement text fails because of "a couple of words", the "important issues on which agreement has been reached could not be thrown into the garbage".

Nami noted that he had had dinner with the UN Secretary-General's special adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer the night before yesterday and exchanged views on the issue of the joint declaration.

Nami argued that "we are at a serious turning point" in the Cyprus problem and that "we are playing in the extra time". He expressed the view that the UN might not insist further on the Cyprus problem.

Nami said that disappointment exists at the UN because the efforts for reaching an agreement on a joint declaration had not been concluded. He alleged that the statements reportedly made by President Anastasiades against Alexander Downer cause discomfort.

Nami described Downer's recent visit to Cyprus as "extremely important", because "the replies he will receive from the sides during these 1-2 days will influence what he will write in the report he will submit' to the UN Security Council.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Kayalp: 80% of Famagusta's inhabitants are in favour of the return of occupied closed Varosha to its legal owners

Addressing yesterday a group of teachers and students from South Florida University as well as students from the occupied and the government-controlled area of Cyprus, Kayalp said that since 1975 the United Nations has determined the status of Varosha as "closed area under the control of the Turkish Armed Forces". He noted that since 2009 developments have been happening within the Turkish Cypriot public regarding the return of Varosha to its "old owners". He said that he also believes this and added that 80% of the inhabitants of Famagusta support this view.

"If we had been given the power, Varosha would have become the most modern city of tourism in the Mediterranean", he argued.

Kayalp recalled that Varosha is important for the comprehensive solution as regards the Turkish Cypriots and added that "the issue of Varosha should not prevent the comprehensive solution".

Kayalp said that if the opening of Varosha was decided, the settlement in the city would be achieved in five years.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Talat alleges that time is wasted with "games of words" on the issue of the joint declaration

In statements yesterday during a television program, Talat argued that the history of the Cyprus problem is full of this kind of "games of words" and alleged that President Anastasiades "is slowing down the beginning of the negotiations with the aim of satisfying his coalition partners who are distanced from a solution".

Talat expressed the view that the deadlock on the joint declaration could be overcome within a couple of hours, in case determination exists, a meeting between the leaders is held and flexibility is shown.

Talat described as "wrong" the view that "if Turkey wants, the Cyprus problem will be solved". He claimed that the solution could be achieved "with our will". Talat alleged that Turkey "has not committed any serious mistake since 2004", that it wants to solve the problem and that the world does not accuse Turkey about Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Austrian Ambassador: Famagusta Eco-city project will be an example of peaceful cooperation

In an interview with Kibris, the Austrian Ambassador noted that he had been informed about the project last May and added that because he is one of the first persons interested with the organization and the preparation of the project, he was given the opportunity to present the project during its opening ceremony yesterday.

Ambassador Mueller said that Austria did not contribute financially to the project, but like other EU countries, they support the peaceful and comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem. He added that the project will facilitate and encourage the solution. "The solution will secure a great benefit for the economy of both sides", he noted and added: "Let us accept that Famagusta and especially its closed part, has in a way become the monument of stagnancy and of an unused potential".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Turkey Confederation Community aims to bring investors from Europe to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (17.01.14) reports that Atasoy, in a meeting with Hur-Is trade union, said that there are a lot of businessmen, who want to make investments in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. She added that they also carry out lobbying activities in order to lift the "embargoes" imposed on the "TRNC" (trans. Note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus). She explained that they aim to bring investors from Europe in order to develop the economy of the "TRNC".

[08] Forth candidate for the Democratic Party presidency

[09] Police defy arrest order; Major reshuffle in Turkish judiciary amid graft probe row

The new police-judiciary confrontation came as many Istanbul prosecutors were removed from their posts and reassigned to other cities on Thursday, while Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag granted the necessary permission to launch an inquiry into three prosecutors involved in the corruption and bribery investigation.

The order to carry out the raid was issued early on Wednesday and police forces finalized most of their preparations for a pre-dawn raid. But at 3 a.m., the Istanbul Police Department ordered to halt the raid for unknown reasons. When the prosecutor realized that the operation was not being carried out, Baytekin reportedly sent a letter to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to complain about the judicial police who refused to comply with the order.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 16.01.14) reported that Turkey's Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) reassigned the Chief Prosecutor of Istanbul, Turhan Colakkad?, from his office to a passive position on Jan. 16, as a part of a reshuffle move involving some 20 prosecutors in critical positions.

[10] Council of Europe concerned over Turkish government's 'hasty' judicial bill

"I am seriously concerned by the speed with which these proposals are making their way to the Parliament. Anything that is affecting the impartiality and self-governance of the judiciary should be done in a very careful and measured way, [with consultations] not only domestically but internationally", Muiznieks said.

"It is shifting powers from the general assembly of the HSYK to the Minister of Justice," he said, noting that the CoE believes that issues under discussion such as disciplinary powers, the power to set the timetable, the composition of different sections of the body and the organization of its work were best left to the judiciary itself.

According to Muiznieks, Turkey is sending mixed signals, starting with its response to the Gezi Park or June resistance and now proceeding with corruption allegations. "Turkey has been sending contradictory signals for a good time now. During my visit to Turkey following the Gezi events, we were expressing serious concerns over police violence in demonstrations. On one hand, you have democratization packages with very progressive elements being proposed, on the other hand, you have proposals that, if implemented, will seriously undermine the progress that was made for the independence of the judiciary. So, the picture is a mixed and contradictory one. We would like to see a more consistent and human rights-oriented image projected," he said.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.01.14) reported that European Parliament Foreign Relations Commission Chairman Elmar Brok has said an independent and impartial judiciary is a key factor in Turkey's EU accession negotiations.

In a written statement, German Christian Democrat Brok said the establishment of a Higher Council of Judges and Prosecutors, with the constitutional amendment of 2010 was an important step to the right direction.

Brok also called for harmony with the Venice Commission criteria through close consultations with the European Union and the European Council in judiciary related reforms.

[11] AKP moves to expel Deputy known for close ties with Gulen movement

Cetin, who was among the small group of AKP Deputies who criticized the government's position on the test prep schools (dershanes) row, is known to be close to the movement of the Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen, according to daily Hurriyet.

With Cetin's departure, the number of Deputies who have parted ways with the AKP will rise to six since the graft scandal broke and to eight since the test prep school row erupted, in a wave of defections unprecedented in the party's history.

[12] Davutoglu warns envoys not to speak to press

The warning from the Minister came Jan. 15 at a morning session during the ongoing Sixth Ambassadors' Conference. After Davutoglu's remarks, a scheduled briefing to be delivered by the country's top intelligence official to its ambassadors was cancelled in an apparently last minute decision.

On the same day, several media outlets reported Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay's remarks during a closed-door session with Ambassadors on Jan. 14 when he said countries like Germany and Iran are complicating Turkey's efforts to end a militant Kurdish insurgency at perceived injustice.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Levent Gumrukcu told Anadolu Agency on Jan. 15 that some reports in the Turkish media about Atalay's remarks addressing the ambassadors' conference did not reflect the truth.

[13] Ambassadors uneasy over Erdogan's orders concerning graft probe

A number of Ambassadors, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Today's Zaman that they are disturbed by the Foreign Ministry being used as an instrument for current political issues and stressed that defending the government over abstract allegations is not their job.

"We represent the Republic of Turkey and our discriminating between Turkish citizens is out of the question," an Ambassador said, stressing that the remarks of Prime Minister Erdogan are based on abstract accusations.

Speaking to Today's Zaman, a diplomat said that if a written statement is issued, they will have to put it into action, but stressed that they will have a hard time explaining the situation that followed the corruption and bribery probe. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article