Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-06-10

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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: Seven convergence papers are ready

[02] Akinci met with Ekrem Demirtas; "Natural gas should be used as a catalyst for settlement"

[03] Davutoglu leaves post in procedural move

[04] Preliminary election results announced with objections from parties

[05] Statements by Arinc, Demirtas, Koc and Bahceli on forming a new government

[06] Talat evaluated Turkey's election results and the Cyprus problem

[07] Corendon Airlines decided to suspend it activities in the "TRNC"

[08] The "gang of stolen auto cars" has been overthrown

[09] Turkish Cypriot activists to attend the EU-CELAC summit in Brussels

[10] Four people died and 14 were detained after clashes in Diyarbakir

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Nami: Seven convergence papers are ready

In an interview to the paper given to the journalist Osman Kalfaoglu, Nami said that in the past, the sides used to prepare their positions in different papers, but now they do it together and the reports are submitted to the leaders on behalf of the negotiators.

Nami said that the produced convergence papers are on issues of "power sharing", "governance", "EU" and "property", which were undertaken in the past. He added that they have safeguarded progress on these issues and informed the leaders regarding this.

Speaking to the paper regarding the negotiations and the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), Nami explained that when they say convergence paper, this does not mean that there is consensus on all issues, but in these papers the sides place also their objections or their crossing views.

Nami also said that the sides are focus on the CBMs, which have been announced until now. However after every leaders' meeting the announcement of one-two more CBMs should not surprise anyone, besides this is the target. Nami explained: "Maybe, it will not happen in every meeting, but this is the general aim". He added that they do not want this to be a separate parallel process, but these (CBMs) make sense only when they serve the aim of an essential comprehensive solution. Nami noted that until now they progress well.

Noting that the work done by the technical committees with the UN are a different CBM for the time being, Nami added that the new proposals, which will emerge in accordance with the works of these committees, will be submitted to the leaders for approval.

Nami said that the negotiators are in the screening process now. He added that in some issues, they have safeguarded new progress, however many of these matters will not bring radical changes. He explained that at this stage they are not in a position to say whether what the one or the other side has put to the negotiating table is a radical change from their past positions.

Evaluating the results of the June 7 general elections in Turkey, Nami said that this will not cause any serious trouble in the future with regard to the Cyprus settlement. He added that if there was no clear support from Turkey, they would not have been able to achieve the convergences and the joint statement until now. Nami also said that in general the political parties in Turkey have a consensus in reaching a federal solution to the Cyprus problem.

(DPs)

[02] Akinci met with Ekrem Demirtas; "Natural gas should be used as a catalyst for settlement"

Akinci made the above statement during a meeting he had with the chairman of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Ekrem Demirtas and his accompanying delegation.

The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) Fikri Toros was also present at the meeting.

Congratulating Ak?nc? on his election, Demirtas expressed the view that economies played an important role in peace processes. "When you leave the peace process to politicians, often you can experience deadlocks or stalemates", he said.

Providing the example of Turkey and Greece, Demirtas said that Cyprus had a great potential economically and could become the Singapore of the Mediterranean.

For his part, Ak?nc? praised the activities of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce. Sharing Demirtas's view that the economy was one of the building stones of peace, Ak?nc? said: "We need to find a formula that can safeguard the political stability and equality of the two communities so that they can live together in harmony. Living together on this island is our destiny".

Reminding that the Turkish Cypriots had voted in favor of a settlement back in 2004 whilst the Greek Cypriots had rejected the Annan Plan, Ak?nc? said that since then, time had only served to deepen the division between the two sides.

Touching upon the issue of hydrocarbons, Akinci expressed the view that natural gas should be used as a catalyst for a settlement.

"Common sense dictates to us that we should focus on preparing and planning for the future rather than fighting over the island's natural resources and making threats. Perhaps there is still not enough gas found but it would only be logical to combine the island's natural gas with that from Israel and sending it to Europe via Turkey. Only then can both sides benefit", Akinci added.

Stating that it is very natural that obstacles will emerge in the talks, Akinci said that the important thing is to work towards overcoming them.

(?)

[03] Davutoglu leaves post in procedural move

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved the resignations, which came after the Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost its majority in the June 7 general election, and requested that the cabinet continue its duties until a new government is formed.

Davutoglu resigned as Prime Minister in a cabinet meeting with President Erdogan attending, Dogan News Agency reported.

On the same issue, the paper reports that unofficial consultations between the ruling and the main opposition parties have begun to test the waters as to whether the two bitter political rivals can form Turkey's next government.

Talks between the AKP, which garnered 40.8% of the votes with 258 seats in parliament, and the Republican People's Party (CHP), which took 25% of the vote with 132 seats, are preliminary and unofficial. Talks are being carried out by a group of politicians from the two parties who believe that the AKP-CHP coalition government is the best alternative for Turkey.

Those who are holding talks between the AKP and the CHP are trying to examine the possibility of a coalition government between the two and to determine potential problems before this agreement. An AKP-CHP coalition would be focused on efforts to strengthen the economy, intensify social investments, take steps in expanding freedoms and continue the democratization process, according to the politicians. They also think this coalition would continue to work on the Kurdish peace process as the two parties' views are not very different on the matter.

However, there are also some problematic issues that could block the formation of such a coalition due to conditions from the CHP. The social democratic party is likely demand that four former ministers implicated in a 2013 corruption case be sent to court, and call for effective measures in the fight against corruption.

In addition to other political issues that would complicate the process, Erdogan's stance will also play a crucial role in negotiations between the two parties. One of the CHP's main conditions will be to restrict Erdogan to his constitutionally approved duties, so that he does not intervene in governmental affairs.

Furthermore, Hurriyet Daily News believes that the election of Turkey's new parliamentary speaker will be the first area in which possible coalition options will be tested, while discussion on possible candidates from the four political parties in the legislature has commenced.

According to a draft calendar prepared by the Parliamentary Speaker's Office, the inauguration ceremony of the 550-seated new parliament will take place on June 24, five days after the Supreme Election Board (YSK) is expected to announce the official election results.

Until the new parliamentary speaker is elected, an interim parliamentary speaker's council will be formed with the oldest deputy, Deniz Baykal from the Republican People's Party (CHP) as the interim speaker, and two of the youngest deputies, 26-year-old Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy Fatma Gaye Guler and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputy Tugba Hezer, as the secretary members.

Following the inauguration ceremony, the election of the new Speaker is expected to be held on June 30. The speaker will be elected in as many as four rounds, which could all take place on the same day.

If reconciliation for a coalition is achieved before June 30, then the speaker will most probably be elected accordingly. If the bigger party in the coalition gets the Prime Ministry, the smaller party usually gets the Parliamentary Speaker's post. If this is not the case, the election for the speaker could become more contentious.

While the CHP is expected to keep Baykal as its candidate, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is expected to present Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu or Meral Aksener as their candidate.

From the AKP, the names of Numan Kurtulmus, Ahmet Iyimaya and Mustafa Sentop are being considered.

[04] Preliminary election results announced with objections from parties

Voter turnout reached 84%, according to the official announcement; as 47.5 million out of 56.6 million registered citizens cast their votes. Nearly 1.35 million of the votes, however, were invalid.

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) netted more than 18.86 million votes, 40.87% of the total, as the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) won 24.96% with 11.6 million votes.

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) got 7.6 million votes, or 18.29%, which was higher 6 million votes from the 13.12% of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). But the latter has caught up with the nationalist party in parliament seats, which is linked to the quotas of the country's 81 provinces.

Along with objections to the vote count, the votes abroad, a first for Turkey's general election, has also complicated calculations, as this new input was proportionally distributed to all provinces.

Several independent deputies from Istanbul filed objections to the election results in the city, claiming that the ballots were confusing for voters.

[05] Statements by Arinc, Demirtas, Koc and Bahceli on forming a new government

"Just as we thanked our people for bringing us to power with [almost] 50% [of the votes in 2011 election], we should also respect their decision in this election, although it may be an upsetting outcome," Arinc told reporters Tuesday after attending an art exhibition in the Turkish capital Ankara.

"We need to examine the factors which led to this outcome, and act accordingly. Because we are destined to be in power. We must be in power," Arinc said, adding that the AKP had goals for Turkey not only for 2023 but for 2053 and 2071 as well.

Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 09.06.15) reports that HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtas played down any suggestion of the HDP forming a coalition government with the AKP, saying it will discuss other options.

"What we are clear on is that we will not be in a coalition with the AK Party. What alternatives will we have in that case? We will be discussing all of these alternatives," Demirtas said in remarks to reporters at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on Tuesday before leaving for Ankara.

Demirtas said that a coalition between the AK Party and the main opposition CHP, which came in second place, first needs to be discussed. "While voting, the nation also asked for this [an AKP-CHP coalition]. The nation chose the first and second party and this shows something. We need to see the course of discussions. We the HDP want everyone to know we are aware of the responsibility that the nation has laid on our shoulders and we will carry it."

When asked about the possibility of a coalition proposal coming from another party, Demirtas said they would look at all options if a proposal came. The HDP leader added the party is aware of the responsibility that it has assumed and will not let any instability, chaos, tension or insecurity prevail in the country.

CHP Deputy Chairman and spokesperson Haluk Koc said that the citizens have tasked the opposition parties with restoring democratic institutions and norms in Turkey and addressing the income inequality in society.

Koc underlined that citizens shifted their preference from the AKP to the opposition parties in expectation of overhauling democracy, the rule of law, division of powers and the economy, which were all damaged under AKP rule.

Furthermore, Ankara Anatolia news agency (09.06.15) reports that Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli will gather his leadership Wednesday to "evaluate" the results of Turkey's general election. The meeting will come amid fevered speculation about a possible coalition government in Turkey.

Delivering a message from MHP headquarters after the election, Bahceli said: "The MHP is ready to be a main opposition party in a possible AKP-CHP-HDP coalition".

"Nobody has the right to drag Turkey into [AKP] minority and some circles' scenarios," said Bahceli. "A snap election will happen whenever it happens," he added.

[06] Talat evaluated Turkey's election results and the Cyprus problem

Asked to reply to the question whether he believes that the Cyprus problem will be solved during Akinci's term, Talat said that he cannot be sure about that and added that he considers that more intensified efforts will be exerted towards this direction.

Accusing the former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu of having the vision of the "non-solution", Talat said that in spite of the fact that Eroglu said that he would continue the talks from the point he left them, he did not keep his promises.

Referring to the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) general congress which will be held on June 14, Talat stressed the need for the restructure of the party.

On the results of the Turkish elections, Talat stated that the AKP policies and practices had a serious reflection on the election result. Stating that it is current Turkey which changed Turkey's foreign policy on the Cyprus problem, Talat added that he is concerned on how this period in Turkey will affect the Cyprus problem and the solution.

Reminding that until 2002, Turkey was not in favor of the solution of the Cyprus problem, Talat underlined that it was the AKP government which supported the solution of the Cyprus problem and achieved to turn the de facto situation to a de jure one.

(AK)

[07] Corendon Airlines decided to suspend it activities in the "TRNC"

Corendon Company has brought totally 22 thousand tourists to "north Cyprus" with charter flights from Belgium and mainly from the Netherlands. It has also transferred tourists to the "TRNC" for three-four high seasons from Poland, Denmark, Italy and Hungary. The team of the company which transferred tourists to the "TRNC" has asked to include in its investment activities and hotel management, the management of "Jasmine court hotel" in occupied Keryneia.

According to the paper, the company has asked to rent the hotel and undertake the management of Jasmine court, but due to several bureaucratic obstacles, this process failed and thus the company decided to suspend its entire operation in the "TRNC".

The process has started with the singing of an agreement with the management company of the hotel to hand over the management to Corendon for a period of 10 years (5+5). However, in spite of the fact that the officials of the company applied to all the "official related parts", that is the so-called ministry of finance, the so-called ministry of tourism, the "embassy" and "tourist consultants", due to incomprehensible and unspecified reasons, the "ministry of finance" had a negative stance and did not give the necessary permissions for the process to continue.

The situation caused financial loss and disappointment to the officials of the company who announced yesterday the suspension of their activities in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Commenting on the above development, Sahap Asikoglu, "undersecretary" of the so-called ministry of tourism, described as very negative the withdrawal of the company from "north Cyprus" and said that this issue which is very important should be sent to the "ministerial council" for discussion.

Stating that after this negative development they will unfortunately loose the markets of Belgium and the Netherlands, Asikoglu accused the so-called ministry of finance for its policy and practices towards the issue and said that with their decisions, they are the ones who will lead tourism to "bankruptcy".

Commenting also on the issue, the "chairman" of the "Turkish Cypriot travel agent's union" Orhan Tolun has stated that the fact that the Corendon company has decided to suspend its operation in the "TRNC" is very negative and added that this would have negative effects on "country's economy and tourism sector".

Also, the "chairman" of the "Turkish Cypriot hoteliers' union" Huseyin Aktig said that all tourist operators are considered very important for their sector. He said that they are all responsible for the bureaucratic practices and stressed the need for efforts to be exerted in order to find a solution to this problem.

(AK)

[08] The "gang of stolen auto cars" has been overthrown

According to the paper, the so-called police arrested two persons of Egyptian origin, Ibrahim Arabulucu and Muhammet Abdelghany Mahmoud, while it is still looking for three others. The "police" confiscated also two cars (one is a Toyota Auris) which are considered as illegal.

According to information acquired, the "gang of illegal cars" was cooperating and working both in the "north" and the "south". The smugglers of mainly Japanese cars were stealing the cars from the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus, and after changing the chassis number and the colour of the cars, they cross the machine parts and accessories of the cars as scrap to the "north". At a later stage, after fitting the parts together, they put the cars up for sale. The paper, however, underlines that it is still unknown how and to which route the cars were crossing from the "south" to the "north".

The two persons arrested, appeared yesterday in "court" and were taken into custody for three days (?).

(AK)

[09] Turkish Cypriot activists to attend the EU-CELAC summit in Brussels

According to the paper, the EU-CELAC summits bring together European, Latin American and Caribbean leaders to strengthen relations between both regions.

Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, will chair the summit. More than 61 heads of state or governments are expected to attend.

(AK)

[10] Four people died and 14 were detained after clashes in Diyarbakir

Initial reports have claimed that Baran was attacked by the PKK organization. Meanwhile a group protesting Baran's death gathered in front of the NGO's headquarters and reportedly attacked three journalists, who were injured along with a police officer.

The Science, Service, Cooperation and Research Association (Ihya-Der) chairman was wounded by four bullets and was later transferred to hospital. Baran's lawyer Abdulgani Orhan claimed that his client was called to the police station before the elections and warned of a possible attack by the Patriotic Revolutionary Youth Movement (YDG-H). In the case of an attack, Baran was to call the number he was given by the police, Baran's lawyer said. The police have launched an investigation in the area where the shooting took place.

Baran was reportedly a mentor for the 16-year-old young man, Yasin Boru, who was brutally murdered by pro-PKK groups during last year's October 6-8 clashes, which resulted to the deaths of more than 50 civilians in Diyarbak?r.

The main actors of October 6-8 clashes were again pro-HDP and pro-HUDA-PAR groups.

The YDG-H group denied its involvement in the attack through a Twitter message.

The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democracy Party (HDP) condemned the incidents in Diyarbak?r, stating that whoever is responsible must be brought to justice. The HDP statement also expressed the party's sorrow for Baran's death. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(DPs/ ICh/AA)

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