Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-04-08

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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] Eide to KIBRIS: The situation which was preventing the negotiations ceased to exist

[02] Eroglu, Nami and Olgun evaluated Eide's statements

[03] Eroglu: "Greek Cypriot side wants a leader who will say yes to a solution to be elected

[04] Denktas: "KTFF's' application to become member of the CFA may cause the breakdown of the self-styled government

[05] Ozgurgun: "Eroglu will win the elections from the first round"

[06] KSP' "presidential candidate" Mustafa Onurer excluded from voting in the so-called presidential elections

[07] One out of five young persons unemployed in the breakaway regime

[08] Atalay failed to get nominated as AKP candidate in elections in Turkey

[09] Political parties in Turkey submitted their candidate lists for the forthcoming June elections

[10] Former Secretary-General of OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to run as MHP candidate in Turkey's parliamentary elections

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eide to KIBRIS: The situation which was preventing the negotiations ceased to exist

Eide said that the important thing is not having a crisis because of the content of the negotiations and added that the interruption of the negotiations because of other reasons does not sadden him. He added: "The sides were not talking to each other because of the hydrocarbon crisis. This situation does not exist anymore because of some reasons. There is no drilling, there is no NAVTEX, there is no Barbaros. And this means that we will continue the negotiations from the point we have remained".

Eide noted that the sides should not assume that everything goes well and that they have a lot of time, pointing out that the possibility of experiencing a crisis again always exists.

Asked why the "crisis" was solved in Ankara and not in Nicosia and he brought a message from Ankara in order to overcome the "questions", which President Anastasiades had in his mind, Eide replied:

"Yes, but at the same time I am in Nicosia as well. [?] Turkey is an important and a directly interested neighbor. At the same time, Ankara has a role. The NAVTEX and the Barbaros were activated upon the wish of the Turkish Cypriots, but the owner of the ship is Turkey. What Turkey thinks on this issue is also important. On its basis, this is a Cypriot problem, but I talk to Turkey and Greece as well. I continuously meet with the guarantor power Britain, the members of the UN Security Council, the USA, Russia and the EU. This dispute has both local and international dimensions. The key here is the two communities on the island, and the guarantor powers and the international community come afterwards. [?]"

Asked whether Turkey says that "we did not want to do this [that is, to issue the NAVTEX], but we did it because the Turkish Cypriots asked us so", Eide replied negatively noting that "there is cooperation between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots". He noted that he should talk with both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots in order for being able to see the whole picture and recalled that Turkey maintains 40.000 troops on the island and "a remarkable presence".

Replying to another question, Eide said that no drilling activities will be taking place for a long time, because the companies did not find natural gas and that is why they want to reevaluate the geological model of the area. He added also that the companies cut their expenses because of the decrease of the oil prices internationally.

Eide noted also the following:

"I can say that as long as there is no drilling, there will also be no NAVTEX. I was openly told that if there is no drilling there will be no NAVTEX. The NAVTEX was a response to the drilling, but you have to ask others if there will be a NAVTEX in case the drilling begins.

This situation opened a window of opportunity for us that will last for more than a year and perhaps two years. However, I want to warn those who believe that 'we have plenty of time'. We have a window of opportunity and this window is open. We do not know when this window will close. Therefore, we must not be too relaxed. Let us take a step forward and make use of this opportunity. [?]

I am trying to avoid putting a timetable because I do not want time to become the main issue. However, there is a thought of implementing a progress plan which will be advancing speedily. It is a process very speedy, with not many interruptions and the negotiators will work full time from the beginning to the end. A short period of time for evaluation may be given. We will see where we stand after this period. What I am trying to achieve is to come to a final stage where the final give and take will be held with the contribution of international actors in order to secure opportunity for the solution of some issues. As I said, there are many common views on many issues [?]

There are also [issues that] I call as 'mild disagreements', on which no agreement was reached, but it could be reached with a little give and take. And there are the issues on which the fundamental disagreements exist and it is impossible to build bridges regarding these issues because there is no common path. What you can do here is strategic concessions and these will be exchanged. The climate should be appropriate in order for this to happen. This will emerge not in the beginning, but when we reach the end. We want to reach a point at which the disagreements to be decreased to the minimum. [?]"

