Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review-11.10.19
No. 192/19
Content
1. “A trilateral meeting in Europe in the second half of November”, says Burcu
2. Ozersay and Tacoy on ENI CEO’s statement
3. Written statement by so-called mfa on UNSC statement on fenced off Varosha
4. Havadis: The “airport” in occupied Lefkoniko opens for military use
5. No statements after Akinci briefed political party leaders
6. Tatar asks for direct flights
9. A delegation of the so-called assembly to attend the IPU Assembly in Serbia
10. YDP: “Let the new citizenship law be discussed after granting the pending citizenships”
11. KTOS and BKP condemn Turkey’s military operation in Syria
1. Turkey’s MFA describes UN press release on fenced off Varosha as “abuse of mandate'”
2. Erdogan warns EU of refugee influx if criticism of Syria operation continues
3. Akar discusses Operation Peace Spring with his French counterpart
4. Cavusoglu: “Turkey not to cross 30-km mark with operation in Syria”
5. Defense Ministry announces that first night in “anti-terror operation was successful”
A. Turkish Cypriot Press
1. “A trilateral meeting in Europe in the second half of November”, says Burcu
According to Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Kibris Postasi (11.10.19, http://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRIS_HABERLERI/n299533-uclu-gorusme-kasim-ayinda-avrupada-11102019), Baris Burcu, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s spokesman, announced that the trilateral meeting is expected to take place in a European city in the second half of November.
In a written statement, Burcu said: “As it was decided at the meeting that our president Mustafa Akinci had with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and after the meetings that the Secretary General had with the sides, a trilateral meeting is envisaged before the end of the year.
Following this, within the framework of a good preparation, it is also on the agenda that a five-party meeting may be held. The preliminary contacts of the trilateral meeting have been initiated by the UN with us. The trilateral meeting is expected to take place in a European town in the second half of November.
When the place and the time of the meeting become clearer as a result of the continued contacts of UN Secretary General Guterres, our president, as he said to the UNSG in New York, will be ready to participate in this meeting with a determined and constructive stance”.
(DPs)
2. Ozersay and Tacoy on ENI CEO’s statement
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Düzen(11.10.19) reports that Kudret Ozersay, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has alleged that “the results of the policy we have been implementing with Turkey aiming at securing balance in the field in the Eastern Mediterranean are being sensed”.
Commenting on a statement made by Italian ENI Company’s CEO Claudio Descalzi that in case warships were sent for the natural gas reserves his company would not carry out drillings in Cyprus as they did not want to start a war, Ozersay argued that this was a positive statement and added the following on a post on social media:
“In 2018 the aforementioned company personally saw and experienced that on the one hand Turkey was serious on these issues and on the other that we, as Turkish Cypriot side, are ready for an agreement, if works will be carried out before the solution. I hope that all concerned parties, including the international companies, will start giving the right messages to the Greek Cypriot leadership on the natural gas issue. Determined stance which includes deterrence could help towards results”.
Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kıbrıs Postası (11.10.19) reports that in statements to a TV station, Ozersay alleged that the Greek Cypriot leadership would not get any results in case it continued allegedly ignoring the rights of the Turkish Cypriots on what he called “disputable areas” and therefore at some point its works would come to a deadlock. Ozersay wished for other energy companies to see that the Turkish Cypriots were open to an agreement and determined and to feel this “dissuasive effect”. “I hope that the other companies will also take this into consideration”, he said.
Ozersay alleged also that the Turkish side had achieved balance on the field and therefore the possibility of a conflict was low now, while the possibility of achieving an agreement was must higher.
Moreover, the same paper reports that Hasan Tacoy, self-styled minister of energy and economy of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has described ENI’s statement as “positive”. He alleged that the Italian company showed clearly that it would not play what he called “the game and the provocation of the Greek Cypriots”. “I think that ENI’s decision should be carefully followed by together companies as well”, he argued.
(I/Ts.)
3. Written statement by so-called mfa on UNSC statement on fenced off Varosha
According to illegal Bayrak (10.10.19, https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=mfa-responds-to-unsc-statement-on-maras) the so-called foreign ministry issued a written statement on the UNSC press release on the issue of Varosha. According to the statement, the “foreign ministry” has announced that it is continuing its work with determination to compile an inventory of properties in the fenced-off city of Maraş [Varosha].
A statement issued by the “ministry” said that the “study was being conducted within the framework of international law and taking into account the rights of the Vakıflar Administration and former residents”.
Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side was continuing its efforts to prevent work on the inventory, the “TRNC foreign ministry” alleged that the latest statement by the UN Security Council which repeats old resolutions only serves to maintain the status quo.
“More importantly the resolutions referred to in the latest UN statement are outdated following the numerous confidence-building packages on the issue which were rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. The Greek Cypriot administration’s efforts are not solely aimed at preserving the status quo. The Greek Cypriot leadership out of concern it is losing Maraş as its propaganda tool is harming the rights of former residents who have on numerous occasions welcomed the TRNC government’s move on the fenced-off city,” it said.
4. Havadis: The “airport” in occupied Lefkoniko opens for military use
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Havadis(11.10.19) reports that as a result of the recent events, plans were made for opening the “airport” in occupied Lefkoniko area for military use. A high ranking military official told the paper that studies were carried out with the aim of giving the “airport” to the Turkish Armed Forces and of creating there a center for unmanned air vehicles and armed unmanned air vehicles.
The official said that experts from the Turkish General Staff inspected the runway and examined the hangars built for the military airplanes. The official also noted that unmanned air vehicles and armed unmanned vehicles accompanied the ships, which carry out drillings in the Mediterranean and added that if the distance which these vehicles covered when they take off from Konya and Ankara was taken into account, the “airport” in Lefkoniko seemed to be “a very suitable place strategically”. The official recalled that the aforementioned airport had been built for military purposes.
(I/Ts.)
5. No statements after Akinci briefed political party leaders
According to illegal Bayrak television (11.10.19, https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=akinci-briefed-political-party-leaders), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci briefed yesterday the leaders and representatives of political parties in the “parliament” on his most recent meetings in New York as well as the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.
The meeting was attended by the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP)- “prime minister” Ersin Tatar, the leader of the Peoples’ Party (HP)-“deputy prime minister” Kudret Özersay, the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Özyiğit, “deputy” from the Democrat Party (DP) Serdar Denktaş and the leader of the Revival Party (YDP)Erhan Arıklı.
Also present at the meeting was Akinci’s undersecretary Gürdal Hüdaoğlu, his special representative Erhan Erçin and his spokesman Barış Burcu.
No statement was issued after the 45-minute long meeting.
6. Tatar asks for direct flights
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkın Sesi (11.10.19) reports that the so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar claimed that all the obstacles as regards the freedom of travel of the Turkish Cypriots should be lifted and direct flights to the “TRNC” should start.
He made these statements speaking yesterday during a ceremony of the “ministry of economy and energy” for the so-called ministry’s “2035 vision” project which aims for the breakaway regime to follow a plan for economic development. Tatar stated in the event that irrespective of any solution found in Cyprus, “the Turkish Cypriot people must be accepted as a separated state, separate administration and separate existence”.
He went on and claimed that the freedoms of the Turkish Cypriots have been violated for the last 45 years and added: “Perhaps today-tomorrow we will not receive any results from this but we will seek our right in specific international courts”.
He also claimed that the political developments in the Eastern Mediterranean are strengthening the “TRNC” which as he claimed is also important for Turkey’s safety.
7. Tacoy: Priority will be given to natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkın Sesi (11.10.19) reports that the so-called minister of economy Hasan Tacoy stated that their wish is to make the year 2020 a year of opportunity for the “TRNC” and added that during this year they will continue to take the necessary steps, that they have started taking in 2019, to deal with the economic crisis.
Speaking yesterday during a ceremony of the “ministry of economy and energy” for the so-called ministry’s “2035 vision” project which aims for the breakaway regime to follow a plan for economic development, Tacoy stated that priority will be given to the natural gas pipe line between Turkey and the occupied area of Cyprus.
He claimed that the transfer via Turkey to Europe of the natural gas it would be a necessary and applicable solution, that could probably be exhorted in Eastern Mediterranean and added that this would boost the economy of the “TRNC”.
He also claimed that the energy connection between Turkey and the occupied area of Cyprus must take place the soonest possible and added that it would be an act of responsibility towards the “people” to provide cheap and environmentally friendly energy using a hybrid energy system.
(CS).
8. Ozersay will brief the Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on the recent developments in “TRNC” and the region
Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Kibris (11.10.19)reports that the head of the Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Volkan Bozkir said that the self-styled deputy prime minister and foreign minister Kudret Ozersay will participate in the meeting of the Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee next Wednesday (Oct.17) and will brief their Committee on the recent developments in the “TRNC” and the region.
(DPs)
9. A delegation of the so-called assembly to attend the IPU Assembly in Serbia
According to illegal Bayrak television (11.10.19-https://www.brtk.net/meclis-heyeti-pab-toplantisina-katilmak-uzere-sirbistana-gidecek/), a delegation of the so-called assembly, headed by the “speaker” of the “assembly”, Teberruken Ulucay will attend the 141st Assembly of the IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union) which will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, on 13-17 October 2019.
