Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-08-21

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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] Eroglu: Turkey does not meet with the Greek Cypriots behind closed doors; The Turkish Cypriots want to begin a give and take process

[02] The illegal YDU hospital's "permit" for organ transplants is postponed; Eroglu interferes in the human organ trafficking allegations

[03] Talat: "Presidential elections will be really about solution and non-solution"

[04] Akinci announces his candidacy for next year's "elections"

[05] British Knightsbridge company is reportedly trying to find a formula to sell products to Russia via the breakaway regime

[06] A Togo flag boat travelling in the Mediterranean Sea for four months set anchor at the illegal port of Famagusta

[07] Gul leaves the Presidential palace heartbroken; Outgoing first lady Hayrunissa Gul expressed deep disappointment over AKP's younger generation policy

[08] Several foreign leaders to attend Erdogan's oath taking ceremony; Eroglu to attend the ceremony

[09] "Gul's options"

[10] K?l?cdaroglu stated that Erdogan's support of IS would boomerang on Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: Turkey does not meet with the Greek Cypriots behind closed doors; The Turkish Cypriots want to begin a give and take process

Eroglu met yesterday with a delegation from the Social Democracy Party (TDP) under Cemal Ozyigit, TDP's chairman, and with a delegation from the occupied Limnitis and Potamos area Producers' Union.

In his statements, Eroglu noted that some argue that the negotiation process has collapsed, but the negotiations continue and the leaders will meet again on 2 September. He said that their wish is for the negotiations to end with an agreement and alleged that the demands of the Greek Cypriots at the negotiating table increase every day.

On his part, Ozyigit wished for the tension experienced recently in the negotiations to end and noted that a "more pro-peace language should be used". He noted that the sides should stop blaming each other and use correctly the opportunity given with the joint declaration. Ozyigit described as "wrong" the approach of the Greek Cypriots of allegedly beginning the whole process from scratch instead of continuing with the issues on which distance exists between the sides.

Referring to the allegations published in the press that the newly elected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has some "surprises" for the Greek Cypriots and President Anastasiades has "surprises for Turkey, Ozyigit wondered where the Turkish Cypriots are in these "surprises", whether the Turkish Cypriots are "by-passed" and whether the Greek Cypriots are holding direct contacts with Turkey over the Turkish Cypriots. He noted that the Turkish Cypriots should be more active in their efforts for finding a solution.

Replying to Ozyigit, Eroglu said, in brief, the following: "Turkey prepares no surprise. Before the election of Mr Erdogan to the presidency, Anastasiades had expressed the expectation that 'if Tayyip Erdogan wins the elections, he can solve the Cyprus problem'. However, no dialogue has been held in order to expect such a thing. He can express his view, but he had not consulted with Turkey, he had not discussed [with Turkey] behind closed doors for talking like this".

In statements during his meeting with the occupied Limnitis area producers, Eroglu said that their biggest wish is to defend their "country" and alleged that some people have "set eye" on their areas and wish the return to the pre-1974 period. Referring to the invitation of the union to participate in a grape festival in September, Eroglu said that after 20 September he might be in New York, but if he is in Cyprus he will definitely attend their festival.

Meanwhile, Eroglu briefed yesterday the so-called People's Council on the Cyprus problem. During the meeting he said that he will sign absolutely no arrangement which will lead the Turkish Cypriots back to the conditions of pre-1974 period. "From this point of view, let everyone be at ease", he added.

Eroglu noted that they held the briefing in this period, because one stage has been completed in the negotiations and the last stage is about to begin. Eroglu noted that he will meet with the UN Secretary-General in September and added that the fact that a special adviser for Cyprus will be appointed by the UNSG, made necessary the discussion with the "People's Council" of the stage to which the negotiating process has come.

Eroglu alleged that some difficulties exist in the process since February, because of the stance of the Greek Cypriot side and claimed that the main problem is "not respecting the progress achieved in the past".

Eroglu alleged also that Greek Cypriot side does whatever it can so that "the situation of those who acquired profit from the existing status quo is not changed" and argued that everybody sees that the Greek Cypriots do not feel the need to exert efforts for the establishment of a "new partnership".

Eroglu went on arguing: "While on the one hand the Greek Cypriot side is continuing its delaying tactic games at the negotiating table, on the other it tries with heart and soul at the international level to increase the embargoes implemented on the TRNC. They must understand now that we have a state even without a solution and we will continue defending our state".

Eroglu said that the pre-conditions allegedly put by President Anastasiades for the beginning of the give and take process cannot be accepted.

(I/Ts.)

[02] The illegal YDU hospital's "permit" for organ transplants is postponed; Eroglu interferes in the human organ trafficking allegations

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (21.08.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has joined the debate created between the illegal YDU hospital and the self-styled ministry of health. Reacting against Gulle's statement as regards some suspicions that human organ trafficking was conducted at the above-mentioned hospital, Eroglu argued that everyone should be careful about what he is saying. In statements during a meeting with a delegation from the "YDU", Eroglu said that carrying out organ transplants in the occupied area of Cyprus is "an honor and gives some messages to the world". He said that statements on such issues by Gulle before finding out the truth cause harm to the medical community. "I hope that this was a slip of the tongue by the esteemed minister", he noted adding that suspecting something is different from proving it.

Ahmet Savasan, member of "YDU" hospital's administrative council, said that they visited Eroglu with the aim of "cleaning the information pollution experienced in the field of health". He noted that the developments injured them seriously and that "in front of these untrue allegations which will give a trump card to the Greek Cypriots" they will convey to all their "institutions" their documents after having them approved by Turkey.

Moreover, the self-styled prime minister of the regime, Ozkan Yorgancioglu said yesterday that the "ministry" was only implementing the "law", pointing out to the provision of the "law" that organ transplants are carried out between relatives. He noted that in this case it is not known whether the donor and the recipient are relatives.

Referring to the human organ trafficking, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (21.08.14) reports that, according to investigations held in Turkey, organs which are bought from Ukrainian donors for 30 thousand Turkish liras (TL) are sold to patients from Israel who are awaiting for transplants for 500 thousand TL. The investigations showed that the transplants take place in private hospitals in Egypt, Northern Iraq and Bagdad. Donors come mostly from Moldova, Ukraine and Turkey. Organ transplant operations are held in Turkey, Iraq India and Israel, where the dimensions of the situation are serious.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Talat: "Presidential elections will be really about solution and non-solution"

Talat said that the "presidential elections" will really be about solution and non-solution. He also said that there may be many candidates from the left political front but this will not be an issue. "The pro-solution candidate will win the elections from the first round", he said.

Talat evaluated the results of the presidential elections in Turkey and said that he does not expect any political changes as regards Turkey's policy to Cyprus after Erdogan's election. He said that Turkey's Cyprus policy has changed in 2004 after the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power and that Erdogan will continue to follow this policy.

Talat also said that the many problems faced by the Turkish Cypriots are rooted to the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, adding that their aim should be to reach an agreement soon.

[04] Akinci announces his candidacy for next year's "elections"

In statements yesterday to Kibris TV, Akinci expressed the belief that he receives the necessary messages from the "people" in this direction and thanked the "people" for their stance. Akinci said that the "president" should have a "vision for peace", be able to establish healthy relations with Turkey, be really independent and be able to lead the society in the direction of "clean politics", democracy, human rights and transferring authority to the civilians.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Akinci said that "we have a chance" to solve the problem adding that "new dynamics were born: natural gas and energy". "You know, if this is not wisely used within a framework which will be to the benefit of all sides, it has disputable areas", he argued.

Akinci said he is in favor of a technical committee entering into the occupied fenced off city of Varosha to prepare a report on the situation of the buildings. He noted this would be very useful and necessary and expressed sorrow for the fact these things have not been done up to now. "That place could create new common dynamics", he noted adding that something should be given in return for this, such as the Port of Famagusta, the illegal Tymbou airport or even the Nicosia International Airport which was included in the Confidence Building measures in 1993.

(I/Ts.)

[05] British Knightsbridge company is reportedly trying to find a formula to sell products to Russia via the breakaway regime

According to the paper, the company, which was sending its products to Russia via the Lincolnshire port, aims to reach the Russian supermarkets sending its products via the illegal ports of the breakaway regime and the ports of Turkey.

Havadis also cites statements by an executive member of Knightsbridge, who wants to remain anonymous, and is visiting now the occupied areas of Cyprus that said: "You must have very strong ties. Conditions are changing every week".

[06] A Togo flag boat travelling in the Mediterranean Sea for four months set anchor at the illegal port of Famagusta

The boat under the name Milano Sky had loaded on April 20, 5.300 tons of corn in order to deliver its load in Libya but was not able to set anchor at any Libyan port due to the political situation in the country.

[07] Gul leaves the Presidential palace heartbroken; Outgoing first lady Hayrunissa Gul expressed deep disappointment over AKP's younger generation policy

This resentment comes not only because President-elect Recep Tayyip Erdogan has closed the doors on Gul's return to the Justice and Development Party (AKP) but also because of a smear campaign against the President and his staff at the Presidency. The couple has declared the campaign "a display of disrespect and rudeness," adding that they were particularly hurt because the campaign was driven by "the newcomers."

"To be honest, I have observed a considerable amount of disrespect from our neighborhood during the last term. I have followed all of them. Everybody around me was doing his or her job in the framework of an impartial Presidency," Gul told Ankara bureau chiefs on the sidelines of his last farewell reception on August 19.

Gul referred to an ongoing smear campaign against his closest advisers through the pro-government media which was intensified in recent months after the outgoing President hinted at his intention to return to the AKP. Gul was among the founders of the AKP along with Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2001. He was elected as President in 2007 after he was forced to cut his links with the party in line with constitutional requirements.

"Those who know me are well aware of my behavior. Those who don't know me, or those who have only recently entered our neighborhood or those who don't know the past very well are speaking shallowly about these issues. I will just let them recall their disrespect and that's all," Gul said.

The "neighborhood" Gul refers to is the AKP, while the topic of his criticism is the party's younger generation, which he and other veteran politicians would like to prevent from joining the executive board. Young staff has been intensely lobbying for Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to become the next chairman and Prime Minister to succeed Erdogan.

Following Gul's talk with journalists, Hayrunnisa Gul, who was accompanying the President, also found time to talk with media representatives. Unlike her husband, she did not hide her deep disappointment over the recent smear campaign against them, saying: "He [President Gul] does not respond to these criticisms because of his politeness. We feel very offended by some recent media reports. I have never felt such sorrow in my life as during this period."

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"They act as if we did not read anything, did not hear anything, were not aware of anything. So far I have stayed silent, but that won't last for too long. I will start speaking; perhaps I will be the one to start an intifada."

"Mr. Gul keeps silent out of politeness. There were days he took newspapers away from me in order for me not to read the stuff against him and get upset. There were days he turned off the internet, as he knew I would read such stuff online. They were extremely wrong and disrespectful in what they wrote and said about him. And what has been most upsetting for us, especially over the last year, were the attacks from those from our own social groups, from observant Muslims. We have not seen such high doses since Feb. 28 [1997 ? when a harsh military-led psychological campaign was going on], when my headscarf was a matter of public debate. It is hard to believe. I know what is going on. For now, I am keeping silent, but that won't last too long."

Before getting into details, Mrs. Gul had criticized some pro-government journalists without giving names, saying: "They made us very sad and now they are trying to get into the same photo with us."

Right before that, following a family picture of the Gul couple with reporters in the reception, she told Abdulkadir Selvi, the Ankara bureau chief of pro-Erdogan daily Yeni Safak that she "did not want to shake hands with him" because she had been "very hurt by him." Hayrunnisa Gul also told Mehmet Akarca, the Ankara bureau chief of private broadcaster ATV, the following: "You were telling [Abdullah] what to do all the time. Say something now, too. Now I see you are all in the same photo with the others."

(?)

Touching on the issue as to whether Turkey should adopt the presidential system, Gul said he made his views clear when the issue was debated and reiterated that he preferred the current legislative system. "Of course, no one can argue that the presidential system is not a democratic system," he stated, underlining that the most important thing in such systems was to maintain the balance of the system by protecting the consistency and the principle of separation of powers. "At the end of the day, whichever system you select, it will enter into force following public approval", he added.

[08] Several foreign leaders to attend Erdogan's oath taking ceremony; Eroglu to attend the ceremony

A Foreign Ministry official who wished to remain anonymous told Today's Zaman on Wednesday that government officials are working on an invitation list and that "on principle," the Ministry would not share the list of invited or confirmed guests.

The inauguration ceremony will be held on August 28 in Ankara. Erdogan gathered 51.8% of the popular vote on the August 10 elections.

According to reports in the Turkish media on Wednesday, US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among those invited to Erdogan's swearing-in ceremony, but both are expected to send representatives.

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Leaders from Qatar and other Gulf countries are expected to attend the inauguration, as well as many leaders of former Soviet Union Republics.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the "TRNC's president" Dervis Eroglu were among the first leaders to congratulate Erdogan after his electoral win. Aliyev and Eroglu are expected to attend the ceremony.

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev is also expected to be among the leaders attending the ceremony.

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[09] "Gul's options"

"As is well known, President-elect Erdogan does not want Gul to be his successor as Prime Minister; he would prefer a puppet. Yet, Davutoglu will not be an absolute puppet either. Especially if he wins the 2015 general elections, this will be the real start of the end of Erdogan as far as the Justice and Development Party (AKP) is concerned.

If Erdogan had not won in the first round, there would have been some probability that he would have asked Gul to be the Prime Minister, since Gul is someone who could bring success to the AKP in the 2015 elections. This is crucial because if the AKP loses the 2015 elections, Erdogan will have a very difficult time in the presidential palace and his family and friends will face countless legal indictments. Gul could not instantly become Prime Minister even if Erdogan approved it, since he is not a Deputy, but the AKP could easily solve that problem in a few months with a similar formula that worked for Erdogan in 2003.

Now, it is very clear that this will not happen and that Davutoglu will be the Prime Minister. So, let us look at what options are available to Gul.

First, it is a well-known secret that Gul does not want to retire from politics now and that he wants to be very active in politics. He would not be satisfied with less-prominent positions than that of the Prime Minister. Not only his actions and some declarations, but off-the-record conversations among his advisors suggest that Gul will not leave the AKP to the anti-democrat Erdoganists.

Second, there is immense pressure from within the AKP on Gul that he should return to active politics. They cannot be vocal since they are too afraid of Erdogan, who is known for his ferocity towards any dissent. But those AKP members are aware that they will be in deep trouble in a few years' time if the AKP does not change its anti-democratic ways.

Third, Turkey's democratic circles also hope that the AKP return back to its former spirit of 2002-2007. They have been pressuring Gul to take some risks and challenge Erdogan.

It is crystal clear that an effective challenge for Erdogan will not come from the Republican People's Party (CHP) or Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which are incompetent because of their ideological and organizational deficiencies. I am not hopeful about these two parties. There is a huge need for a centrist party that is better than what the AKP was in 2001: a party that will have social democratic, liberal, progressive pro-European Union, pro-human rights, pro-freedom, pro-equality and pro-religious freedoms. But unless the AKP's support declines, this will not happen very soon.

Thus, Gul remains the only plausible candidate that can challenge the Erdoganist authoritarian path.

Gul will most probably wait until the 2015 elections to see if and to what extent the Davutoglu government will be successful. In the meantime, he may become an AKP member again and may even be elected as a Deputy. If Davutoglu cannot receive more than 43-45%, Gul will wait to be called to the rescue. But this may be too late, since around that time, Erdogan will complete his process of making the AKP belong only to him.

Experienced members of the AKP will be out of Parliament because of the three-term rule, and many young figures who owe their existence to Erdogan will be in Parliament. The post-2015 AKP may not respect Ggl at all and may try to experiment with AKP Deputy Chairman Numan Kurtulmus. Thus, a lesser probability suggests that Gul may form a new party prior to the 2015 elections, before it is too late.

Gul has been working on this alternative since Erdogan enacted a law a few years ago to stop Gul's candidacy in the Presidential elections. The Constitutional Court annulled this law to the effect of empowering Gul, but the deep scars are still there and Gul has learned very well that Erdogan is not to be trusted. Thus, forming a new party will be easy for Gul. A sufficient number people around him would create a new synergy.

But the enigmatic problem is this: Will he be able to entice some of the AKP voters? Erdogan's ruthless propaganda machine can easily present him as a threat to economic stability and an agent of 'foreign dark forces'.

Erdogan was able to transform corruption cases against him into a perceived power struggle between him and Fethullah Gulen, so he can do the same with Gul more effectively".

[10] K?l?cdaroglu stated that Erdogan's support of IS would boomerang on Turkey

K?l?cdaroglu accused Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government of providing arms and munitions to the IS -- formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) -- through al-Qaeda groups as part of its strategy against the Syrian government. "The arms that were seized in trucks were not destined for Turkmens, but rather for the IS," he said, adding: "Now that terror has come back and hit Turkey".

K?l?cdaroglu was referring to the IS' kidnapping of all the diplomatic staff in Turkey's consulate on June 11 in Mosul, including Consul-General Ozturk Y?lmaz, members of their families and the special forces assigned to protect the consulate.

He stated that the government had forgotten all about the hostages as over two months had passed without any resolution. The CHP leader also alleged that Erdogan has handed these people over as captives to the IS, noting that the government failed to evacuate the consulate staff in time even though the IS militants had advanced towards Mosul.

"The IS came and raided. Erdogan instructed, 'Do not use weapons, go ahead and surrender.' And they surrendered. Our national flag in the consulate compound, on our soil, was lowered," he explained.

K?l?cdaroglu said that the fact that the government could not call the IS a terrorist group was yet another indication of the relationship. "The whole world is calling the IS [members] terrorists. Yet we can't say so," he underlined.

The main opposition leader also claimed that not only Turkey but also al-Qaeda and IS militants had sent weapons to Iraq and Syria. "Camps were set up to train them. Truckloads of arms were sent. All of this was to topple [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad. Assad remains in power while thousands of Muslims were murdered. That is why I say Erdogan's hands are bloody," he stated.

(?) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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