Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-11-16

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 alleges that the Greek Cypriots should "internalize the federal understanding"

[02] Erdogan sent a "congratulatory message" to Akinci; He reiterated Turkey's support to the ongoing Cyprus negotiation process

[03] The Vice President of the TGNA describes the breakaway regime as "the most important achievement of the Turkish Cypriots' struggle"

[04] Bahceli alleges that Cyprus is "a Turkish homeland"

[05] Turkish Cypriot political parties evaluate the Cyprus talks

[06] Cavusoglu held a press conference with his German counterpart; Cavusoglu: "Turkey 'fed up' with EU's arrogant attitude"

[07] Celik: "EU's tone against Turkey is not acceptable"

[08] Israel appoints new Ambassador to Turkey after 6 years

[09] Kilicdaroglu condemned AKP for trying to introduce a "dicta regime"

[10] Bahceli echoes Erdogan on Brexit-like referendum; He urged CHP to work together on the new Constitution

[11] "Europe losing leverage on Turkey"

[12] Mausoleum and museum of the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas

[13] The first academic year of the "International Final university"

[14] "Dr Suat Gunsel Girne university hospital" was inaugurated

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci alleges that the Greek Cypriots should "internalize the federal understanding"

"They [the Greek Cypriots] should digest now that a Turkish Cypriot will be able to become president of the partnership republic, even though in rotation. We have digested it a long time ago. If this digestion becomes mutual and the indigestion is overcome, it will be possible for us to create a common ground where everyone could say 'I can submit this to our people with pleasure'. We will see this as of next Sunday. My wish is for their giving response to the steps we make, because now it is said that the Turkish Cypriot side has made a move. If this is so, and it is so, now it is their turn. We should see these steps from them and we should embark for a balanced agreement".

Expressing his satisfaction with the fact that representatives of Turkey's most important institutions joined them during the celebrations for the UDI, Akinci added: "We are conducting the negotiations being in cooperation, solidarity and consultation with you. Our wish is the same as yours, to bury in history the 50-year-old problem".

Pointing to the importance of creating new possibilities for cooperation, Akinci said that no one can benefit from the hostilities in the area, but there are a lot of things for all sides to gain from friendship. Ha alleged:

"Of course, balanced approaches are needed for doing this. I believe that we are exhibiting this by doing the maximum we can. This was happening in the past and it happens now as well. We have always been the side which looked, asked and pushed for a solution. We are at the same point again. However, it is now time for them to reply to these steps we make. This is extremely important. This is a condition for a balanced agreement. It is inevitable".

Arguing that these issues could be solved with balanced behaviors and demands and not with maximalist behaviors, Akinci said that some circles in the government-controlled area of Cyprus, under the leadership of the Church, believe that "the whole island belongs to us and the Turkish Cypriots are fewer in number and should be given minority rights".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Erdogan sent a "congratulatory message" to Akinci; He reiterated Turkey's support to the ongoing Cyprus negotiation process

In his message, Erdogan pointed out the following: "Turkey as a guarantor country in Cyprus with conscious of its historical and conventional responsibilities, continues to support the ongoing Cyprus negotiation process towards the establishment of "a new federal partnership" based on the two equal founding states in the island", in bi-communality and bi-zonality.

"[...] A fair and viable solution in Cyprus is possible to be reached only with a mutual agreement by the sides. The solution of the Cyprus problem will definitely contribute a lot to peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region. I am fully confident that Turkey, which acts in the framework of this spirit, will overcome all obstacles and injustices together with our brothers in the 'TRNC' and we will move forward into a brighter future. Your brothers in Turkey and I personally congratulate you for the 15th of November republic celebrations, and wish to the Turkish Cypriot people happiness, peace and prosperity", Erdogan also said in his message.

Responding to Erdogan's message, Akinci in his message of thanks, wrote the following: "We are nearly at a point of compromise in the last stage of the ongoing Cyprus negotiation talks, which we carry out with your close consultation and mutual support, with the aim to reach to a solution to the Cyprus problem which is prolonged and remains unsolved for years.

In order for our efforts to yield a positive outcome, we consider that the establishment of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal partnership based on two equal founding states that will safeguard the sovereignty of both communities as equals, will be to the benefit of all sides".

Akinci continued and pointed to the importance of the continuation of Turkey's cooperation and close dialogue towards this direction, adding the following: "In a possible solution, it is essential for the TRNC that will take its equal place as a founding partner, to be strong. In order for the solution to be found to be successful, Cyprus, not only the north but also the south, should become an island that as a whole should have close ties and cooperation with Turkey. This situation will open the doors for new positive developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. […]", said Akinci.

(AK)

[03] The Vice President of the TGNA describes the breakaway regime as "the most important achievement of the Turkish Cypriots' struggle"

Addressing yesterday the plenary session of the TGNA, Hamzacebi congratulated the Turkish Cypriots for the 33rd anniversary from the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI).

(I/Ts.)

[04] Bahceli alleges that Cyprus is "a Turkish homeland"

Addressing yesterday the parliamentary group of his party, Bahceli criticized the fact that the Cyprus negotiations are conducted in secrecy, as he argued, and described finding a lasting and just solution as "extremely urgent and important". However, he alleged, it would be a mistake and a scandal to "abandon a Turkish homeland" and "abandon easily and quickly historic rights and interests" with the concessions for reaching an agreement.

"It is certain that the unilateral and unstoppable concessions in the name of achieving peace and stability in Cyprus will make the living area of the Turks smaller, they will cut them off lands which they regard as homeland and distance them from the Mediterranean", he alleged and argued that the Turkish nation and the Turks of Cyprus have the right to know what is discussed in the negotiations conducted in secrecy.

Finally, he claimed the following:

"[…] Especially if the demands of the Greek Cypriot side on the territory and guarantees are satisfied to a certain extent, there is the allegation that an agreement is searched for a Greek to become president for four years and a Turk for two years under a federal roof in the island. Does the TRNC have land to give? If it has, where it is? Is there a preparation to sacrifice Morfou and Karpasia, to which the attention has been turned? If they have been sacrificed or if the existence of a special status is being considered, what will happen with the Turkish presence here? What will be the fate of the Turkish army with the establishment on the island of an international force during the interim period? It should not be forgotten that the Turks of Cyprus is an indispensable part of the Turkish nation. And the TRNC is a Turkish homeland. Those, who say that a solution should be reached, if they make use of the confusion and transfer Cyprus' ownership, will not be able to give account for this, they will never be able to explain it to our martyrs, to those who consider as honor the cause of Cyprus. The president of the TRNC should know that he is facing a historic responsibility".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkish Cypriot political parties evaluate the Cyprus talks

Izzet Izcan, leader of the United Cyprus Party (UBP), said that the negotiations are going through a road that there is no coming back, adding that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci at this stage should enlighten in a certain extent the political parties and the community.

Alpay Durduran, member of the party assembly of the New Cyprus Party (YKP), said that the developments are so few that is not worth even commenting on these.

Tozun Tunali, leader of the Social Democrat Party (SDP), alleged that they see that the Greek Cypriot side is in trouble and it seems that their main problem is Anastasiades. He also claimed that the Greek Cypriot side is seeking slowly ways to escape before the agreement.

Erhan Arikli, leader of the Revival Party (YDP), said that his worries are increased after the meeting of Anastasiades with the Archbishop, where Archbishop stated that he felt relieved.

(DPs)

[06] Cavusoglu held a press conference with his German counterpart; Cavusoglu: "Turkey 'fed up' with EU's arrogant attitude"

"Every day, an EU Foreign Minister comes up and says: 'Let's throw Turkey out, let's throw them out of the negotiations, let's throw them out of NATO.' We don't deserve this treatment. Therefore, let's ask our people and let the people decide," Cavusoglu said. "We are truly fed up with this approach that humiliates Turkey," the Turkish Minister added.

Because of this reaction, "Turkish people put pressure on us to stop these negotiations," Cavusoglu also said.

He further called on Germany to extradite "terrorists" in the country, saying that there were nearly 4,500 files about outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) members.

He asked Germany not to allow PKK members to live in the country.

Steinmeier in his turn said that Germany was addressing the files in line with the country's laws. "It's up to Turkey to decide on fate of EU talks", he added.

Steinmeier held talks in Ankara to ease tensions following a war of words between Berlin and Ankara that have occurred in concert with growing tensions between the EU and Turkey.

He said it was up to Turkey's people to decide whether to continue accession talks with the EU, reaffirming Berlin's "serious concern" at the crackdown after the failed July 15 coup.

Steinmeier said that his talks with the Turkish Minister had "not been easy" and admitted the pair had expressed "divergent views" about the post-coup attempt crackdown in Turkey.

Reiterating that he did not support halting negotiations between Ankara and Brussels, Steinmeier said: "The question of whether Turkey goes closer to, or further away, from Europe is not a decision for Europe or European capitals but should be made in Turkey."

Steinmeier stressed he was in favor of a good and close cooperation with Turkey based on trust, adding that they should not endanger ties between the two countries. "Germany stood by its fight against both the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the PKK", he said, while condemning the July coup attempt.

In a move to calm down Turkish politicians' reaction to statements from Germany on the status of fundamental rights in Turkey after the coup attempt, Steinmeier said that Ankara should not see criticism from Berlin as "a lecture or disrespect for its sovereignty," saying it was in the interest of long-term relations between the two sides.

Steinmeier said further that he expressed concerns regarding "mass detentions, concerns on freedom of expression and freedom of press and purge of thousands of public servants" during his talks with Cavusoglu as part of measures the government adopted after the coup attempt.

Elaborating on accusations by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Germany was harboring terrorist groups such as the PKK and the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), Steinmeier said that he was "irritated, to say the least," by the criticisms.

[07] Celik: "EU's tone against Turkey is not acceptable"

Speaking after his meeting with European Parliament President Martin Schulz, Celik said that Ankara's dialogue channels with the EU are open. "However, we cannot make any progress," he said.

Celik also slammed Brussels for its failure to stand behind the democratically elected government after the July 15 coup attempt. "There was solidarity with France after the terrorist attacks in Paris, which was the correct move. However, we expected the same solidarity from the EU after the failed Gulenist coup attempt, which was even bloodier. However, we did not see any solidarity", he said, adding that Brussels should not use membership talks to blackmail Turkey.

Celik said that the EU should understand Turkey's sensitivities, and should refrain from using exclusive language for Turkey. "However, unfortunately, fugitive terrorists and Deputies have been welcomed in the EU, they are even attending meetings of the European Parliament," he claimed.

[08] Israel appoints new Ambassador to Turkey after 6 years

A spokesman said Eitan Na'eh, Deputy Ambassador to the U.K. since 2013, would be the new Envoy to Ankara. He previously worked in the Ankara Embassy in 1993 and also served as Israel's Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Turkey and Israel renewed ties in June following a six-year split over the attack on the Mavi Marmara aid ship in May 2010, when Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish activists on the Gaza-bound ship.

[09] Kilicdaroglu condemned AKP for trying to introduce a "dicta regime"

"The [change to] a presidential [system] is about a regime discussion. You are changing the regime of the Republic of Turkey," Kilicdaroglu said on November 15 in an address to his party group.

K?l?cdaroglu responded to Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m who earlier said that a shift to presidential system had nothing to do with a regime debate.

"The regime discussion ended in 1923 [at the founding of the Republic]. Nobody is arguing about the Republic. We want to change the Constitution, not the regime," Y?ld?r?m said.

K?l?cdaroglu responded to Y?ld?r?m, arguing that the constitutional amendment which the AKP was proposing would impose a "dicta regime" on Turkey.

"If you crown the republic with a democracy, you strengthen the regime. But if you turn the republic into a dictatorship, then it is a regime change. You [AKP] want to turn the Republic into a dicta [regime]," he said.

"If they come to us asking to strengthen the economy, I promise we will support it. But they are insisting on bringing in a presidential system," he said, stressing that the AKP's aim was to make Erdogan the executive President of Turkey.

"They say we have a man we would like for the [executive] presidency. Why? Because he will be an [executive] President. We don't have a reason, but he has, they say," he said.

(…)

[10] Bahceli echoes Erdogan on Brexit-like referendum; He urged CHP to work together on the new Constitution

"We will certainly not buckle under the EU's systematic intimidations. The people have the word, any decision it will give if asked will be the final decision, and it's binding for everyone," Bahceli said on November 15 in an address to his party group in Parliament.

His comments came after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blasted Schulz, saying that Turkey might appeal to the public to decide on the future of Turkey's EU membership.

"You say 'we will stop the accession talks.' Well, you are already too late. Make your decision immediately. I as the President have said we will be patient until the end of the year. Then we will go to a public [vote]. If the final decision is to be made by the nation, let's ask the people," Erdogan said on November 14.

Schulz, in an interview with Germany's Bild on November 13, said that the EU "should consider what economic sanctions we can take" in response to Ankara's post-coup crackdown, including the arrest of journalists and the pro-Kurdish People's Democracy Party (HDP) co-leaders and lawmakers.

"If Turkey brings back the death penalty, its accession negotiations will end," Schulz said, adding that he was in favor of the continuation of the talks.

The MHP leader criticized European countries and institutions for backing terrorist organizations, especially the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). "Europe's hindering of our counter-terrorism process instead of supporting it is the clearest evidence of how our adventure of accession to the EU is deadlocked," he said.

Bahceli was also very harsh against the Ambassadors of EU countries for attending the parliamentary group meeting of the HDP on November 8 in a bid to give support to the party after its lawmakers were arrested on terror links.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (15.11.16) reported that Bacheli called on the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu to cooperate in working on a new Constitution, while he urged Donald Trump, who won the U.S. presidential elections, to extradite Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of leading the deadly July 15 failed coup attempt by Gulenist Terror Cult (FETO).

Speaking at his party's weekly parliamentary group meeting, Bahceli said that the MHP had received the draft constitution proposal and will review it.

He said that the CHP should not feign reluctance and should work 'hand in hand' to solve the dilemma.

Bahceli also talked about the recent election in the U.S. and said that Trump's election was surprising but reflected the will of the American people and must be respected. "For us, it does not matter who the U.S. President is, what is important is what kind of policies he will implement" Bahceli said, and added that the MHP hopes Trump will support Turkey's fight against FETO and extradite Gulen without preconditions.

[11] "Europe losing leverage on Turkey"

The most recent example of this fading was the warning made by European Parliament President Martin Schulz over the weekend that if the Turkish government does not step back from plans to reinstate the death penalty, Brussels will reevaluate Turkey's membership application and could impose sanctions.

The first answer came immediately on November 13 from Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. 'Go ahead. But if you have the power to do anything then first you should stop the terrorist propaganda in your Parliament building and warn EU countries about harboring terrorists,' Cavusoglu said, referring to Ankara's condemnation of a number of events supported by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and around the EU Commission in Brussels. A court in Belgium also recently ruled that the deadly actions of the PKK, officially acknowledged as a terrorist organization by the EU, were 'not acts of terror,' as the PKK has chosen 'armed struggle' as a method. Indeed, more than 40,000 people have been killed in the PKK's armed campaign against the Turkish government since 1984.

President Tayyip Erdogan raised the bar of criticism further in a speech on November 14 in Ankara. 'What if you are just entirely made up of sanctions', he said. 'This nation is not going to ask you about what it should do. If you want to re-evaluate Turkey's membership application, do it quickly and tell us the outcome. You are the host, so don't expect us to withdraw our case'.

Last week, the government rejected the annual EU progress report on Turkey, which contained a large amount of criticism about the state of the country's media and judiciary, especially after the bloody military coup attempt on July 15. Erdogan said in the same speech that the EU should be 'ashamed' of its 'lack of sufficient support' for the Turkish people, who resisted and defied the coup attempt.

His remarks came one day before German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to Ankara on November 15. Cavusoglu last week confirmed press reports that he had not answered two telephone calls by Steinmeier. He said he wanted Germany to change its attitude regarding both the PKK and the secretive network of U.S.-based Islamist preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of being behind Turkey's coup attempt both by the government and the opposition.

Previously, warnings from the EU could be expected to have a certain impact on decision-making in Ankara. There are countless examples of that in the past. But over the last 10 years the EU has started to lose its political leverage, constantly showing the stick with no carrot in sight.

In particular, unkept promises by the EU over the 2004 Cyprus deal, as well as its changing of the rules during the game by deciding to open chapters one by one - instead of negotiating them as a whole as in the case of former candidates - mean that very few chapters have been opened so far. The critical chapters 23 and 24 concerning judicial independence and rights and freedoms, have not been opened because of a Greek Cypriot veto on them.

That is why the social democratic main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), for example, is also criticizing the EU over its apparent lack of democratic solidarity with the Turkish people beyond hollow rhetoric.

The CHP, which stood by the government against the coup attempt and stands by it against the wave of terrorism mainly sponsored by the PKK and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), has also been ringing alarm bells. It argues that President Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) are using the post-coup sympathy in society to simply enhance their power and silence dissident voices. The CHP criticizes the government for trying to put pressure on the judiciary and the media, using decree laws within the framework of the state of emergency imposed after the defeated coup attempt.

There is another key threshold in relations between Turkey and the EU: The refugee deal. A deal was signed in March 2016 regarding control over the flow of refugees into the EU triggered by the civil war in Syria in return for introducing visa flexibilities for Turkish citizens within Schengen state countries.

Since the deal was signed, the coup attempt took place and a lot of other factors have changed. Turkey says it cannot change its anti-terror law, the last remaining item on the to-do list for the visa deal, because of the state of emergency in a country still suffering the trauma of a coup attempt and subject to constant acts of terrorism. The terms of the deal expire at the end of 2016 and it has to be renewed. Perhaps that renewal is the last chance to save relations between Ankara and Brussels, with all their strategic dimensions.

"Wait until the end of the year," Erdogan said in his speech yesterday. "Then we can go and ask the people, just as the British did [in the Brexit referendum]."

[12] Mausoleum and museum of the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas

Delivering a speech during the ceremony, Turkey's Minister in charge of Cyprus affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Tugrul Turkes claimed that "not only was Rauf Raif Denktas the founding president but an exemplary leader who fought for quality and freedom". He also said that the great statesman Rauf Raif Denktas' position can never be fulfilled and added that his final resting place is in the hearts of the Turkish Cypriot "people". "He will continue to exist in the hearts of the people", Turkes concluded.

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in his address at the ceremony, referred to Denktas' humble personality and shared some of his memories with the late leader. "He loved taking photos and was very conscious of his surroundings. He sent me a picture and a poem once and I have kept them, they are very precious to me", Akinci added.

Akinci concluded by saying: "A great duty falls upon us. As a state we must protect his mausoleum and museum. There shouldn't be any beer bottles or rubbish, there should be flowers all year round. We must be environmentally conscious. The late president was very conscious of the environment and we can show our respect by keeping his surroundings clean. This area should be planted with trees and roses".

[13] The first academic year of the "International Final university"

The "rector" of "final international university" Prof. Dr Abdullah Y. Oztoprak, in the opening ceremony, said that the "final international university" was established with the partnership of the BMG Acapulco group and the Final Education Institutions, which are one of the most important education institutions in Turkey.

Prof, Dr Oztoprak also said that the "university" has three faculties with seven departments and 100 students have been enrolled for this year and the 80 of them are from 12 different countries.

(DPs)

[14] "Dr Suat Gunsel Girne university hospital" was inaugurated

In the ceremony, former Turkish Cypriot Dervis Eroglu as well as "ministers" of the "coalition government" of the breakaway regime participated.

The new hospital is four-storey building in two blocks with 150 total bed capacity.

(DPs) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(AK/AM)

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