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Friday, 19 April 2024
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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-12-11Cyprus 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 REVIEWCONTENTSNo. 239/17 09-11.12.17[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS[01] Afrika accuses nationalist groups of trying to lynch the paper's editors over publishing a caricature of ErdoganTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (11.12.17) reports that religious fanatics and nationalists belonging to the Grey Wolfs organization demonstrated yesterday in front of Afrika headquarters, threatening to lynch the journalists of the paper after Afrika re-published a caricature of a Greek artist that pictured a Greek statue peeing on Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, after the latter's visit to Greece.According to the paper, representatives of the ruling in Turkey Justice and Development Party (AKP) as well as members of the Turkish Cypriot Revival Party (Tr. Note: the settler's party) protested in front of Afrika's headquarters in the morning, while members of the Nationalist Democracy Party organized another protest in the afternoon. The protestors used slogans like: "Allah is great" and they put a black wreath in front of Afrika's door. The paper writes that the instructions for the protests came directly from AKP's headquarters in Ankara, "where the button for silencing Afrika was pressed". Afrika also writes that Ankara Anatolia news agency was first to publish the news about the protest. The so-called police took great measures to protect the paper and its people, while the Nationalist Democracy Party filled a case against the paper. (CS) [02] Akdag will mediate personally for Afrika newspaper to be punishedTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (11.12.17) reports that Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs Recep Akdag, has called on the "prosecutors" in the occupied area of Cyprus to "do their duty" on the issue of Afrika daily which published in its pages the "insulting caricature" against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.Speaking to Anadolu agency, Akdag condemned the publishing of the "caricature" by Afrika, claiming the following: "This is nothing else but shamefulness, dishonor and vulgarity. Those who did this will be asked to account to the justice. I will personally do my almost in order for this immorality on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people to be punished". Claiming that Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika and some of its journalists and columnists had published again in the past "insulting and offending articles" for the Turkish Republic and the Turkish nation, Akdag alleged that it is his obligation and duty to explain to the Turkish Cypriot "people" this immorality and dishonorous conducted by Afrika. He further accused Afrika newspaper and its columnists for not having national spirits and for writing not on behalf of the Turkish nation but "as publishing organs expressing the voice of the Greek Cypriots". "Those who did this should definitely pay the price and proceed before justice. [ ] They do not have a national spirit. They are not at all connected to the Turkish nation's beliefs and cultural heritage. I could call them as the voice of the Greek Cypriots in the TRNC", Akdag further claimed. He went on alleging that this immorality and indecency was not targeting only President Erdogan but also the whole Turkish nation. "The President represents the nation. This is an offensive directed not only against the President in person but an offensive against the whole Turkish nation. [ ]. An indecency has limits. These people overstepped the boundaries of morality. I consider that the Turkish Cypriots are also unease about this. Those who behave like this are a small minority in the TRNC and will be punished", Akdag added. (AK) [03] Izcan and Denktas reacted differently on the issue of Erdogan's caricature published in Afrika newspaperTurkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.12.17) reports that Izzet Izcan, co-chairman of the United Cyprus Party-Communal Liberation Party New Forces (BKP-TKP), said that they strongly condemned the attack against the Afrika newspaper.In a written statement, Izcan stressed that the BKP will continue to stand by the Afrika newspaper and the freedom of press, as it has been always done. He argued that the attack was mainly against the Turkish Cypriot "people" and for this reason, the BKP sees as unavoidable the establishment of a broadest democracy front against the enemies of peace and fascists, adding that the Cyprus settlement and its inclusion in the international law as a sovereign of the whole country, will be the answer to all these attacks. He concluded by saying that the BKP will continue to be by the side of Sener Levent and his newspaper Afrika. Meanwhile, under the title "Denktas: This is not freedom of expression", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (11.12.17) reports that Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP) reacted strongly to the caricature of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan published in Afrika newspaper. Denktas further argued that there was a serious reaction within the community against the carricature which was degrading the President of Turkey and was published in a Greek newspaper and used by Afrika newspaper. He argued that the freedom of opinion does not give anyone the right to humiliate somebody, adding that to humiliate a person, who represents a country and to humiliate a nation over it is not at all a freedom of expression. (DPs) [04] Reactions by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot journalists regarding the caricature published in AfrikaUnder the title "Expressions towards elected community leaders should be weighed twice", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.12.17) reports that Tahir Olcay Kirac, chairman of the "Foreign press association" noted that the polemics which occurred due to a caricature published in Afrika newspaper the other day showed once more how important and difficult is a journalist's profession.In a written statement, Kirac noted that the freedom of expression as other freedoms are not without limits and added that the line of the freedom of press is drawn with the common sense. Furthermore, Kirac claimed that this inappropriate caricature targeting President Erdogan is clearly a criminal offense according to "article 154 of the criminal code of the TRNC". Meanwhile, the paper reports that the "Press Workers' Union" (Basin-Sen) expressed its support to Afrika newspaper, stating that they were sick of caricature discussions and threats. In a written statement, Basin-Sen stressed: "An ugly caricature was drawn by a Greek artist and Afrika newspaper published it with the heading 'with Greek's eye'. If we want to react to this, the correct address is not the Afrika newspaper that brought this cartoon to our knowledge, but the Greek artist who drew this ugly caricature. No one has the right to threaten us in our own land and to express clearly that will interfere with our justice". Columnist Levent Ozadam, writing in Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (11.12.17), criticized the statement by Recep Akdag, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, responsible for Cyprus Affairs, regarding the caricature published in Afrika newspaper. He wondered why should a big Minister to use such heavy expressions, adding that the caricature was not drawn by any journalist in Afrika. He added that if the newspaper committed a crime, then it would be judged in the courts. He further wondered why the Turkish authorities did not make a single comment for the Greek cartoonist and for those who published it. (DPs) [05] Akinci said that the real actors regarding the Cyprus settlement are the people who live on this islandAccording to illegal Bayrak television (09.12.17, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=akinci-speaks-on-cyprus-problem-3), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, evaluating the visit of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Greece, said that the visit by a Turkish head of state to Athens after 65 years was an important development.Akinci argued that good relations between Turkey and Greece would not be only beneficial for the Turkish and Greek nations but also for the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities on the island. Noting that both Erdogan and the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has expressed their support and commitment towards reaching a lasting and just settlement on the island, Akinci, however, pointed out that the Cyprus problem had not been discussed in detail at the meeting. He added that a visit by a Turkish head of state to Athens after 65 years was in itself an important development. Stating that good relations between Turkey and Greece would be beneficial not only for the Turks and Greeks but for both communities, Akinci reminded that the real actors on the Cyprus problem are the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities living on the island. He further said: "When speaking of a settlement in Cyprus we should keep in mind that the real actors are the people who live on this island. That is the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. What is important is what the people who live on this island want. Let us never forget that". [06] Ozgurgun applauds Erdogan's Cyprus remarksIllegal Bayrak television (09.12.17 http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=ozgurgun-criticizes-jerusalem-decision) broadcast that the self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun has applauded Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his statements during his recent visit to Athens.He alleged that the Turkish President's statement that "it was the Greek Cypriot side which was responsible for the absence of a settlement in Cyprus for the past 43 years, was a very correct and in place assessment". Speaking to the A-Haber channel in Turkey, Ozgurgun claimed that "the Turkish Cypriot people had a bond of communion with the people of Anatolia and that their relationship was not an interest based relationship". Evaluating the Turkish President's latest visit to Greece, Ozgurgun claimed that a settlement in Cyprus had been prevented by the Greek Cypriots with the aid of foreign forces. Ozgurgun also alleged that "the Turkish President Erdogan with his statements had given the message to the Greek Cypriots that they should forget their dreams of being the owners of the whole island". In addition Bayrak (11.12.17
http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=ozgurgun-criticizes-jerusalem-decision)
also broadcast that Ozgurgun criticized US President Donald Trump's
decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move the
US Embassy to the city, expressing the view that the decision will only
further exacerbate tensions in the region.
Speaking to a Turkish TV channel, Ozgurgun said that there is a growing
number of unsolved and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East , including
the Cyprus problem.
"To say that you're moving your embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem means
you want bloodshed in the Middle East
It means you want the problems in
the Middle East to grow" argued Ozgurgun, adding that it was difficult
to understand how a country such as the USA which is fully aware of
the consequences of such a move, could take such a decision.
The paper notes that the Greek Cypriot asks for a 10 million Euro
compensation, a ruling for demolishing the construction in his property
as well as the return of the property. The paper writes that in case the
refugee wins the case, difficult days are waiting the construction field
similar to those experienced after the Orams case in 2010. In addition,
the Turkish Cypriot can be arrested in case he travels abroad.
Commenting on the issue, the paper's columnist Huseyin Ekmekci,
writes that Russians, English, Israelis, Turks and Turkish Cypriots
pay a lot of money to buy the beautiful houses built in the breakaway
regime, adding that the construction industry employs hundreds of
persons. "However there is a reality. All these houses are built on
Greek Cypriot property. Starting from Rizokarpasso all over to the
beach of Limnitis. Important part of this (property) belongs to Greek
Cypriots. [
] I did not forget what the Orams couple experienced and
now the Kayyim family is at court. Think for a minute, if the property
was not Greek Cypriot. If it belonged to someone else. Could you built
on it? No, you could not. [
]"
(CS)
Erhurman, who was guest at Turkish Cypriot private channel Kibris
TV, argued that the only model for these two political parties is the
"patronage system", which is implemented by distributing rural land and
"citizenships". He further said that the "coalition government" of UBP-DP
"granted 12,000 TRNC citizenships" in 20 months, adding that they also
"granted 500 citizenships" to persons who just came one day with a
"tourist visa". While, Erhurman said that the "citizenships which were
granted" during the CTP period, did not exceed the 500.
(DPs)
According to a written statement issued by the "presidency", Akinci was
welcomed by the "commander of the occupied Famagusta naval forces",
"colonel" Erdinc Altiner, who briefed Akinci about the frigate and
offered him a luncheon.
(AK)
According to the paper, the protesters were shouting slogans against
Israel and the US such as: "Kudus [Translator's note: Jerusalem",
belongs to Islam", "Protect Kudus", "Resistance for Kudus" and other.
Also, the Palestinian students who study at the illegal "DAU" unfurled
Palestine's flag and burned the flag of Israel. The "rector" of the
illegal "DAU" attended also the protest expressing support to the
Palestinians.
(AK)
According to the paper, the "tournament" was organized with the support
of the "world backgammon federation". Around 580 players from 43 countries
attended the tournament, writes the paper.
Speaking to the paper, Gurdal Buyukgungor, "CEO" of the Merit Park Hotel
stated that they had organized the "backgammon tournament" for the first
time in 2013. He added that in spite of the "embargoes imposed on the
TRNC" and the fact that no "direct flights" are conducted to the "TRNC",
the tournament was very successful. The issue of transportation was not
a very big problem since some of the players were coming to the TRNC
either from the Greek Cypriot sector or via Istanbul", he argued.
(AK)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday declared the
U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital "null and void".
Speaking at a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party
in Sivas, central Turkey, Erdogan said: "Trump's declaration of Jerusalem
as the capital of Israel is null and void for us in any case. "Declaring
it as a capital and relocating the embassy has no validity for us."
Erdogan said that it would draw up a roadmap for Muslim countries to
follow as they oppose the U.S. decision. He added that Turkey would
oppose the plan within international law and democratic principles. Later,
Erdogan told an audience at an opening ceremony in Sivas that Israel is a
"terrorist" state.
In addition, Turkish daily Sabah (11.12.17) reports that Erdogan has
described Israel as a "terror state," while urging leaders of Arab
countries to act following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to
recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
"Israel is a state of occupation and a terror state," Erdogan said
in a speech in the Central Anatolian province of Sivas on Dec. 10,
vowing that Turkey "will not leave Jerusalem to the consciousness of a
child-killer state."
"Jerusalem is the light of our eyes. We won't leave it to the conscience
of a state that only values occupation and looting. We will continue
our struggle decisively within the law and democracy," he added.
In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (11.12.17
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-condemns-netanyahu-remarks-against-erdogan/1000687)
reports that Turkish presidential spokesman on Sunday condemned remarks
by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan, who strongly reacted to the U.S. decision on Jerusalem.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ibrahim Kalin urged the Israeli state
to end its "occupation" of the Palestinian territory instead of attacking
Turkey and the Turkish leader.
"Those who think that Jerusalem, our first Qiblah [direction of prayers],
will become the capital of the occupation state by making a fait accompli,
are wasting their time.
"Instead of attacking our country and our leader, the Israeli authorities
should end the occupation of Palestinian territories," Kalin said.
The spokesman said that Israel, which ignored international law rules and
occupied Palestinian territory for hundreds of years, and systematically
violated United Nations decisions, must first give its own account.
"It is not possible to take seriously the accusations and claims made
by a mentality -- which murdered thousands of innocent Palestinians,
[and] turned the lands of Palestinians into open prisons -- to suppress
the guilt feelings.
"Like the rest of the world, the Republic of Turkey will continue to
support the rights, the law and the oppressed people in Palestine,"
he added.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the U.S.'s recognition
of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided" capital and said the U.S. Embassy
would relocate from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The dramatic shift in Washington's Jerusalem policy triggered
demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories, Turkey, Egypt,
Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq and other Muslim countries.
Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with
Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel --
might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
" When in 1952 Celal Bayar, who was the president back then, visited
Greece, comments were made about how a new era had begun.
The problems, however, have become multidimensional over the following
65 years and are now very difficult to solve.
When the AKP [Justice and Development Party] came to power in 2002 this
was one of the items on its agenda.
It supported the Annan Plan and expressed its determination to move
towards a solution.
President Tayyip Erdogan made sure that steps were taken to guarantee
the rights of minorities.
In return, it was clear what was expected:
Reciprocity and goodwill.
From the Cyprus issue to the rights of the Turks in Western Thrace,
this expectation has not been met until today in a wide range of matters.
Nevertheless, the determination of Turkish and Greek people to show
tolerance, the existence of constructive politicians, the fact that both
countries were the first to support and aid each other after earthquakes,
and the marginalization of fanaticism still keep hope alive.
The fact that the first presidential visit to Greece in 65 years is
taking place today is an indicator of this point.
Thus, Greek Prime Minister Tsipras's statement to Anadolu Ajansi [Anatolia
News Agency] where he said, "Coup plotters are not welcome in Greece. This
visit is an important opportunity for us to take brave steps" in response
to Erdogan's constructive messages is therefore worth underlining.
Universality of Demand for Rights
The public aspects of Erdogan's visit seemed far from achieving the
desired results because of various controversies.
The expectation that Greece would at least give the message that it
would expedite the legal procedures regarding the extradition of the
coup plotters was not met and the response was the same again: "This is
for the judiciary to decide."
Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Tsipras's responses to Erdogan,
who recalled the rights of the Turks in Western Thrace and pointed out
the details of the Treaty of Lausanne, which must be considered as a
deed of foundation for both countries, were not satisfying either.
Erdogan answered to both in the same manner as they responded to him.
As the EU countries think that they have the right to meddle with every
aspect of Turkish politics it was surprising to hear Tsipras argue that
the issue of the Turks in Western Thrace is not other countries' concern.
Erdogan pointed out to him this universal right when he said, "It will
be the right thing to do for us to at least to make a request on their
behalf if they allow us."
Praying at Komotini
Erdogan also said that the fanatics in Athens wanted to engage in
provocations and derail the visit.
We learned that pamphlets saying, "Erdogan will leave, but you will
remain" had been distributed in Komotini before the visit.
When the president arrived in Komotini yesterday morning, the people
did not seem to have been affected by the threats.
The Turks who joined Erdogan for the Friday prayer at the Kir Mahalle
Mosque were enthusiastic the whole day.
Both before and after the visit, Erdogan continuously expressed his
determination to solve the existing problems.
The visit itself is actually a message in terms of putting into practice
this determination.
The fact that the visit ended in Komotini sent an important message
in terms of showing that the solution to the problems require a deeper
understanding than that involved in the response, "It is nobody's concern
but ours."
Erdogan emphasized in the phone calls that the decision of the
U.S. government to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital would
negatively impact the stability and peace in the Middle East, and added
that the status of Jerusalem must be protected.
Erdogan also told his counterparts that the region's peace and stability
depends on an independent and sovereign Palestine East Jerusalem as
its capital.
Erdogan also said that the extraordinary summit of the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which will be held on Dec. 13 in Istanbul will
be important to display a joint stance.
Erdogan also called his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in the
afternoon to discuss the same issue.
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
https://www.pio.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio2013.nsf/All/EDB254ABD6F3EAE1C225816F00425E83?OpenDocument
(CS / AM)
Copyright (C) 2017 Press and Information Office, All rights reserved.
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