Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-12-12

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] Death toll rises to 44 in Istanbul

[02] Erdogan, Yildirim and political parties contemned the terror attack in Istanbul

[03] "National mourning" is declared in the occupied area of Cyprus following the bomb attacks in Turkey; How the press covers the issue

[04] Cavusoglu said the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot side did not make any concessions on the issues of political equality, security and guarantees

[05] Burcu repeats agreement on Geneva talks

[06] The leftist political parties responded positively while the rightist ones will evaluate the invitation to attend the Cyprus summit in Geneva

[07] Talat: "China, Russia and France have no business in Geneva"

[08] Ertugruloglu accuses the German ambassador of trying to influence young people to vote "yes" in a possible referendum

[09] Akinci met with the Dutch Ambassador

[10] Data by the "Turkish embassy" about the economy of the breakaway regime in 2015

[11] Turkish Cypriot columnist criticizes Turkish "ambassador's" statements on the economy

[12] International Cittaslow President and International General Director attended "Mother Earth festival" in the occupied area of Cyprus

[13] General strikes in the occupation regime to continue this week

[14] Total number of illegal universities' graduates

[15] AKP and MHP submitted a 21-article constitutional amendment proposal

[16] Over 100 local HDP officials rounded up on terror charges

[17] Turks angry with US, EU over lack of cooperation against terrorism

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Death toll rises to 44 in Istanbul

Some 36 police officers were among the victims, Akdag said.

The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), an offshoot linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), claimed responsibility for the attack on Dec. 11.

Ankara Anatolia news agency (11.12.16) reported that on Saturday evening, two explosions rocked Istanbul's European side. Outside a football stadium in Istanbul's Besiktas district, a car bomb was detonated two hours after the end of a Turkish league football match between Besiktas and Bursaspor.

Seconds later, a suicide bomb attack occurred in Macka Park in the same neighbourhood. The suicide bomber blew himself up when spotted by police, according to Soylu.

Moreover, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 11.12.16) reported that a top-level security meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was concluded on Sunday in Istanbul, following Saturday's terror attack, according to presidency sources.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Deputy Prime Ministers Numan Kurtulmus, Veysi Kaynak and Tugrul Turkes, as well as several ministers also attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 11.12.16) reported that according to the Turkish Armed Forces, Turkish warplanes destroyed some 12 outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) targets in an air strike conducted late on Dec. 11 in northern Iraq.

During a 50-minute air operation in the Zap region, some 12 PKK targets, including a command centre and gun emplacements nearby, were destroyed with 24 shots, the military said.

The air strike comes just hours after the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), an offshoot linked to the PKK, claimed responsibility for the Dec. 10 twin bombings in Istanbul.

[02] Erdogan, Yildirim and political parties contemned the terror attack in Istanbul

"No one should doubt our fight against terrorism," Erdogan told reporters on Sunday outside a hospital where he visited the wounded.

"We are the owners of this country and will not leave it to those scums if they aim to scare us with such attacks," he added.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, who also visited wounded at another hospital, said the Istanbul terror attack would strengthen the government's determination to fight against terrorism.

"This nation has the will and power to rid the country of PKK, PYD, YPG, DHKP-C [far-left terror group], [Fetullah Terrorist Organization] FETO, and all other terrorist groups," Yildirim said.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 11.12.16) reported that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the main opposition Republican's People Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) today issued a joint statement in Turkey's Parliament, saying they are "in full support" of the security forces in the fight against terrorism, following the bombings in Istanbul.

"The terrorists will be destroyed and they will be held accountable. We particularly say that we share this deep pain, leaving aside all different political opinions", read part of the statement, which did not include the Kurdish issue-focused Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

HDP lawmaker Meral Danis Bestas read her party's own statement, saying it sought for "cooperation not dissolution".

[03] "National mourning" is declared in the occupied area of Cyprus following the bomb attacks in Turkey; How the press covers the issue

Daily Kibris refers to the issue under the title "Our heart was hurt" and reports that both Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci and "prime minister" Ozgurgun issued messages of condolences for the Turkish people and that a one day "national mourning" was declared in the victims' memory.

Under the title "Blood of innocent people", daily Afrika reports that "innocent people in Turkey pay with their blood the heavy price for the policies of Erdogan's dictatorship which lack reason both inside and outside the country". The Kurdish "armed revenge organization" named "TAK", which is not bound to the PKK, issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attacks. The statement declares that "a peaceful life should not be expected in Turkey as long as Turkey's and AKP's fascism submits the mothers in Kurdistan to torture, plays with the dead bodies of young girls and murders children".

Under the title "The damned face of terror: 38 dead", Havadis reports that 30 police officers were among those who lost their lives during the attacks. Turkish Cypriot political parties, trade unions and organizations condemned the attacks.

Under the title "There is a wish to light the Middle East fire in Turkey", Yeni Bakis refers to statements made by international relations expert Ali Uncu, who argues that the internal disorder in Turkey will make many countries happy and that the attacks will lead Turkish tourism and Turkish lira to a further decline. This will influence the occupied area of Cyprus, as a decrease in the number of tourists from Turkey may be observed, he notes.

Other front page titles:

Halkin Sesi: "Turkey cries for its victims"

Democrat Bakis: "We are cursing"

Star Kibris: "We are mourning"

(I/Ts.)

[04] Cavusoglu said the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot side did not make any concessions on the issues of political equality, security and guarantees

Addressing the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the Turkish Foreign Minister said that the Cyprus negotiation process was being carried out in transparency. He said that there was full consensus within the Turkish side regarding the framework of the agreement to be reached as well as the need to introduce a timetable for the talks.

"Reaching a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus on the basis of political equality does not mean that Turkey or the TRNC will compromise their principles. Part of what you have been saying are the demands of the other (Greek Cypriot) side but this does not mean that the Turkish Cypriot side has said 'yes' to those demands. It was because the Turkish Cypriot side did not say 'yes' that the Greek Cypriot side requested a timeout from the first round of talks in Mont Pelerin and why they left the table in the second round. They only decided to return to the table after seeing the Turkish Cypriot side's determined stance", he argued.

Underlining the importance of introducing a timetable in the talks, Cavusoglu reiterated that the Cyprus negotiation process could not continue open ended and added: "Of course we cannot negotiate this way forever. The talks started, they have proceeded but now it is time for a timetable. Irrespective of whether or not the talks will succeed, everyone needs to see what is ahead of them. The aim is not to pressure or rush anyone but to negotiate indefinitely is not possible. We have made no concessions, particularly on the issue of security and guarantees".

[05] Burcu repeats agreement on Geneva talks

In a written statement issued yesterday, Burcu repeated that the agreement, as announced by the United Nations, was that talks between the two sides would begin on January 9 before phasing into a 5 party conference on the January 12 with the participation of the three guarantor powers, Turkey, Greece and the UK.

"The solution of the Cyprus problem and the meeting of all 5 parties who are directly involved in the Cyprus Issue, will be sufficient to convene the conference on Cyprus", he said, adding that other concerned parties could be invited to the table if the need arise.

Burcu said that any statements contradicting the agreement that was reached between the sides were false.

He said that speculative news reports, citing official sources, were published and circulated on the Greek Cypriot side.

[06] The leftist political parties responded positively while the rightist ones will evaluate the invitation to attend the Cyprus summit in Geneva

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci had announced on Thursday that the talks had reached a certain level of maturity and that representatives of political parties in "parliament" could accompany him to Geneva for the international conference if they so wished.

The leader of the Democrat Party (DP) and self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas said that they would decide whether or not to attend following an evaluation of a draft document outlining the progress reached in the talks to date. "Will we be going there as puppets or will we have the opportunity to convey our views to the negotiating team? This is what I would like to know. We will decide whether or not to attend when we receive an answer to these questions", he said.

The leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhurman said that they would attend the conference if invited and would be ready to extend their support if required.

The leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit said that they would attend the Geneva talks if invited.

On the same issue, the National Unity Party (UBP) has not taken up a position yet on this issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.12.16) reported.

[07] Talat: "China, Russia and France have no business in Geneva"

"If they want to be informed, they will receive information; but they have no place at the negotiation table", he stated. He added that the agreement to be reached would include the three guarantor countries, Turkey, the UK and Greece, and claimed that if the UN Security Council was involved in the process, Cyprus could turn into Syria.

"What is interesting for China (on the issue)? What is interesting for Russia or France? They did not play a positive role in Cyprus anyway. The participation of the permanent members of the UN Security Council is not accepted", he said.

Asked about the participation of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in the meeting, Talat said that it is extremely important and an indication of the Turkey's support tothe solution process. He added that Greece will have to participate in the summit at the same level as well and said that it is very possible that the summit will have a positive outcome in the end of this procedure.

(CS)

[08] Ertugruloglu accuses the German ambassador of trying to influence young people to vote "yes" in a possible referendum

The "ministry" issued a written statement condemning the German ambassador, who had allegedly invited members of the Trade Union Platform and urged them to organize demonstrations and strikes until the National Unity Party – Democratic Party (UBP-DP) "coalition government" is overthrown. After this meeting, argues the paper, the Platform stated on Friday that the demonstrations and the strikes must continue until the "government" is gone.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (11.12.16) referred to the issue under the title "Interference in the referendum by the German ambassador" and reports that the self-styled foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu stated that there were received complaints that the German ambassador visited a school and called on the students to vote "yes" in a possible referendum, that his "ministry" took the necessary actions and called the Ambassador to the "ministry", but that he refused to go.

Addressing the "assembly" during the discussion of the budget" of his "ministry", Ertugruloglu alleged that the Greek Cypriots may be forced to vote "yes" to a solution, but they will try to spoil the "unwanted partnership". Referring to the "representations" of the regime abroad, he said that there are 24 "missions" and that they will hire 20 more persons. The "ministry's budget" for 2017 is 50.309.500 Turkish liras.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Akinci met with the Dutch Ambassador

The meeting took place at the so-called presidential palace. No statements were made before or after the meeting.

(AK)

[10] Data by the "Turkish embassy" about the economy of the breakaway regime in 2015

According to the "ambassador", the fact that there were four "governments" in three years created instability and negatively affected the program's implementation.

Kanbay also called on the Turkish Cypriots to take the example of the successful program imposed by Troika in the south, as he called the Republic of Cyprus.

In addition, Kibris (11.12.16) writes that according to the data included in a report prepared by the "Turkish embassy" on the economic state of the "TRNC" in 2015, unemployment is higher among people with higher education.

According to the report, 12,3% of workers are employed in the "public service" and 10,5% in education, which shows that one out of four persons in the breakaway regime is employed by the "government".

The number of workers increased to 9.662 (103.149 in 2014 compared to 112,811 in 2015). The number of persons who were in a position to work in 2015 was 239,634.

On the same issue, Yeni Duzen (11.12.16) reported that bank deposits increased by 18,5% in 2015 compared to 2014 reaching 13 billion and 951 million Turkish Lira. Loans are also increased by 16%, reaching the amount of 11 billion and 186 million Turkish Lira.

(CS)

[11] Turkish Cypriot columnist criticizes Turkish "ambassador's" statements on the economy

The columnist wonders whether Turkish Cypriot politicians will react to these statements, whether they will ask him "what do you care about our governments" and remind him of Ankara's role and interferences and its "ambassadors" in the "early spoiling of governments".

He adds: "[…] Derya Kanbay has not issued such a statement in the countries where he had served before, because he could not do it. If he had done so, he would have been instantly sent back to Turkey […]. He will also not be able to say such words in the countries where he will go from now on, because such interference in internal affairs is not acceptable in diplomacy. Relations between Turkey and the TRNC are unique from this point of view, as they are from every point of view. There is no relation between two equal countries. […] There is openly a 'superior-inferior' relation between Turkey and the TRNC. […] Anyone who says something on any issue, submits proposals, expresses views, and especially acts as recklessly as to oppose [Translator's note: Ankara's wishes], is included in the 'unwanted' category. Look at the demolishing of the last CTP – UBP government and the establishment of the UBP-DP minority government. If you want to look further, [you see] that that there are a lot of interferences coming from Ankara in [issues ranging from] elections to the deputy transfers […]. Therefore, Kanbay must reexamine his words meaning that 'four governments changed in three years, therefore the stability was spoiled and this is the reason why the economy did not recover'. Because Turkey is actively and de facto among the powers, which demolish and establish the governments. […]"

Ozuslu recalls also that during the four years following 2009 the "government" was established by only one party and the economic measures imposed by Turkey were implemented "in a very strict manner", but the result was the same, the economy did not recover, the deficit was not covered and the "citizens' suffered more. He notes that Turkey's bureaucracy produced measures attempting to change the Turkish Cypriots from a religious and cultural perspective and describes the wish to construct a complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque in the center of occupied Nicosia as "a very striking example of this aim".

Pointing out that in the end this complex was built in occupied Mia Milia area, the columnist argues that no stability could exist in a place which is administrated by a "government" which cannot even adjust its own time and that Ankara's wish for the "TRNC" to stand on its own feet is disputable. "On the contrary, there are serious indications that there is a wish to create a TRNC more dependent, not needy", he notes adding that the "imposing approach" on the issue of water and electricity transfer from Turkey are examples of this.

"The economic protocols between Turkey and the TRNC are like a 'medicine of consolation' given to a patient who cannot possibly get well any more", he argues.

(I/Ts.)

[12] International Cittaslow President and International General Director attended "Mother Earth festival" in the occupied area of Cyprus

The "municipality" officially became a member this summer, bringing the total in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus to three villages, with occupied Lefka and occupied Agios Sergios, having joined the movement as well.

A press conference was held to communicate the purpose of the event and the attractions that would be included.

Speaking at the briefing, the so-called mayor of occupied Galatia village, Cemil Saricizmeli said that the event would be held on Sunday, December 11, a day after the official "Mother Earth day".

Sar?cizmeli said that this year's event would be bigger as the International Cittaslow President, Stefano Pisani, and the International General Director, Pier Giorgio Olivetti, would be participating alongside the deputy international chair in Turkey, Tunc Soyer.

[13] General strikes in the occupation regime to continue this week

According to a statement issued by the "platform", general strikes will take place in the occupied part of Nicosia on December 14 and 16. Also on December 16, the opposition parties will submit to the "assembly" a "motion of censure" against the so-called government and also a text which was prepared for launching an investigation against the so-called minister of labour and social insurance and the so-called minister of communication and transport.

As part of the measures announced by the "platform", on December 14 the "Doctor's trade union" ("TIP-IS) will not sign "health reports" except from emergency cases. It will also organize a commemoration march for the victims of the accident.

(AK)

[14] Total number of illegal universities' graduates

According to the paper, 26.827 of these are "TRNC citizens", 63.798 Turkish citizens and 12.773 citizens of third countries.

The paper notes that this is a long way from the 21 persons who graduated in 1984 from the "eastern Mediterranean University" (DAU) which was the first "university" established in the occupied area of Cyprus in 1979.

(CS)

[15] AKP and MHP submitted a 21-article constitutional amendment proposal

The amendment, which was submitted to the parliamentary speaker on Dec. 10 for subsequent presentation to parliament, suggests granting the President the authority to issue decree laws, declare a state of emergency, rule the country with resolutions during states of emergency, appoint public officials and half of the top judges.

If the bill passes Parliament, it will likely be submitted for a public referendum.

Stipulating a one-chamber parliament and preserving the country's unitary system, the new system will annul the Prime Minister Office.

Parliament's right to audit the ministerial board and ministers, as well as the government's right to issue decrees, will be abolished and its ways of obtaining information and supervision will also be rearranged. The "subjects dealing with state activity" are excluded from the scope of general meetings in the assembly. Written questionnaires written by Deputies will be directed to the President's assistants and Ministers.

Scope of presidential decrees

According to the amendment, the President will issue a presidential decree on issues related to executive power. However, basic rights, personal rights and duties and political rights and duties cannot be regulated by the presidential decree. Also, presidential decrees cannot be enacted on issues that are regulated by law in the constitution and on matters that are clearly set within the law. If parliament issues a law on the same topic, the presidential decree becomes null and void.

