Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-02-03

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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] Nami alleges that Prime Minister Tsipras has no right to refer to the international law because he recognizes the Republic of Cyprus

[02] Arinc evaluates Tsipras' visit to Cyprus

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press cover Greek Prime Minister Tsipras' visit to the Republic of Cyprus

[04] Tsipras met with Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot NGO's; Statements by Derya and Dagli

[05] Siber explains how she intends to promote the Turkish Cypriot positions if she is elected

[06] Gurcafer: Arinc's statements do not concern us

[07] The so-called municipality of occupied Galateia village sent an application to become a member of Cittaslow

[08] A Greek Cypriot cemetery lies within the pasture area for wild donkeys in occupied Karpasia

[09] Data on hotels occupancy in the occupied area of Cyprus

[10] Atasoy asked for the Arab's countries support to the "TRNC"

[11] Turkey's EU Minister due to visit the US for trade discussions

[12] Five years sought for Dutch journalist over 'terrorism propaganda'

[13] Columnist wonders whether Europe's future includes Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Nami alleges that Prime Minister Tsipras has no right to refer to the international law because he recognizes the Republic of Cyprus

In statements to Anatolia news agency regarding the Greek Prime Minister's visit to Cyprus, Nami claimed that those who "accept a government comprised only by Greek Cypriots as the government of the entire Cyprus" have no right to refer to international law. "These are one sided assessments and are nothing else than reiterating the known official views", he alleged.

Touching upon Greek Prime Minister's reference to the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus on the issue of natural gas explorations in Eastern Mediterranean, Nami claimed that the wrong assessments by the Greek side continue and wished for Prime Minister Tsipras to abandon soon this kind of approaches which allegedly ignore the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

Nami said that it is not possible for peace to come to Cyprus without sitting at the negotiating table for solving the Cyprus problem and argued that the first precondition is for the side which abandoned the table to return to the negotiations.

Nami described as "positive", Prime Minister Tsipras' statement as regards the necessity of finding a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution on the island, alleging that this is a reply given to the Greek Cypriots, because "there is an increasing political climate against the federal solution in the Greek Cypriot side."

Nami alleged that if Greece sincerely wishes a solution, it should "fulfill its responsibility on the issue of the Greek Cypriot leader's returning to the negotiating table". He argued that after the return of the Greek Cypriot side to the negotiating table, the negotiating process should focus on the issues that remain pending. He claimed that the Greek side should allegedly stop using the EU and the natural gas as trump card in the negotiations.

He argued: "Unfortunately, we see that the Greek Cypriot leaders, instead of having a constructive approach on these issues, are acting with a mentality, which will cause difficulties in the negotiations. If there is going to be a comprehensive solution in Cyprus, both sides should respect each other's legitimate rights and interest."

Nami expressed the hope that the actions of the newly elected Greek government support its words on the issue of finding a federal solution in Cyprus and added that they will closely follow the Greek government's actions.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Arinc evaluates Tsipras' visit to Cyprus

"Tsipras is not any different from us. When a new government is formed in Turkey and the new Prime Minister assumes office he conducts his first official trip abroad to the TRNC (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus)" he said.

Evaluating the Greek premier's visit to Cyprus following yesterday's cabinet meeting, Arinci claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side is remained at the negotiating table and is determined on achieving results at the table for a settlement.

Stating that it is unnecessary to read too much into Mr Tsipras' statements during his visit to Cyprus, Arinc alleged that "there is a separate state in the North of the island with its own institutions, parliament and sovereignty". He also claimed that "there is a common view that all of the island's resources are the common property of the people who live on it".

Alleging that the exploration activities conducted by Turkey are in line with domestic and international law, Arinc claimed that the "Greek Cypriot administration" (editor's note: as he refers to the Cyprus Government) has used these exploration activities as an excuse to leave the negotiating table.

Arinc however expressed his view that all these developments will not harm relations between Turkey and the Greece, claiming that both Ankara and the "TRNC" desire a settlement on the island.

"The UN is currently trying to restart the negotiations process. Such statements made by Greek officials during their first visits abroad are only natural", he said.

Asked by a journalist to evaluate Tsipras' statement that Barbaros vessel should withdraw in order the Cyprus talks to resume, Arinc said that he followed the issue from the news, but it had been not discussed in the meeting.

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press cover Greek Prime Minister Tsipras' visit to the Republic of Cyprus

Under the banner front-page title "The solution is important for the Turkish-Greek relations", Kibris reports that in statements during a joint press conference with President Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace, Prime Minster Tsipras said that supporting the efforts for finding a solution in Cyprus is among the Greek government's priorities. On its front page and under the title "Time of peace has come", the paper publishes a picture from Prime Minister Tsipras' meeting with Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot NGOs during which he said that he is at the same age with the Cyprus problem adding that enough time has passed and solution should be reached.

Havadis refers to the issue noting that Prime Minister Tsipras emphasized on two issues during his visit to Cyprus: "Support to federation, reaction to Barbaros".

Under the title "Tsipras went to the gallows", Afrika writes that Greek Prime Minister's visit to Cyprus had caused enthusiasm, but actually he said nothing exiting. However, he did something "very impressive", as the paper describes his visit to the gallows where the British colonialists had hung members of EOKA organization, which, according to the paper, fought for Cyprus' independence.

Under the front-page title "Greek Prime Minister Tsipras in Cyprus", Yeni Duzen refers to Tsipras' statement that "the solution of the Cyprus problem is a touchstone in Turkish-Greek relations" and that President Anastasiades words that "the solution will be the return of the current structure into a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation".

Kibris Postasi reports on its front page that Prime Minister Tsipras "attacked Troika" and when he was asked if he is optimistic on the issue of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, replied "of course I am".

Under the title "The Prime Minister surprised everybody", Detay argues that Tsipras visit "created surprise in many circles" and especially disappointed those who expected that he would come into conflict with the government of the Republic of Cyprus.

Gunes writes that "Greece and South Cyprus are on the same frequency" and Diyalog argues that "There is nothing different".

Ortam covers the issue under the banner front-page title "'Our priority is supporting the solution'", while Star Kibris gives emphasis to the statement made by the Greek Prime Minister that "the solution of the Cyprus problem is the touchstone of the Turkish-Greek relations".

The Turkish newspapers received by our Office today cover the issue as follows:

Hurriyet: "First contact with the Turkish Cypriots".

The paper's correspondent in the occupied area of Cyprus reports on Tsipras' visit to Cyprus, the first after being elected as a Prime Minister, and writes that Tsipras is the first Greek Prime Minister who carried out direct contacts with the Turkish Cypriots.

Sabah: "A Bi-zonal federal solution message in Cyprus".

The paper writes that the new Greek Prime Minister Tsipras, in his first visit abroad, to "south Cyprus", as it called the Republic of Cyprus, sent a message of peace and said that a fair and a sustainable viable solution is the touchstone for Turkish-Greek ties, the EU and for stability in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean.

(I/Ts.-AK)

[04] Tsipras met with Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot NGO's; Statements by Derya and Dagli

Tsipras held contacts with the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR), the bi-communal Magusa Initiative and the Hands Across the Divide, the Feminist Workshop (FEMA), the Federal Cyprus Initiative and the Social Gender Organization.

Speaking during the meeting with the NGO' representatives, Tsipras said that he wass born a week after the Turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974 and added that the time has come for peace in Cyprus.

Also speaking on behalf of FEMA, Dogus Derya said that Tsipras referred to the establishment of a common future in the island and gave emphasis to the establishment of this common future with the communal actions taken by the basis of the society. Derya added in her statements that the fact that Tsipras is the first Greek Prime Minister who chose to have direct contacts with the Turkish Cypriots, is an indicator of a goodwill towards the solution.

On behalf of the Famagusta Initiative, Okan Dagli described Tripras as a sincere and genuine person. Concerning their meeting with Tsipras, he said that in spite of its symbolic character, Tsipras wanted for this meeting to take place since he believes in the NGO spirit and since he is a person coming from NGO's Tsipras has expressed his views which are in favor of peace and the solution.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (03.02.15) reports that Mehmet Cakici, "deputy" with the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) in occupied Lefkosia evaluated Tsipras' visit to Cyprus and his statements and said that the new Greek Prime Minister wanted to show he will not put forward new openings on the Cyprus problem, that he wished not to give the impression of being in favor of the Turks and that he fully respects the decisions of "south Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus concerning the Cyprus problem.

(AK)

[05] Siber explains how she intends to promote the Turkish Cypriot positions if she is elected

Replying to Yeni Duzen's questions, Siber noted that she will establish an office on international relations. She said on this issue:

"It will be a very different, very dynamic, very active office on international relations. Academicians, especially our influential academicians in international relations, civilian organizations, experienced staff that worked on the Cyprus issue and diplomats will work in this office. That is, we will be very visible. We are not visible now as Turkish Cypriot side. There are two communities and we are referring to a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation. There is one community which is visible, because it is recognized, but we are not visible, we are not recognized.

However, being unrecognized is not tantamount to us being prevented from making ourselves visible. It is difficult, but we will struggle for the difficulties. What we mean by lobbying, what we mean by backstage is to be able to explain yourself. No matter how right you are, you are understood to the extent you are able to explain yourself. For example, you invite here a correspondent from BBC, host him for two days, show him around and explain your positions and your situation. Invite newspapers from abroad?"

(I/Ts.)

[06] Gurcafer: Arinc's statements do not concern us

Gurcafer said that Arinc's statement did not concern him and called on Yorgancioglu to shed some light on this. Gurcafer told the paper that he is not concerned with what Arinc said in his statement recently and added that "if the TRNC is a state and if the prime minister is the head of the state, then he should keep his promises". He also told to the paper's reporter Meryem Ekinci that they will meet with the "government" today to ask for the revision of the protocol.

[07] The so-called municipality of occupied Galateia village sent an application to become a member of Cittaslow

Speaking to illegal TAK on the issue, the "mayor" of the occupied Galateia "municipality" Cemil Saricizmeli said that they have fulfilled six main chapters for becoming a full member and added that their goal is to become a full member.

Together with the so-called municipality of Galateia, the "municipality" of occupied Lefka exerts also efforts to become a member, writes the paper and adds that the occupied "municipality" of Trikomo has become a member of this organization.

(Translator's note: Cittaslow is a movement founded in Italy and inspired by the Slow Food organization. Cittaslow's goals include improving the quality of life in towns).

(AK)

[08] A Greek Cypriot cemetery lies within the pasture area for wild donkeys in occupied Karpasia

According to the paper, the "municipality" rent a 409 donum (translator's note: a land measure of about 920 square metres) area in occupied Karpasia near to Apostolos Andreas Monastery in a symbolic price to be used as a pasture area for the wild donkeys.

[09] Data on hotels occupancy in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the data, the average rate of hotel occupancy in January was 38%. The occupancy rate of small hotels was 22.5% while for the five-star hotels was 53%.

(AK)

[10] Atasoy asked for the Arab's countries support to the "TRNC"

According to the paper, during the meeting, Atasoy asked for Jordan's support towards the "fair struggle" of the Turkish Cypriots and said: "We will never leave the people of the TRNC alone. We expect the same interest and support from the Kingdom of Jordan and the other Arab countries".

Atasoy referred also during the meeting to the Cyprus negotiation talks and alleged that it is the Greek Cypriot side which left the talks by using groundless excuses, while the Turkish Cypriot side as she claimed shows goodwill and exerts efforts towards the direction of reaching to a solution.

Atasoy underlined the need for all the Muslim states to support the "TRNC". She added that she will have the opportunity to discuss the Cyprus problem in March during her scheduled visit to Jordan, where she will meet with the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Abdullah.

(AK)

[11] Turkey's EU Minister due to visit the US for trade discussions

Bozkir will have talks with the U.S. administration and members of the Congress on the issue of the TTIP during his visit to Washington on Feb. 3-6. The Minister will also attend a "National Prayer Breakfast" organized by members of the U.S. Congress with the participation of the President Obama, a written statement said Feb. 2.

He will address the German Marshal Fund about possible outcomes of the TTIP on Turkey and the country's Customs Union agreement with the EU.

Ankara says Turkey might freeze its Customs Union deal with the EU if the planned TTIP does not include Turkey. The government believes that being left out of the U.S.-EU deal would cost $3 billion to Turkey, so it is pushing the EU to add just one article to the TTIP deal for the automatic inclusion of countries that already have a Customs Union deal with Brussels.

Meanwhile, U.S. and EU negotiators began their latest round of talks yesterday seeking to push through the world's biggest-ever free trade deal, which after nearly two years remains bogged down by public opposition, as Agence France-Presse reported.

[12] Five years sought for Dutch journalist over 'terrorism propaganda'

Geerdink was temporarily detained on charges of spreading terrorist propaganda and then released after she was questioned at the Diyarbak?r Police Department's counterterrorism unit for three hours on Jan. 6. The journalist's detention coincided with the visit in Turkey by Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders. Koenders was scheduled to meet with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, on the same day as Geerdink was detained by the police.

In a message posted on the Dutch Foreign Ministry's official Twitter account, Koenders said he was "shocked" by Geerdink's arrest. He said he "will personally discuss this here in Ankara with my Turkish colleague."

Later in the day, Geerdink was released following an interrogation. Koenders later admitted in a speech at Dutch Parliament that during his visit he had threatened Turkish officials that he would leave the country unless Geerdink was released.

A prosecutor has recently finalized an indictment against Geerdink, who works as a freelance reporter in Diyarbak?r specializing on Kurdish issues. The Diyarbak?r 6th High Criminal Court has accepted the indictment, which alleges that Geerdink has been promoting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) via her social media accounts. In her testimony from her January detention, Geerdink reportedly denied the accusations, saying that she has not praised any terrorist activities.

[13] Columnist wonders whether Europe's future includes Turkey

"Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was reported saying, in his televised speech to the nation on Saturday, that Europe's future 'will not be written without Turkey'. One assumes he means that Turkey is an essential part of Europe and will remain so.

The semi-official Anadolu News Agency also reported Davutoglu pointing to the obstacles in Turkey's EU membership and saying that those adopting anti-Muslim and anti-Turkish stances would not be able to overshadow either historical realities or Turkey's willpower.

Davutoglu was pointing in this way to religious and cultural factors being strewn on Turkey's EU path as obstacles. It appears from his remarks that he sees this is a one-way street in which all the obstacles are on the European side.

He was not reported saying anything to do with upholding the most basic tenets of democracy, including freedom of expression and freedom of speech, or defending an independent judiciary and the rule of law, which are also hallmarks of advanced democracies.

Not much needs to be said about Islamophobia in Europe and the anti-Turkish sentiments it feeds today. The debate about this phenomenon is alive in Europe, especially after the recent attacks in Paris.

This is a problem that exists and which Europe will have to deal with, not for the sake of Turkey as an EU candidate country, but because of the millions of Europeans who are Muslims, and who will obviously not be disappearing simply because the right wing in Europe wants this to happen.

What Davutoglu said is therefore truer with regards to these Muslims, than it is with regards to Turkey. The future of Europe will clearly not be written without Muslims. There is however a very real chance that it might be written without Turkey, which today, under the outlook represented by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, appears further away from its European vocation than at any time in the past.

It is, after all, Erdogan who is asking Russian President Vladimir Putin, his fellow anti-European, to admit Turkey into the Shanghai Five so that it can dump the EU. This alone shows he is less than enamoured by values to do with democracy and human rights, which are universal today but have their origins in the Europe much despised by him.

Given Erdogan's blatantly authoritarian tendencies, and his majoritarian understanding of democracy, rather than the pluralistic understanding that is valid in advanced democracies, it is not clear how Davutoglu will ensure that 'Europe's future is not written without Turkey', provided, of course, he means this in the positive, and not the negative sense.

Given Erdogan's self-avowed intentions for the future, in which he is the sole leader of a country whose powers rest on the ballot box, unconstrained by any checks or balances, Turkey is clearly going to drift further from Europe for the duration that he remains in power.

There is clearly no place in Europe for a Turkey that seems more determined to limit freedoms than to expand them. The same applies for a Turkey where corruption allegations against members of the ruling party are officially buried by means of a co-opted judiciary.

Europe is far from perfect, and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) supporters like to highlight its deficiencies with relish in their thinly disguised attempt to exonerate Turkey of its much more serious and significant shortcomings.

But the values that Europe aspires to and what it has achieved over the past 70 years in overcoming its shortcomings are clear. Nothing today is clear, however, about Turkey's direction if the core values we are talking about are those that pertain to true democracy. One cannot help wonder, therefore, if Europe's future really includes Turkey, as Davutoglu claims." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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