According to a written statement issued by the “assembly” 6 Turkish political parties were received invitations for attending the IPI. In this framework, Oguzhan Hasipoglu will represent the National Unity Party (UBP), Dogus Derya the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Jale Refik Rogers the People’s Party (HP), Cemal Ozyigit the Social Democracy Party (TDP), Koral Cagman the Democratic Party (DP) AND Bertan Zaroglu the Revival Settler’s Party (YDP).
The “assembly’ delegation” is expected to depart tonight from the occupied area of Cyprus and return on October 15.
(AK)
10. YDP: “Let the new citizenship law be discussed after granting the pending citizenships”
Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Kibris (11.10.19) reports that the general secretary of the Revival Party (YDP) Turan Buyukyilmaz said that “the criteria and the new citizenship law should be discussed after the pending citizenships are granted”.
In a written statement, Buyukyilmaz noted: “As YDP, we say that the population issue of this country should be a state policy and should not be left to the discrepancy of governments. The population planning should be done in accordance with the population policy. The population rate of south Cyprus [translator’s note: as he refers to the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus] should be taken as a basic criterion when the population policy is being formulated”.
Criticizing the recent statements of Aysegul Baybars, self-styled minister of interior on the population in the occupied area of Cyprus, Buyukyilmaz said that the population in “south Cyprus” has increased to more than one million, adding: “It cannot be explained with good intention the initiative of the minister to reduce the population in our country and to weaken our hand in the case of a possible negotiation”.
(DPs)
11. KTOS and BKP condemn Turkey’s military operation in Syria
Under the banner headline “Stop it: war under the pretext of peace”, Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Afrika (11.10.19), on its front page, reports that Turkey has launched a second invasion in Syria, adding that it was the same Justice and Development Party (AKP) government in Turkey, which had supported radical Islamic elements in the area in order to overthrow the Syrian state.
In a written statement, the general secretary of Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Trade Union (KTPOS) Sener Elcil said that Turkey should respect the territorial integrity of Syria, to sit at the negotiating table with the Syrian government and to respect the international treaties. He further said: “Similar to what happened in Cyprus 45 years ago under the pretext of peace operation, it took place in Arfin and now in northern Syria. Actually the military operation conducted by Turkey in Cyprus with peace rhetoric citing the pretext that it is for the protection of Cyprus’ territorial integrity, brought the division of the island and made the northern part of the island into Turkey’s colony. Considering this fact, contrary to the statements of Turkish officials for the military operation in Syria, it is clear that it will have the results of Cyprus”.
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Detay (11.10.19) reports that the United Cyprus Party (BKP), in a written statement, said that Turkey’s military operation within Syrian borders will not contribute at all to regional stability, adding that this war decision of Turkey will be the cause of Turkey being drawn into chaos and in a war that will last for years.
(DPs)
B. Turkish Press
1. Turkey’s MFA describes UN press release on fenced off Varosha as “abuse of mandate'”
Ankara Anatolia news agency (10.10.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/un-release-on-maras-cyprus-abuse-of-mandate-turkey/1609457) reported that Turkey's Foreign Ministry in a written statement said on Thursday that the UN Security Council’s press release on the abandoned fenced off city of Varosha [Maras] is an “abuse of mandate”.
Stressing that Turkey supports the “TRNC mfa’s statement” on Maras also released on Thursday, the Ministry said in a statement: "As there is no threat to international peace and security in Maras, we consider the Council’s consultations, requested unnecessarily by the Greek Cypriot side, as well as the press statement released thereafter, as an abuse of the mandate of the UN Security Council".
After a request by the “Greek Cypriot administration” [Translator’s note: the Republic of Cyprus], the UN Security Council recently held consultations on the long-abandoned town and published a press release on Wednesday accusing Turkey of abusing its mandate on the issue.
(…)
2. Erdogan warns EU of refugee influx if criticism of Syria operation continues
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (10.10.19-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/109-terrorists-neutralized-in-operation-peace-spring-erdogan-147355) reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring will prevent the YPG from forming a terrorist state within Syrian territory, assuring the world on the continued fight against ISIL.
“The objective of our operation is to avoid the establishment of a terror state in the south. That’s what we are working for,” Erdogan said at a meeting of his Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Oct. 10, a day after the start of the cross-border operation.
Erdogan sought to respond to criticism and strong statements against the Turkish move by prominent European and NATO countries as well as some leading Arab nations.
“Just like other operations conducted by Turkey, the objective of the Peace Spring is to contribute to the territorial integrity and political unity of Syria. It’s quite obvious that one can talk about the territorial integrity and political unity of this country while one-fourth of its territories are under the occupation of the PKK/YPG,” Erdogan said.
