Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review-14.11.2019
No. 737
Content
1. Oktay to illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus – Celebrations start today
2. Akinci says he would be constructive on 25 November
3. Tatar expects nothing from Berlin – Varosha on the agenda in the end of 2020
4. Debate on the Cyprus problem – The “presidency’s” budget accepted
1. Turkey, US have friendly talks but differences remain
2. CHP Deputy condemns EU’s economic sanctions over Turkey
A. Turkish Cypriot Press
1. Oktay to illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus – Celebrations start today
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Halkın Sesi (14.11.19) reports that Turkish Vice President, Fuat Oktay is arriving illegally tonight to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus in order to represent Turkey at the celebrations on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the “unilateral declaration of independence” (“UDI”). Oktay is expected to participate in a dinner hosted in his honour by self-styled prime minister, Ersin Tatar tomorrow.
It is not known yet whether he will meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, notes the paper recalling that Oktay had condemned Akinci’s statements on Turkey’s invasion to Syria by saying that because of these statements the bones of the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish soldiers who lay side by side at the cemetery in occupied Bogazi area would ache.
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Vatan (14.11.19) reports that the celebrations will start today with an address by Akinci through illegal Bayrak radio and television and 21 gun salutes. A military parade will take place tomorrow at 10.00 a.m. at Dr Fazil Kucuk Boulevard in the occupied part of Nicosia.
Illegal Bayrak (13.11.19, https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=republic-day-7) broadcast that as part of the celebrations, the Turkish Air Forces Aerobatics Team Solo Turk will perform above the skies of occupied Keryneia tomorrow.
(I/Ts.)
2. Akinci says he would be constructive on 25 November
Turkish Cypriot illegal Bayrak (14.11.19, https://www.brtk.net/cumhuriyet-kutlamalari-cumhurbaskani-akincinin-acis-konusmasi-ile-basladi/) broadcasts that Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci has said that the unilateral declaration of independence had “especially emphasized” that the establishment of the “TRNC” was not an obstacle for building a federal partnership under the roof of federation between two “equal peoples” in Cyprus. In his address on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the “unilateral declaration of independence” (“UDI”), Akinci said that they would continue their efforts for a solution in cooperation with the UN.
Referring to the tripartite meeting of 25 November in Berlin, Akinci said that they would meet with President Anastasiades after an invitation by UNSG Antonio Guterres and added: “We will act with political will and decisiveness in order for our island to be able to proceed towards tranquillity and peace. We will be there with a constructive stance protecting until the end our legitimate rights and interests for building a future in political equality, security and freedom. Of course, we will ask for our interlocutor as well to have this constructive understanding. I wish that this meeting will constitute a productive and positive step”.
Referring to the hydrocarbons, Akinci argued that the natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean and the energy issue in general caused increase of tension during the past few years. He claimed that the policy of keeping the “TRNC” and Turkey outside the energy equation did not help in decreasing this tension. He alleged that for the sake of this policy efforts were exerted to materialize projects which were not in harmony with the geographic realism and economic logic.
Noting that a chance should be given for the creation of an environment in which all sides would gain acting with the mentality of cooperation instead of tension, Akinci argued: “The proposal which we have made towards establishing a joint committee with this aim is still waiting for being evaluated on the table”.
Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriots wanted to live freely on this island by protecting and developing their own identity. “We will continue the close cooperation and brotherly solidarity with the Republic of Turkey established by Ataturk”, he added noting that the common denominator between the Turkish Cypriots and Ataturk’s principles and revolutions was the determination to grow democratic and free generations with the mentality of secular democracy.
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kıbrıs Postası (14.11.19, http://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRIS_HABERLERI/n303310-cumhurbaskani-akincinin-konusmasiyla-15-kasim-kutlamalari-ba) reports that Akinci said that they continued proposing an agreement on what is reasonable both on the Cyprus problem and in the field of energy. Noting that they were expecting the third parties and the international community to contribute in this direction, Akinci claimed that it should be known that the approach of punishing the Turkish side, which had no other alternative than searching for its rights before the rejection of its proposals for cooperation, would not help in the solution of the problem.
(I/Ts.)
3. Tatar expects nothing from Berlin – Varosha on the agenda in the end of 2020
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Güneş (14.11.19) reports that self-styled prime minister, Ersin Tatar has alleged that there was no change in what he described “intransigent stance of the Greek Cypriots” and added that he expected absolutely nothing from the tripartite meeting to be held on 25 November in Berlin with the participation of the two community leaders and the UNSG. In statements to CNN-Türk during his visit in Istanbul, Tatar said that the meeting would be informal.
Referring to the hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, Tatar described “unacceptable” the rejection of Turkey’s and “TRNC’s” proposal for establishing a joint committee and the continuation of what he called “unilateral activities” of the Greek Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean. He argued that Turkey and the “TRNC” have been positioned together in the Eastern Mediterranean with President Erdogan’s “decisive stance” and added that this positioning was inevitable when the size of the wealth in the area was taken into consideration.
Referring to the sanctions of the EU against Turkey because of its illegal activities in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, Tatar claimed that these were “unacceptable” and that they would take their rights in the Eastern Mediterranean by continuing their struggle decisively.
According to Tatar, “various games” were played in Cyprus and some circles wanted the guarantees to end, but the Turks of Cyprus would never abandon Turkey’s effective and active guarantees. He claimed that the opening of the discussion of the issue of guarantees by Akinci was a “big mistake” and argued that “the bonds between Turkey and the TRNC should never be cut off”.
Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak (14.11.19, https://www.brtk.net/tatar-kktcnin-marka-deger-olarak-ortaya-cikmasi-icin-mucadele-ediyoruz/) broadcasts that in statements to FOX TV in Turkey, Tatar said that the occupied fenced-off city of Varosha remained closed for 45 years and argued that the city should open from the point of view of human rights. Tatar noted that the issue of Varosha would come onto the agenda towards the end of 2020.
Tatar claimed that “peace” existed in Cyprus and that an agreement was what was missing. He reiterated the view that the “TRNC”, as he described the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, was important for Turkey’s security.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, he argued that a solution on the basis of federation was not possible, noting that partnership was at the basis of a federal agreement. He claimed that the Greeks and the Turks understood what a partnership was differently and alleged: “In our view, a federal partnership with the Greek Cypriots is not possible. The target of the Greek Cypriots is a unitary state. We will never cut off from Turkey’s guarantees”.
(I/Ts.)
4. Debate on the Cyprus problem – The “presidency’s” budget accepted
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Düzen (14.11.19) reports that the 44 million 900 thousand TL budget of the “presidency” of the breakaway regime was accepted yesterday at the “parliamentary committee” for finance, budget and planning. According to the paper, reference to the Cyprus problem was made during the debate.
Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) referred to those who argue that the federal solution in Cyprus was over and said that the federal solution was still at the UN’s table. He criticized all those who say that we should be realists on the Cyprus problem, because federation was discussed for 40-50 years without a result. “Which formula you propose on the issues of the map, the properties and bi-zonality”, he asked those who suggest abandoning the federation. “If other alternatives will be discussed, their content should be filled up”, he added.
According to Erhurman, while the Greek Cypriot leader was referring to other solution models outside the negotiations, in no official document he submitted to the UN he went outside the federal solution. “Guterres should support his words in Berlin, defend them at the table and pave the way for a five-party meeting”, he argued.
CTP’s “deputy”, Fikri Toros said that the steps of the “government” in the Cyprus problem had made questionable the credibility of the Turkish Cypriots at the negotiating table. He noted that the current situation could not continue and that the non-solution brought instability to the island and the region. He said that we should exert every effort for the tripartite meeting in Berlin and the opening of the way for an informal five-party meeting and argued that tension in the area might increase in the New Year.
Sanver Manavoglu, self-styled deputy with the People’s Party (HP) argued that if they did not change their stance on the Cyprus problem, they would continue saying similar things. He said that she used to believe that the Greek Cypriots would take steps on the issue of federation, but now she did not believe this.
Oguzhan Hasipoglu, “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP), argued that Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci failed on the issue of finding a comprehensive solution but this was not Akinci’s fault. He alleged: “The Greek Cypriot side is the one which does not want a solution. We must see this. Federation is a dream. We must take off the glasses which see everything rose-colored and focus on realistic solution models”.
Finally, Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that they struggle to stand on their own feet and administrate themselves. He noted that Akinci consulted and exchanged views with the “assembly” on the Cyprus problem. He expressed the wish that on 25 November steps would be taken for the reunification of the last divided capital in Europe.
(I/Ts.)
B. Turkish Press
1. Turkey, US have friendly talks but differences remain
Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet Daily News (14.11.19, https://tinyurl.com/ucaq8hf) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump had wonderful talks, according to Trump, yet the bilateral meetings did not yield any concrete result between the two NATO allies.
The closed-door meeting lasted for about 65 minutes. Trump was scheduled to meet select Senators before the leaders' press conference. The Turkish President also joined the sit-down with Republican Senators.
Erdoğan and Trump meeting's agenda covered bilateral relations, foreign policy issues and the recent developments in the region and around the globe.
During the meeting, the leaders tackled the extradition of FETÖ, a topic Ankara has repeatedly emphasized, the current situation in Syria- especially Washington's approach towards the YPG/PKK terror group, and Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 defence systems.
Erdoğan said that he returned a letter by his U.S. counterpart that threatened Ankara over its anti-terror "Operation Peace Spring" in northeastern Syria and bemoaned Washington's treatment of the YPG/PKK terror group's leader. "I presented the letter to Mr. President and especially felt sorrow that a U.S. President took a terrorist called Ferhat Abdi Şahin as an addressee," said Erdoğan.
Erdoğan claimed Şahin has caused the deaths of hundreds of Turkish people and is the adopted son of Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the PKK reportedly terrorist organization. "That the U.S., which we call our strategic partner, welcomes such a person actually saddens us. Likewise, this person is welcomed by Russia. It is hard to comprehend this within the scope of the fight against terrorism across the world", said Erdoğan, adding that he submitted some CIA documents which suggested that Şahin is a terrorist.
"The CIA also documented him as a terrorist and they sent us these documents, and then we presented them to Mr. President today. We also returned the letter likewise," Erdoğan added, without elaborating how the intelligence organization provided the documents to Ankara.
Stressing on the to-be established safe zone in northern Syria, Erdogan said tens of thousands of people died because a safe zone was not implemented quickly enough.
Noting that during the operation, Turkey secured the return of 365,000 Syrians to Jarablus, the northern border town that was cleared during the operation, he reiterated that Turkey "has no problem with the Kurds" and only takes issue with terrorist organizations.
Erdoğan added that "Turkey and the U.S. can work together to bring peace, stability to Syria and completely finish" the ISIL terror organization.
Regarding the anti-ISIL fight, Trump said Turkey is helping "a lot" in the effort, capturing all ISIL terrorists escaping prisons controlled by the YPG/PKK.
For his part, Trump said the meetings with Erdoğan and his senior officials were "very productive". Trump said the discussions were "wonderful" during a joint press conference that took place an hour after its original start time due to the protracted conversations.
"The U.S.-Turkish alliance can be a powerful force for security and stability, not only in the Middle East, but beyond. I look forward to working with you,” Trump said, referring to Erdoğan.
The U.S. President hailed Turkey as a "great NATO ally" after he and Erdoğan discussed a range of topics that spanned an ongoing row over Ankara's acquisition of the Russian S-400 anti-air system, the F-35 joint strike fighter, bilateral trade and a pause in Turkey's operation in northern Syria.
Trump said he and Erdoğan have directed their senior officials to "immediately work on resolving the S-400 issue”. However, Turkey's acceptance of the S-400, Trump said, "creates some very serious challenges for us, and we are talking about it constantly". "We talked about it today. We will talk about it in the future. Hopefully, we’ll be able to resolve that situation,” he added.
Erdoğan said the challenges can be overcome solely through dialogue, stressing that Ankara is committed to opening a new page with the U.S. in line with their bilateral alliance. (…)
Regarding the expansion of the bilateral trade volume to reach $100 billion, Trump said he thinks "we made tremendous progress on that", adding: “We encourage Turkey to further open its market, and they are doing that”. (…)
2. CHP Deputy condemns EU’s economic sanctions over Turkey
Turkish daily newspaper Milliyet (14.11.19) reports that Engin Altay, Deputy with the main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP), reminded that the EU has prepared a legal document on economic sanctions over Turkey’s drilling off coast of Cyprus, stressing that they cannot accept this.
Speaking at a press conference in the Parliament on Wednesday on EU’s economic sanctions over Turkey, Altay said: “This nation does not deserve the current perception that the world have for them. The EU countries should know that Turkey is not only about Erdogan. Although this decision seems to be for the Turkish nation and the TRNC [translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus], in fact, serves Erdogan’s policy to keep EU in distance. Neither the EU nor Turkey have benefits from this”.
Calling Turkey not to compromising the “TRNC’s rights” or its own rights due to these sanctions, Altay said that if Turkey does (compromises) then it would be wrong. However, he added that they should take together as soon as possible diplomatic steps to overcome the seclusion in the Eastern Mediterranean.
(DPs)
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/ AM)
ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΩΝ
