Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review-21-23.07.18
No. 140/18
Contents
A. Turkish Cypriot Press
1. Cavusoglu is visiting the breakaway regime today
2. CTP comments on Lute’s visit to Cyprus
4. Akinci: “Even the political equality should be internalized”
6. Ozersay held contacts with Turkish Cypriots living abroad in London
8. An academician remanded in custody due to signing a petition
B. Turkish Press
1. Turkey: Erdogan to embark on 4-day Africa tour
2. İYİ Party to hold extraordinary congress
3. Thirteen new deputy ministers appointed
4. Turkey and Netherlands agree to 'normalize diplomatic ties' after sour period
A. Turkish Cypriot Press
1. Cavusoglu is visiting the breakaway regime today
Illegal Bayrak (23.07.18 http://www.brtk.net/cavusoglu-saat-19-00da-adada-olacak/ ) broadcast that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will arrive in the breakaway regime at 19.00 this evening. The main issue of his contacts will be the latest developments of the Cyprus problem.
He will meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci at 19.30 with whom he will have a working dinner. Tomorrow morning he will hold a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot parties that are represented in “parliament” in the presence of Akinci and he will give a press conference. He will leave the breakaway regime at 11.50.
An official statement was issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Cavusoglu’s visit and is as follows:
“Our Minister will pay a visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus between the 23 and 24 of July. Our Minister will come together with the TRNC President and the leaders of the political parties with seats in parliament and evaluate the possible steps to be taken on the Cyprus issue in the coming period” the statement said.
He is paying his first visit to the breakaway regime following his reappointment to the post after the Turkish elections.
2. CTP comments on Lute’s visit to Cyprus
Illegal Bayrak television (23.07.18 http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=cyprus-issue-3818) broadcast that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) has evaluated the UN Secretary General’s temporary consultant Jane Holl Lute’s visit to Cyprus.
According to a written statement issued by the CTP the Crans-Montana conference had entered a serious deadlock in July 2017 and the leaders had made their separate evaluations of the meeting and following this process the UN
Secretary General had taken an initiative and appointed a new UN representative, something which the CTP approves of.
Noting that recently due to the hydrocarbon exploration efforts tensions have been raised in the eastern Mediterranean, the CTP statement also noted that due to the continuation of the Cyprus problem, social problems have also increased.
“Nationalists and separatist forces are trying to deepen the islands separation and therefore there is an urgency to find a comprehensive political solution”, noted the statement.
It continued to stress that the convergences reached during the negotiations process must not be underestimated.
“We must not forget that a solution must be a bi-zonal, bi-communal Federation based on political equality within the UN Parameters. Just the way discussions regarding alternative solution models are not realistic, we know that it only serves to fuel the continuation of the status quo” the statement emphasized.
It continued to stress that the UN consultant will carry out meetings with all sides concerned and determine the state of the situation and will report to the UN Secretary General.
“The UN Secretary General will evaluate the report and make a decision regarding the future of the process. We, as the Republican Turkish Party, during this historical time will give priority to our responsibilities as we have always done” concluded the statement.
Bayrak (23.07.18 http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=lute-in-cyprus) broadcast that Lute will hold separate meetings with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı and President Nicos Anastasiades.
She will meet with Akinci at 3:30pm today.
3. Oktay: “Turkey, under any condition, will always protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots”
Illegal Bayrak (21.07.18 http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=turkey-trnc-relations-6) broadcast that Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said that “Turkey, under any condition, will always protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots and will never allow a fait accompli to take place within the international arena”.
The Turkish vice President made the statement at illegal Tympou airport.
Noting that he carried out his first abroad visit to the “TRNC” after coming into office, the Turkish vice President said that they wanted to give a message “not only to the Turkish Cypriots but to the international community as well”.
“No matter what, we will always protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots. We will never allow a fait accompli to take place within the international arena against Turkish Cypriots either”, he said and claimed that “ this is not only valid in the political field but in the field of economy and in regards to the hydrocarbon resources that surround the island as well”.
“The Turkish Cypriots have established their own state and their own institutions. Throughout this process Turkey has always supported the Turkish Cypriot people and has worked together with the administration in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the people as well”, he claimed.
Alleging that as of day one Turkey has taken determined steps to assist in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, Oktay also alleged that Turkey had always displayed a constructive stance during the Annan plan and the Cyprus Conferences that have taken place but he claimed that “due to the Greek Cypriot side’s games and attitude all efforts ended in failure”.
On the issue of hydrocarbons Oktay claimed that the Greek Cypriot side is carrying out unilateral efforts in the Mediterranean and alleged that they are trying to usurp the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.
“Turkey will never allow for this to take place”, he said.
4. Akinci: “Even the political equality should be internalized”
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (21.07.18) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met with the Deputy Speaker of the Turkish National Assembly (TBMM) Levent Gok, who was illegally visiting the occupation regime on the occasion of the 44th “anniversary” of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus.
Speaking during the meeting, Akinci pointed out to the need for the political equality which was accepted on paper by the Greek Cypriot side, to be internalized. “I do not believe that we demand more than we have the right to have. We want the two communities to live in security, freedom and equality in these lands”, Akinci argued. He also alleged that “they want to secure and internalize in a way the day that a Turkish Cypriot will undertake the Presidency”.
Referring to the hydrocarbon resources of the island, Akinci stressed the need for the island of Cyprus to become an island of peace and cooperation. “The hydrocarbon resources in the island should become an element of cooperation instead of tension. However, at this point, the Greek Cypriot side does not want to share its power, wealth and prosperity”, Akinci alleged.
Expressing his pleasure over Gok’s “visit” in the “TRNC”, Akinci reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot “people” do not want to live under the pro-1974 conditions. Stating that they will continue exerting efforts for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem, Akinci added further that at the same time they will continue efforts in order to bring the “economy and democracy in the TRNC” to a higher level.
In his turn, Gok assured that Turkey will continue supporting the Turkish Cypriots as it did until today. “We will continue explaining to all platforms the reality that there is a state here”, Gok alleged, adding that the TBMM supports also the “TRNC” in all fields.
(AK)
5. Ozersay calls Lute to abstain from the approach of resuming the Cyprus talks from where they left off
According to illegal Bayrak television (23.07.18, http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=ozersay-on-cyprus-issue), Kudret Ozersay, self-styled deputy prime minister and foreign minister, amid the temporary UN envoy Lute’s visit to the island, gave an interview to a “TAK news agency” reporter during his return from London.
Ozersay claimed: “If the international community chooses the easy way and once again says ‘the negotiations should continue from where they left off so that we will not have any headache’ then actually the seeds of new failures will be spread.”
Stating that every inconclusive negotiation throughout the 50 year long negotiations process only served to alienate the two “peoples” in Cyprus, he argued: “Therefore, I hope the temporary consultant appointed by the UN Chief will abstain from an approach of ‘what can we do to restart the negotiations from where they stopped’”.
“The public distrust on the negotiations processes has reached to a level which, I believe, if a result comes up then a large part of the communities will approach it with suspicion”, Ozersay claimed.
“The critical question at this point is whether the international community will try to find an answer for the question of why all the negotiations had failed throughout the 50 years or will they say at least the continuation of the status quo will not give us a headache?” Ozersay asked.
“The relative stability derived from the status quo caused lethargy for the international actors and therefore in the case of continuation of the status quo the Turkish Cypriots were left in doubt and face to face with the problem of the status quo”, he added.
“I feel that if we don’t put a stoke in the status quo’s wheel then no one will show any interest in changing this structure and the unfair situation of the Turkish Cypriots”, Ozersay said and stressed “therefore, if the international actors do not take responsibility and continue to take steps without questioning this structure then it is inevitable for the Turkish Cypriot side to make a move.”
Meanwhile, under the title “Ozersay: The Cyprus problem is a test of sincerity”, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (22.07.18) reports that Ozersay, in an interview to Ankara Anatolia news agency during his visit to London, argued that there is the need in Cyprus to hear and discuss new ideas, adding that “everyone has been tired of talking the same things again and again without getting any results”. He further argued: “If there are those who claim that the international community is sincere on the Cyprus issue, then I think it is time to prove it”.
(DPs)
6. Ozersay held contacts with Turkish Cypriots living abroad in London
Illegal Bayrak (21.07.18 http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=ozersays-london-contacts) broadcast that the so-called foreign minister Kudret Ozersay held contacts in London where he launched the “Project for the Turkish Cypriots living abroad” which aims to strengthen the relations of the Turkish Cypriots living abroad with the breakaway regime and encourage them to return to the island.
Ozersay informed the Turkish Cypriots residing in London about the details of the project and informed them about the plans regarding changes to “citizenships”. He also spoke about the assistance that will be provided to them if they are thinking about returning to the breakaway regime.
He attended the reception that was organised to mark the 44th anniversary of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus.
Delivering a speech during the reception, Ozersay claimed that “much anguish and tears were shed on the 20th of July 1974”.
He claimed that the Turkish Cypriots did not want anyone to experience what they have experienced in the past and added that no matter what everyone’s political outlook is, everyone agrees on the one subject that no return will be made to pre 1974 conditions.
In addition, Vatan (21.07.18) reports that Ozersay met with the Turkish ambassador to London Abdurrahman Bilgic.
According to the paper, Ozersay was escorted during his visit by the “TRNC representative to the UK” Zehra Basaran who stated that they expected from the UK, being one of the guarantor states of Cyprus, to help them towards lifting the“isolation”.
7. British High Commissioner Lillie discusses with Harmanci the Cyprus problem and bi-communal projects
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (23.07.18) reports that British High Commissioner to Cyprus Stephen Lillie met with Mehmet Harmanci, mayor of the occupied part of Nicosia.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on a wide range of issues from the Cyprus problem to Nicosia town, as well as bi-communal projects.
(DPs)
8. An academician remanded in custody due to signing a petition
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (22.07.18), under the title “In custody a TRNC citizen at Izmir airport”, on its front page, reports that the dictatorship in Turkey is continuing its “witch hunt” by chasing now the “TRNC citizens”, who have signed the “Petition of Academicians for Peace”.
Recalling a report by the Turkish Cypriot private TV channel Kanal Sim, the paper reports that an academician, who travelled from “TRNC” to Izmir airport, was remanded in custody by Turkey’s Security Directorate with the justification that he signed the “petition of academicians for peace”. He was appeared before the court and after being accused, he was released.
Meanwhile, the “consul general” of the breakaway regime in Istanbul Fahri Yonluer claimed that they did not have any information regarding this incident.
(DPs)
9. Data on the number of tourists who illegally visited the occupation regime during the first six months of 2018
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (22.07.18) reports that according to figures provided by the “tourism planning organization”, which is part of the “ministry of tourism and environment”, a remarkable increase (5%) was observed on the number of tourists who visited the occupation regime in the first six months of 2018.
According to the figures, 842,272 passengers (“TRNC citizens are excluded”), “visited” the occupation regime by air or sea, during the above mentioned period. Comparing with the same period of 2017, there is an increase of 4.3% on the number of tourists, as the figure in 2018 was 811, 569.
Referring to the same figures, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (23.07.18) reports that in spite of the fact that there was an increase on the number of tourists who visited the “TRNC” in 2018, this increase does not reflect the overnight stays. According to the figures, during the six months of 2018, the total number of tourists who were accommodated in the “TRNC” was 510,180 and together with the “TRNC citizens”, they reached to 525, 995. In 2017, the total number of tourists who stayed overnight in the “TRNC” was 517, 062 (foreign tourists and “TRNC citizens” and tourists from Turkey are included in this number.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Demokrat Bakis newspaper (23.07.18) reports that so-called minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu, issuing a written statement after visiting the occupied Famagusta and Vokolida area in order to inspect several “hotel units”, argued that their target is to have tourists for the whole 12-month period.
Pointing out to the high price of the airplane tickets, Ataoglu claimed that they have already launched works for the “establishment of a new air carrier”.
(AK)
B. Turkish Press
1. Turkey: Erdogan to embark on 4-day Africa tour
Ankara Anatolia news agency (23.07.18 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/turkey-erdogan-to-embark-on-4-day-africa-tour/1210786) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a four-day official visit to two African countries starting July 25, the presidential press office said on Sunday.
According to the statement, the Turkish president will attend the BRICS summit of state and government heads -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa between July 25-27 in the South African city of Johannesburg.
Erdogan’s attendance at the summit will serve as the first high-level contact between Turkey and the BRICS.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Turkish president is expected to hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of BRICS member states and other leaders who have been invited.
Erdogan will also pay an official visit to Zambia on July 28, the statement added.
As part of his visit, Erdogan will meet Zambian President Edgar Lungu to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international developments.
This will be the first ever official visit from a Turkish president to Zambia.
2. İYİ Party to hold extraordinary congress
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (23/07.18 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/iyi-party-to-hold-extraordinary-congress-report-134878) reports that Turkey’s İYİ Party (Good Party) has decided to hold an extraordinary congress.
The congress will be held in one month and current leader Meral Akşener will run for the seat. Earlier reports said that Akşener decided to resign following criticism over her policies ahead of the June 24 snap elections. However, she was later convinced to remain in seat, reports read.
İYİ had joined an alliance with the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Felicity Party (SP) before the election to build a joint bloc against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
Akşener, a MHP dissident, said two days after the election that she would hold her title as the party head. “Our [General Executive Board] has decided for the İYİ Party, which has placed itself in the center of Turkish politics, to continue walking under my leadership,” she said at a press conference.
3. Thirteen new deputy ministers appointed
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (23.07.18 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/13-new-deputy-ministers-appointed-134824) reports that a total of 13 new deputy ministers have been appointed in Turkey, according to the official gazette published early on July 21.
Cengiz Öner, Hilmi Bilgin, Selahaddin Mentes and Yıldız Seferinoğlu were appointed as deputy ministers to the Ministry of Justice.
Professor Ahmet Haluk Dursun, Nadir Alpaslan and Ömer Arısoy were appointed to the Culture and Tourism Ministry while Enver İskurt, Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan and Selim Dursun were appointed to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
In addition, former wrestler Hamza Yerlikaya and Sinan Aksu became deputy ministers of sports and Professor Muhammet Güven was appointed as deputy minister of health.
Last month's elections marked Turkey's transition to an executive presidential system of government, doing away with the prime minister's post, among other changes.
4. Turkey and Netherlands agree to 'normalize diplomatic ties' after sour period
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (22.07.18 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-and-netherlands-agree-to-normalize-diplomatic-ties-after-sour-period-134799) reported that Turkey and the Netherlands have agreed to normalize ties, Turkey's foreign ministry said on July 20. The decision was reached in a phone call between Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu and his Dutch counterpart Stef Blok, it said.
"During this telephone conversation, the ministers agreed to normalize the diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Turkey. To that extent the ministers agreed to reinstate ambassadors in Ankara and The Hague shortly," the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Blok is set to visit Turkey "soon," Reuters reported on the same day.
"The visit will happen in the second half of this year. We will probably find a slot around late August, September," Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said speaking to private broadcaster NTV.
Relations between the Netherlands and Turkey have gone especially sour after Dutch authorities canceled the flight permit of a plane carrying Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu during last year’s referendum campaign. The Dutch government also expelled Family and Social Affairs Minister Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya from Rotterdam, blocking her from addressing the Turkish community.
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