Imamoglu visited illegally the occupation regime on Saturday and met
with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. No statements were made
after the meeting.
As part of his contacts, Imamoglu also visited the tombs of the late
Turkish Cypriot leader Dr Faz?l Kucuk and Rauf Denktas. In statements
there, Imamoglu said that he is paying a courtesy visit which is taking
place within the framework of the tradition followed in Turkey by every
political person who undertakes new duties. He added that no matter what
would be the result of the forthcoming re-run of the mayoral elections
in Istanbul, we would also be by the side of the "TRNC".
On the Cyprus problem, Imamoglu alleged the following: "The TRNC's road
map should continue by protecting, by all means, and at the highest
level the guarantorship concept".
posts=migrants-picked-up-near-guzelyurt),
a group of 20 Syrian migrants were picked up by "police" in hte occupied
village of Avlona near occupied area of Morphou on Friday.
According to a "press release by police", "the migrants were found during
a police operation hiding in a citrus grove in the village of Avlona. The
migrants are currently being detained by Morphou police pending further
investigation. Police have launched an investigation."
[05] UBP "applied to court" for the Dome Hotel in occupied Keryneia
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberci newspaper (13.05.19) reports that the
National Unity Party (UBP) applied to "court" demanding the suspension
of the "decision" received for the Dome Hotel in occupied Keryneia to
be rented to the "Solidarity tourist company LTD", without opening a
tender process before, as envisaged by the "public procurement law".
In statements on the issue, the chairman of the National Unity Party
(UBP) Ersin Tatar stressed the need for the suspension of the "contract"
which was signed with the above mentioned company, claiming that it was
signed illegally and it's contrary to the "law".
(AK)
[06] An international rally race launched from Germany to be completed
in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (13.05.19) reports that in the "European
Friendship rally of East and the west" which was launched yesterday
from the German city of Heilbornn of the Baten-Wuttenmberg region,
a 5-member group from the "north Cyprus classic and sport auto cars",
is also participating.
According to the paper, the cars participating in the rally have passed
from Germany to Austrasia and arrived in Slovenia. The race will continue
by passing to Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Iran
and Turkey and will terminate in the occupied area of Cyprus. The cars
will arrive in the "port" of occupied Keryneia on May 20. The last part
of the rally will take place in the occupied area of Cyprus and will
last 4 days. The termination point will be the "old Keryneia harbor"
and the rally will finish on June 1st.
(AK)
[B] Turkish Press
[01] Erdogan: "Protecting Turkish Cypriot rights key for stability"
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (11.05.19,
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/protecting-turkish-cypriot-rights-key-for-stability-143326),
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on May 10 said that for stability
in the Eastern Mediterranean the rights and interests of Turkey and
Turkish Cypriots must be protected. "Stability in Cyprus and the Eastern
Mediterranean is only possible by looking after the rights and interests
of Turkey and the TRNC [the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus"], Erdogan told ambassadors during the fast-breaking
(iftar) meal organized at the ruling AKP headquarters.
Erdogan reiterated that Ankara would not tolerate a fait accompli in
the region, and all related parties are aware of the fact. "Like all
problems, we want to solve this issue with reciprocal talks, dialogue
and cooperation," he added. (?)
Also speaking about Turkey's NATO membership, Erdogan said: "We are a
NATO member. So it is not possible for us to accept the wrongdoings of
other NATO members toward us.
"You will be a NATO member; a strategic partner in NATO, then they will
talk about sanctions against you. This is not something understandable."
Noting that the situation does not suit a partnership, Erdogan stressed
that Turkey has been significantly contributing to the NATO alliance
for over 60 years. He also said that membership in the EU has always
been Turkey's strategic foreign policy target, but the bloc is trying
to fool Ankara.
Meanwhile, HDN (12.05.319,
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-slams-wests-poll-re-run-criticism-143355)
reports that Erdogan has criticized Western countries over their
reaction to the Supreme Election Council's (YSK) decision to hold a
do-over Istanbul mayoral election on June 23. "Presidential election in
Austria can be cancelled after 2 years. Did you hear any voice? ... When
it comes to us, even our application [to YSK] is disturbing the West,"
Erdogan said at the 39th traditional iftar meal (fast-breaking meal)
organized by the Birlik Foundation charity in Istanbul on May 11.
The President said whether they accept or not, Turkey is an independent,
sovereign and democratic country that believes in the rule of law.
On May 6, the YSK accepted the ruling Justice and Development Party's
(AKP) objection to the March 31 local election results in Istanbul and
announced a do-over election. In its decision, it said some polling
officials and staff on March 31 were not public servants as required by
law. (?)
[02] Celik: "Turkey is in full commitment to protect the interests of
the TRNC"
Under the title "US sanctions on Iran not serving
peace: AKP", Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (11.05.19,
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-sanctions-on-iran-not-serving-peace-akp-143332),
Omer Celik, spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP),
during a news conference at the party headquarters, claimed that the
"Greek Cypriot administration" [as he refers to the Cyprus government]
and Greece governments have made "aggressive" statements attacking
Turkey's natural resources exploration in the areas where Turkish Cypriot
bequeathed its license to Turkish Petroleum (TP). "They know best that
these aggressive statements will not alter our attitude of protecting
Turkey's rights and interests," he added.
Turkey supports distributing natural resources to Greek and Turkish
Cypriots equally, according to Celik who added: "But the Greek Cypriot
administration doesn't give consent in any circumstances".
Turkey has consistently contested the "Greek Cypriot administration's
unilateral drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean", citing Turkish Cypriots
also have rights to the resources in the area.
Referring to Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades' comparison of Turkey's
seismic vessels Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa and Fatih to the Cyprus Invasion
in 1974, Celik said: "He calls 1974 operation an invasion. But we call
it protection of the Turkish Cypriots' lives, rights and interests. (?)
Turkey, today as in the past, is in full commitment to protect the
interests of the TRNC [the breakaway regime in the occupied area of
Cyprus]." (?)
[03] Turkey determined to protect its own and Turkish Cypriots' rights,
claims Turkish official
Under the title "Maritime claims cannot be portrayed as EU
external borders", Turkish state's news agency Ankara Anatolia (11.05.19,
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/-maritime-claims-cannot-be-portrayed-as-eu-external-borders-/1476018)
reported that maritime claims of EU member states that violate legitimate
rights of third countries cannot be portrayed as EU external borders,
claimed a Turkish official on Saturday.
Cagatay Erciyes, acting director general at the Turkish Foreign Ministry,
described Greece and Greek Cypriots' maritime claims as "maximalist"
and alleged that they base on the entitlement of islands to exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf (CS).
"Entitlement & Delimitation are not the same thing. Islands may get zero
or reduced EEZ/CS if their presence distorts equitable delimitation. This
is a fundamental international law principle," Erciyes wrote on Twitter.
"Final maritime boundaries can only be determined through agreements
(not violating 3rd parties' possible boundaries) or through
litigation. Overlapping maritime claims prevail in the absence of a
settlement," he claimed.
The Turkish official further alleged: "Maritime claims of EU members,
violating the legitimate rights of 3rd countries cannot be portrayed
as the external borders of the EU. That's indeed the gross violation of
international law. Turkey is determined to continue to protect its own &
Turkish Cypriots' CS/EEZ rights".
[04] Turkey is determined to continue drilling in the Mediterranean
until it finds oil or natural gas
Turkish daily Milliyet (13.05.19) reports that the Turkish Minister of
Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez issued warning to USA and
the Greek Cypriot side. As he reffered to the Republic of Cyprus, as
regards the energy issue.
According to the paper, Donmez stated that Turkey is determined to
continue drilling in the Mediterranean until it discovers oil or
natural gas.
(CS)
[05] Turkish Defense Minister said that Turkey is determined to protect
its rights in the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus
Turkish CNN channel (13.05.19
https://www.cnnturk.com/turkiye/son-dakika-hulusi-akardan-dogu-akdeniz-aciklamasi)
reports that the Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar stated that
Turkey is determined to protect its rights in the Aegean, the Eastern
Mediterranean and Cyprus.
His remarks came ahead of Turkey's largest military exercise Sea Wolf
(Denizkurdu) 2019 which kicked off on May 13.
"Our aim in military exercises is to show that the Turkish Armed Forces
(TSK) are extremely determined, committed and capable of ensuring the
security, sovereignty, independence, maritime rights and benefits of
Turkey," he stated.
Some 131 warships, 57 warplanes and 33 helicopters will participate in the
exercise which will run through May 25 in the eastern Mediterranean, the
Aegean and the Black Sea. "These activities are followed closely not
only within the country but also by our foreign counterparts," Akar added.
He underlined Turkey's determination in the fight against terror at home
and abroad.
"We take all necessary measures to protect the rights and the law of
our country in the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus."
[06] Turkey criticizes Greece over Aegean Sea disputes
According to Turkish state news agency Ankara Anatolia (12.05.19,
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkey-slams-greece-over-aegean-sea-disputes/1476403),
Greece has attempted to abuse international organizations, including NATO,
and draw them into Aegean disputes to justify its national positions,
Turkey's Foreign Ministry alleged on Sunday.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the Eastern Aegean islands
were put under demilitarized status by virtue of several international
agreements, including the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923 and the Treaty
of Paris of 1947. "These Treaties prohibit the militarization of
the Eastern Aegean islands. They are in force, and thus, are legally
binding for Greece, imposing legal responsibilities on this country,"
the statement said.
"While the Aegean disputes between Greece and Turkey are actually
being addressed through bilateral channels, the attempts of Greece,
our neighbour and Ally, to abuse international organizations, including
NATO, and draw them into these disputes with the aim of justifying her
national positions are not new," it claimed.
The Foreign Ministry said it was agreed that the military vessels
operating in the Aegean Sea under the NATO Activity would refrain from
visiting the Aegean islands under demilitarized status according to
international law, including with the aim of refuelling or port visits.
It added that these vessels may only operate in the Aegean Sea on the
basis of diplomatic clearances issued concurrently by Turkey and Greece
for specified areas at sea.
"That being the case, Greece's claims that the NATO activity in the
Aegean sea has rendered Turkey's legitimate position that is fully
in accordance with international law 'de facto invalid' are in vain,"
the statement argued.
It said that the NATO Activity is being carried out to support the
efforts to stem irregular migration due to humanitarian concerns, upon
Turkey's consent. "On this occasion, we once again renew our call to
Greece to put an end to its policy of disregarding international law,
historical facts and Turkey's legitimate rights and interests, and to
forgo its efforts to create de facto situations," the statement concluded.
[07] Turkey's largest military exercise in its modern history kicks off
According to Turkish daily Yeni Safak (13.05.19,
https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkeys-largest-military-exercise-kicks-off-3480911),
Turkey's largest military exercise Sea Wolf (Denizkurdu) 2019 kicked
off on Monday. The exercise, supervised by the Turkish navy, will run
through May 25 in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea with
131 warships, 57 warplanes and 33 helicopters, the Turkish General Staff
said in a statement.
Turkish Naval Forces will carry out strategic and operational exercise
with scenarios similar to crisis-tension situations and wartime. Domestic
and national weapon systems including high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV) Simsek and anti-surface defense boat Albatros will hold drills.
High level submarines, frigates, naval artilleries, armed UAVs, as well
as search and rescue units will also participate.
[08] Turkey says S-400 procurement 'done deal'
According to Turkish state's news agency Ankara Anatolia (11.05.19,
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-says-s-400-procurement-done-deal-143327),
Turkey on May 10 denied a German newspaper report claiming that Turkey
will no longer buy the S-400 air defence systems from Russia. Presidential
Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said the S-400 procurement was a
"done deal."
"Dear Julian, your sources are mistaken. Take it from me: The S-400
procurement is a done deal," Altun tweeted, responding to claims by Julian
Ropcke, editor in chief for foreign policy, at tabloid Bild. Earlier on
May 10, Ropkce tweeted: "Diplomatic sources tell Bild, Erdogan will not
buy the S-400 from Russia." (?)
[09] Finance Minister Albayrak: "Inflation set to decline sharply soon"
According to Turkish daily Sabah (13.05.19,
https://www.dailysabah.com/economy/2019/05/13/finance-minister-albayrak-inflation-set-to-decline-sharply-soon),
Treasury and Finance Minister Ber Albayrak said in an interview
broadcast live on CNN Turk television yesterday that inflation will
"decline significantly" in the coming months. He added that inflation
was already on a downward trend thanks to base effects, while the summer
months will bring "increased foreign currency revenues via tourism." The
fact that annual core inflation dropped to 16.3% in April from 17.53%
a month earlier was seen as a significant decline. The highest price
increase last month was seen in food and non-alcoholic beverages, up
31.86% on a yearly basis. TurkStat data shows that the 12- month average
hike in consumer prices was 19.39% as of this April. As noted in the
new economic program announced last September, the country's inflation
rate target is 15.9% this year, 9.8% in 2020 and 6% in 2021. In its
quarterly inflation report, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey
(CBRT) kept the country's year-end inflation forecast at 14.6% this year,
8.2% next year and 5.4% in 2021.
As noted in the bank's quarterly inflation report, the figure is expected
to fluctuate between 12.1% and 17.2% through the end of 2019.
Albayrak further emphasized that Turkey has been going through a very
historical period, especially in economic terms, and that it has faced
"a great challenge" economically in the last six years. He noted, "We
have undergone a process in which Turkey has been subjected to very
intense economic attacks on different fronts". He recalled that they
expressed the need for a structural transformation and strong financing
architecture in the Turkish economy following speculative volatilities
in August last year. (?)
[10] Yenicag journalist was attacked
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (12.05.19,
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/six-detained-following-yenicag-journalist-attack-143350),
six people have been detained in connection with the attack on Yenicag
newspaper columnist Yavuz Selim Demirag who was hospitalized after being
assaulted outside his home on May 10. Demirag was beaten up by about
five to six people with baseball bats after appearing on a TV show. The
assailants escaped the scene in a vehicle.
The reason for the attack was unknown, but it comes amid tensions over
the top electoral authority's decision to cancel the results of the
March 31 mayoral race for Istanbul, which was won by the opposition. It
ordered a revote June 23.
Kemal K?l?cdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's
Party (CHP), visited Demirag in the hospital and condemned the
attack. "How can a journalist be beaten with intent to kill just because
he participated in a program, voiced his views or criticized someone?" he
told reporters. "Where is Turkey going to?"
IYI (Good) Party leader Meral Aksener has also condemned the attack. "I
condemn the base attack against the honored Yenicag newspaper columnist
Yavuz Selim Demirag. I wish him a quick recovery. This base attack
has been done against press freedom and our freedom of opinion. These
[attacks] cannot discourage us and will not!" said Aksener on her Twitter
account on May 11.
The assault also drew condemnation from Turkey's Journalists
Association, which said the attack on Demirag raises concerns over media
freedoms. "Politicians who have difficulty espousing the idea of freedom
of media and of expression and turn newspapers and journalists into
targets play an important role in these types of attacks," the group
said. (?)
[11] Turkey announces guidelines for Istanbul revote
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (11.05.19,
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkey-announces-guidelines-for-istanbul-revote/1475391),
Turkey's top election body on Friday announced guidelines for the revote
in Istanbul on June 23 which will be held to choose a new Mayor.
The Supreme Election Council stressed the fresh vote will only be cast
for the mayor of Istanbul municipality.
The head and members of the balloting committee will be chosen from
public servants, the council said, adding that the committees cannot
include police heads and officers, persons subjected to military law,
and members and candidates of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
The list of the committee head and members will be given to political
parties contesting the election. (?)
The council issued several other guidelines for the fresh polls.
The same candidates which contested the March election will compete for
Mayor in the revote, it said, unless there is a vacancy due to death or
resignation. The rule applies to independent candidates as well.
The election body said it is not necessary to re-identify and announce
the political parties which will contest in the revote.
The rules for the printing of split-tickets remain the same as before.
Voter lists of the March election will also be used on June 23. Each voter
will cast vote in the same ballot box assigned to them earlier. Election
schedules will be prepared and applied by the Provincial Election Council.
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(DP/EH)