![]() |
Compact version |
|
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
Thursday, 15 August 2024
![]() |
||
![]() |
![]() |
|
Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-04-15Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 71/11 15.04.11 C O N T E N T S[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS
[B] TURKISH PRESS
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESSMain issue in today's Turkish Cypriot newspaper are Eroglu's statements after the dinner with President Christofias within the framework of the Cyprus negotiations, reports that special representatives Iacovou and Ozersay have fully agreed upon an issue for the first time and the "motion of non-confidence" by the "opposition" parties against the ruling UBP. In addition, the meetings of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) in occupied Cyprus, a "parliamentary" decision on the attendance of Nami to a PACE meeting in Berlin, the appointment of the new chairman of the "Turkish Republic Technical Delegation" in occupied Cyprus, and other internal issues were also covered by the press.[01] Statements by Eroglu after the dinner with President ChristofiasTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris (15.04.11) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and President Christofias met last night at a dinner within the framework of the negotiations aiming at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Cyprus, Alexander Downer, the representatives of the two leaders, George Iacovou and Kudret Ozersay, and one person from each side for taking the minutes participated in the 2.5-hour long dinner at the residence of Lisa Buttenheim, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus.In statements after the dinner, Eroglu said the climate was very sincere during the meeting. He added that they discussed what should be done until June and expressed their views regarding the meeting planned for the second half of this month. Eroglu reiterated the allegation that after his "election", he sincerely and insistently continues to exhibit his will for an agreement and noted that his aim is to find a "lasting and real" agreement in which the "TRNC people" will live with honour. He argued that therefore he seized on every opportunity and in the tripartite meetings held in New York and Geneva he submitted a practical plan for reaching an agreement by the end of March, but the Greek Cypriot side rejected this plan. Eroglu claimed that the need for a time table in the negotiations has started to be perceived as time passes by. Eroglu said the negotiations continue for many years and argued that the people's belief in both sides of the island that these negotiations will result in an agreement decreases every day. Referring to the agreement reportedly reached yesterday between the special representatives of the leaders on the issue of the international agreements, Eroglu said the special representatives have almost reached an agreement and added that they will evaluate this agreement. Eroglu argued that every time when they (the Turkish Cypriot side) are invited to a meeting, they respond positively and work with determination for reaching an agreement. He claimed that the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Cyprus will influence the negotiations. He noted that in the meantime the leaders will continue the negotiations and try to achieve convergences by June, after which more progress could be made. However, he said, even if convergence is not achieved, the Turkish side will participate in the (tripartite) meeting and see the attitude of the UN Secretary-General. (I/Ts.) [02] Iacovou and Ozersay have reportedly fully agreed upon an issue for the first timeUnder the title "They fully agreed for the first time", Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (15.04.11) reports that Kudret Ozersay and George Iacovou, special representatives of the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu and President Christofias respectively, reached a full agreement on the issue of the "international agreements" during the meeting they held yesterday.According to illegal TAK news agency, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Cyprus, Alexander Downer, and UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus, Lisa Buttenheim participated in the meeting. The chapter of the "International Agreements" was the only issue of discussion during the meeting. Citing information from reliable sources, the paper writes that the sides agreed that the international agreements which have been made with third parties by the Republic of Cyprus and the "TRNC" breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the island before the solution, will be valid in the "new partnership" as long as they are not contrary to the solution agreement. These agreements will be binding for the United Cyprus. It is reported that the agreed text is 3-4 page long. Asked to confirm the agreement, Kudret Ozersay contented himself with saying: "It is true that progress was achieved. We are satisfied with the fact that progress is achieved". Responding to another questions, Ozersay said the "police" issue was not discussed yesterday and added that this issue will be discussed at the meeting to be held next Tuesday on 15.00 hours. (I/Ts.) [03] CTP, TDP and DP tabled a "motion of non-confidence" against UBP; Kucuk says resentment should not last longTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris (15.04.11) reports that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), the Social Democracy Party (TDP) and the Democratic Party (DP) tabled yesterday a "motion of non-confidence" in the "parliament" against the National Unity Party (UBP) "government". Noting that what is important now is the opposition to find 26 votes in the "parliament" in order for the "motion" to pass, the paper writes that the justification of the "motion" said the "cabinet's" reshuffle preoccupied the agenda for a long time and overshadowed the economic, political and social problems which exist in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Moreover, the "motion" accused the "government" of dragging the "country" into chaos.In statements after submitting the "motion", Ferdi Sabit Soyer, chairman of the CTP, argued that the UBP causes crises in the occupied areas of Cyprus from the very first day it came to "power". He recalled that the "MPs" of the UBP, who reacted against the recent "reshuffle" of the "cabinet", asked for an extraordinary congress of the party and that "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk threatened them with early "elections". He said the "rebellious MPs" do not participate in the work of the "parliament" and argued that the future of the "government" is uncertain. Therefore the three parties decided to table a "motion of non-confidence", he added. He concluded by arguing that there is nothing left for this "government" to offer to the "country". Meanwhile, Mehmet Cakici, leader of the TDP, argued that economic and political instability and chaos exists in the occupied areas of Cyprus, in spite of the efforts of the UBP to show that stability exists. He expressed the view that the UBP is divided into two and recalled that the "MPs" who reacted against the "reshuffle" asked an extraordinary congress, while "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk said early "elections" should be held. He noted that it is not possible to "govern" and secure economic and political stability in such a climate. Referring to the developments in the UBP, Cakici said it seems that a reaction against the "cabinet" and a conflict of interests exist. Moreover, Serdar Denktas, leader of the DP, stated that they carried to the "assembly" the non-confidence, which exists within the "people" against the "government". Furthermore, Turgay Avci, leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), said the "law" regarding "elections" and "referendum" should be discussed and amended. He noted that afterwards "early elections" could be held, if necessary. Finally, "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk said this was not the first time when problems exist in the "parliament" and added that the change in the "government" is always painful. He noted that resentment and disappointment should not last long. He expressed the view that resentment which does not last long should be tolerated, because similar examples were experienced in the past. He said his party is not divided into two. Meanwhile, Kibris (15.04.11) reports also that speaking during a meeting of his party in the occupied part of Lefkosia, Kucuk said some "MPs" of UBP did not attend the "parliament" yesterday, noted that his colleagues will be attending the "parliament" as of Monday and thanked them. (I/Ts.) [04] Celebrations for the anniversary of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed; Afrika refers to new customs in occupied Cyprus after AKP came to powerTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika (15.04.11) reports that celebrations named as "The Holy Birth Week" started yesterday in the occupied areas of Cyprus on the occasion of the anniversary of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed. The celebrations, which are organized by the "Religious Affairs Department" and the Religious Consultancy of the "embassy" of Turkey in the occupied part of Lefkosia, will last until 20 April.The paper writes that within the framework of the celebrations, the beard of the Prophet is exhibited in a small jar in a park in occupied Lefkosia. The paper recalls that the beard was kept at Topkapi Sarayi Museum in Istanbul and wonders how it was brought to the occupied areas of Cyprus. Afrika writes that the "Holy Birth Week" is celebrated in the occupied areas of Cyprus only during the past few years. The paper expresses the following view: "After the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in Turkey, new customs came up here: 'The Holy Birth Week'. There was no such a thing in the past. However, this place was not Turkey in the past". (I/Ts.) [05] Kucuk said seven aviation companies operate in the occupied areasUnder the title "Tourism top priority", Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (15.04.11) in its front page reports that self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk has announced that a "tourism consultative committee" was established in the occupied areas of Cyprus.In a statement prior to a meeting yesterday with Basaran Ulusoy Chairman of the Association of Turkish Travel Agents (TURSAB), Kucuk said that the year 2011 has been declared as "TRNC year" in Turkey and within this framework the bilateral relations have been increased. He added that tourism is a priority for the "TRNC" and therefore they try to support and facilitate investors coming from Turkey. Referring to the flights, Kucuk said that after Onur Air airlines, Sky airlines launch flights from the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus. He added that the number of aviation companies operating in the occupied areas reached seven. Ulusoy, for his part, said that although they did not forget "TRNC" they have been neglecting it until today, adding that they will attempt to make up for these mistakes by meeting the deficit in the coming period. Ulusoy also noted that they should make the best out of this island, adding that there are thoughts of organizing a fair in the occupied