Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review-10-12.08.19
No. 150/19
Content
4. Akinci: “Open-ended negotiation processes belonga to the past”
5. UNS Greportedly hails Akinci’s hydrocarbon proposal
7. Erhurman says that a dialogue starting between the two sides is a step forward
8. Turkey reportedly preparing to open Varosha and submit a solution plan in Cyprus
1. Turkey’s Defence Minister Akar: “They should know that we will never allow a fait accompli”
3. Cavusoglu: Turkey to clear YPG/PKK terrorists east of Euphrates
4. Turkey considers Russia’s proposal for Su-35 jets
5. Four political parties in Turkish parliament call for extradition of Gülen from US
A. Turkish Cypriot Press
1. Akar inspected Varosha from air and by land – The presence of Turkey’s army is necessary, he alleges
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Afrika (11.08.19) reports that the day before yesterday, Turkish Minister of Defense, Hulusi Akar inspected the occupied fenced-off city of Varosha from the air and by land within the framework of his illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus and attended training sessions of commandos. Akar also visited the 28th Mechanized Infantry Division in occupied Assia village and met with the commanders of the units of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus. During the two-hour meeting with the commanders they discussed the recent developments on the island and their military activities.
In his statements, Akar alleged: “Until today, we have fulfilled in full and uninterruptedly our guarantee rights and responsibilities. We are determined to fulfill them from now on as well. And in order to be able to fulfil them, the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces on the island is absolutely necessary. Everybody should know this”.
Akar reiterated the Turkish allegation that Turkey’s presence on the island aimed at protecting the security and the existence of the Turkish Cypriots and added that they were determined to do whatever they could for the continuation of this presence.
Arguing that Turkey really supported peace and good neighboring relations in the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, Akar claimed that the Turkish officials talked sincerely and on the basis of principles on this issue. Referring to his country’s illegal drilling activities and the support of Turkish warships to their drilling platforms, Akar alleged:
“When we talk about peace, this is perceived as a weakness and when we say ‘when it is necessary, we will exercise our rights, we will not allow a fait accompli’, this is perceived as a threat. Therefore, our neighbors should come to their senses and see things more objectively”.
Furthermore, he argued that Turkey expected Greece and Cyprus to “act in accordance with international law” and the “good neighborly relations”. Referring to the treaty of guarantee and alliance, Akar alleged:
“We have done everything in the direction of the treaties of guarantee and alliance and we will continue doing so. No one should attempt to water these [treaties] down. This is not possible. This will really be an effort in vain. We can say from now that some efforts such as the abandonment or weakening of the treaties of guarantee and alliance will have no result. Cyprus is a national cause for us. Let everyone know this and make no mistake. […] Therefore, the political equality and security of our Cypriot brothers are two basic elements which cannot be abandoned. We can never put aside the political equality and the security of our Cypriot brothers. […]”
(I/Ts.)
2. Oktay: The proposal for establishing a joint committee on the hydrocarbons is still on the table – Drillings will continue
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kıbrıs (12.08.19) reports that Turkish Vice President, Fuat Oktay has reiterated that Turkey’s drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean would continue with determination. In statements to journalists after his prayers yesterday within the framework of the Feast of Sacrifice, replying to a question regarding the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Oktay alleged the following:
“You know the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean. These are activities which we carry out in the area of Turkey’s continental shelf and within the framework of agreements made with the TRNC against the drillings conducted by the south area illegally by putting forward the allegation of sovereignty. Our activities will continue with determination. In any case, Fatih, Yavuz and Barbaros are in the area at the moment. Oruc Reis is also going to the area. A new government has been established in Greece. The first who called and congratulated was our president. […] We always hold out an olive branch, but this is a solution proposal on the basis of the political equality of the Turks in Cyprus and the fair sharing of the resources. […] Turkey is determined. It will advance determinedly and without any hesitation until the end regarding the protection of both its own rights and the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. It will continue its determination both regarding the drillings and the equal and fair sharing of the resources in the solution process. Our proposal within the framework of establishing a joint committee is still on the table”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Akinci says if there is no agreement with the Greek Cypriot side on the hydrocarbons issue then everyone will take action separately
According to illegal Bayrak television (10.08.19, https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=akinci-evaluates-leaders-meeting-3), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said that the proposal he had put forward previously to the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades regarding a joint committee being established to deal with the hydrocarbons issue has still not received the green light by the Greek Cypriot side.
In statements to the press upon his return from his meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader at the buffer zone on Friday, Akinci said that they had held a meeting that lasted for over three hours and had discussed three major topics during the meeting, these being the terms of reference, hydrocarbon issues and confidence building measures.
He also said that he had emphasized that from now on the discussions to take place would not be open ended, adding that they had also expressed their readiness to hold a tripartite meeting with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres after the United Nations General Assembly in order to plan the way forward.
“Even if the tripartite meeting to be realised will be unofficial, we will be planning a 5 party meeting and this matter was discussed openly with Anastasiades” said Akıncı.
Explaining that although they will be holding a meeting with the UN Secretary General in New York this will all depend on the work to be carried out by the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Cyprus Jane Holl Lute, Akıncı said that both he and Mr. Anastasiades had showed that they are ready for such a meeting to take place.
Expressing hope that previous agreements, the 11th of February document and the 30th of June Guterres Document will become clarified, Akıncı noted that “the meeting with the UN Secretary General will certainly be important because an effort will be made here to draw a roadmap for later. And as far as we can foresee, it could lead to an informal or even a five-party meeting.”
On the issue of hydrocarbons Akinci said: “We are either going to do everything together or separately. Even if the best way forward is to do it together we will not sit by idly if our proposal is rejected”.
Explaining that the Greek Cypriot side had rejected the establishment of a joint committee and only wanted a committee that would share information to be formed, Akıncı said this proposal did not meet the Turkish Cypriot side’s expectations.
He also said that during the meeting he had informed Anastasiades about proposals regarding ways to overcome the problems with “TRNC registered trade vehicles” crossing over to the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus, insurance policies to become island wide, the establishment of a joint sports committee, the EU ATOK committee to be reactivated and for efforts to be made so that buses crossing from Larnaca to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus can do so less problematically.
“We are waiting for all of these problems to be solved” said Akıncı and referred to the new law that was approved by the Cyprus government that led to the health insurance premiums of those working at the British bases and South of Cyprus being cut.
“We have discovered that now that the law has been approved the workers are unable to benefit from the health system in the South of the island. We have informed Anastasiades and are waiting for the problem to be solved”, argued Akinci.
Noting that nothing has been solved but there is dialogue between the two sides, Akıncı said that in order for the problems to be solved the dialogue between the two sides is vital.
He reiterated once again that a common understanding did not exist between himself and Anastasiades on the issue of hydrocarbons or the occupied fenced-off town of Varosha.
“If one side continues to see itself as the sole authority on the island then the other side must protect the Mediterranean. The proposal we have put forward for a joint committee to be established has received much praise from the international community”, claimed Akıncı.
He concluded his statements by saying that if the Greek Cypriot side does not come to some kind of an agreement with the Turkish Cypriot side on the hydrocarbons issue then that means that everyone will take action separately and the Greek Cypriot side should not have any complaints on this issue as this is an outcome of their own actions.
4. Akinci: “Open-ended negotiation processes belonga to the past”
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (11.07.19) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci alleged that a “TRNC with a strong and developed democracy and economy would be one of the two basicpoles of a possible future solution in Cyprus”.
Issuing a message on the occasion of the Kurban Bayram Feast, Akinci argued that as Turkish Cypriot side, they would continue their decisive and stable stance towards a solution with political equality and security and added that “they would continue protecting their rights in cooperation with the UN and based on international law”. “Furthermore, we should not stop even for one day our efforts aiming to develop further the TRNC in all fields”, Akinci added.
Referring to the meeting he held with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Anastasiades, Akinci recalled that he would soon have a meeting with the UN Secretary General’s special envoy Jane Holl Lute in Cyprus and later on with the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. He recalled that all these efforts are taking place within the aim to reach a comprehensive solution to the prolonged Cyprus problem. Akinci reiterated also the view that in the current phase, the open-ended negotiation processes were left behind. “There is a reference in the UN reports and the UN decisions as well that we have entered a result-oriented and timetable period”, Akinci further alleged.
“It is an acceptable principle that the aim in Cyprus is to reach a mutually acceptable solution”, Akinci said, adding: “In this framework, during the meeting we held with Anastasiades, we discussed all possible solution models mentioned. At the end, the Greek Cypriot leader said that the model he still embraces as the basis of the negotiation is that of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution and he expressed his opinion about the decentralization of powers with conservation on this model. As it is well known, providing more authorities to the founding states is something that the Turkish Cypriot side supported for a long time. Thus, I consider that after completing the reference conditions, we could work towards this matter. Of course, it would be a right development to provide more authorities to the founding states, providing that in the decision in the framework of the authorities that would remain in the central government, the principle of political equality and effective participation in the decision making process would be preserved”, Akinci further added.
Pointing out that President Anastasiades has a different approach towards this issue, Akinci said that the dialogue within the framework of the UN would continue and added that with the necessary planning, an unofficial five-partite conference would take place where everything would become clear.
(AK)
5. UNS Greportedly hails Akinci’s hydrocarbon proposal
Under the title “Support from Guterres to Akıncı”, Turkish Cypriot news portal Voice of the island (10.08.19, https://www.voiceoftheisland.com/en/support-from-guterres-to-akinci.html) reported that the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed a proposal by Turkish Cypriot leader on the administration of hydrocarbon resources, according to Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s office on Aug. 10.
Guterres, in a letter that he conveyed to Akıncı, reportedly said that all moves to ease tensions are welcomed, the “presidency” said in a written statement.
According to the written statement, Guterres stated that he carefully noted the proposals made by the Turkish Cypriot leader to Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Anastasiades in relation to the management of the hydrocarbon resources and said that – “All efforts to diminish tensions are viewed with satisfaction”.
The Secretary General, who stated that he carefully noted the suggestions made by the Turkish Cypriot leader to the Republic of Cyprus President Anastasiades, also emphasised that the need for a solution regarding the hydrocarbon issue could also become a strong incentive to reach a permanent solution in Cyprus.
According to the “presidency” of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, the Secretary General also expressed his appreciation towards the Turkish Cypriot leader in relation to his commitment to a solution and his readiness to take Confidence Building Measures.
In relation to the letters sent by the Turkish Cypriot leader to the Secretary General, Guterres stated that he made assessments regarding the topics touched upon in said letters dated 10th and 13th of July, and he expressed his appreciation once again directed at Akinci for his decision to hold a meeting in order to make clear the next steps. He underlined that he believed the need for a solution of the hydrocarbon problem in the open seas is a strong incentive for a lasting solution on Cyprus, the statement concluded.
6. Tatar claims that it is impossible for a federation solution to meet Turkish Cypriots’ expectations
According to illegal Bayrak television (10.08.19, https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=tatar-speaks-on-cyprus-issue-3), the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) and self-styled prime minister Ersin Tatar claimed that an agreement based on a federation that fulfils the expectations of the Turkish Cypriot people is not possible.
During an interview on Güneş TV, Tatar evaluated the Cyprus issue and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades.
“We, as the National Unity Party and the ‘government’, don’t think that a solution based on a federation, one that meets the expectations of the Turkish Cypriot people, is possible due to the Greek Cypriot side’s stance. We believe it’s impossible. Past experiences, what’s been said and what’s been written is proof of this. We believe a two state solution is possible and we have been voicing this view to everyone. The Turkish Cypriot side should act with this reality and if there are going to be negotiations then we should be able to bring alternative solution formulas to the table. This is essential”, claimed Tatar.
He alleged that their aim is to break the Turkish Cypriot “people” away from Turkey and to remove Turkey’s active and effective guarantees on Cyprus.
“Our security being dependent of the EU is not possible for Turkish Cypriots. The EU’s future isn’t clear. The Greek Prime Minister is calling the guarantees outdated and primitive. We are in need of Turkey’s guarantees just as we were in need of them in the past. Whoever doesn’t want this then shouldn’t be seeking a solution with us”, Tatar argued.
Referring to the meeting that was carried out between Akinci and Anastasiades, Tatar said there was no foundation for a meeting to take place, adding: “Akinci said that Anastasiades requested the meeting. We are saying that the foundation for a meeting or the conditions for a meeting do not exist. Lute worked hard for a year to find a joint vision to no avail”. He further noted that they had voiced their view that either a confederate solution or a velvet divorce should be brought to the agenda.
“We don’t want to waste any more time. The Turkish Cypriot people don’t want the Greek Cypriot side to create a federal solution as they please and no one has the right to stall the Turkish Cypriot people any longer”, Tatar reiterated.
Alleging that currently there are two separate states on the island, Tatar added that after this time no one should expected the Turkish Cypriots to be patched up to any new formation, that is not possible.
Emphasizing the fact that no one should underestimate the socio-economic and political structure in the north of the island, Tatar reminded that the “country” had come to where it was today thanks to the support given by Turkey and added that after this time the Turkish Cypriot “people” would not come under the domination of anyone.
7. Erhurman says that a dialogue starting between the two sides is a step forward
According to illegal Bayrak television (10.08.19, https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=ctp-evaluates-leaders-meeting), Tufan Erhurman, leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), evaluating the meeting between Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı and the leader of the Greek Cypriot side Nicos Anastasiades via his social media account, said that dialogue starting, discussions taking place on the main guidelines of a process and the two leaders agreeing to a tripartite meeting is important.
He said that it was clear that no convergences or bridges had been reached during the discussion, adding: “It would have been positive if at least a step had been taken to ensure that political equality is never a subject open for discussions as it had been mentioned in the latest decision of the UN Security Council”.
He further said: “However, dialogue starting between the two sides and the main guidelines of a process being discussed is a step forward. The two leaders agreeing to a tripartite meeting is also important. I hope this process will carry us forward to a negotiations process where our political equality is not discussed, it is result oriented and no open ended talks take place.”
8. Turkey reportedly preparing to open Varosha and submit a solution plan in Cyprus
Under the title “Turkey is preparing for two big openings in Cyprus”, Turkish Cypriot newspaper Haberci (11.08.19) reports that Turkey’s interest for Cyprus has increased recently. In its column “Nicosia gossips”, the paper gives as example for this, the reference to Cyprus by Turkish President Erdogan in his recent statements and the illegal visit by Turkish Minister of Defense, Hulusi Akar to the occupied area of the island accompanied by the four forces commanders. Noting that this visit lasted for almost a week, the paper reports that this was not ordinary.
Citing a “reliable source”, the paper writes that “important developments” will happen soon in Cyprus. Noting that its reporters have carried out an extensive investigation on this issue without being able to find out anything specific, Haberci argues, however, that “everyone is certain that an important activity will take place, but they do not know what this activity will be”.
According to the paper, two possibilities exist. The one is the opening of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha with an invitation to the city’s Greek Cypriot legal owners to take their property, but the works for the reconstruction of the city will be carried out by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot companies, without the participation of Greek Cypriot businessmen.
“The administration of the area will be given to the UN Peace Keeping Force, but the border of Varosha will remain within the TRNC”, argues the column, according to which the second possibility is for Turkey to submit a “solution plan, which the Greek Cypriot side could not reject”. “Yes, Turkey is preparing a very secret and a very important opening on this issue”, claims the paper.
(I/Ts.)
9. CMIRS’ survey results
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (10.08.19) reports on the results of a survey conducted by the center for migration, identity and rights studies, CMIRS, in June 2019.
According to the results of the survey, replying to the question “If elections were to take place next Sunday which party would you vote for?”, 18.9% of the participants in the survey in June, comparing with the results of the survey conducted in March 2019 (7%) replied that they would prefer voting not a specific party but a specific candidate or to give a “mixed vote”. The results of this survey, according to the paper, are very different from the previous surveys, since according to the paper, the following parties, UBP, DP, YDP, HP, YKP increase their percentages while CTP and TDP show decrease on their percentages.
In the question: “Which party would you vote if the general elections were held next Sunday?” the results, comparing with March 2019 are as follows:
|
Party |
March 2019 |
June 2019 |
|
National Unity Party (UBP) |
20.97% |
21.8% |
|
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) |
10.38% |
9.8% |
|
People’s Party (HP) |
2.43% |
3% |
|
Democratic Party (DP) |
2.43% |
2.7% |
|
New Cyprus Party (YKP) |
0.44% |
2.7% |
|
Revival Party (YDP) |
1.1% |
2% |
|
Social Democracy Party (TDP) |
2.43% |
1.4% |
|
Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP) |
0.44% |
0.07% |
|
United Cyprus Party (BKP) |
0.44% |
0.05% |
|
Communal Liberation Party – New Forces (TKP-YG) |
1.1% |
0.05% |
|
Mixed votes |
7.06% |
18.9% |
|
Undecided voters |
19.87% |
12% |
|
I do not vote |
30.24% |
24.1% |
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (11.08.19) reports that according to the results of the same survey, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci runs first in the preference of the participants for the “presidential election race” which is to take place next year in the occupied area of Cyprus, with a percentage of 33%, comparing with the results of the survey conducted in March 2019, where Akinci had received 33.7%.
Meanwhile, Tufan Erhurman, former prime minister and leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) runs second with 16% from 12,4% he had received on March with Kudret Ozersay, leader of the People’s Party (HP) and so-called deputy prime minister and “foreign minister”, receiving 11.4% comparing with March where he received 9%. Also, so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar runs fourth with 10.6% from 14.2% he received in March. The leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Serdar Denktas and the leader of the Revival Settler’s Party (YDP) Erhan Arikli increase their percentages from (5% to 6.7%) and from 91,2% to 2,2%), respectively.
(AK)
B. Turkish Cypriot Press
1. Turkey’s Defence Minister Akar: “They should know that we will never allow a fait accompli”
Under the title “Akar: Plan B is ready”, Turkish daily Yeni Safak (12.08.19, https://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/bakan-akardan-guvenli-bolge-aciklamasi-3501874) reports that Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, evaluating his illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus at Turkey’s state channel TRT, claimed that they are in favour of a “peaceful solution” to the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, however, he added that they are ready for all developments. “This is not a threat. We expect solution. Despite our request, if a decision is taken for a fait accompli, we will not ignore it”, he further said. Akar noted that in case there is no progress as they desire with the USA, then Turkey is ready for plan B or C.
Referring to the latest developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Akar reiterated: “We expect from our neighbours, protection of the rights and the law. No one will test our strength, and this will not produce good results.
On the same issue, Turkish daily Aksan (12.08.19, https://www.aksam.com.tr/guncel/son-dakika-haberi-bakan-akardan-dogu-akdeniz-aciklamasi/haber-996938) reports that Turkey’s Defence Minister Akar reiterated that during his visit to the occupied area of Cyprus he had the opportunity to share views with their Turkish Cypriot brothers, adding: “As you know, Cyprus for us, for Turkey, for the Turkish Armed Forces is a national cause”.
Akar further said: “We are very sensitive on the issue of the political equality of our Cypriot brothers and their security and we will never make any concessions regarding these. This is an indispensable issue during all the negotiations”.
Noting that they hope that these talks will take place in a peaceful way, Akar claimed that they wish for the solutions to be carried out in accordance with international law. He added: “We do not impose any working methods here. We do not exclude any solution method, either.”
Akar further said that Turkey is a guarantor country in Cyprus very clearly within the framework of international law, adding that everyone must know that Britain, Greece and Turkey has important rights and responsibilities. He added that no one should have a doubt, they will fulfil these rights and responsibilities as they have done until today. “We have been next tour our Cypriot brothers and sisters until now and we will continue to be with them in the same way and after. We follow all developments closely. Everyone should know that we will protect until the end our rights and our law, both the rights of the TRNC and our rights, as Turkey.”
Noting that their “blue homeland” (referring to the sea) is 462 thousand square kilometres, Akar said that they have rights there, which are determined by international agreements. He added: “We are expecting our neighbours to comply with these. We expect progress in this context. We want everyone to know that we are determined to protect our rights and law”.
2. “Turkey won’t allow a fait accompli in Cyprus, East Med, Aegean”, Defense Minister Akar reiterates
Turkish daily Sabah (11.08.19, https://www.dailysabah.com/energy/2019/08/11/turkey-wont-allow-fait-accompli-in-cyprus-east-med-aegean-defense-minister-akar-says) reports that Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Sunday that Turkey will not allow a fait accompli in the Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Cyprus.
Aboard the TCG Gemlik frigate accompanying the Yavuz drilling vessel in the Eastern Mediterranean, Hulusi Akar, accompanied Chief of General Staff Gen. Yaşar Güler, Army Commander Gen. Ümit Dündar, Navy Commander Adm. Adnan Özbal and Air Force Commander Gen. Hasan Küçükakyüz, was briefed about Turkey's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean seas.
"We have defended the rights of our own, and the people of TRNC [editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus] to the end and will continue [to defend them]. Nobody should test our strength," Akar reiterated, and added: "We won't turn a blind eye to a fait accompli in Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Aegean… We won't let any decision against our rights over this issue to be taken in any way".
"One should expect this: they [the Cyprus government] will do exploration, drilling, extract gas and oil and benefit from these while the people of Cyprus, the state of the Republic of Turkey and 82 million will stand idly by. This is ridiculous."
Akar on Saturday arrived in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus to inspect Turkish troops stationed on the island and to hold a series of talks with the Turkish Cypriot officials.
Earlier on Sunday, Akar and top commanders performed their prayers for the Muslim festival of Qurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice), also known as Eid al-Adha, at the Hala Sultan Mosque near the occupied part of Nicosia and exchanged bayram greetings with Turkish Cypriots.
They later met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı, self-styled prime minister Ersin Tatar and self-styled parliament speaker Teberrüken Uluçay at the bayram reception hosted by Akinci. (…)
3. Cavusoglu: Turkey to clear YPG/PKK terrorists east of Euphrates
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (12.08.19, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-clear-ypg-pkk-terrorists-east-of-euphrates-turkish-fm-145716), Turkey will clear YPG/PKK terrorists from east of the Euphrates like in Syria's Afrin and Jarabulus at any cost, said Turkish Foreign Minister on Aug. 11.
“Turkey won't allow the U.S. to stall the process for the operation east of Euphrates like they did in Manbij,” Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said in Eid Al-Adha greetings in his hometown Antalya.
“The U.S. has not done its part in implementing the roadmap that we have approved of together,” he added.
Çavuşoğlu went on to say that, Turkey will clear east of the Euphrates either with or without the U.S. (…)
4. Turkey considers Russia’s proposal for Su-35 jets
Turkish Daily Yeni Safak (10.08.19, https://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/ve-su-35-masada-3501681), under the title “Also SU-35 at the negotiating table”, reported that Turkey evaluated the proposal by the Russian defence company Rosoboronexport regarding SU-35 jets. Turkish defence procurement authority has asked the Turkish military to formally weigh in on the possible purchase of Russian Su-35 jets and will start official negotiations with Rosoboronexport if the military approves the proposal, the paper wrote.
Ankara began considering the Russian Su-35s following a move by the United States last month to halt the delivery of the F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, after the country took delivery of Russian-made S-400 missile systems amid concerns that it may lead to possible Russian subterfuge.
It was also reported that for cases of emergency, the directorate has also been considering purchasing aircrafts from Russia, China, and Pakistan.
In relation to that, the agency asked for the opinions of the Ministry of Defence and Turkish Air Forces regarding the possible purchase of Russian Su-35 jets, adding that if Turkey’s defence bodies give a thumbs up, Turkey will start official negotiations with Russia.
5. Four political parties in Turkish parliament call for extradition of Gülen from US
According to Turkish news portal Turkish Minute (09.08.19, https://www.turkishminute.com/2019/08/09/4-political-parties-in-turkish-parliament-call-for-extradition-of-gulen-from-us/), four political parties in the Turkish parliament issued a joint statement on Friday calling for the extradition from the US of Turkish-Islamic cleric Fethullah Gülen, who is accused by the Turkish government of masterminding a failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the İYİ (Good) Party said the US should take the necessary steps as soon as possible for Gülen’s extradition to Turkey.
Only the Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) dissented. (…)
The requested extradition of Gülen is one of several issues that have strained the relationship between the two NATO allies.
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