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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-07-25
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
No. 139/11
23-25.07.11
C O N T E N T S
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
[01] Erdogan evaluates his visit in the occupied area
[02] Turkish Cypriot side to continue providing electricity to the
Government of Cyprus
[03] Kucuk on the latest developments
[04] Kucuk describes "police's" extensive force as justified measures
[05] CTP, TDP and DP established the "Communal Existence and Solidarity
Movement"; Reactions to the "police" violence continue
[06] DP assesses Erdogan's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus
[07] Avci assesses Erdogan's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus;
ORP's congress to be held on 17 March 2012
[08] KTTO asks from Erdogan to speed up procedures for Turks to buy more
than one house in the occupied area of Cyprus
[09] "The state of 'Cyprus' existed!"
[10] CHP official opposes Erdogan's remarks on Turkish-EU relations;
He backs Erdogan's support for a solution in Cyprus based on equality
[11] Turkish academician: "Cyprus is heading toward separation"
[12] Turkish professor on the Cyprus problem: "I am afraid we are moving
rather fast toward separation"
[13] "How to bluff one's way out of Cyprus"
[14] "Scorching days in Cyprus"
[15] "Turkey increases pressure for a solution in Cyprus"
[16] Turkish FM assigns new Ambassadors
[17] The Turkish Premier to visit Azerbaijan
[18] Turkish President Gul to travel to the UK in Novemebr
[19] Jordanian PM holds contacts in Turkey
[20] Turkish Capital Markets Board signs cooperation agreement with
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
Statements by Erdogan on Cyprus after his illegal visit to the occupied
area of the island, the mass killing in Norway, the electricity
transfer from the occupied to the Government-controlled area of Cyprus,
the commencement of the intensified Cyprus talks, the continuation of
the reactions to the violence used by the "police" against protesters
during Erdogan's visit, assessment on Erdogan's visit by the DP and ORP,
statements by Kucuk on the Cyprus problem, and other internal matters
are the main issues covered by the Turkish Cypriot press over the weekend.
Today's Turkish press reports on the opening ceremony for the launch
of the 2011 European Youth Olympic Festival, the statement by Israel's
Lieberman that his party would not withdraw from the coalition if Israel
makes a formal apology for the Gazza flotilla victims. The papers also
give broad coverage on the deadly attack in Norway and the sudden death
of singer Amy Winehouse. Turkish press on July 23 reports that the ruling
Justice and Development Party has taken its first steps to prepare a new
Constitution. It is also reported that following the bankruptcy of the
illegal Turkish Cyprus Airlines, many airlines began charter flights to
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and, as a result, the number
of tourist arrivals increased 10%.
[01] Erdogan evaluates his visit in the occupied area
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (23.07.11) reports that Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking to Turkish journalists after his visit in
"TRNC", evaluated the Cyprus negotiations process and the "TRNC economy".
Erdogan said that during the Cyprus negotiations process, he will
extend every kind of support necessary to the Turkish Cypriot leader
Dervis Eroglu. According to the paper, "Erdogan drew attention to the
fact that only the Cyprus Turkish side and Turkey had made proposals
towards a solution in Cyprus and no one else." Also, he explained that
"currently in south Cyprus a political deadlock was in question", and said
"with the current situation in south Cyprus I wonder if the planned 19
meetings will take place".
Erdogan also stated that from the guarantor countries, Greece is nowhere
to be seen; England has announced that only the Turkish side can bring
something to the agenda and that the UN Secretary General does not have
a new plan towards a solution and asked: "Christofias is supporting
again the Annan Plan or he wants a new plan?" Criticizing the European
Union's stance towards the Cyprus issue, the Turkish Premier said that
"the European Union is unjustly treating the Turks of Cyprus and is not
being sincere towards Turkey".
Referring to the "TRNC" economy, Erdogan pointed to the importance
of tourism in the development of the economy and added that there are
thoughts for the construction of a third airport in occupied Vokolida. He
said that in case an airport was built, it would operate as an alternative
to Ercan [illegal Tymbou airport] and make possible faster transportation
to the occupied Karpassia peninsula.
Additionally, he said that the opening of shopping malls which would
gather famous brands would assist the growth of the "TRNC" economy, as it
would deter shoppers from going to south Cyprus and to attract tourists.
[02] Turkish Cypriot side to continue providing electricity to the
Government of Cyprus
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (22.07.11) reports on statements by the
Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz, regarding
the electricity transfer from the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus
to the Government-controlled area.
Speaking to reporters in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri, Yildiz
said that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue providing electricity
to the Greek Cypriot side, something that began after a deadly munitions
blast on July 11 knocked out a key power station.
"On Monday, [Tr. Note: the so-called energy minister Sunat Atun] came
to Ankara," Yildiz told the Anatolia news agency. "We discussed this
issue thoroughly. For humanitarian reasons and especially in these summer
days during which people need air conditioners, we will continue to give
this electricity."
Yildiz added that the real solution to the problem, is a master plan
that encompasses the entire island. "We had mentioned this before. But
as we were unable to receive the answer we hoped for, these problems
are occurring," the Minister said. "If a request comes [for us]
to establish a power plant in southern Cyprus, we will be ready to
reply. We are delivering electricity to Georgia, Syria, Greece and
Bulgaria. We have told the Greek Cypriot administration [Tr. Note: the
Government of Cyprus] that when they need it, in a humanitarian sense,
we will deliver the electricity."