areas in October. [06] Sky airlines launch flights in the occupied areas of Cyprus todayTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris (15.04.11) reports that Sky airlines launch today their first flight to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus. The paper writes that the scheduled service of Sky airlines will start on 13 May 2011.The paper also reports that self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk, self-styled minister of foreign affairs Huseyin Ozgurgun, self-styled minister of tourism Unal Ustel, self-styled minister of public works and transport Ercan Saner, and the self-styled mayor of the occupied part of Lefkosia Cemal Bulutoglulari will welcome the first flight of Sky airlines today with a cocktail reception at the occupied airport of Tymvou. [07] Nami to attend PACE meeting in BerlinTurkish Cypriot daily Vatan (15.04.11) reports that during its yesterday's meeting, the "general assembly" of the so-called parliament has approved the participation of Ozdil Nami, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Lefkosia "MP", in a meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to be held in Berlin on April 17-21.[08] The new chairman of the "Turkish Republic Technical Delegation" in occupied Cyprus has been appointedTurkish Cypriot daily Vatan (15.04.11) reports that Seyit Ahmet Bas has been appointed to the presidency of the "Turkish Republic Technical Delegation" for the breakaway regime in occupied Cyprus. Bas' assignment came after the evacuation of the seat by Halil Ibrahim Akca, who has been appointed as the new Turkish "ambassador" to occupied Lefkosia.According to the paper, yesterday Bas paid a courtesy visit to the so-called minister of finance Ersin Tatar, at which they discussed the investments and the aids made by Turkey and noted the importance of a good cooperation. [B] TURKISH PRESSMore reports and commentaries on Erdogan's addressing speech at PACE, Davutoglu's visit to Berlin for the unofficial meeting of NATO's Foreign Ministers in order to discuss Libya's future, the appointment of a new governor for Turkish Central Bank and other internal issues are covered by today's Turkish press. Issues such as the dinner between the two leaders in Cyprus, reports that three opposition parties in the occupied areas have tabled a "motion of non-confidence" against the UBP "government" and the visit of members of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) to the occupied areas for a workshop are also covered by Turkish dailies.[09] Turkish FM to attend NATO Foreign Ministers informal meeting; He held several contacts thereAnkara Anatolia news agency (14.04.11) reported from Berlin that Turkey's foreign minister, who is currently in the German capital of Berlin to attend an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers, held separate talks on Thursday, with the Spanish Foreign Minister Trinidad Jimenez Garcia-Herrera and Slovakian Foreign Minister Mikulas Dzurinda in Berlin.Countries contributing to NATO's Libya operation as well as the latest developments in Libya were on the agenda of Davutoglu's talks in Berlin, sources said. The ministers emphasized during their gathering that the operation on Libya would continue and Arab countries' contribution to the process were of great importance. The officials also agreed that a certain progress should be achieved in the political process in Libya. Turkish FM Davutoglu met also with his Georgian counterpart Grigol Vashadze in Berlin where he is attending an unofficial meeting of NATO foreign ministers. During their meeting, Davutoglu and Vashadze discussed the issue of their nationals visiting each other's country by showing an ID only instead of a passport. Davutoglu further met with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday. Davutoglu and Westerwelle discussed the role of Turkey in its region, Turkey-EU relations and Turkish-German bilateral ties in their meeting. Davutoglu invited Westerwelle to Turkey, officials said. Later Foreign Minister Davutoglu had a meeting with the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. [10] Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan held joint military exerciseTurkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (14.04.11, online) reported that a joint military exercise conducted by Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan took place in March 2011 to improve warfare tactics in residential areas.The Turkish military said dozens of infantry troops from the three countries attended the exercise. Turkey, NATO's sole Muslim member, has been training Afghan security forces in Turkey and in Kabul since 2001. Several hundred Afghans have attended Turkish war colleges or anti-terrorism courses organized by Turkish army officers. Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Afghan leader Hamid Karzai and Pakistani leader Asif Ali Zardari came together on December 24, 2010, during a meeting in Istanbul of Central Asian countries belonging to the Economic Cooperation Organization. Security and development were the main issues discussed at the trilateral summit, where the decision was made to hold a joint military exercise. [11] "Is this a European approach?"Under the above title, the editorial column "From the Bosphorus: Straight" in Hurriyet Daily News (14.04.11, online) comments on Erdogan's address to PACE as following: "Fair enough. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has a very good sense of the art of oration, which he has proven so many times in Turkey and abroad. Blunt but undiplomatic rhetoric does obviously work in his favor in his political speeches, even in Strasbourg on Tuesday where he addressed thousands of Turks living in France, however, we should be frank, it is no use at the Council of Europe.As it hit the headline of the Daily News' edition yesterday, Erdogan appeared before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, or PACE, two years after he last visited the city. No surprise occurred. European parliamentarians' questions were tough and so were Erdogan's responses. Questions that varied from press freedom to election threshold, from minority rights to constitutional amendments were as legitimate as they could be. However, we cannot really say the same thing for Erdogan's responses, neither style-wise, nor content-wise. The prime minister was too aggressive and assertive in his dialogue with the parliamentarians, often bashing them with his strong words full of one-sided arguments. As seen visibly, Erdogan's single argument was his assertion that "those who criticize his government had no genuine information and were misled by anti-government circles." That stance was once again reflected when answering French MP Muriel Marland Militello's question on minority rights and Dutch MP Tiny Kox's question on election threshold. Instead of explaining the fundamentals of his government on these specific issues, he chose to engage in a quarrel with the MPs with a set of incomprehensible arguments. Take this for example: He said Turkey will not ask PACE or any other Council of Europe institutions to decide the fate of Turkey's 10 percent election threshold. If that line of thinking would be the real case, we would respect his words without any reservation. But it was the same government who invited the council's Venice Commission to advise them on re-shaping the judiciary, which was later put to a referendum. Again the government sought the same commission's consultations on allowing individual applications to the Constitutional Court. And furthermore, it was Erdogan himself who promised better representation for parties in Parliament in the past. So, what's this bluster for? Don't take us to be so na?ve as to not be able to see the purpose behind the actions. As a European MP told the Daily News, Wednesday's session was perhaps the de facto commencement of the Justice and Development Party, or AKP's, election campaign. Perhaps it was not. One thing we are sure about is that this demeanor will not help boost ties with the European Union or Turkey's negotiation talks. Another aspect the government should not forget is the importance of the Turkish public opinion in the EU bid. This kind of rhetoric seriously hurts this support. Last but not least, we believe government officials should be keen to embrace a more civilized, polite manner in their dialogue with European institutions." [12] "Erdogan's PACE rebuke"Under the above title, Turkish daily Today Zaman's (15.04.11)columnist Fatma Disli Zibaka reports on Erdogan's address to PACE as following: "A speech delivered by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) on Wednesday was covered extensively by both the Turkish and foreign media because of Erdogan's rebuke of Europe.To European lawmakers asking questions about a variety of issues concerning Turkey, such as freedom of the media and the rights of religious minorities, Erdogan told them to take a look at Europe's own record on these issues before they bring Turkey's shortcomings to everyone's attention. He also accused Europe of failing to have sufficient information about Turkey. Many observers welcomed the way Erdogan responded to questions from Europeans and say Erdogan's attitude has ended the European habit of calling Turkey to account. Commenting on Erdogan's address at PACE, Sabah's Nazli Ilicak says the most striking part of his address was the question and answer session, where Erdogan responded to allegations about Turkey made by European lawmakers by asking them to look at themselves. She says the European lawmakers treated Turkey unfairly with regard to freedoms in the country in the questions they asked Erdogan, but Erdogan knew how to respond to their allegations. 'For instance, he asked: 'Roma people are deported from France. Is this true?' To a question asking about religious freedoms in Turkey, he told Europe to take a look at itself first, and then judge Turkey', says Ilicak. In brief, she says Erdogan managed to point out Europe's shortcomings to those who tried to highlight Turkish shortcomings on some issues. Yet, there are two issues about which Ilicak says Erdogan failed to convince European lawmakers, one of which is his support for the 10 percent election threshold in Turkey and the other is his comparison of journalist Ahmet Sik's unpublished book to a 'bomb'. The unpublished book, 'Imamin Ordusu' (The Imam's Army), has been the subject of a police investigation recently. 'The Western world is particularly sensitive about the book issue, it cannot see a parallel between a bomb and a dangerous thought', says Ilicak. Star's Mustafa Karaalioglu thinks Erdogan's speech at PACE was a historic one -- not because Erdogan reiterated Turkey's already known positions on a variety of issues -- but because he ended the practice of Europeans calling Turkey to account on these issues. 'Erdogan's attitude at PACE marked the end of Turkey's defensive mindset concerning Europe, while it started an era of 'take a look at yourself first.' This new situation does not, however, show that we have problems in social and political domains. For instance, it does not show that our democracy needs new steps and a new constitution. But it shows that Turkey is no longer a country that will be called to account by Europeans on every occasion', notes Karaalioglu." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio /EI Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |