Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-04-06

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] Akinci: "We need a government that will uphold the interests of the Turkish Cypriots above everything else"

[02] Akinci met with the four political parties in the "parliament" after the collapse of the "coalition government"

[03] Independent "deputies" on the formation of a new "coalition government"

[04] Akinci will address the 19th Eurasian Economic summit in Istanbul

[05] The Turkish Cypriot press publishes the draft of the "economic protocol" between Turkey and the breakaway regime for 2016-18

[06] Contrary to his party, CTP's Akansoy defends the "economic protocol" between Turkey and the breakaway regime for 2016-18

[07] The Turkish Cypriot "jurists" oppose to the inclusion of the "judiciary" in the provisions of the "economic protocol" with Turkey for 2016-18

[08] DEV-IS: "The economic protocol will erase the Turkish Cypriots

[09] General Akar confirmed the withdrawal of Turkish army from the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[10] The regime is preparing to pass "laws" threatening the rights and freedoms

[11] The Speaker of Jordan's House of Representatives visited the Turkish Cypriot companies at the Arabuild Exhibition 2016

[12] Low interest for the "white identity card"

[13] Turkish and Israeli delegations will meet in Geneva to finalize normalization

[14] Erdogan: PKK supporters could be stripped of citizenship

[15] Columnist wonders whether Davutoglu fell from Erdogan's grace

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: "We need a government that will uphold the interests of the Turkish Cypriots above everything else"

Mustafa Akinci has said that what they need is a "government" which will uphold the interests of the Turkish Cypriots above everything else.

Speaking before departing for Istanbul this morning, he said that the Turkish Cypriots need a "government" which could pass reforms, which should focus on the solution of the Cyprus problem and find solutions on domestic issues.

"None of the party leaders I met with yesterday claimed that they had the sufficient majority to receive a vote of confidence in parliament. They all requested a couple of days to hold contacts with each other so as to come to an agreement on a suitable government model. I'm hoping the picture will become clearer by Friday so that I may decide on whom to give the mandate to" he said.

Responding to questions, he said that "the process to set up a new government was proceeding in a manner dictated by the constitution".

He also expressed the view that the establishment of a "government" as soon as possible was for the benefit of everyone.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (06.04.16) reports that speaking after the meetings he held with the Turkish Cypriot parties that are represented in the "assembly", Akinci stated that the formation of a new "government" will be important for the solution procedure that is taking place now which is extremely important for the future of the Turkish Cypriots and for solving domestic issues. He also stated that it will be important for him to be in good terms and co-operate with the new "government".

[02] Akinci met with the four political parties in the "parliament" after the collapse of the "coalition government"

Speaking during the meeting, Akinci said that he will launch the necessary contacts for the establishment of a new "government".

Following the meeting, Akinci met in turn with the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Mehmet Ali Talat, the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun, the leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Serdar Denktas and the leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit.

In a short statement after his meeting with Akinci, Talat said that they are prepared to take on responsibility and as the largest party in power they are prepared to serve the people, find solution to problems in the "country" and support the ongoing Cyprus negotiations process. "We are prepared to take on responsibility but the president (editor's note: the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci) will decide who will be appointed with establishing the new government", Talat added.

After his meeting with Akinci, Ozgurgun said that Akinci had asked his views on the issue of setting up a new "government". He said that Akinci will continue his meetings with the political parties when he returns from Istanbul on Friday.

Responding to a question as to whether or not the UBP has asked to be given the mandate to form a new "government", Ozgurgun said that "it is the president which has full authority and that they had made no such request".

Following his meetings with the CTP and UBP leaders, Akinci met with the leader of the DP Serdar Denktas.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Denktas said that the possible scenarios for a new coalition government are clear as no political party has a clear majority in "parliament". He expressed the view that a coalition model will emerge by the weekend and that this should be done without too much delay. Denktas also said that "forming a new coalition will be easy once the president shows the way", adding that they are open to all offers.

Akinci held his last meeting with the leader of the TDP Cemal Ozyigit. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the TDP leader said that politics in the "country" have reached a deadlock and that the current makeup of the "parliament" does not represent the political will of the people. Ozyigit further said that the TDP is insistent on holding early elections which he added should be the priority of any coalition to be formed.

Also touching upon the issue of the economic protocol, the TDP leader said that the details of the protocol have just emerged in the press today (yesterday) and that under no circumstances his party will join a partnership where it will be forced to put its signature under the protocol. "We shall not mortgage the future of the Turkish Cypriot people. Let our sensitivities on this issue be known", he added.

Ozyigit also said that they will be discussing the issue both with the other parties as well as at the party assembly on Thursday.

[03] Independent "deputies" on the formation of a new "coalition government"

Hasan Tacoy stated that the only scenario he sees to be realized it is a coalition between the National Unity Party (UBP) and the Democratic Party (DP) and stated that he would support such a co-operation.

On his part, Onder Sennaroglu stated that he will support any "government: that will be established and stated that it is extremely important a new coalition to be formed the soonest possible. He also said that there is no time to lose and together with "motherland Turkey", should work aiming to overcome any difficulties.

Finally, Faiz Sucuoglu, "deputy" with UBP said that the aim of the new "government" is to come along with Turkey. "Our aim is not to form a government despite Turkey but to establish a government that will get along with Turkey", he said.

(CS)

[04] Akinci will address the 19th Eurasian Economic summit in Istanbul

Akinci, who attends the summit as guest of the Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation, will also deliver a speech. He will return to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Friday morning.

(DPs)

[05] The Turkish Cypriot press publishes the draft of the "economic protocol" between Turkey and the breakaway regime for 2016-18

The details of the "protocol" had been announced the day before yesterday by Kanal Sim television. The full text of the draft is published also in daily Yeni Duzen today (06.04.16) and in Detay newspaper's website.

Under the title "What is included in the draft of the Turkey-TRNC protocol", Halkin Sesi publishes the main provisions of the draft "protocol", which are the following:

- The retirement age will increase to 65 (the retirement age in the occupied area increased seven years ago).

- The "electricity authority" will be divided in three enterprises and the distribution will be privatized in December 2017.

- The contributions to the "social insurance" and "providence" funds will increase.

- A new penalty under the name of "probation tax" will be imposed in the debts owed to the "state".

- The professional "chambers" will not submit documents during the tender procedures.

- The personnel expenses of the "municipalities" will not exceed 35% of their budget.

- The funds will be totally and urgently abolished.

- The ratio of the personnel expenses to the local income will decrease from 80% to 70%.

- The contributions to the "providence fund" will be equalized.

- The business tax will increase.

- The bankruptcy and foreclosure system will be speeded up.

- Turkey's judiciary system will be implemented in the occupied area of Cyprus.

- A mediation institution will be established before disputes going to "court".

- A public transportation company will be established with the participation of the "municipalities".

- The fees in the health sector will increase and an additional "participation fee" will be taken.

- The pensioners who will start working again will pay an insurance contribution but this money will not influence their pension.

- Public land will more easily be given to foreign investors in the field of tourism.

- The operation of the ports will be transferred to the private sector.

- The infrastructure and the services in the telecommunications will be transferred to a public-private partnership.

- The price supports on agriculture will be abolished.

- The organizations for agricultural products and dairy products (TUK and SUTEK respectively) will be turned into "intervention institutions".

- Private insurance will be implemented in agriculture.

- The overtime work will be terminated in the "ports" and "customs" and the two-shifts system will be implemented.

- Companies with foreign partners will be granted "permit" for transport/carrying vehicles.

- The "state planning organization" will be abolished".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Contrary to his party, CTP's Akansoy defends the "economic protocol" between Turkey and the breakaway regime for 2016-18

In statements to Diyalog TV yesterday, Akansoy argued that except for the part concerning the "electricity authority" (KIB-TEK) everything which was included in the "protocol" are "texts suggested to us by experts of the World bank and the European Union". Akansoy criticized what he called as a "complex" of those who complain that this ["protocol"] has come from Turkey.

Akansoy argued that the "public" sector and the "social insurance" have collapsed and measures should be taken.

The paper writes that Akansoy seemed very annoyed by the "inconsistent and frail criticism" and noted that "the realities should be discussed now". "There is no incoherent situation in the economic protocol", he argued adding that he was surprised by the National Unity Party's (UBP) withdrawal from the "government", because there was absolutely no concrete reason for this.

Akansoy claimed that the only problematic situation in the "protocol" concerns "KIB-TEK" and added that the discussions on this issue had come to a certain point ten days ago and the process was advancing. He noted that he had visited the Turkish "ambassador" in the occupied area of the island, who also told him the same thing. Arguing that technical issues remained on two points, Akansoy claimed that Turkey says that the issue of "KIB-TEK" is not urgent for them and expressed the view that the big "quarrels" on the "protocol" are wrong.

(I/Ts.)

[07] The Turkish Cypriot "jurists" oppose to the inclusion of the "judiciary" in the provisions of the "economic protocol" with Turkey for 2016-18

In statements yesterday during the oath ceremony of some "judges", Sefik described as "unacceptable", wrong and "contrary to the constitution" to discuss the independence, impartiality, accountability and transparency of the "judiciary" under a chapter titled "the way of action as regards the judiciary" in an environment where the "supreme court of justice" is not represented.

Expressing her sorrow about the information that provisions for the regime's "judiciary" are included in the "economic protocol" with Turkey, Sefik said that asking to include the "judiciary" in an economic package is incomprehensible. She noted that the "supreme court of justice" is responsible for the general and orderly operation of the "judiciary".

She finally said that she would issue a statement when she is "officially" informed and noted that she does not want to believe that such an issue is included in the "economic protocol".

Moreover, according to the same paper, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot "bar association", Unver Bedevi also reacted on the same issue saying that he could not understand the inclusion of the "judiciary" in the "economic protocol".

Bedevi stressed on the importance of the "judiciary's independence" and the "rule of law". He said that they are extremely sensitive on this issue and they will struggle until the end for the "judiciary's independence". Bedevi said that the "judiciary" in the occupied area of the island faces many problems due to lack of financial resources, but transferring the negative practices from Turkey to the occupied area will not contribute to the solution of these problems.

(I/Ts.)

[08] DEV-IS: "The economic protocol will erase the Turkish Cypriots

DEV-IS stated that the efforts that are taking place regarding the economic protocol are towards putting an end to the identity, existence and will of the Turkish Cypriots.

Commenting on the collapse of the "government" and the efforts of forming a new coalition, DEV-IS stated that any "government" that will be formed is not as important as safeguarding the interests of the Turkish Cypriots. It went on and added that "the privatization of state departments like telecommunication or the rumors for closing down the state development organization, in the framework of the new protocol, shows that there is an intervention to the legal system".

(CS)

[09] General Akar confirmed the withdrawal of Turkish army from the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

The paper reported that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government made a lot of amendments in the laws regarding the army, adding that soldiers are extracted from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on the grounds that they are involved with "reactionary activities".

It is reported that one important part of the Turkish army in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus was withdrawn, adding that one of the two battalions from Alevkaya area (Transl. note: as an area near occupied Chartzia village is named by the regime) has been sent to Sirnak's Beytussebap district in Turkey. Ozturk argued that the dispatching of this military unit to Turkey was an important step of reducing the Turkish army while the Cyprus talks are going on.

Ozturk writes in his today commentary (06.04.16) that the Ertugrulgazi Ozkurkcu, the Head of the Turkish General Staff's information department, conveyed a message by General Hulusi Akar, Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, confirming that a Turkish battalion from the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus consisting of very highly educated and trained non-commissioned officers was sent to Sirnak's Beytussebap district. Their duty is reportedly to protect the base. When their duty is completed, they will be sent back to the "TRNC", it is said.

According to the announcement, this withdrawal has nothing to do with the Cyprus talks.

(DPs)

[10] The regime is preparing to pass "laws" threatening the rights and freedoms

The "draft-laws" to which Mamali was referring provide for wiretapping of phone conversations, rewarding informers who help the "police" etc.

Mamali described these "draft-laws" as problematic and added that these are seriously threatening the rights and freedoms.

(I/Ts.)

[11] The Speaker of Jordan's House of Representatives visited the Turkish Cypriot companies at the Arabuild Exhibition 2016

According to a press release by the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" (KTSO), Taravine, during the visit which was held the previous day, thanked the Turkish Cypriot companies for the interest they have showed in the fair for the reconstruction of Gazza. Taravine had also exchanged views with the representatives of the companies for their products.

Meanwhile, the attending companies in the fair had a meeting with M. Muder Tirhi, an official of the "Palestinian contractors association", where they exchanged views on getting in contact with the companies in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus which are related to the construction sector.

According to the press release, it was revealed that members of the contractors association will visit the manufacturing facilities and a part of the material that will be used for the reconstruction of Gazza will be supplied by the "TRNC". It is reported that the visit may be on September or October after the necessary initiatives.

Furthermore, the responsible on foreign affairs and fairs of the "KTSO" Caglar Turk will visit the Amman Trade of Commerce, as well as the Associations of Arabic Businessmen and Jordanian Businessmen.

(DPs)

[12] Low interest for the "white identity card"

The paper writes that some representatives of civil society organizations stated that the card is just "empty promises" and argue that it erase the rights won by persons who lived in the breakaway regime for years having a working permit. They even stated that Turkey has called them on not to apply for the white identity card.

Speaking to Havadis, various representatives of settlers associations stated that they are against the card.

Mehmet Ipek, the chairman of the "solidarity and culture association" of the settlers coming from Alexandretta stated that the white identity card does not give any hope or any promise for the future.

On his part, Bertan Zaroglu, chairman of the "Alexandretta Culture Association" said that "this is the worse, the most unjust and unnecessary law" and added that he calls from every platform to people not to apply for the white identity card.

Mesut Ayar, chairman of the "Gaziantep Culture and solidarity association" said that the "government" has not informed the persons of interest about the new law and did not ask their opinion on the issue.

(CS)

[13] Turkish and Israeli delegations will meet in Geneva to finalize normalization

Turkey and Israel started talks to normalize diplomatic relations during a meeting in Switzerland in early February, and delegations from the two countries will continue the efforts to successfully finalize it on Tuesday. According to Israeli sources, there have been several draft statements regarding provisions of the normalization agreement exchanged between Turkish and Israeli officials since the latest meeting.

Speaking to Daily Sabah on Tuesday, Dr Gallia Lindenstrauss from the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Israel drew attention to the positive attitudes from both the Turkish and Israeli sides and Dr Fahrettin Altun, the Istanbul coordinator for the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), said that although it is an ongoing process, normalization between the two countries is necessary. Additionally, Salom newspaper columnist Karel Valansi similarly touched on the positive attitude in the meetings, saying: "A deal is possible with the good will of both sides."

According to reports in the Israeli Haaretz daily, the Wednesday meeting is considered a first in diplomatic traffic due to a meeting being signalled by the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rather than being announced through media outlets. Although the location of the meeting is expected to be in Geneva, like the previous meetings, it is still undecided.

[14] Erdogan: PKK supporters could be stripped of citizenship

"Perhaps we are dying one by one, but at least we are killing them in their tens, twenties and thirties. This is continuing like that. We have to be resolute in taking all measures to incapacitate supporters of the terror organization, including stripping them of their citizenship. They cannot even be our citizens", Erdogan said in an address to lawyers in Ankara for Lawyer's Day.

Davutoglu also swiftly followed in the footsteps of Erdogan, saying nobody should expect their ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government to take the PKK as an "interlocutor".

"Nobody should expect from us to address the terror organization who have arms and blood on their hands as an interlocutor. From now on, we have a single interlocutor; that is our nation and each individual of our nation", Davutoglu said April 5.

[15] Columnist wonders whether Davutoglu fell from Erdogan's grace

"There are five main issues on which Erdogan does not hesitate to express his non-satisfaction with the performance Davutoglu's government has shown so far.

One of them is the fight against terror. First thing President Erdogan did in his return from the United States was to convene a security meeting with the participation of senior military and civilian authorities to discuss the recent rise in the number of casualties given in the fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). This meeting came as some newspapers have quoted Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as saying that the government was thinking to de-freeze the peace process with the Kurds if the terrorists would drop their arms.

President Erdogan openly challenged Davutoglu in his public statement on the same day his words appeared in the media, by saying that there were no any other options than fully defeating terrorists. The Prime Minister had to echo Erdogan's line on April 5, a complete backtrack on what he had said over the weekend.

The second thing Erdogan is not very happy with is the government's delay in taking steps for the removal of specific lawmakers' immunities. In his statement on April 5, Erdogan openly expressed that he was failing to understand why the government was not taking an initiative on this issue.

Third is on the new Constitution. President Erdogan has long been pushing the government to launch a campaign to promote the presidential system to ready the public opinion for a potential referendum.

Erdogan's pressure on Davutoglu has yielded results as the Prime Minister announced that works by the AKP for the writing of the new Constitution have started with the objective of accomplishing the process before the end of June. Another contentious area in regards to the new Constitution will be how the draft will define the presidential system, duties and responsibilities of the President as well as checks and balances mechanisms. Speaking to reporters a week ago, Davutoglu described a presidential system to be strictly controlled by a strong check and balances mechanism. It's not yet sure whether this definition will suit what Erdogan has in mind.

The fourth issue is the fight against the parallel structure. There are a number of indications showing Erdogan's uneasiness with the effectiveness of the fight against the parallel structure within the state. Prime Minister Davutoglu's decision to hold a separate meeting to discuss additional measures in this fight is surely an attempt to ease Erdogan's concerns.

Fifth point in this scope has been voiced by Erdogan on April 5 in response to Davutoglu's statement that he was in principle against of pre-trial detentions, apparently referring to academics who have been arrested after they signed a petition on issues concerning the fight against terror. "Why shouldn't academics be detained?" Erdogan asked in his statement, openly challenging the Prime Minister after he said "Turkey should consider stripping supporters of terrorism of their citizenship"." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(DPs/AM)

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