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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-07-30Cyprus 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. 142/13 30/07/2013[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS[01] Eroglu said no matter which "government" is it will always be a dialogue with TurkeyTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika (30.07.13) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu evaluated the results of the latest "elections" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus as well as the Cyprus problem as a guest on a programme on private Turkish TV channel ATV.Replying to a question whether the "election results" have stirred up or not any trouble for the Cyprus problem, Eroglu said that he doesn't think that any problems have been created regarding the Cyprus problem. He said that he doesn't think that the "early elections" have affected the Cyprus talks. He went on: "We will continue the negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side on October. Besides, we will continue our dialogue with all the political parties. Four parties have gained the right to enter the "assembly" and I can say that with these parties we have a good dialogue. All the political parties say that they desire an agreement on the Cyprus problem. However, the method of the agreement's approach changes accordingly to the party. In this coalition period, different approaches may be merged and according to me, this doesn't create any problem." Replying to the question whether there may be a change or not in the relationship between the new "government" and Turkey, Eroglu said: "Unlikely, because all the political parties and the Turkish Cypriots know that we can solve the Cyprus problem with the support of Turkey. Until today, there hasn't been any disagreement between Cyprus and Turkey regarding a solution of the Cyprus problem. Noting that as Turkish Cypriot leader, he has been in a dialogue with Turkey's Foreign Ministry, Prime Ministry and Presidency, Eroglu said: "Occasionally, we evaluate the issue (Cyprus problem) with esteemed the President and the esteemed Prime Minister. We have a continuous dialogue with the Foreign Minister. Whatever government is formed, this won't be spoiled." Commenting on the results of the "early elections", Eroglu said that there was no disappointment among the people, but, there was disappointment particularly within the National Unity Party (UBP). Reminding that UBP took 44% of the vote in the 2009 "elections" but it only took 27% in these "elections", Eroglu added that the leader of the party has also lost in these "elections". He added that in fact, some things were expected. He concluded by saying that this situation was not a surprise for him. [02] Yorgancioglu urges Eroglu to work harder for the solution of the Cyprus problemTurkish daily Today's Zaman (30.07.13) reports that Ozkan Yorganc1oglu, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG), which emerged as the largest party in the "parliamentary election" on Sunday urged the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu to be sincere about a solution to the Cyprus problem."Experts believe that the CTP-led government could prompt an easing of Erolu's tough stance in talks with the Greek Cypriots in the south, on ending the island's nearly four-decade division", the paper writes and reports that in in a phone interview with Today's Zaman, Yorgancioglu noted the following: "Eroglu should be sincere about a solution to the dispute. Until now, Eroglu was reluctant about the issue. I have concerns about his sincerity. We will work with Eroglu if he sticks to our program, otherwise we will fail to agree on a solution," Yorganc1oglu said. Yorganc1oglu stated that the two sides should comply with the commitments of the past, calling on the two sides for tolerance. "Eroglu should also comply with the commitments. Due to his stance, we wasted time in solving the dispute. This also gave the opportunity for Greek Cypriots to claim that the Turkish side does not have any willingness for a solution. No backwards steps should be taken anymore," he said. [03] Scenarios for possible "coalition government"; Observers see cooperation between CTP and DPUnder the title "Coalition scenarios", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (30.07.13) reports that scenarios on the establishment of a possible "coalition government" are being developed, because the Republican Turkish Party- United Forces (CTP-BG), winner of early "elections" held on Sunday in the occupied area of Cyprus, cannot establish a "government" alone.Political observers, notes Kibris, believe that the most predominant scenario is a "coalition government" between CTP-BG and the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG). It is estimated that CTP, which had twice in the past cooperated with the DP, will try coalition with this party once more in the existing conditions. The observers describe DP-UG as "key party" in these conditions noting that the most probable possibility is a CTP-DP "coalition" based on 33 "seats" in the "assembly", as the former "elected" 21 "MPs" and the latter 12. It is also noted that according to the numbers, an effort for a "coalition" between CTP and the National Unity Party (UBP) is also possible, but political observers think that it is most unlikely for the CTP to knock at the door of the UBP, which "elected' 14 "MPs". Even if this "coalition government" is considered as strong because it is based on 35 "MPs", observers note that the grassroots of the CTP strongly oppose to such a model and this would constitute an element of great pressure on the administration of the party [for not proceeding with a "coalition" with the UBP]. A three-party "coalition" model with the participation of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) seems mathematically possible, but observers believe that it is most unlikely for such a model to be materialized. Another possibility that seems very low, reports the paper, is a coalition between the rightwing parties, UBP-DP, even though this is also mathematically possible. According to the "constitution", the new "government" should be established within 15 days after the official results of the "elections" are announced and the Turkish Cypriot leader assigns an "MP" with the duty of forming a "government". The "constitution" says that 26 "votes" are needed at the "assembly" for a "government' to secure "vote of confidence". (I/Ts.) [04] Kucuk resigned from UBP after failing to be electedTurkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (30.07.13) reports that Irsen Kucuk, who was not elected at Sunday's "parliamentary elections" met the night of the elections with the general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP) Necdet Numan and told him that he is resigning from UBP's leadership. He also said that the party must go to an extra ordinary council the sooner possible, in order to elect a new leader and draw a road map.Speaking to Havadis, Kucuk stated that the new leader must be one of the fourteen "MPs" that the party elected in the "elections". [05] Names of the winners of the "parliamentary elections"Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (30.07.13) reports that 23 new "MPs" were "elected" during the early "parliamentary elections" held on 28 July, 2013, in the occupied area of Cyprus, while 27 "MPs" could preserve their "seat" at the 50-member "parliament". The number of women remained the same as in the outgoing "parliament" due to the fact that only four could be "elected". Most of the "MPs" (17 persons) are doctors. The youngest "MP" is Zeki Celer (32), who was "elected with the Social Democracy Party (TDP) in occupied Keryneia area and the oldest "MP" is Ergun Serdaroglu, born in 1944 and was "elected' with the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG) also in Keryneia.Kibris reports that 18 former "MPs" could not be "reelected". Among them is Irsen Kucuk, who came ninth in National Unity Party's (UBP) list in occupied Lefkosia, where his party 'elected" four "MPs". According to Kibris, the following persons were "elected" in each district receiving the "votes" seen in the brackets: Nicosia: Sibel Siber (24.800), Tufan Erhurman (21.043), Ozdil Nami (20.976), Ozkan Yorgancioglu (20.128), Ahmet Gulle (18.886) Birikim Ozgur(18.366) Dogus Derya (18.175) from the Republican Turkish Party ? United Forces (CTP-BG). Tahsin Ertugruloglu (12.667), Faiz Sucuoglu (12.209), Ersin Tatar (11.957) and Huseyin Ozgurgun (11.785) from the UBP. Serdar Denktas (12.710), Mustafa Arabacioglu (12.018), Hasan Tacoy (11.225) and Zorlu Tore (10.270) from the DP-UG. Mehmet Cak1c1 (3.866) from the TDP. Famagusta: Teberruken Ulucay(16.408), Asim Akansoy (16.228), Ferdi Sabit Soyer (15.149), Erkut Sahali (14.794) and Arif Albayrak (14.269) from the CTP-BG. Sunat Atun (12.749), Hamza Ersan Saner (12.197), Erdal Ozcenk (12.160) and Dursun Oguz (10.628) from the UBP. Ahmet Kasif (12.575), Fikri Ataoglu (11.494) and Hakan Dincyurek(11.442) from the DP-UG. Huseyin Angolemli (3.893) from the TDP. Keryneia: Abbas Sinay (12.250), Salih Izbul (11.254), Fazilet Ozdenefe (10.851) and Omer Kalyoncu (10.508) from the CTP-BG Unal Ustel (9.244), Kutlu Evren(9.175) and Izlem Gurcag (9.098) from the UBP. Ozdemir Berova (5.853) and Esat Ergun Serdaroglu (5.823) from the DP-UG. Zeki Celer (2.915) from the TDP. Morfou: Armagan Candan (8.655), Mehmet Caglar (8.383) and Dr. Huseyin Ercal (8.178) from the CTP-BG. Dr. Ali Pilli(7.951) and Kemal Durust (7.173) from the UBP. Mentes Gunduz(4.449) from the DP-UG. Trikomo: Onder Sennaroglu (6.969) and Biray Hamzaogullari (5.673) from the CTP-BG. Nazim Cavusoglu(5.820) and Mustafa Gokmen (4.960) from the UBP. Huseyin Alanli(6.286) from the DP-UG. (I/Ts.) [06] YKP: a strong "no" came out from the ballot boxAccording to Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (30.07.13), the executive committee of the New Cyprus Party (YKP), in a written announcement yesterday, evaluating the results of the "early elections", said that a strong "no" came out from the ballot box.YKP's announcement said that despite all kinds of requests to the people to go to the ballot boxes, the censures and threats, a strong "no" came out from the ballot box, adding: "This is a hope, it is an invitation for the struggle, it is a continuous message against the regime." In 2009 "elections", 30.000 people did not vote, in this "elections" the number was increased to 52.000. YKP also claimed that these "elections results" display a reaction in the community against the ruling government of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). [07] Columnist in Hurriyet argues that "elections' results" dashed hopes of Talat getting elected to the "presidency" againUnder the title "Winners and losers in Northern Cyprus vote", Turkish daily Hurriyet (30.07.13) publishes the following article by Yusuf Kanli:"The biggest loser of July 28's vote in northern Cyprus was former Prime Minister 0rsen K???k and his National Unity Party (UBP). With the preference votes, supporters of the UBP "buried" the political aspirations of K???k in the ballot box and refused to elect the former premier. The UBP, on the other hand, saw a sharp decrease in its votes and parliamentary strength. It received only 27.3 percent of the vote and produced 14 deputies. In the 2009 elections UBP had received 44.07 percent of the vote and won 26 seats in the 50-member single-house Parliament. The biggest winner of the election, on the other hand, was the small
Democrat Party-Nationalist Forces (DP-UG) that produced 12 deputies
with 23.23 percent of the vote. The DP had received 10 percent of the
vote and produced five deputies in the 2009 polls. Still, party leader
Serdar Denkta declared he was committed to his pre-election pledge to
step down if his party did not come first in the polls. Yet, he said he
will refer the issue to the party executive and act accordingly.
Similarly, the second loser of the July 28 election, Democratic Society
Party (TDP) leader Mehmet ?ak1c1, said he would abide by his pledge
to step down, but would leave that decision be made by his party
executive. The TDP received 7.7 percent in July 28's vote and produced
three deputies, including ?ak1c1. It had two deputies in the previous
Parliament.
The second winner of the poll was the leftist Republican People's Party
(CTP), which with 38.37 percent of the vote increased its parliamentary
strength by two seats to 21, five short of the required 26 seats to form
a one-party government. The CTP had received 29.25 percent of the vote
and obtained 15 seats in Parliament in the 2009 vote.
One last note: Results showed that none of the candidates with a labor
union background managed to get elected. This naturally showed growing
non-confidence of Turkish Cypriots in labor unions, which have a tradition
of acting like political parties.
What's now? Not only a prime minister could not come out of July 28's
ballot box, a new Parliament with many new faces was elected. For example
Birikim ?zg?r, the academic son of late leftist leader ?zker ?zg?r made
it to Parliament in his first attempt. In all parties some candidates
received far more votes than party leaders. Coupled with the fact that
July 28's was the poll with lowest participation (64 percent) it was
obvious that Turkish Cypriots are frustrated with the performance of
their parties and leaders and reflected (or not reflected) that in the
ballot box.
Now, a new coalition will have to be established. Technically
a nationalist alliance government of the UBP and the DP-UG is
possible. Recent squabbles between the two parties, on the other hand,
render that option rather difficult. Thus it will depend on the political
skills of President Dervi Erolu, if he wants his former UBP to form
a coalition with his new-supporter DP-UG against the left aligned with
the demanding AKP of Turkey.
The second and third coalition options have the CTP as the senior
partner. The CTP can form a coalition government with the 12-seat DP-UG
or go for a grand coalition with the UBP and make the AKP happy. For the
past many years the AKP wanted a grand coalition in northern Cyprus which
would make it easier to implement a bitter economic restructuring program
as well as bitter acceptance of some painful compromises in any Cyprus
settlement with Greek Cypriots. Still, a CTP-DP-UG coalition appears
more likely.
The results also dashed hopes of former President Mehmet Ali Talat getting
elected to the presidency again. Results showed that the combined strength
of the nationalist flank comfortably exceeds 50 percent of the vote and
thus in the presidential elections to be held in less than two years'
time, a consensus candidate of the right may have the upper hand."
The paper writes that the ballot box was firstly put in the church yard
but because of the sunshine it was later put inside the church. The paper
writes that the church was used because there was no other alternative
building to be used for the voting.
Erk made these statements during a meeting he held with the Turkish
Cypriot Businessmen Council.
On his part the chairman of the Council, Ilker Zugurt stated that they
will continue to work for the developments of businessmen in occupied
Cyprus and in general for the prosperity of the "country" adding that
their efforts are taking place via Turkey. He also said that wince the
Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power, they received a lot
of help from the party.
Davutoglu discussed developments in Egypt and Syria with Kerry and Ban
as sides voiced mutual concern over escalating violence in Egypt.
Kerry and Ban also expressed their sadness about the suicide attack on
Saturday on a Turkish Embassy annex in the Somali capital of Mogadishu,
that killed one Turkish guard and wounded three others.
Ban and Kerry have spoken in praise of Turkey's support to Somalia,
sources added.
Somali President Mohamoud condemned the suicide attack on the Turkish
Embassy in Mogadishu, sources said.
In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (29.07.13) reports that Davutoglu
also held a phone conversation with High Representative of the EU for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, who made the second
official visit to Egypt on Monday.
According to the diplomatic sources, Davutoglu and Ashton discussed the
recent incidents in Egypt within the scope of Ashton's visit.
PKK [Kurdistan People's Congress, KGK] leader Abdullah Ocalan's lawyers
Rezan Sarica, Cengiz Yurekli, and Mazlum Dinc appealed to the 11th High
Criminal Court of Ankara -- which had previously convicted their client
to aggravated life imprisonment -- for Ocalan's "retrial and suspension
of sentence" under Temporary Article 2, which amends the rules of retrial
in Law 6459 Article 21, publicly known as the fourth judicial package.
The lawyers summarized the preambles for their appeal by stating: "We
request, in the scope of Temporary Article 2 attached to Article 21 of the
amendment of jurisdiction concerning Criminal Court Law 5271, and Law 6459
regarding human rights and freedom of expression, the approval of Mr.
Ocalan's retrial and the reordering or suspension of his sentence -- a
situation that has been supported by a European Court of Human Rights
verdict which states that the trial of Ocalan violated the European
Convention of Human Rights and was based on a discriminatory process."
The lawyers continued: "In case the Court disagrees, we request, on the
grounds of Article 152/1 of the Constitution, that the file be referred to
the Constitutional Court with a request for the abrogation of the clause
"concerning those who are inspected by the Committee of Ministers of
the Council of Europe as of 15.06.2012," and that the court decide for
the annulment of the aforementioned statutory provision."
The Chief of General Staff, however, has intervened to stop the
resignations of the Chief of Staff of the Turkish Air Force, Damci, and
Kadioglu, the head of the Air Training Command, according to the report.
The military council, which has in recent years been dealing with debates
over the promotions and retirements of top commanders facing accusations
in coup plots, is set to start Aug. 1.
Damci was one of the figures said to be involved in the 2011 Uludere
raid, which caused the death of 34 civilians when a group of smugglers
was mistaken for terrorists.
In a similar case, former Navy Adm. Nusret Guner conducted an interview
in which he broke months of silence about his resignation, which was
accepted in late January, to say he departed in particular reaction to
rulings in the "Balyoz" (Sledgehammer) coup plot case, as well as charges
against military members involved in an alleged military espionage gang.
Around 170 commissioned officers have resigned from the Turkish Air
Force since the beginning of this year, including 123 pilots. Most of
the resignations are caused by disappointment over salary or family
reasons. Some of the pilots, daily Hurriyet reported, have chosen to
continue their profession in private companies.
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