[03] Kucuk on the latest developments
Illegal Bayrak (BRT ? 22.07.11), reported on statement by the self-styled
prime minister Irsen Kucuk evaluating the latest developments in Cyprus.
Speaking at a program on illegal BRT, Kucuk touched upon the events of
1974 in Cyprus and alleged that "the guarantor power Turkey's timely
intervention on the island not only brought peace to the Cyprus Turks
but to the entire island".
Referring to the illegal visit paid to the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Kucuk
said that during the visit the relations between the "TRNC" and Turkey
were strengthened.
On the Cyprus negotiations process, Kucuk said that the negotiations
process is continuing for over three years and noted that "as a person who
has seen the minutes, little progress has been achieved on core issues".
He concluded by claiming that "the Cyprus Turks' rights will be usurped
once again, if south Cyprus takes over the EU term presidency before a
solution is found to the Cyprus problem".
[04] Kucuk describes "police's" extensive force as justified measures
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes reports that the so-called prime minister
Irsen Kucuk issued a written statement regarding the recent protests for
the visit of Recep Tayip Erdogan and the measures taken by the "police"
against protesters.
In his statement, Kucuk supported that actions and "ugly" slogans against
Turkey's Prime Minister by a group of protesters were unacceptable. He
described the measures taken by the "police" as successful and effective
since they did not expand the events.
The statement said inter alia: "No one should expect that our police force
would remain silent against ugly protests by a group of people protesting
against Turkey's Prime Minister, who was realizing a meaningful and
important visit to our island. In these events our police did their duty".
[05] CTP, TDP and DP established the "Communal Existence and Solidarity
Movement"; Reactions to the "police" violence continue
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (25.07.11) reports that the Republican
Turkish Party (CTP) is organizing an activity today in front of the
"police" headquarters to condemn the stance of the "police" towards the
demonstrators during Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's illegal visit to
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to a statement issued by the CTP, after this demonstration, a
protest will be held for the same reason in front of the "prime minister's
office" by the "Communal Existence and Solidarity Movement', which has
been established upon an initiative by TDP with the participation of
the CTP, the Democratic Party (DP) and the Social Democracy Party (TDP).
According to the paper, the basic aim of the Movement is to act jointly
against the activities of the National Unity Party (UBP) so-called
government.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (25.07.11) reports that the
Cypriot Youth Platform (KGP), established by Turkish Cypriot students
abroad, reacted to the violence used against the demonstrators during
Prime Minister Erdogan's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus. In
a written statement, the Platform said that nothing will be the same
anymore and called on everyone to get into action. It also argued that
democracy and the freedom of thought were disregarded with such behaviour
against the demonstrators.
(I/Ts.)
[06] DP assesses Erdogan's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (24.07.11) reports that the Democratic Party
(DP) in a statement has said that Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's illegal
visit to the occupied area of Cyprus was politically positive from the
point of view of the opening of a new page between Turkey and the "TRNC",
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. In
a written statement issued the day before yesterday by Bengu Sonya,
DP's general secretary, the party expresses its support to Erdogan's
illegal visit and says it hopes that the flow of information between
Turkey and the breakaway regime will be intensified and many issues will
be clarified.
Sonya noted that during the visit, the "police" have, from time to
time, used disproportionate force against demonstrators and added that
the DP could not approve such behavior. Sonya asked for the necessary
"legal" measures to be taken against those who gave the order for this
disproportionate use of force and those who implemented the order.
Finally, he described as very offensive some expressions used by
demonstrators against Erdogan and said that such expressions should not
be used.
(I/Ts.)
[07] Avci assesses Erdogan's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus;
ORP's congress to be held on 17 March 2012
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (25.07.11) reports that Turgay Avci,
chairman of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) has stated that Turkish
Prime Minister Erdogan's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus
has "motivated" his party. In statements to Haberdar, Avci noted that
their meeting with Erdogan was extremely important for ORP. "We were
extremely satisfied and motivated by the fact that the openings and
policies we have put forward during the meeting, both in the internal
and the external policy, fully coincide with Ankara", said Avci.
Avci noted that the policies of their party regarding the economic
measures that should be taken in the occupied area of Cyprus, the growth
of the private sector and the sustainability of the "public sector" are
accepted and supported by Ankara. He said the fact that the external
policy of the ORP is also supported by Erdogan, gives strength to
the party.
Avci noted that the party has launched a restructuring process and it
will hold a congress on 17 March 2012. Avci said that the executive
committee of the party convened to evaluate the visit of Erdogan to the
occupied area of Cyprus and determined a working plan before the party
congress. He noted that a restructuring project will be prepared with
the aim of contributing to the restructuring of the occupied area of
Cyprus and of making ORP more active within the forthcoming period.
Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (25.07.11),
the reason for the restructuring of the ORP is the establishment of the
Democracy and Trust Party (DGP) by Tahsin Ertugruloglu. The aim of the
restructuring is to prevent Ertugruloglu's party from being organized,
argues the paper noting that questions were raised by Erdogan's statement
before coming to Cyprus that a new right-wing party would be beneficial
for the occupied area of the island. ORP worries that it would stop
being the favourite party of the AKP in Cyprus, claims Yeni Duzen.
(I/Ts.)
[08] KTTO asks from Erdogan to speed up procedures for Turks to buy more
than one house in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (25.07.11) discloses the report
submitted by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) to the
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan during his illegal visit to the island
regarding the economic problems that exist in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus.
KTTO asked for policies which will pave the way of the private sector
and demanded the opening of the Turkish market to the products of the
Turkish Cypriots. The report pointed out that the big "public sector"
is one of their most serious problems and asked for the invitation of
tenders in the occupied area of Cyprus for projects that concern the
occupied area of the island.
The report also said that the citizens of the Republic of Turkey should
be allowed to buy more than one house in the occupied area of Cyprus and
the procedures for the purchase of houses by Turkish citizens should be
speeded up.
The KTTO noted that privatization in the occupied area of Cyprus should
be carried out according to a specific program, that any kind of necessary
information and documents should be made public in time and that priority
in this privatization should be given to Turkish Cypriot capital.
(I/Ts.)
[09] "The state of 'Cyprus' existed!"
Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (25.07.11)
reports that the 11th European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) is hosted
in Trabzon by Turkey. The paper notes that Turkey's Prime Minister,
who during his illegal visit in the occupied area of Cyprus stated that
"there is no state named Cyprus," attended the opening ceremony. During
the ceremony, young athletes from the 49 participating countries entered
the stadium, including Cyprus.
The paper notes that EYOF 2011, which are organized by the European
Olympic Committee are the first games of Olympic level that Turkey
organizes and writes that once again the games revealed the international
reality that "TRNC" is a "state" recognized only by Turkey, since is
not participating in the games but the Republic of Cyprus does.
Additionally, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (25.07.11) reports that the
so-called minister of national education, youth and sports Kemal Durust
is currently in Turkey for the EYOF 2011. During his visit he also met
with the Mayor of Ordu Seyit Torun.
[10] CHP official opposes Erdogan's remarks on Turkish-EU relations;
He backs Erdogan's support for a solution in Cyprus based on equality
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (22.07.11) reported on statements by the
deputy leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) Osman Koruturk,
who has said that the Turkish Government's foreign policy lacks principles
and isolates the country in the international arena.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Koruturk said that "the [Turkish]
Government [often] watches how other countries act on specific
international issues and follows their lead while often changing side
at any moment". The goal of making Turkey a global actor is "wrong and
inadequate," Koruturk said. "You cannot go onto the international field
with the claim of being a global actor. We must solve the problems at
home first," he said, accusing the Government of steering according
to the direction of the wind. "With such policies, Turkey cannot be an
actor but merely a figurehead," he added.
The CHP official chastised Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo an
for his frequent telephone conversations with U.S. President Barack
Obama, saying foreign policy was being pursued upon instructions from
the U.S. leader.
Referring, inter alia, to the Turkish-European Union relations, Koruturk
said what was important was not to establish an EU Ministry but establish
the role of that Ministry.
Koruturk also criticized Erdogan's threat to suspend ties with the EU
if a divided Cyprus assumed the bloc's presidency next year. "It is as
if the Government is using this as a pretext to burn bridges with the EU."
However, he backed Erdogan's support for a solution in Cyprus based on
the sides' equality, saying: "CHP will be a serious follower of this
issue and will of course support a solution that meets the expectations
of the Turkish Cypriots."
[11] Turkish academician: "Cyprus is heading toward separation"
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (22.07.11) publishes an interview by Turkish
academician Mensur Akgun by the paper's reporter Barcin Yinanc. The
paper reports the following:
"Turkey's Government still wants a solution for the divided island of
Cyprus but sees there will not be one, says an academic who has long
worked for reunification. According to Mensur Akgun, Turkey's Premier
wants to give the message that getting 50% of the votes will not make
him more flexible.
Cyprus is heading toward separation as chances dim for a solution based
on reunification, according to academic Akgun, who has been working for
nearly a decade with a non-governmental organization that is trying to
bridge the gap in the divided island. But separation will be a costly
solution, he told the Hurriyet Daily News in a recent interview.
Q: How do you compare Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent
statements on Cyprus with those from his first days in Government back
in the 2000s?
A: His ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is defending the
same principles. With the exception of the statement on the land and
the warning that the process cannot continue forever like it has been,
there is not much difference. The Government still wants a solution but
sees there will not be one.
The Greek Cypriots have been dragging their feet on the negotiations. They
are expecting to sit at the same table with the Turks in the second
half of 2012 when they will hold the EU presidency. Erdo an said this
is not going to happen.
Actually, he gave a general message to the world and to the Turks as
well. Following the [June 12 general] elections, whenever you talked to,
for instance Americans or Armenians, there was this expectation that
with Erdogan's landslide victory, he could do anything he wants. He
can open the border with Armenia, he can reconcile with Israel. People
were thinking that without the pressure of public opinion, he would
make certain sacrifices. But he dashed those expectations. From now,
negotiations will take place on a more realistic ground.
Q: But does not the rhetoric on Cyprus seem much harder compared to the
AKP's earlier days?
A: There was a different environment back then. Prior to the AKP, we were
the ones unwilling to sit at the negotiating table. There was an army that
was readying to topple the Government in the event of a solution. We had
expectations from the EU. But the votes cast during the last elections
show the Turkish Cypriots do not harbour any expectations from the
EU. With the current economic crisis, the EU is losing its attraction.
Erdo an is still supporting a solution but what he says is that this
stance will not continue forever. He genuinely supported the process to
find a solution, but not a solution at any cost. He wants a fair solution
based on equality. This is not wanted by the other side. Opinion polls
show that the Greek Cypriots do not want to live together with the Turkish
Cypriots. The Greek Cypriot Archbishop said he would rather use candles
than electricity from the Turkish side. How can you negotiate with that
kind of mentality?
Q: But is there a repositioning of the negotiation?
A: Some of the parameters are not the same. Take Guzelyurt [Tr. Note:
occupied Morphou]. Before the referendums when you talked to people,
they were ready to leave Guzelyurt to the Greek Cypriots. And in fact
most of the people in Guzelyurt said "yes" during the referendum. But
today they have settled there. They have invested there and they do not
want to leave.
Q: So why has Erdogan now said giving Guzelyurt back was no longer
an option?
A: He wanted to give messages to the Turkish Cypriots as well. There are
three groups that are critical of Turkey's policies. One group believes
Turkey will forget about Cyprus once it enters the EU. His statement
about Guzelyurt was directed to them, as a message that he will not sell
out the Turkish Cypriots for EU membership.
The second group believes in reuniting with Greek Cypriots simply by
reviving the 1960 agreements. And the third group resists economic
reforms. Erdogan called the second group marginal.
Q: Are those critical of Turkish policies really marginal?
A: Independently of whether they are right or wrong, in terms of numbers,
yes, they are.
Q: The Turkish Cypriots are concerned that their identity could be
swallowed up by Turks from Turkey who have settled on the island.
A: There is such a concern, which we should take seriously. No one wants
unification with Turkey.
Q: Erdogan caused anger when he said Turkey is feeding the Turkish
Cypriots. It seems he did not bother to win their hearts following
this statement.
A: It was a very unfortunate statement. But I believe he won the hearts
of the majority on the island by reiterating his commitment to support
Turkish Cyprus.
Q: Will the Prime Minister's warnings have an impact on the inter-communal
talks?
A: They shook the negotiation process. Someone had to shake it. The
U.N. Secretary-General gave a deadline of until the end of the year but
left it vague as to what he would do in the absence of a solution. But
with Russia and France in the Security Council, not much should be
expected from the U.N. This shake was necessary; it is good that it
happened.
Q: Do you think the Greek Cypriots will change their stance and stop
dragging their feet?
A: Greek Cyprus is in the midst of a political crisis, Greece
is struggling with economic crisis. There is little chance for a
solution. But Turkey said what needed to be said. Avoiding giving that
message would have been perceived as giving a blank check to the world
that Turkey will continue to negotiate forever.
Q: So where is the Cyprus problem heading?
A: It is heading toward separation. I have been working for nine years for
a solution but it's been a swim against the tide. The lack of solution is
not in the interest of Turkey. But if there is no solution, we need to
think about other ways. Even some Greek Cypriots have started to search
for other methods. But separation will be a costly solution for all.
Q: The statement that Turkish-EU relations would be frozen during a
Greek Cypriot presidency must have come as music to the ears of French
President Nicolas Sarkozy. Are we coming to the point desired by France
and Germany by ourselves?
A: At the end of the day, this was going to happen anyway. The EU is
not a priority for Turkey any longer. This will give the message that
Turkey wants membership, but not at any cost. Freezing relations with
the EU for six months does not have a high cost for Turkey, since in
the absence of a solution, there won't be any negotiation in policy
areas. (Talks on certain policy areas, called chapters, are suspended
due to Turkey's refusal to open its ports to Greek Cypriot shipping.) But
the suspension of relations will have a higher cost for the EU since it
needs consultation with Turkey on many foreign-policy areas.
Q: Do you think the warning on suspending relations will change the
EU's attitude?
A: This will only lead them to think a little. Otherwise, they will not
change their attitude. The EU has very deep problems to deal with.
Q: Some say to Turkey, open your ports to Greek Cyprus and membership
talks will get back on track. There is nothing to lose from opening
Turkish ports to Greek Cyprus. What do you think of that idea?
A: I asked the same question to Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who
responded, 'We are not na?ve'. If Turkey opens the ports, they will ask
for something else, like withdrawing our soldiers. With each unilateral
gesture, the other side thinks it is powerful and can force Turkey to
take additional steps. As an activist, I feel we should open the ports
due to our commitment to the Customs Union, with the hope that maybe
this can change things; but as a political scientist, I see that doing
that will not change much."
[12] Turkish professor on the Cyprus problem: "I am afraid we are moving
rather fast toward separation"
Turkish daily Today's Zaman (24.07.11) carries an interview by
Mustafa Aydin, a professor of international relations, to the paper's
reporter Yonca Poyraz Dogan. In his interview, Aydin referred to
Cyprus. Particularly, Aydin, inter alia said: "They [the Greek Cypriots]
see the situation as a minority-majority problem on the island and
an occupation by Turkey. As long as they see it that way, the only
possible solution is ending the 'occupation' and giving the Turks
minority rights in a Greek majority state. No consensual, cooperative
and peaceful solution will be possible until this stance of the Greek
Cypriots changes. But there are other 'solutions'. I'm afraid we're
moving rather fast toward separation."
As concerns the Cyprus problem, the interview went as follows:
"Q: Where is the Cyprus problem going?
A: The Prime Minister's recent messages are very strong regarding
Cyprus. This shows a certain level of disappointment. This psychology
is understandable considering the situation the Turkish Government
is in. This is the Government that took risks and changed Turkey's
long-held Cyprus policy of deadlock. Prime Minister Erdo an put his
political future on the line to do that; but after all the compromises,
the Annan plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots. So the Prime Minister
is reacting now and trying to level the playing field, undermining Greek
Cypriot policy.
Q: Can you elaborate on that idea?
A: The Greek Cypriots' strategy is such that they clearly wish to go
on with the negotiations on the basis of the Annan plan, but behaving
as if the Annan plan is the basis of all talks. Their idea is to start
negotiations from the Annan plan compromise, so that they could get
additional compromises. However, in order to reach the Annan plan,
both Greek and Turkish Cypriots made compromises. The Turkish side
compromised because we thought we were going to gain something. However,
the Greek Cypriots were rewarded even though they rejected the plan. So,
it is not acceptable to start the negotiations from the end point of the
Annan plan. If the two sides were to negotiate and exchange compromises,
they should start from their earlier positions. This is the position of
Prime Minister Erdogan.
Secondly, the Greek Cypriots have been playing for time, holding back
progress and refusing to accept any timeframes in negotiations with
the Turkish side since they will hold the rotating presidency of the
EU in 2012 and expect to force Turkey to give in. Prime Minister
Erdogan is trying to undermine the policies of the Greek Cypriot
administration. Turkey says those tactics will not have an effect in
the negotiation process with the EU since accession negotiations have
already been frozen, and Turkey can easily suspend relations with the
EU for six months during the Greek Cypriot presidency.
Q: So what is Turkey saying exactly?
A: These are Turkey's messages to the Greek Cypriot side: If you want
the transfer of Varosha (Maras), then you have to give something; if you
want Turkish ports to be opened to Greek Cypriot shipping, then you have
to give something; if you want Turkish troops to leave the island, then
you have to give something, too. The time for concessions is over. Turkey
will not negotiate from the Annan plan onwards.
Q: Will that work?
A: I am not sure it will solve the problem, but it will certainly level
the playing field, which is important. Prime Minister Erdogan is trying
to scale everything back.
Q: Will that position solve the Cyprus problem? Isn't this contradictory
with what the UN tells the two sides --namely, that they need to be
engaged in a serious give and take?
A: The Cyprus problem will not be solved until and unless the Greek
Cypriot understanding of the situation changes. They see the situation as
a minority-majority problem on the island and an occupation by Turkey. As
long as they see it that way, the only possible solution is ending the
'occupation' and giving the Turks minority rights in a Greek majority
state. No consensual, cooperative and peaceful solution will be possible
until this stance of the Greek Cypriots changes. But there are other
'solutions'. I am afraid we are moving rather fast toward separation. If
public opinion is important in this case, many people in northern and
southern Cyprus have started to support separation more and more.
Following the two Cypriot leaders' meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon in Geneva a few weeks ago, there was optimism that a deal could
be possible. Ban said there will be time limits, and that the UN would
stop its involvement in the issue if those limits are not respected;
he even threatened with pulling back UN peacekeeping forces from the
island. The time limit Ban is talking about is the spring of 2012. In
order for the two sides to reach a solution by that time, they need to
engage in very intense, goal-oriented negotiations. This is what the
Secretary-General is trying to achieve. But if this is not realized,
talks will end and the UN might pull out, and we will be back to square
one. If that happens, there is no way out but separation, which will not
be accepted by the European Union, the United States and the international
public in general. It is a difficult situation we are in today.
Q: What would you say about the Greek Government's stance? This is all
happening at a time when Turkey and Greece are on very good terms.
A: Successive Greek Governments were able to develop good relations
with Turkey only by side-lining the Cyprus issue; if they did not,
they would not have been able to go ahead with their relations with
Turkey. If the Greek Government becomes involved in the Cyprus issue, the
Greek public will not be so amenable to the development of Turkish-Greek
relations; this is a classic catch 22 --we need Greece to be involved in
Cyprus to find a solution, but its involvement in Cyprus will hurt its
relations with Turkey due to hostile Greek public opinion. Under these
circumstances, it would be very naive to expect the Greek Government to
put pressure on the Greek Cypriot side.
Q: Isn't it going to be a big problem for the EU if the island is split?
A: The EU would not accept it. Its member countries would put economic
pressure on Turkey. They would stop or suspend negotiations with Turkey,
if they want to. There are probably enough European states that would
support those types of policies against Turkey. But this is too dangerous
even to contemplate right now. It is obvious that the Cyprus issue is
set to sail through troubled waters."
[Mustafa Ayd1n's profile: Aydin is a professor of international
relations. He is the Rector of Istanbul's Kadir Has University as well as
the president of the International Relations Council (UIK) of Turkey. He
is also co-coordinator of the International Commission on the Black Sea
and a member of the Greek-Turkish Forum.]
[13] "How to bluff one's way out of Cyprus"
Columnist Joost Lagendijk, writing in Turkish daily Today's Zaman
(24.07.11), comments on the recent messages firstly by Foreign Minister
Ahmet Davutoglu and later by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that
"Turkey wants a deal on the reunification of the island before mid-2012,
otherwise, Turkey will freeze its relations with the EU".
Lagendijk with the above title, inter alia, writes the following:
"(?)
I see three main messages in the speeches of Davutoglu and Erdogan. One
makes perfect sense, another does not and the last one might have a very
special effect. Let's start with the sensible one. After so many years of
negotiations that have dragged on without deadline and real commitment,
I welcome the target date that the Turkish Government has set, July 2012,
using the opportunities offered by the latest efforts of the UN to push
both sides into an agreement. This cannot go on forever. All parties
involved should make an ultimate attempt to find a solution now. If
it does not work, Turkey will walk out of the talks and consider its
options. These are, by the way, much more limited than Ankara is willing
to acknowledge, but that is another issue.
But then we come to the second message: Turkey still wants a deal but is
not willing to compromise and refuses to sit down at one table with Greek
Cypriot representatives. Excuse me? Do you think anybody will believe
Turkey's good intentions if at the same time the country declares it is
unwilling to make any concession to make it happen? Besides, why does
Turkey not sit down and talk with the Greek Cypriot President while we
know it does exactly that with Abdullah ?calan, the imprisoned leader
of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)? Does Turkey's pragmatism stop at
the borders? Let's face it: If Turkey is not willing to do its share to
build up trust between itself and the Greek Cypriots, there will never
be a deal.
Finally, let us consider the threat to stop negotiations with the EU,
at least temporarily. Who does the Turkish Government want to impress by
making this announcement? Friends of Turkey in Europe feel embarrassed
after so much misguided Turkish diplomatic doggedness. Opponents of
Turkey's EU membership in Paris, Berlin and Nicosia, on the other
hand, are cheering. Single handled Turkey has raised the rewards for
all European obstructionists. Suppose there is a Cyprus deal early
next year. That will be put to a vote in a referendum in both Cypriot
communities. By voting "No" on a possible solution, every Greek Cypriot
hard-liner can kill two birds with one stone: no concessions to the
Turkish Cypriots and a perfect chance to derail Turkey's EU accession
process. Do Erdogan and Davutoglu really think that Paris and Berlin
will not try to use the opportunity they are being offered now on a
golden plate and bury the negotiations in the freezer for ever? Or is
that the perfidious outcome of the Cyprus game that Ankara really wants?"
[14] "Scorching days in Cyprus"
Under the above title, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (24.07.11) publishes
an article by its columnist Amanda Paul on the recent remarks of Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his illegal visit to occupied
Cyprus. According to Paul, Erdogan certainly "put the cat among the
pigeons" during his trip in the occupied area.
In her article, Paul writes the following:
"While I believe everybody was aware that he was going to make a tough
statement over the decades-old Cyprus problem and the lack of progress
in talks, nobody imagined he would demonstrate such a tough and rather
provocative stance.
Perhaps the Prime Minister was venting some built-up tension concerning
other issues he is presently dealing with, both domestically and in
foreign policy, and just decided to take it out on Cyprus. In any case,
for me, a number of his comments were quite shocking and seemed to serve
no useful purpose whatsoever, besides not being conducive to peace talks,
which are presently at a very crucial stage.
Having managed to secure the UN deadline it wanted regarding peace talks,
Ankara is now turning up pressure on the Greek Cypriots, who have been
holding back progress and refusing to accept any timeframes. While I can
understand why he placed such great emphasis on the need for this round
of peace talks to deliver --and the consequences of the Cypriot's 2012
EU presidency for Turkey-EU relations if they do not-- I am perplexed by
his need to go into detail, which he must have realized could seriously
damage the talks.
Saying that Turkey was now prepared to offer the Greek Cypriots less
than was envisaged in the 2004 Annan plan, undermines the process and at
the same time makes it abundantly clear that Turkey is the one deciding
--not the Turkish Cypriots. I am at a loss to understand what he hoped
to achieve by stating that neither Guzelyurt [occupied Morphou] nor part
of Karpaz [occupied Karpassia] would be returned to the Greek Cypriots
in an eventual deal or saying that the time for concessions was over
and done with. It is obvious to everybody that the Greek Cypriots will
not accept a deal that does not include the return of Morphou. Indeed,
this also completely contradicts what the UN and others have been telling
the two sides --that now is the time to forget about maximalist goals
and move to a period of serious give and take.
The comments regarding the need for the Turkish Cypriots to have more
babies if they did not want more mainland settlers was also uncalled
for. Turkish Cypriots are not Turks and one only has to check birth
statistics to see that they have no habit of having three or four children
per family. The fact that the Turkish Cypriots were 'subjected' to British
rule, like the Greek Cypriots, has given them a unique character different
from their cousins in Turkey. It may come as a shock to many in Turkey,
but some Turkish Cypriots --while they are of course grateful for all
of Turkey's assistance?do not actually want to be seen as Turks, even
though many in Turkey seem to believe this is almost a privilege.
Not surprisingly, the Greek Cypriot media took Erdogan's comments as
inflammatory but also ironic, pointing out that Erdogan was in effect
supporting a position advocated by many Greek Cypriots and their political
parties --including President Demetris Christofias, who promised in his
election campaign that the Annan plan would be buried.
Well it seems that Erdogan has done that now. Really, I wonder how
on earth the two leaders will progress from this point. Furthermore,
this all happened at a time when the Cypriot economy is in a state of
emergency and Christofias is still under pressure to step down following
a munitions explosion.
Furthermore, Erdogan also managed to throw a grenade into Turkish-Greek
relations, as the Greek Foreign Minister reacted sharply to his comments,
saying that a resolution to the Cyprus problem was a precondition to the
normalization of Turkey-Greece relations, which the latest International
Crisis Group (ICG) report on developments in the Aegean stated was not
the case only a day earlier.
The international community has not reacted to Erdogan's comments
directly. For its part, the EU has appointed a new special envoy, Jos?
C?sar das Neves, former Portuguese diplomat currently working as an
advisor to the European Commission President. Perhaps they believe he
has a magic formula that will save Cyprus, but I somehow doubt it.
Following the two Cypriot leaders' meeting with Ban Ki-moon in Geneva only
a few weeks ago, there was optimism that a deal could be found. Erdogan's
remarks may well have helped pour cold water on that. Indeed, one may sum
up many Greek Cypriots' desire to share Cyprus with the Turkish Cypriots
in a recent statement from Greek Cypriot Archbishop Chrysostomos, who
expressed dismay upon learning that the Turkish Cypriots would supply
the south with power to help them deal with the recent electricity
shortage. 'I'd rather get by with a lantern and flashlight' than accept
help from the Turkish Cypriots, he said."
[15] "Turkey increases pressure for a solution in Cyprus"
Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 24.07.11), with the above title,
publishes, inter alia, the following article:
"(?)
So what is the reason for Turkey's crystal-clear ultimatum? The aim is
naturally not to freeze relations with the EU; on the contrary, it is to
provide a solution to the Cyprus issue, to show its determination for
its EU goal. Ankara plans to turn the issue into a 'crisis' and put it
up for international public opinion.
A senior official from the Prime Minister's office, who requested
anonymity while speaking with Sunday's Zaman, clarified Turkey's
intentions. Our aim is not to freeze relations with the EU. We are
striving to make progress on the road to the EU', the official said as
he highlighted the need to set deadlines for the process.
0brahim Kal1n, chief advisor to the Prime Minister, meanwhile, warned
that interpreting Erdo an's ultimatum as a sign that the Government
is giving up on the EU' would be wrong and that the intention to solve
the Cyprus issue shows how serious it is in its EU bid.
As Turkish Cypriots are taking the initiative on one side, attention
has been diverted to the political crisis in the Greek Cypriot part on
the other. This week's blast at a Greek Cypriot naval base changed the
agenda on the island completely and caused a political crisis to erupt
when a major power plant was shut down by the explosion.
(?)
Without doubt, the political crisis on the Greek Cypriot side will
influence the future of the extensive negotiations. The outcome of
the talks is considered to be relying on developments with the Greek
Cypriots. It is not very likely that Christofias, currently between a
rock and a hard place, will take the initiative and display a constructive
attitude in negotiations.
The Greek Cypriots will have to deal with this pressure on top of
the economy, with the worst case scenario involving Christofias's
resignation, although unlikely. The circle has already tightened around
him. Negotiations will also meet a technical dead end if he resigns,
since he was the one leading the talks. It is even suspected that the
Greek Cypriots may sacrifice Christofias in order to dodge the proposed
referendum.
It should be stressed that the situation is changing in favour of Turks
in terms of power. Despite a global economic crisis, the Turkish economy
displayed record growth while the Greek economy went down the drain. The
income disparity between the two sides of the island is also closing.
(?)
A construction project is also in progress to supply drinking water
from Turkey to the TRNC [the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus],
and it is scheduled to be completed by March 2014. When one considers
that the biggest problem for the island is a shortage of drinking water,
such a solution is sure to change the parameters.
Then again, it is a question how the EU will respond to the
ultimatum. There is no reason to be optimistic. It is pretty
obvious that the EU has been applying double standards in Turkey's EU
membership talks and on the Cyprus issue, while it has failed to keep
its promises. Otherwise, they would not have been so indifferent to
this unfair situation after the 2004 referendum. Turkey is facing two
possibilities now; this will either go for a vote in a new referendum,
or it will not. All efforts are for a referendum to take place. Now is
not the time to talk about the latter option."
[16] Turkish FM assigns new Ambassadors
Ankara Anatolia news agency (23.07.11) reported that Turkish Foreign
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has personally called Turkish Ambassadors on
Friday night and informed them about their new assignments.
According to the decree, Ahmet Riza Demirer of the Caucasus desk was
appointed as Ambassador to Gabon while his brother Yunus Demirer of the
Iraq desk was appointed as Ambassador to Iraq.
Ayse Sezgin, Deputy Undersecretary in charge of the European Union (EU),
was appointed as the Ambassador to Austria, replacing Ecvet Tezcan, who
according to a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Monday, has
been appointed as the new Representative of Turkey at the Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Another Deputy Undersecretary in charge of public diplomacy, Selim Yenel,
was appointed as Turkey's new EU Permanent Representative.
Chief of the Turkish Presidential Cabinet, Huseyin Avni Karslioglu,
was appointed as Ambassador to Germany.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Envoy for Pakistan Engin
Soysal, was appointed as Turkey's Permanent Representative at the Council
of Europe.
Ismail Hakki Musa was appointed as Ambassador to Belgium, Taner Seben to
Singapore, Ali Kemal Aydin to Jordan while Gulhan Ulutekin was appointed
as Ambassador to Slovakia.
Furthermore, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (24.07.11) reports that Ankara is
in the process of establishing four new missions in Africa as part of the
implementation of a project to open up more than 15 new embassies in the
region. Ambassadors have already been appointed to their posts in Gabon,
Namibia, Niger and The Gambia for the first time in Turkey's history.
Accordingly, Foreign Minister Davutoglu appointed also Murat Ahmet Yoruk
to Namibia, Ali Riza Ozcoskun to The Gambia, Hasan Ulusoy to Niger and
Ahmet Riza Demirer to Gabon.
[17] The Turkish Premier to visit Azerbaijan
Ankara Anatolia news agency (25.07.11) reports that Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a formal visit to Azerbaijan on
Wednesday, his second trip abroad since his landslide victory in June
12 parliamentary elections, Erdogan's press office said on Sunday.
During his visit, Erdogan is expected to meet with the Azeri President
Ilham Aliyev to discuss issues in bilateral relations as well as regional
and international developments.
[18] Turkish President Gul to travel to the UK in Novemebr
Ankara anatolia news agency (22.07.11) reported that Turkey's
President Abdullah Gul will pay a visit to Britain next November 22 and
24. President Gul and first lady Hayrunnisa Gul will visit Britain at an
invitation from Queen Elizabeth II, the Presidential Press Office said
in a statement. The statement said also that the Turkish President and
the first lady would be hosted at Buckingham Palace during their visit.
"It will be the first formal visit in presidential level from Turkey
to Britain since the visit of 7th President of Turkey Kenan Evren,
in 1988. Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit to Turkey between May 13-16,
2008, which was a return visit," the statement added.
[19] Jordanian PM holds contacts in Turkey
Ankara Anatolia news agency (AA ? 24.07.11) reported on the meeting
of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan with his Jordanian
counterpart Marouf al-Bakhit in Istanbul on Saturday. Speaking at
a joint press conference with Erdogan, al-Bakhit said that Turkey and
Jordan wanted Palestine to become independent. "We will continue to
support our Palestinian brothers and sisters," al-Bakhit said. Expressing
happiness for visiting Turkey, al-Bakhit said that they were working to
boost relations with Turkey.
Touching on the "Arab spring", al-Bakhit said that his country began
reforms before the "Arab spring" came into existence. "We have made
political, economic and administrative reforms. We have also made reforms
to fight corruption," al-Bakhit said. "We expect Mr. Erdogan to visit
Jordan soon.
Meanwhile, AA reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
also met Jordan's Prime Minister al-Bakhit and Foreign Minister Nasser
Judeh in Istanbul on Saturday. The meeting was closed to the press.
During the meeting, Davutoglu and the Jordanian officials discussed
bilateral economic relations, Iraq, Syria, the Gulf and developments in
North Africa. The three officials also discussed the developments in
Palestine and Palestine's membership at the United Nations.
[20] Turkish Capital Markets Board signs cooperation agreement with
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Ankara Anatolia news agency (22.07.11) reports that Turkey's Capital
Markets Board (SPK) and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
signed a cooperation agreement in Washington on Thursday.
SPK and SEC have been conducting joint studies to boost economic and
commercial cooperation between Turkey and the United States and to
foster cooperation on topics of "cooperation in capital markets2 and the
"Istanbul Finance Centre". SPK and SEC earlier decided to form a formal
cooperation mechanism, called "regulative dialogue". SPK President Vedat
Akgiray and SEC President Mary Schapiro signed a "job definition document"
at SEC headquarters in Washington with this objective.
Akgiray held a news conference at the Turkish Embassy in Washington to
brief about the agreement and his talks. Akgiray said that the deal with
SEC includes three areas, "the first one envisages a training that is
given by SEC and SPK experts to capital markets experts in countries
neighbouring Turkey. A joint conference will be held in Istanbul in
October in which SEC experts will also join."
"Secondly, following the global crisis, there have been discussions
regarding inadequacy of financial regulation in the world. Structure of
a new regulation is under discussion. However, there are many different
voices in international organization. With this deal, Turkey and the
United States decided to carry out closer cooperation," he said.
Akgiray said, "Thirdly, the deal aims at accelerating share of information
and intelligence particularly on issues related to crimes."
Akgiray said SEC signed this agreement with Turkey after China, India,
Japan and Korea and said that "this is an indication of the importance
given to Turkey."
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