Authority to declare state of emergency

The President will have the authority to declare a state of emergency. The state of emergency in the new constitution will cover the martial law present in the current charter. The President will also have the right to rule the country during a state of emergency by exercising a presidential decree. At the request of the President, the Parliament may decide to extend the period to four months at most. In the event of a war, this four-month time limit will not apply.

President to structure ministerial bodies and public institutions

The President will be given the authority to restructure all ministries and public institutions. "The authorities and responsibilities of the public institutions and organizations within the scope of central administration are regulated by the president's decree," the amendment reads. The appointment principles in the case of senior civil servants will also be set by the president's decision.

5 of 12 top judges to be appointed by President

The Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) will be reduced from 22 to 12 members, while the chair of the board will again be the justice minister. The president will appoint five members of the board directly, while two members will be elected by the parliament, three members by the Supreme Court and one by the members of the Council of State.

President can be questioned by majority vote

The scope of the accountability of the President will also be widened. Under the proposed amendments, impeachment proceedings against the President could start with the signatures of 301 deputies in the 600-seat parliament, which has 550 members in its current configuration. The Parliament will be able to set up a commission of inquiry by secret ballot of 360 deputies. If the inquiry commission decides to send the president to the Supreme Court for a trial, the president will only be tried following a secret ballot of 400 deputies.

These provisions will also apply to the proposals brought to the parliament after the President's term ends.

Renewal of elections unlikely without President's will

Parliament will only be able to vote for general elections with 360 votes. There is only a slight possibility of going to an election in spite of the President. If the President decides to renew Parliament, he will be elected in the same way.

If the President makes a call for a new parliament during his or her second term, he or she will be at liberty to submit candidacy for a third time.

Three elections in 2019

The President will not be able to issue a decree until presidential elections scheduled for Nov. 3, 2019. Local elections will be held in March of the same year.

In the transition period until 2019, Erdogan will be able to restore his ties with the AKP.

The constitution also lowers the age of election to 18, which will also take effect before 2019. Also, the reduction of the number of the members of the HSYK, the military judiciary and the Constitutional Court will go into effect before 2019.

[16] Over 100 local HDP officials rounded up on terror charges

The HDP's provincial and district branch executives were rounded up in Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Manisa and Mersin as police teams conducted dozens of raids on their offices early in the morning.

Some 51 HDP members were detained in Mersin, the most in any province.

In Istanbul 20 people, including HDP Istanbul provincial head Aysel Guzel, were detained, while in Ankara 17 HDP members, including party provincial head Ibrahim Binici, were among those detained by police.

The suspects are charged with involvement in the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and conducting terror propaganda.

[17] Turks angry with US, EU over lack of cooperation against terrorism

Especially in the aftermath of the July 15 failed coup attempt by the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO), the public began questioning the position of Turkey's Western allies over their controversial remarks.

The public perception of the EU has also been greatly altered, particularly following the European Parliament's (EP) vote to freeze Turkey's EU accession. The survey also revealed that 83.7% of the participants did not believe the U.S. was "an ally and a friend," while 61.1% did not perceive the EU as "an ally and a friend".

In fact, more than 80% of the supporters of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) did not think of the U.S. as an ally and a friend of Turkey. In contrast, 70.9% favoured Turkey's dialogue with Russia.

Regarding Turkey's ongoing battle against terrorism, the recently conducted survey revealed an overwhelming 81.3% public support of the government's policy on counterterrorism.

Despite Western criticisms of Turkey's efforts to overcome domestic and international terrorism, the latest survey showed all-time record support from the Turkish public.

According to another A&G survey conducted back in February 2016, support was at 61%, however within a 10-month period it reached 81.3%.

While 96.9% of AK Party voters and 82.2% of the MHP voters responded in favour of counter-terrorism operations, 93.5% of the pro-PKK Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) supporters did not favour the anti-terror efforts.

With strong public support of the government's counter-terrorism policies, there is also strong public confidence as 71.4 of people thought the operations will be successful. Besides Turkey's domestic counterterrorism efforts, the public also favoured the country's efforts beyond its borders, with some 63.5% respondents approving the government's position on Mosul. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs/AA)

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