Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-04-28

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: The negotiations might enter into deadlock

[02] Ozersay denounces information that Meyer will be appointed in as Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus

[03] US Ambassador: Solution is too important to be left to politicians

[04] Nami is due to Istanbul for a series of contacts

[05] Akinci warns that the energy resources in the island might cause clashes in case of no solution

[06] Turkish Cypriot political parties assess the change in the "law' for the "Immovable Property Commission"

[07] The occupation regime to approve a new "law" allowing expats couples to buy property in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] Yorgancioglu: Everyone who is born here will be granted "citizenship"

[09] Ali Erel: Turkey's policy to divide Cyprus has been always the same

[10] Siber met with Lord Michael John Brougham

[11] Illegal YDU hospital signed a protocol with the Iraq NPC for human rights

[12] A "forest action plan" agreement between Turkey and "TRNC"

[13] Erdogan indirectly slams top judge of protecting the 'parallel gang'

[14] Gul approved controversial MIT law

[15] Pro-Kurdish BDP to change name to DBP with goal of autonomy

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: The negotiations might enter into deadlock

Eroglu said that they will enter into the stage of give and take in the negotiations, but it is not possible to negotiate with a side which thinks only of taking. Eroglu argued that they are expecting the Greek Cypriot side to change its attitude in the forthcoming stage of the negotiations and alleged that the Greek Cypriots should give concessions.

Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriot side should take into consideration the 40-year period which passed since 1974 and argued that during this period the Turkish Cypriot side has turned into its homeland the northern part of the island, where it has settled down and took roots. He alleged that the whole world should see this.

Meanwhile, Kibris (27.04.14) reported that addressing another event on Saturday, Eroglu said that the substantial negotiations will start in May and that an agreement which will be approved by the Turkish Cypriot "people" will be secured, but the stage of holding a referendum has not yet come in the negotiating process. He reiterated the allegation that the Turkish side pursues an agreement without delay, but reaching an agreement does not depend only on them.

Referring to the meeting he had held last week with the UN Secretary-General in New York, Eroglu said that he shared with Ban Ki-moon the "elements on which the Turkish Cypriot side is right" and "registered once more its just position".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozersay denounces information that Meyer will be appointed in as Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus

In statements to illegal TAK news agency from South Africa where he is visiting together with the Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis, Ozersay said that Meyer himself told the two negotiators that he does not find correct and useful an appointment of anyone in Downer's place. "Only you will achieve this, not the mediators", Meyer was quoted as saying to the Cypriot negotiators.

Ozersay said that they have started to understand each other better with Mavroyiannis and described as "positive development" their visit to South Africa during which they are having the opportunity to examine for many hours the positive and the negative elements of other peace processes.

Ozersay pointed out that the substance and the sides of the dispute in South Africa are very different than the ones of the Cyprus problem and this dispute could not be taken as an example for Cyprus. However, he added, it is very useful for the negotiators in Cyprus to have the opportunity of closely examining the methods developed by the South African negotiators for establishing confidence and the models of engaging different parts of the society in the process.

Ozersay said that establishing confidence between the negotiators is not enough for reaching a successful result, but no one can deny that this confidence is an important and necessary element for a successful result.

(I/Ts.)

[03] US Ambassador: Solution is too important to be left to politicians

Koenig pointed out that Turkey and Greece play a "positive role" during the talks, noting that he urged the Greek Cypriots to extend their dialogue with the Turkish policy makers.

The US Ambassador also mentioned that the Cyprus problem has often been brought to the agenda during the meetings between Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and the US Secretary of State John Kerry.

"USA is closely watching the process. But the ones who are claiming that USA is dominating the talks are wrong. Our role is a supportive role and we hope that our role can make positive contribution to the process" added Koenig. Speaking about the USA's motivation while supporting the negotiations, Koenig said that the USA's motivation for a solution in Cyprus is not because they want to control the hydrocarbons in Eastern Mediterranean. "We want solution for the same reasons that Cypriots want", added Koenig.

"President Obama made a statement following the joint declaration and Vice President Joe Biden is also very interested in the issue. However we are aware that any solution which would be perceived as one imposed from outside would not be supported by the Cypriots. USA will be supportive but solution is something that the Cypriots will find", said Koenig.

Speaking upon Kerry's possible visit to Cyprus, Koenig said that there isn't any set date for his visit. "Kerry's agenda is very busy but I do know that Cyprus is one of the top issues on his agenda", he said.

Koenig also said that they repeatedly put emphasis on the importance of all layers of society who have an interest in solution engaging the process. "We encouraged Greek Cypriots to extend the dimension of their contacts with Turks and Turkish Cypriots. Turkish Cypriots should do the same with Greece and the EU. Solution is too important to be left to politicians and it is important to discuss the aftermath of a possible solution and how it will be applied in practice. This very important discussion should also take place", said Koenig.

[04] Nami is due to Istanbul for a series of contacts

According to his press office, Nami will attend a meeting at the Strategic Research Centre of Wise Men at 14.30 and he will also visit several media organizations in the framework of his trip.

Nami will be accompanied by his executive assistant Huseyin Ozel and his political advisor Ipek Borman during his contacts in Istanbul.

[05] Akinci warns that the energy resources in the island might cause clashes in case of no solution

Speaking to the paper about the Cyprus problem, Akinci said: "The energy resources in the region were always like Pandora's Box and were always causing clashes. Even if it is not discussed at the moment, this possibility exists in the case of Cyprus as well".

Underlining the fact that nobody gives voice to this possibility, Akinci said that he feels the need to make a warning towards this issue and he pointed out to the problems that exist between Turkey and "south Cyprus" as he described the Republic of Cyprus on the continental shelf issue. He went on and said: "At the moment this issue is not brought into the agenda in order not to destroy the positive atmosphere. But in case where no agreement is reached, this problem could cause clashes".

(AK)

[06] Turkish Cypriot political parties assess the change in the "law' for the "Immovable Property Commission"

Kutlay Erk, general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has argued that this amendment will put an end to the "unjust treatment" against the Turkish Cypriots, who will be able to apply to the "Commission". He claimed that the Turkish Cypriots will make use of their property in the government-controlled area of Cyprus and carry out the same procedure for the Greek Cypriot property they occupy. Erk described the "draft-law" as an "important move".

Mehmet Harmanci, general secretary of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), recalled that the "Commission" is a "practice implemented by Turkey" according to the Greek Cypriots and that the Turkish Cypriots could apply to the European Court of Human Rights, but in the end Turkey was the one that had been convicted. He said that the current "government' and the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu reject the "step by step solution" to the Cyprus problem, but the exchange of property is a part of this [kind of solution]. He noted that the "structure of the commission which cannot be supervised and is not transparent" caused allegations saying that "go-betweens emerged". He said that the "commission" could secure benefits to some persons, but no one can predict what will happen with the "global exchange" of property. He argued that a similar "commission" was provided for in the Annan Plan and claimed that an international observer might be appointed in order for the "commission" becoming "more transparent".

Murat Kanatli, organizational secretary of the New Cyprus Party (YKP) said that the "commission's" method is still defective, that the Republic of Cyprus is the only authority for issuing title-deeds and no procedure carried out without its approval could be official. Referring to the way by which the breakaway regime acts, Kanatli said that it acts according to the "commercial mentality saying that if you use the property, you will buy it, Turkey will provide the money". "This is heading towards the global exchange of property expressed by Denktas", he noted.

Hasan Tacoy, general secretary of the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG), said that the individual exchange of property may cause some problems and alleged that the solution could be secured with global exchange of property.

Sunat Atun, general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), said that they will examine the issue together with their lawyers and afterwards they will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu as this arrangement directly concerns the Cyprus problem. He argued that this kind of "political moves" should be discussed with Eroglu, who is conducting the negotiations.

On the same issue, according to illegal Bayrak television (online, 26.04.14), the self-style minister of interior Teberruken Ulucay has said that the amendments made to the "immovable property commission law" was aimed at making exchange of properties more functional and to allow property exchange possible between individuals, should conditions be met.

Speaking on "BRT" on Friday, Ulucay said that the amendments will in no way have an impact on past or current practices of the commission.

"With these amendments, the scope of the Immovable Property Commission has been expanded. The changes have been made to incorporate people who possess exchange value properties. Those who left property in South Cyprus and who were unable to receive property in exchange will be able to benefit from the amended law" he said.

"If a person owns property in the South he or she will be eligible to exchange it with its pre-1974 owner if they reach an agreement. The changes basically allow individuals the right to agree amongst themselves", Ulucay said, adding that the "commission" will not act as a mediator between two individuals who hold exchange property and want to swap between themselves.

He also said that the breakaway regime will provide low interest loans to exchange property owners in case there is a difference between the values of the property to be exchange.

(I/Ts.)

[07] The occupation regime to approve a new "law" allowing expats couples to buy property in the occupied area of Cyprus

The paper continues and writes: "The measure came into force following a decision by the Cabinet and is part of a draft on property-related moves aimed by ministers at 'facilitating' life in the country for expats-which could even include the scraping of the current requirement for a homebuyer to obtain Permission to Purchase.

Previously married couples were viewed as a single entity under the laws governing foreign property purchases, but the change now gives an individual right to each spouse to buy on a plot of up to one donum.

They will still need government permission to purchase, but recent figures show a speeding up of approvals, with fewer than 400 applications pending.

Interior minister Teberruken Ulucay said the amendment had come about after expat couples expressed a wish to build a bigger house on an area larger than the one donum they were previously jointly allowed".

Ulucay added the following: "Our government's policy is to facilitate the life of expats on the island. In parallel with this, we decided to move ahead with the request and made a legal change to the regulation after getting the green light from the Attorney General. (?)That measure, is backed by ministers and awaiting parliamentary approval. It is expected to come into force within about two weeks".

(?)

[08] Yorgancioglu: Everyone who is born here will be granted "citizenship"

"We are definitely providing for a citizenship for those who are born here", he said adding that the "citizenship" will not be granted automatically and that it will be granted according to the order by which the application is submitted. He noted that they have almost finished the preparations of the "draft-law", which they have distributed to the parties. He said that they have prepared a list with the names of those who have been living in the occupied area of Cyprus for the past 20 years.

Referring to the decision taken by the "cabinet" regarding the right of the Turkish Cypriots to apply to the "immovable property commission" for exchanging their properties in the government-controlled area with the properties they occupy in the occupied area of the island, Yorgancioglu alleged that they do not intend to solve the property issue in this manner, but this will facilitate the solution of the property after the solution.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Ali Erel: Turkey's policy to divide Cyprus has been always the same

Erel evaluated the 10 years after the Annan Plan as a guest of a program on "BRTK radio".

Erel said: "Turkey's policy on Cyprus is still the same as it has always been; I don't think it has changed. Their politics are based on division (taksim) and on separation with the Greek Cypriots? 'You Cypriots are just tiny flies' policy of Turkey has been successful? Despite the international public pressure their politics have been successful and the ones who did not want solution, namely Papadopoulos and Turkey collaborated with the anti-solution fronts in the north and Greece?"

[10] Siber met with Lord Michael John Brougham

According to a press release by Siber's office, Lord Brougham who is the Deputy President of the House of Lords thanked Siber for meeting with him.

Lord Brougham said that Siber's contacts in UK were very influential and productive. "Especially the speeches she gave at the House of Lords on Cyprus and Empowerment of Woman were very influential", added Lord Brougham.

Siber also thanked the House of Lords for the attention they gave to the "parliamentary" delegation during their UK visits and said that these kinds of contacts are important for the Turkish Cypriot community and should take place more often.

[11] Illegal YDU hospital signed a protocol with the Iraq NPC for human rights

According to the press release by the public relations office of "YDU", the General Director of the Iraq Centre, Mohammed Abed Al-Hamadini, addressing the signing ceremony, noted that they were in great need for both medical care support and specialised doctor training in Iraq.

Al-Hamadani stated that they heard about the reputation of the "hospital of YDU" in the region and they visited the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus in order to have a more adequate idea about the hospital. He claimed that the "hospital of YDU" is a fully high-tech equipped facility beyond their expectations.

Al-Hamadini stated that they placed "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) on their health provider list and noted that they would make use of the "YDU hospital" in diagnosing and treating intractable diseases. He also said that they were planning to benefit from the "YDU hospital" in receiving short-term specialized training for Iraqi doctors. Al-Hamadini noted that seeing Iraqi students at the campus made them feel happy.

Upon signing the protocol, the "Chairman of the Board of Trustees", Asst Prof. Dr Irfan S. Gunsel stated that it was a sublime event for the "hospital of YDU" to provide services not only for the people of the island but also for neighbouring countries in need of help.

[12] A "forest action plan" agreement between Turkey and "TRNC"

The agreement covers a 4 year period between the years of 2014-2018 and includes a series of actions that will be taken in the framework of the "forest action plan". Some of these actions are: Forestation, forest tending, fight against forest fires, forest planning, improvement of plantation centres, creation of picnic areas, construction of forest roads and fight against forest pests.

[13] Erdogan indirectly slams top judge of protecting the 'parallel gang'

The attack comes two days after his government was severely criticized by the head of the Constitutional Court.

"I said it yesterday and I repeat it today: They [the parallel structure] listened to the head and the members of the Constitutional Court. I think some people will understand what I mean," Erdogan said in his party's rally in Kayseri on April 27.

On April 25, Hasim Kilic, the head of the top court, harshly slammed the government for interfering with judicial independence and of accusing judges and prosecutors of trying to undermine the government.

Kilic urged the government to document all its claims against justice and take all of the necessary measures against those involved in such illegal affairs, but to give up a massive offensive against the entire justice system.

"Those who ask us to document or ask where this parallel structure is: are these eavesdropping cases not the document to you? Those who ask this question are either part of the parallel [structure] or protecting this structure to get something in return," Erdogan said without directly referring to Kilic.

"The oppositional parties declare they will appoint candidates. We will do so as well. I am confident that our people will elect our candidate for the presidency at the first leg of the election on Aug. 10," Erdogan stressed. "The people will elect their leader. The people will elect Turkey's new president."

[14] Gul approved controversial MIT law

The President approved the law on April 25, three days after the law was referred to him for his approval following its adoption in Parliament. The law was published in the Official Gazette on Saturday and immediately entered into force.

Comments emerged in the Turkish press on Sunday saying that Gul approved the MIT law in order not to upset Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and that he dealt a fatal blow to a "belief that he serves as an independent and impartial power in politics."

The MIT law has been harshly criticized for giving sweeping powers to MIT, and many say it will turn Turkey into an "intelligence state."

After approving the law, Gul said he had the AK Party government make a few changes to it but acknowledged that there may still be contentious points. "If there are objections, it is clear to which institution to take the law," he stated, implying that critics may take the law to the Constitutional Court for annulment.

On Saturday, Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu said Turkey has been turned into an intelligence state with the MIT law. According to Kilicdaroglu, people are facing a totalitarian regime in Turkey and Erdogan and his government are to blame. "We are putting up a fight for justice and democracy against tyrants, a fight against dictators," Kilicdaroglu added.

[15] Pro-Kurdish BDP to change name to DBP with goal of autonomy

With this name change, the BDP will become the latest in a long line of similar ethnicity-based parties such as the People's Labour Party (HEP), the Freedom and Equality Party (OZEP), the Freedom and Democracy Party (OZDEP), the Democracy Party (DEP), the People's Democracy Party (HADEP), the Democratic People's Party (DEHAP) and the Democratic Society Party (DTP).

In accordance with the change in the Kurdistan Communities Union's (KCK) administration, Kurdish politics is expected to witness a revision within the Kurdish movement's legal wing, the BDP. The new party, the DBP, is expected to become a "cadre party" and will focus on developing policies in the areas of law, self-defence, economy, culture and diplomacy with the goal of autonomy in mind. Those in charge of these policies will not run for office but will rather be responsible for the implementation of the party's policies.

On April 28, BDP Deputies will be transferred to the Peoples' Democracy Party (HDP), which was established on the instructions of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. However, the HDP is a source of conflict within the Kurdish political movement. Those who want to capture the Kurdish conservative vote criticize the HDP for pursuing a socialist policy. Diyarbak?r Deputy Altan Tan, for instance, argues that the HDP does not have much appeal in Turkey, stating that at least half of HDP cadres should consist of conservative people.

In the new era, the candidates for the co-chairman positions of the Kurdish political movement's organizations are another subject of debate. The co-chairman of the BDP, Selahattin Demirtas, had announced that he would leave the post. However, a significant number of people within the party want Demirtas to continue. As far as the other co-chairman post in the HDP is concerned, Pervin Buldan, Idris Baluken, Ertugrul Kurkcu and Sirri Sureyya Onder are among the likely candidates. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

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