Replying to another question, Eide said that the solution to the Cyprus problem will bring growth and stabilize the economy in Cyprus. Asked whether this is valid for the hydrocarbon companies, Eide said: "Definitely. The hydrocarbons are the best example for this. If your economy depends on agriculture, tourism and banking, having a solution on the island is not so important. As long as there is sea, sand and sun, tourists will continue coming. However, if you pass to an economy based on the hydrocarbons, that need different investments and long term thinking and strategy, then the problems of having a divided island will be more evident. [?]".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu, Nami and Olgun evaluated Eide's statements

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side was pleased with the restart of the talks, Eroglu reminded that he has been waiting at the negotiating table since last year.

"Looking at Eide's statements, we understand that Anastasiades has finally agreed to return to the negotiating table. We find Eide's statement and announcement positive", Eroglu said.

Pointing out that the UN Special Adviser had said that 2015 will be a decisive year for the Cyprus negotiations process and that the current window of opportunity could not remain open forever, Eroglu said that Eide's views and evaluations converged with those of the Turkish Cypriot side.

"Mr. Eide stressed in the Q&A session that the hydrocarbons issue did not only concern Cyprus but the region as a whole and should be taken up with all parties concerned. He also pointed out that the Cyprus problem created discontentment within the EU and that it was the general conviction of the international community that the Cyprus problem could not continue to exist. These evaluations are extremely important for the future of the process", Eroglu stated.

Eroglu also expressed the hope that the Greek Cypriot side acts in accordance with the sensitivities that have risen both in the region and the international community. "It is clear that the international community will not tolerate the negotiations to remain open-ended nor will the Turkish Cypriot people continue to accept being the victims of the status quo".

Reiterating the Turkish Cypriot side's commitment to reach a speedy settlement to the Cyprus problem, Eroglu expressed the hope that the Greek Cypriot side will refrain from taking anymore unilateral actions which will jeopardize the outcome of the talks.

Also, so-called foreign minister Ozdil Nami, speaking to illegal BRT's evening news program, has welcomed the decision by the Greek Cypriot leader to return to the negotiating table and the resumption of the stalled Cyprus negotiations process.

Evaluating yesterday's announcement by Eide that the talks could resume following the "presidential elections" in the "TRNC", Nami said that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready to resume with the talks in an intensified manner.

Nami claimed that Anastasiades had turned away from making a big mistake by returning to the negotiations without any preconditions.

Expressing his view that Anastasiades should never have left the talks in the first place, Nami said that there has been no change in the Turkish Cypriot side's position. "It seems that Mr. Anastasiades has accepted returning to the talks without demanding any preconditions. This is pleasing. I only wish all this time wouldn't have been wasted. Anastasiades wasted all this time for nothing", Nami alleged, expressing also the hope that as and when the leaders return to the talks they maintain a speedy, well constructed and result oriented process which respects and recognises past convergences.

Meanwhile, commenting on Eide's statements, the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ergun Olgun has said that Eide' statements in regard to the resumption of the talks after the "TRNC presidential elections", was a good start.

Claiming that the Turkish Cypriot side was fully engaged and committed towards reaching a solution to the Cyprus proble, Olgun said: "The restart of the Cyprus negotiations is today's best news. There are positive aspects mentioned by Mr. Eide".

Claiming that the Cyprus talks had been suspended due to the Greek Cypriot side's unilateral hydrocarbon exploration activities, Olgun said that the UN Special Adviser had emphasized this during his press conference yesterday.

"This is a very constructive stance. It is also important that Mr. Eide reminded that his mission in Cyprus is to help facilitate a settlement to the Cyprus problem. We have conveyed to Mr. Eide that we remain fully engaged and committed towards reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem", Olgun said.

[03] Eroglu: "Greek Cypriot side wants a leader who will say yes to a solution to be elected

"I have experience in various phases the stance and the extreme demands of the Greek Cypriots", Eroglu alleged and claimed that in case a "yes leader" is elected then "the Turkish Cypriot people will lose the chance to live in this land". He also said that the Greek Cypriot side expects him to lose the "elections". "It is because they know what I believe in. They know that I will reflect the expectations and the will of the Turkish Cypriots at the negotiation table", he claimed.

Eroglu also said that if a solution occurs, it is fine. "But if there is no solution, then we will continue the road we have drowned with the people". He also said that his great difference with his other six opponents is that he served as "president" for many years and experienced himself the facts that he is talking about.

(CS)

[04] Denktas: "KTFF's' application to become member of the CFA may cause the breakdown of the self-styled government

In an interview with KIBRIS TV, Denktas said that he does not find "KTFF's" decision to be correct and if the self-styled prime minister does not like his decision, he could remove him from his duty, but then the "government" will collapse.

Denktas argued that the "KTFF's" becoming a member of the CFA prevents the establishment of a Turkish Cypriot "national football team" and weakens the Turkish Cypriots in the negotiations for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem, by being contrary to the position that the two "federal states" should separately hold their sport activities.

Denktas said that the federations which are members of FIFA are autonomous and if the "KTFF" joins the CFA, the regime will not be able to give directly any financial aid to the "federation", but the aid will go to the clubs.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ozgurgun: "Eroglu will win the elections from the first round"

Ozgurgun said that it is not difficult for Eroglu to get the 50% +1 vote needed to be elected from the first round and added that 90% of UBP will support his candidacy. He also said that 40% of the voters are still undecided as regards the person who they will vote for and claimed that if this number is taken into account, Eroglu is easily elected from the first round.

(CS)

[06] KSP' "presidential candidate" Mustafa Onurer excluded from voting in the so-called presidential elections

In statements on the issue to the illegal TAK, the "chairman" of the "Higher Electoral council" Safak Oneri said that despite being registered in the occupied Gerolakkos village last year for the local elections, he had been struck off the list due to a complaint that he did not live in that area.

Having fallen off the list, Onurer omitted to re-register; therefore he is not registered in the electoral ballot at present and will therefore be unable to cast his vote.

Speaking to TAK news agency, Onurer said that they were looking into what could be done. In the last "election period", Onurer had moved from occupied Gerolakkos to occupied Dikomo and despite registering his new address, he thought that this would have electronically registered in the ballot as well.

[07] One out of five young persons unemployed in the breakaway regime

Noting that "one out of five young persons in unemployed", the paper writes that unemployment among the youth is increased every passing day. The number of person among the population who has no work is 8.929 and reached 8.4% according to the DPO data. Unemployment among men is 6.3% and unemployment among women is 12.1%. Occupied Famagusta has the highest unemployment rate (11.2%) and occupied Keryneia the lowest (6.9%).

(CS)

[08] Atalay failed to get nominated as AKP candidate in elections in Turkey

Atalay's personnel social media account noted that Atalay announced that he was unable to win candidacy and wished the other candidates success. He thanked everyone who had shown an interest in him and given him support.

[09] Political parties in Turkey submitted their candidate lists for the forthcoming June elections

Along with Erdogan loyalists, several advisors known as being close to Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are also taken in at the AKP's list.

(?)Some 99 candidates out of the AKP's total 550 candidates are women, while 105 of the AKP's current MPs are not included in the list.

(?)

Among the new names that will run for parliament from the AKP are Mucahit Arslan, a close confidant of Erdogan for decades; Yasin Akdag; Ayd?n Unal, Erdogan's former speechwriter; journalist Mahmut Ovur; and journalist Nuri Elibol.

Current Ministers who were appointed to the cabinet despite not being Deputies - Efkan Ala, Yalc?n Akdogan, and Numan Kurtulmus - have all been nominated to be elected to parliament in June.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's advisors Ali Sar?kaya, Prof. Dr. Vedat Bilgin, Prof. Dr. Emine Nur Gunay, Taha Ozhan, Ertan Ayd?n, and Prof. Celil Gocer are also in the list.

The list also includes Mustafa Isen, a secretary of former President Abdullah Gul.

Ozan Ceyhun, a former German-Turkish European Parliament MP, and Savc? Sayan, a former member of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and adviser to former CHP leader Deniz Baykal, are also among the surprise names on the AKP's list.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (07.04.15) reported that the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has submitted a list of Deputy candidates to the Supreme Election Board (YSK) that includes a high number of women and figures from the media.

In a press conference on Tuesday, CHP spokesperson Haluk Koc said that the top of the party's list for major cities such as Ankara, Istanbul, Bursa, Adana, Izmir and Eskisehir were allocated to women, adding that 103 out of the 550 candidates to run in the June 7 election are women.

He also said that 85% of the names on the party's list were determined according to the preferences of the 760,000 members of the party.

Female candidates include figures such as CHP Deputy Chairwoman Selin Sayek Boke, Zeynep Alt?ok Akatl? (daughter of poet Metin Alt?ok), Selina Ozuzun (a renowned lawyer in the Turkish Armenian community) and CHP Deputy Safak Pavey.

CHP Deputy Mustafa Balbay and member of the CHP general assembly, Tuncay Ozkan, who have journalistic backgrounds, were nominated for the next elections along with new figures from the media.

(?)

Also, according to Turkish daily Sabah (07.04.15) Turkey's pro-Kurdish People's Democracy Party (HDP), announced its upcoming parliamentary candidates on Tuesday and submitted their list to the country's top election authority, the Supreme Electoral Council.

The HDP candidate-list includes many names from Turkey's Alevi community leaders as well as Armenian-origin Turkish citizens. Among four major parties, the HDP has nominated the most female candidates with 268 candidates out of a total 550, followed by Republican People's Party's (CHP) 103 candidates.

The pro-Kurdish political line, currently represented by HDP, used to run for the parliamentary seats with individual independent Deputy candidates in earlier elections, in order to by-pass the 10% national threshold, but in the upcoming June 7 elections, HDP will ? for the first time ever ? enter the race as a unified party.

There are both upsides and downsides to HDP's revolutionary decision. If the party is unable to make the 10% threshold in the elections, they will have no representation in the parliament. But this risk also comes with an advantage, of course: the party's current representation of 35 MPs in the parliament will more than double in size if the party manages to 'break' the national threshold.

In addition to both veteran and young figures of the Kurdish political movement, in constituencies where the HDP is likely to win, candidates vary from socialists to pious Muslims, individuals from ethnic and religious minorities, activists from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) groups, and an outspoken conscientious objector.

Aiming to attract Alevi voters, the HDP nominated senior Alevi opinion leaders and activists such as Muslum Dogan, the president of the Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association (PSAKD), and Turgut Oker, the President of the Confederation of European Alevi Unions (AABK).

(?)

Demirtas and Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Pervin Buldan, a frequent visitor to Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), as part of HDP delegations within the peace process, have been exempted from a rule in the party's internal regulations limiting Deputies to two consecutive terms in parliament.

Accordingly, both Demirtas and Buldan are nominated from Istanbul, while the other co-chair of the party, Figen Yuksekdag, was nominated from Van.

Another frequent visitor of Ocalan, Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Idris Baluken, was nominated from Diyarbak?r, while another visitor, S?rr? Sureyya Onder, was nominated from Ankara.

Dilek Ocalan, the jailed PKK head's niece, was nominated from Sanl?urfa, while prominent Kurdish political figure Leyla Zana was nominated from Agr?.

About 56 million Turkish citizens will vote on June 7 in the country's 25th general elections to elect the 550 members of parliament.

A total of 54,812,423 people are registered to vote in Turkey while 1,103,258 people will be able to cast their votes outside the country.

The Supreme Election Board will announce the final registered list on April 24.

The elections in Turkey will start on June 7 at 08:00 a.m. (0600GMT) and finish at 17:00 p.m. (1500GMT).

Turkish nationals living abroad will be able to cast their votes between May 8 and May 31.

[10] Former Secretary-General of OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to run as MHP candidate in Turkey's parliamentary elections

The list was submitted to Turkey's Supreme Election Board on Tuesday, weeks after MHP leader Devlet Bahceli declared that the MHP would not form a coalition with other opposition parties.

Notable MHP candidates are Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the former diplomat and ex-Secretary of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) who ran against current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey's presidential election last year, and the former head of the Central Bank of Turkey, Durmus Yilmaz, who also served as an economic advisor under former Turkish President Abdullah Gul.

An offer by Mustafa Kamalak, the leader of Turkey's other right-wing party, the Felicity Party (SP), who had suggested forming a joint candidature, was rejected by the MHP.

(?)The MHP won 71 seats in parliament with 14.27% of the vote in the 2011 general elections. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(AC/ AM)

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