Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-07-03

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozersay: "As Turkish Cypriot side we think that there is no need for the negotiations to be further prolonged"

[02] Tension escalates within Turkish Cypriot political parties after the "local elections"

[03] Ozgurgun calls for early "elections"

[04] Protest by 169 sacked employees of CAS company; Turkey is accused of devastating the Turkish Cypriots in 40 years

[05] TDP supports that an agreement signed between Turkey and the occupation regime is contrary to the "constitution"

[06] The KTSO held contacts in Ankara with the TOBB

[07] Ali Cirali sent a congratulatory letter to Martin Schulz

[08] The occupation regime's authorities arrested a US citizen travelling in a kayak for illegal entrance to the occupied area of Cyprus

[09] Five political parties declare support to Ihsanoglu's presidential bid

[10] Presidential candidates appeal to Alevite's vote in Turkey

[11] Columnist comments on the presidential candidates and writes about the elements that will help Tayyip Erdogan to be elected

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozersay: "As Turkish Cypriot side we think that there is no need for the negotiations to be further prolonged"

Wishing success to the newly elected chairman of GIAD, Ceyhun Tunali, Ozersay noted that after every meeting within the framework of the negotiations they brief the public through the press and underlined the importance of informing the different parts of society on the negotiating process and some international developments which concern the Turkish Cypriots and of participating in these processes.

Ozersay argued that GIAD and civilian organizations like it could sometimes be more influential than the "public authorities" on the issue of "making the Turkish Cypriots more visible in the world and making their voice heard".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Tension escalates within Turkish Cypriot political parties after the "local elections"

While debates within the CTP-BG continued after the defeat of the party in the occupied municipalities of Nicosia, Famagusta and Keryneia, the information that DP-UG's chairman Serdar Denktas submitted his resignation came up on the agenda yesterday morning. Later, however, the competent organs of the party announced that Denktas' resignation was not on the agenda.

On the other hand, a resignation has reportedly shadowed the celebrations of the TDP for its victory in occupied Nicosia. TDP's candidate for the post of "mayor" in occupied Keryneia, Mustafa Sener resigned yesterday from his party arguing that he had not received enough support from his party. Sener accused TDP's chairman in Keryneia, Zeki Celer of supporting another candidate in the "elections". Celer told Kibris that he was not participating in the "elections" and that he had not the luxury of supporting another candidate. The chairman of the party, Cemal Ozyigit said that the issue could be discussed in TDP's organs, if this is considered to be necessary, and added that there had been some accusations against Sener saying that their work in Keryneia "was not harmonious".

Furthermore, a group within the CTP-BG wants the expulsion from the party of members such as former "deputies" Sonay Adem and Ali Gulle, and former chairman Ferdi Sabit Soyer as well as the current chairman of the CTP in Keryneia, Erkan Eminaga, who are accused of "treason" against the party. Oktay Kayalp, who lost the "elections" in occupied Famagusta, is expected to issue a statement today. The committee of the CTP will convene next Tuesday to discuss the developments.

Meanwhile, CTP-'s "deputy" in Famagusta, Arif Albayrak said yesterday that he does not allow for the "contamination" of his name and pointed out that if the anger is not stopped, the incidents within the CTP will take "much more regrettable dimension". Replying to allegations that he made an alliance with Ismail Arter, the newly "elected" so-called mayor of occupied Famagusta who was supported by the right-wing parties, against Oktay Kayalp, who was supported by the CTP, Albayrak said: "Kayalp was not the right person. We have warned about this. Elections cannot be lost with actions of 5-6 men. The issue is not so simple? If you sadden the citizens, you will endure the consequences".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozgurgun calls for early "elections"

Pointing out that his party received 40% of the overall votes in last Sunday's "local elections", Ozgurgun said that the disorder within the UBP had been settled and that the party was on the rise.

Ozgurgun also said that the "government" was no longer functioning properly. "I told everyone from the first day that this government was stillborn. They're just not working properly" Ozgurgun said, adding that early "elections" had become inevitable.

He said that the UBP would emerge as the number one party if early "elections" were held. "This is our open call to the governing parties. They have given nothing to this country in the one year they have been in office. The people's votes have demonstrated this" he said.

[04] Protest by 169 sacked employees of CAS company; Turkey is accused of devastating the Turkish Cypriots in 40 years

The self-styled prime minister Yorgancioglu stated after the meeting of the "council of ministers" that they have launched an initiative for purchasing the shares of Havas company, partner of CAS and that the course of this issue is positive. He noted that they decided that after overtaking the above-mentioned shares, efforts will be exerted for restructuring CAS and for the employees' continuing their services.

The self-styled deputy prime minister, Serdar Denktas said that they will establish a new company with these shares and added that if they do not find a partner and establish a new company within this week, their job will be difficult.

Yakup Latifoglu, chairman of Hur-Is trade union, said that after the closure of the so-called Turkish Cypriot airlines (KTHY) and the privatization of the illegal Tymvou airport, with the closure of CAS, which is a "state" partnership, the so-called state completely withdrew from the aviation sector. He noted that they "reject the monopolies which are created on hunger, poverty and people's pain" as well as the behavior against the 169 employees of CAS.

The chairman of Hava-Sen trade union, Buran Atakan, who met with Yorgancioglu, said that the self-styled prime minister asked for a period of ten days to settle the issue, but they are not expecting for a positive result within ten days.

Referring to the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (03.07.14) reports that "Turkey succeeded to devastate the Turkish Cypriots within 40 years". The paper writes, inter alia, the following:

"After the sale of the Turkish Cypriot airlines to Tasyapi company with [Turkish Prime Minister] Erdogan's instructions, things became worse by the sacking of the employees by CAS which is in Havas partnership. The blow dealt by the people during the referendum for the constitution to those who gave away to foreigners the only national aviation company which was making profit in a place which has only one passenger airport is nothing. Let them be satisfied with the fact that they had not been kicked outside the parliament!

We have lost all we had thanks to those who say yes to everything that Turkey says. The Sanayi Holding, AYKO, ZEYKO, KTHY companies, all of them were lost. Cypfruvex is fighting to survive.

When 5-star hotels with casinos were built by capital [that came] from Turkey, our tourism and hotels such as Mare Monte, Mimoza, Rebecca, Park Otel and Sea Side were finished.

Now they threw out the CAS employees without feeling ashamed. We will not be able to be saved, if barricades are not built and this struggle is not given in the streets and not in the ballot boxes".

(I/Ts.)

[05] TDP supports that an agreement signed between Turkey and the occupation regime is contrary to the "constitution"

According to the paper, the above agreement was signed by Turkey and the occupation regime on March 12 and since it has been already approved by the so-called council of ministers, it will be submitted tomorrow by the "government wing" to the "assembly" for approval.

Referring to the "agreement", the chairman of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit said that this agreement signed on March by Serdar Denktas proves that a by-pass was made to some organizations and shows that the Turkish Cypriots are not "self-administrated".

Ozyigit went on and said that the TDP condemns strongly this "agreement", adding that the Turkish Cypriots should have their own organizations which should be administrated by themselves.

Regarding the results of the "elections", Ozyigit said that the TDP which was characterized as a "flagship", has won the "municipality" of occupied Lefkosia with the support of Baraka organization and the United Cyprus party (BKP).

As regards the rejection of the "constitutional amendments", Ozyigit said that they will organize a press conference on this issue.

Ozyigit also said that a civil-democratic status does not exist in the "country" and pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots should be "self-administrated" and should be "masters" of their own organizations.

(AK)

[06] The KTSO held contacts in Ankara with the TOBB

During the meeting, the two important organizations writes the paper, decided to continue their cooperation for the growth of the "TRNC's economy" and for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

KTSO's delegation and its chairman Fikri Toros had the opportunity in the framework of their contacts in Turkey, to explain to TOBB's executive members the situation of the occupation regime's economy and the latest developments on the Cyprus problem related to the ongoing Cyprus negotiation talks.

Giving information in his speech about the works and the international relations of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade, Fikri Toros explained that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem will harm all the countries in the region.

Referring to the lobby activities of Turkey's Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchange in the international community, Toros said that they will "boost their relations with TOBB".

Giving emphasis to the situation of the Turkish Cypriot economy, Toros said that they should increase their competitiveness in order to be able to cooperate with the Greek Cypriots and with peripheral economies. He underlined that this cooperation will bring the "peace" to the island.

Speaking in his turn during the lunch, the chairman of TOBB, Rifat Hicarciklioglu expressed their support to the KTSO both for the efforts they exert for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the path they follow for the development of their "economy" and stressed that their cooperation will be increased in the forthcoming period.

The KTSO and TOBB discussed further during their meeting their technical cooperation on the issue of the solution and their economic cooperation.

(AK)

[07] Ali Cirali sent a congratulatory letter to Martin Schulz

According to a statement issued by the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry", Cirali pointed out in the letter that the "KTSO" will continue to support the solution in Cyprus and the ongoing process which is also supported by the EU. "Our chamber will intensify its efforts in order for its relations with the EU to move forward", Cirali said in the letter. He also added that they work and they exert efforts in order to contribute in all aspects of the negotiation process. He pointed out to the necessity for a positive atmosphere which was created in the island after the two leaders reached an agreement on the "joint declaration", to continue to exist.

Cirali expressed also the belief that they will strengthen their ties with the EU and the EP which are aware of the difficulties existing in the solution process for the unification of the island. He then pointed out to the difficulties the Turkish Cypriot economy confronts, to the necessity the economy of the "north", as he described the occupied part of Cyprus to become closer to the economy of the Republic of Cyprus e.t.c.

Besides Martin Schulz, Cirali has also sent congratulatory letters to the new President of the Socialist Group, Gianni Pitella and the new President of the Greens Group at the EP, Gabi Zimmer.

(AK)

[08] The occupation regime's authorities arrested a US citizen travelling in a kayak for illegal entrance to the occupied area of Cyprus

As the paper writes, the above mentioned person has started his trip from Barcelona in 2010 with the aim to arrive to Israel. Until today Neimand has covered totally 14 thousand nautical miles.

The paper underlines that Neimand was kept into custody for one night for "illegal entrance" to the occupied area of Cyprus.

(AK)

[09] Five political parties declare support to Ihsanoglu's presidential bid

The True Path Party (DYP) was initially among those parties, but withdrew its support for Ihsanoglu in a written statement on July 2 over a controversial arrangement regarding the DP. The Great Union Party (BBP) did not participate at the gathering, given that they have not decided on whether to support Ihsanoglu.

In the declaration, they pledged support to Ihsanoglu as the presidential candidate, as the opposition parties "that aim to reinforce the separation of powers and use a language of love and peace instead of one of hatred and violence."

The declaration also stated they have full confidence that Ihsanoglu will enhance Turkey's worldwide reputation again, combine the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's principles and core values of the republic with the Turkish people's spiritual values, will adhere to principles of liberalism and laicism and gender equality, will seek different solutions to Turkey's problems and be an impartial president representing all.

[10] Presidential candidates appeal to Alevite's vote in Turkey

On his part, the candidate of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has also sent a message to mark the anniversary.

As the name put forward by the Kurdish and the leftist HDP bloc, Demirtas vowed to defend the demands of all identities and ensure that justice is served for the Sivas Massacre, which has left open wounds due to a trial process that was halted due to the statute of limitations. Demirtas also vowed to fulfil the demands of the Alevis, while accusing the government of perpetuating the impunity of those behind the massacre.

In addition, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, who is also a candidate for the presidential elections, also pledged to turn the hotel into a "museum of an objective lesson." "I will follow the developments if I am elected," he said on July 2 during his visit to the Hacibektas Veli Museum. Ihsanoglu also visited the grave of Neset Ertas, Turkish folk music singer and songwriter.

Turkish daily Sabah (03.07.14) reports that the government of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) will focus on demands made by the Alevi community after the August 10 presidential election.

According to the paper, last week the government submitted the six-article package of reforms to the Parliament that aims to boost the on-going reconciliation process. According to sources in the prime ministry, the government working on the new reform package that will attempt to tackle the age-old problems of the Alevi community and the government is set to launch the new package just after the presidential election to be held on Aug. 10.

[11] Columnist comments on the presidential candidates and writes about the elements that will help Tayyip Erdogan to be elected

"I have to say it in advance; none of the three suit me. If you say "Recep Tayyip Erdogan..." He has got himself so stuck with his 50 % that there is no way in the world for him to be the president of 100 %. If you say "Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu..." So much time has passed since the announcement of his candidacy, yet he has still not said what he thinks. He is that pitiful. If you say "Selahattin Demirtas..." What is the probability of someone who has transferred his will to Abdullah Ocalan to put forward his own will?

Therefore, it's all the same for me. I don't care who wins. It is wonderful to swim in the cold waters of impartiality in comparison with getting drowned in the hot deserts of supporting one side.

The taste of criticizing the excessive hubris of Erdogan's supporters, the fragile timidity of Ihsanoglu's supporters, and the unjustified self-confidence, is waiting for me.

I'll follow this process with the distance of a Swede, the indifference of someone from Honduras. Here I go.

The following are helping Erdogan to win:

The "nationalists" who by talking against Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu are making those who think like them refrain from going to the ballot box.

The nationalist/Kemalist writers-columnists who have dedicated themselves to being against Ihsanoglu.

The media outlets who want to be against Erdogan, but whose anti-Ihsanoglu broadcasts now outnumber their anti-Erdogan broadcasts.

The Kemalist wing of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which can't get enough of hitting Ihsanoglu, but which can't come up with an alternative either.

People on social media who say, "I'll go on my vacation and won't go to the ballot box," just because they dislike the fact that there is a reference to "religion" in Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu's name.

Ihsanoglu himself, who has not yet provided the public with a well-organized manifesto, despite all that time.

The CHP and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), two centres of passivity that cannot kick-start a mood of mobilization.

Once Erdogan is elected as president, it will be a turning point. It will mean that the real representative of the nation will go to the Cankaya Presidential Mansion. The last stronghold of the tutelage system will be regained by the people. There will be another revolution.

This is what Erdogan's supporters say.

Can anyone among them tell me who has been running the presidency for the past seven years? Isn't this a little bit unfair to "Brother Abdullah," who has been called a "notary" by others because of the help he has provided you?

What percentage of votes will Demirtas get? A friend of mine said to me, "Everyone around me is saying Selahattin Demirtas. I think he will get more than 10 %."

I'll tell you about my friend: He's a scholar in Bilgi University, lives in Cihangir, tries to have vacations during the "philosophy days" in the Aegean town of Assos, and loves to spend summer days reading The Iliad on Bozcaada.

If you claim that Demirtas will go beyond 10 % relying on such a group, then disappointment is unavoidable. You cannot even reach 1 % from such a group." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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