“Turkey has no problem with the Kurds in Syria but with the terror organizations like the PKK, YPG and ISIL”, Erdogan said, underlining that Turkey still host around 300,000 Syrian Kurds who have fled the violence of the YPG and the Syrian regime.
“Let’s first see this. They are still in our country. Why don’t we talk about it? America does not see this, nor does the EU. To whom will we explain all this? Then we should tell this to our own people. There is a political party at the Parliament which takes support from a terror organization. They will never see but we will let them see one way or another,” Erdogan said, referring to the People’s Democratic Party (HDP).
In reference to the HDP, Erdogan said: “You cannot describe our operation as an invasion. You cannot depict our army as an invading force.”
“The operation aims at restoring order and stability along the Turkish-Syrian border from the Manbij area to the Iraqi border as a safe zone where Syrians will be able to be resettled”, Erdogan said, repeating his calls on EU countries to support the plan.
“From the hour the operation started, 109 terrorists have been killed. The terrorist organization and its partisans attempted to spread a lot of fake news. Our operation is ongoing,” he said.
“Apart from the neutralized 109 terrorists, some have been injured or surrendered”, Erdogan conveyed. “We have also taken necessary precautions against smear campaigns,” he said.
Erdogan was referring to the recent legal action taken against 78 people on Oct. 9, for inciting hatred through a smear campaign on social media against the newly launched operation into the east of Euphrates.
“Those who do not have the heart to face our soldiers showed their true colors by attacking civilians at first chance. You are the ones killing children and attacking women,” he said.
“We are a nation which will not raise its hand against the vulnerable, the women or children,” he added. “We will do whatever we did in our operations before. Meaning, we will bring peace and security to the places we go,” he added.
Erdogan also fired back on almost all countries and international organizations that have denounced the Turkish operation and used very harsh language against the EU which has said it won’t sponsor the building of a refugee settlement in the safe zone as a result of a unilateral Turkish operation.
"Hey, European Union! Pull yourself together. I repeat it: If you try to describe our operation as an invasion, we will do what’s easy for us: we will open the doors and send 3.6 million refugees to you,” he said.
Turkey will walk on its path in full confidence regardless of what the EU says, Erdogan said, recalling that the EU’s threats to cut the flow of 3 billion euros to Turkey as part of a migrant deal will not change the decisions made in Ankara. “You have not given anything to us for our efforts (to host refugees). It was us who spent $40 billion. We’ll continue our path by spending the same amount of money, but we will then open the doors.”
Erdogan further expressed strong criticism to NATO, supporting that as a member of NATO, Turkey has not received adequate help from the alliance despite the fact that Article 5 is valid for all members whose borders are under threat by terror organizations.
“You cannot remain silent when terror organizations attack Turkey,” he stated, on the eve of the visit by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg to Turkey.
Erdogan has responded to concerns that the fight against the ISIL would be undermined because of the operation.
“Which of these countries that criticize us fought against the DAESH like us? They just did export the DAESH to Syria. DAESH members came from France, Germany, and the Netherlands. We had deported 5,500 DAESH members to the countries where they came from,” he explained, using an Arabic acronym for ISIL.
He went on to add that Turkey will continue its efforts to eradicate ISIL within the area where the operation will be held, Erdogan assured the international community. “We would never see the DAESH becoming trouble for the world, for Europe or for our country.”
Erdogan was also furious with officials from Saudi Arabia and Egypt over their condemnation of the operation.
“Saudi Arabia should better look in the mirror. Who is responsible for today’s conditions in Yemen? Weren’t tens of thousands of people killed? Hey, Saudi Arabia, you should first pay the price of it,” he said.
He also denounced a statement issued by Egypt along with “south Cyprus” [Translator’s note: Republic of Cyprus] and Greece. “Egypt, just you wait. You have no right to speak!” he said.
3. Akar discusses Operation Peace Spring with his French counterpart
Ankara Anatolia news agency (11.10.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkish-french-defense-chiefs-discuss-op-peace-spring/1609554) reports that Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar discussed the country's “counter-terrorism” Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria with his French counterpart on Thursday.
According to a press release by the Turkish National Defense Ministry, Akar told Florence Parly in a phone call that the goal of the operation was to eliminate existing terrorist groups in the region, especially Daesh and the PKK/PYD-YPG east of the Euphrates River to establish a peace corridor to ensure Syrians living in Turkey can return to their homeland.
Akar told Parly that Turkey is "the only NATO and coalition member country that is giving a chest-to-chest fight with Daesh, and neutralized more than 3,000 Daesh terrorists," the statement said.
Akar also informed his counterpart about Turkey's sensitivity on targeting only terrorists, their shelters, positions, weapons, tools and equipment during the execution of the operation.
"We attach great importance not only to the security of our country and nation, but also to the security of religious and ethnic groups living in the region," he said.
“The utmost attention and sensitivity are being shown to prevent damage to civilians and innocent people as well as historical, cultural and religious structures, infrastructure facilities and elements of friendly and allied countries in the region”, Akar added.
4. Cavusoglu: “Turkey not to cross 30-km mark with operation in Syria”
Ankara Anatolia news agency (10.10.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-not-to-cross-30-km-mark-with-operation-in-syria/1609388) reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday that Turkey does not plan to cross the 30-kilometer (19-mile) mark in Operation Peace Spring in Syria.
Speaking to CNN’s Turkish Television Channel, Mevlut Cavusoglu said: "The purpose of the operation is to remove terrorists from this area. The range of rockets coming to Akcakale [a district of Turkey’s southeastern Sanliurfa province] from Nusaybin [in Syria] is about 30 kilometers".
Responding to a question, Cavusoglu said that the threat disappears beyond 30 kilometers south, and Turkey does not plan to go beyond the 30-km mark. “Turkey plans to widen the safe zone, not limiting it to 120 km (74 miles)”, he said, adding that the whole border [between Turkey and Syria] must be made a safe zone.
Cavusoglu also argued the terrorist YPG in Syria holds Daesh terrorists as a weapon, adding "The YPG fought against Daesh to expand its area in the region and to divide Syria."
He reiterated that Turkey is taking responsibility for Daesh terrorists and their families.
"French President [Emmanuel] Macron wants to divide Syria," Cavusoglu said, adding that France does not hide its intention.
“France already gave support to the referendum which suggests to divide Iraq”, he added.
(…)
5. Defense Ministry announces that first night in “anti-terror operation was successful”
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (10.11.19-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/first-night-in-anti-terror-operation-successful-says-defense-ministry-147343) reported that the Turkish National Defense Ministry on Oct. 10 stated that Turkey's “anti-terror operation” in northern Syria “was carried out successfully by air and land overnight”.
“The Operation Peace Spring has been carried out successfully both by air and land throughout the night. Pre-determined targets have been captured,” the Ministry said on Twitter. “The operation is ongoing as planned,” it added.
Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (11.10.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/operation-peace-spring/turkey-neutralizes-277-terrorists-in-northern-syria-op/1609563) reports that Turkish Defense Ministry said on Friday that “Turkey neutralizes 277 terrorists in northern Syria operation”.
“A total of 277 terrorists have been neutralized so far since Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria”, the Defense Ministry claimed on Twitter. “49 more PKK/PYD-YPG terrorists neutralized during night-long operations within the scope of Operation Peace Spring. A total of 277 terrorists neutralized so far since Turkey started Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria”, the Ministry argued.
Also, Turkish daily Sabah (11.10.19-https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/10/10/turkey-clears-7-villages-from-ypg-terrorists-in-northern-syria) reports the following: “Turkey's newly launched anti-terror operation in northern Syria liberated 11 villages in Tal Abyad town and Ras al-Ayn city from People's Protection Units (YPG) on Thursday.
The villages of al-Yabisah and Tal Fandar were the first ones cleared of terrorists as part of the Operation Peace Spring — launched Wednesday east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria to secure its borders by eliminating terrorist elements and to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees and Syria's territorial integrity.
Later, the villages of Musheirifa, Dadat, Bir Ashiq and Hamidiyah in Tal Abyad and Kishto in Ras al-Ayn were also cleared of terrorists.
The villages of Lower Kishto west of Ras al-Ayn, Barzan, Al Jadedah and Gisas were also rid of terrorists.
Meanwhile, the National Syrian Army disconnected a YPG supply line through Dirbasiye district in Al-Hasakah. Syrian National Army forces are taking security precautions in the villages located west of Tal Abyad.
The Turkish military opened fire on 181 YPG targets in northern Syria, as commandos participating in Turkey's Operation Peace Spring started advancing east of the Euphrates.”
6. Five deputies of HDP under investigation for statements they made about the “Peace Spring” military operation
Turkish daily Hurriyet (11.10.19) reports that five deputies of the pro-Kurdish Democracy People Party (HDP), including the party’s co-general secretary Pervin Buldan, are under investigation as regards a written statement they made about the “Peace Spring” military operation.
The paper further reports that 78 persons are also under investigation for sharing the statement on social media.
(CS)
……………………..
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(AK/ EH)
PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE
