posts=eide-continues-with-shuttle-diplomacy
) broadcast that Eide met separately with Akinci and President Nicos
Anastasiades this morning.
Eide was accompanied by the UN Secretary General's Special Representative
in Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar during the meetings.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting with Akinci which lasted for more
that than 2 hours, the UN Special Advisor said that he had met separately
with both leaders today and that both Mr. Akinci and Mr. Anastasiades
had expressed desire to go the final mile and go to Geneva".
He however added that there are still outstanding issues that needed
to be solved, particularly on the modalities and the way the conference
will be organised.
"There is scope on this issue but there is still way to go" he said.
Pointing out that his shuttle diplomacy will continue with the aim
of ironing out the outstanding issues, Eide said that the general
understanding with both leaders was that there could not be much achieved
in the talks without holding a conference in Geneva.
"At some point we need to address those issues which can only be addressed
in the presence of the guarantors and the EU as an observer. They are
at a point where they want to make that decision but they are not ready
to make it because there are issues which are outstanding" he said.
Responding to a question, the UN Special Envoy said that he aimed to
achieve a result by the end of the week, but reminded that these were
sensitive issues.
[02] Akinci alleges that President Anastasiades' recent proposal is
contrary to the joint declaration of 11 February 2014
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (24.05.17) reports that Turkish
Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci has alleged that President Anastasiades'
recent "demand", as he called it, for discussing and concluding the
chapters of the Territory and the Security and Guarantees separately from
the other chapters when the sides go to Geneva for the continuation of
the Conference on Cyprus, is contrary to the Joint Declaration signed
between the two community leaders on 11 February 2014.
In a written statement issued yesterday, Akinci claimed that the
Turkish Cypriot side's expectation is for the Greek Cypriot side to show
that it is ready to take steps which will lead the process to success
within the framework of the agreed basis and understanding, by leaving
aside the pre-conditions and for the Conference on Cyprus to end with
a comprehensive solution without any demands for intervals. Akinci
alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready for the convention of a
new conference within the framework of the methodology which was valid
during the first Conference, the statement of 12 January 2017 and the
Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014. He also argued that the Turkish
Cypriot side wishes to stay in Geneva until a result is reached.
Noting that serious progress has been achieved during the past two
years, Akinci alleged that the "constructive stance" of the Turkish
Cypriot side, including the work on a map for the first time within the
framework of the territorial adjustment, played a significant role in
achieving this progress. Akinci claimed that in spite of the Turkish
Cypriot side's "constructive and creative stance" and efforts, during the
past few months no new convergences were achieved on the four chapters
of Governance and Power Sharing, Economy, the EU, and the Property,
"except for clarification of some matters of the past".
Moreover, Akinci claimed that the Greek Cypriot side still finds it
difficult to accept some elements of the Turkish Cypriot side's political
equality which are indispensable in a federal solution.
He also argued that the climate created because of the natural gas
explorations and the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus
in February 2018 proved that he was right when putting the end of 2016
as target for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, pointing out to
the risks that exist in 2017. He reiterated the allegation that at this
point of the process "it is evident that a natural timetable has been
created now" and that adopting the approach of negotiating in the form
of a package is necessary in order for being able to reach a solution
within the limited time of the existing timetable.
Akinci argued that the two sides and the UN know the basic issues which
remain open and that the time has come for taking tough decisions and for
the sides taking mutual steps acting with the understanding of a package.
(I/Ts.)
[03] Turkish Cypriot press: Akinci commits a mistake by not accepting
to discuss the guarantees first in Geneva; Turkey needs "Mr No's"
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (24.05.17) reports in its "The
hero of the day" column that Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci
commits a mistake by not accepting to discuss the chapter of Security
and Guarantees first in Geneva, while journalists Emine Davut Yitmen in
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (24.05.17) reports that priority
should be given to the chapter of the Security and Guarantees in Geneva.
Afrika refers to the written statement issued yesterday by Akinci in
response to President Anastasiades proposal and notes that Akinci's
reference that he was ready to go to Geneva without preconditions for
the continuation of the Conference on Cyprus was exaggerated in the
social media. The paper notes: "In any case, Akinci was the one who
actually insisted on going to Geneva. Anastasiades did not reject this
but he approached it in a more realistic manner. He suggested that if
they go to Geneva there must definitely be a result and he even said
that they should stay there until a result is reached. He asked for the
issue of guarantees to be discussed with priority. However, Akinci does
not accept this and continues accusing the other side. Is there no one
to whisper to him how much mistaken he is? At least you tell him Baris!"
Writing in her analysis on the Cyprus problem in Kibris under the title
"The fate of the Cyprus negotiating process", Yitmen wonders whether
priority should be given to the chapter of Security and Guarantees and
replied that "yes, it should be given". She then refers to the work of
the experts group which had been convened on 18 January, noting that
the UNSG's Special Adviser Espen Barh Eide said that this work had been
positive. She adds, inter alia, the following:
"[…] However, there were times when impediments came up in the road
map. Some experts think that the approach of giving priority to Security
and Guarantees and discussing the other issues in the form of a package
is an approach which the sides could adopt.
The most noteworthy point among the proposals earlier submitted by
Anastasiades has been the proposal of preparing a three-dimensioned
document and holding a press conference on this. These proposals, even
if we consider that are made within the framework of the worry for the
elections, could be said that are noteworthy. […] However the Turkish side
did not accept the two proposals. Actually sharing the three-dimensioned
document with the public opinion of the two sides was important from
the point of view of showing in a transparent manner the situation of
the negotiations. The joint press conference was a noteworthy demand in
the same manner […]"
Meanwhile, writing in his column in Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper
(24.05.17) Mehmet Levent refers to a "Mr No tradition" in the Turkish
Cypriot side and recalls that late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas
had been called as "Mr No" due to his stance in the Cyprus problem. He
notes, inter alia, the following:
"They did not call M.A. Talat, who succeeded him, as Mr No in spite of the
fact that he followed his path. They said that 'he became Denktas', which
means the same. Then Eroglu came. […] Mr Dervis attended the table 'by
becoming Denktas' since the very first meeting. That is he continued the
Mr No tradition after Talat! And we finally came to Mustafa Akinci. […]
We said that Akinci is not like them, he will end this issue. […] And
we saw that we have a new Mr No before us! The tradition continues!
Is it a coincidence that everyone who comes becomes a Denktas and a Mr
No? Undoubtedly no. There is only one thing which comes to mind. And this
is that the three presidents who came after Denktas had been forced by
Turkey to become a Denktas! Turkey, which seeks a 'solution' that will
legitimate all the illegal fait accompli it had created on the island
after 1974, needs these Mr No's in all processes because it is close to
any solution except for this! And unfortunately, it overcomes this need
without facing any difficulty! […]"
(I/Ts.)
[04] Candan evaluated the Cyprus negotiation process
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (24.05.17) reports that
Armagan Candan, so-called deputy with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP),
in exclusive statements to a televised program broadcast by Kanal T,
evaluated the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, Candan, stated that significant time was
lost due to the "Enosis crisis" and warned that if the solution dynamic in
Cyprus is lost and the negotiation talks would lead to a deadlock, this
would be a negative development especially for the "TRNC". "The Turkish
Cypriot side should insist on going to Geneva and for a referendum to
take place", Candan said.
"With a no by the Greek Cypriots in a possible referendum, several
things could change in the TRNC, but, if the negotiation talks and the
dynamic of the solution are collapsed, it is out of the question for the
TRNC to open any doors in the international arena. Besides all these,
the natural gas issue will increase the possibilities for a crisis to
occur", Candan also said.
Commenting on President Anastasiades' recent national addressing, Candan
claimed that Anastasiades during the last months has given up from the
solution and is focused on the 2018 elections. "The recent proposal
he made is a result of the pressure exerted to him", Candan further
alleged, adding that Anastasiades positions will become stronger ahead
of the elections.
(…)
(AK)
[05] YKP criticized the refusal of the occupation regime "authorities"
on the control of "banks"
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (24.05.17) reports that the
New Cyprus Party (YKP), in a written statement, condemned the rejection
of the EU aid on the control of the "banks" in the "TRNC", describing
this practice as backward.
In the statement, the party underlined the need not to put obstacles
in the harmonization process with the EU and the Cyprus negotiation
process. YKP stated that it is necessary to allow the "bank controls",
stating that this is very important for the solution of the Cyprus
problem. "Nobody is satisfied with the excuse given that the banks are
controlled only by the central bank. […]. It is unacceptable to reject
the controls of the banks", the statement further underlined.
(AK)
[06] 30 more persons "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship"
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (24.05.17), the
"council of ministers" of the "coalition government" UBP-DP of the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus decided to
"grant" 30 more "TRNC citizenships" according to "article 9, paragraph
(1), clause (c) of the citizenship law No. 25/1993".
The paper reports that with a "decision" of the "council of ministers"
dated May 9, 2017, 20 "TRNC citizenships" were "granted" as they were
published at the "official gazette" on 18 May, 2017. Meanwhile, with a
"decision" of the "council of ministers" dated May 16, 2017, 10 more
"TRNC citizenships" were "granted" and published in the "official gazette"
on May 22.
The paper publishes the names of those who "obtained" the "TRNC
citizenship".
(DPs)
[07] "ATCA" asked from the UK government to lift its decision regarding
Pegasus passengers
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (24.05.17) reports that the
"Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad" (ATCA) announced that they
see the decision of the British government that the transit passengers,
who fly with Pegasus airlines, to London to disembark, to go through a
security check in Turkey and to board again in the aircraft, as "unfair
and discriminatory".
The representative of ATCA in the occupied area of Cyprus Kerem Hasan,
sent a letter regarding the issue to the British Secretary of State for
Transport Chris Grayling.
Claiming that the new decision by the British government increases the
injustices against the Turkish Cypriots, Hasan explained that until now
the passengers in the plane, which was departing from "North Cyprus",
could remain on the plane for the transit flights from Turkey to the UK,
but with the new decision, they should disembark with their luggage,
go through a security check in Turkey and board again.
Hasan, in the letter, also claimed: "On 18 May 2004, the then British
Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said: 'I think it is important that we end
the isolation of Northern Cyprus. That means lifting the embargoes in
respect to trade and in respect to air travel'. Furthermore, the then
EU Enlargement Commissioner, Gunter Verheugen, expressly stated that
direct flights to North Cyprus would commence. On the 26 April, 2004,
the European Council of Europe 2576 press release, stated: 'The Council
is determined to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot
community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging
the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community.(…)'".
Hasan concluded the letter by alleging: "We feel that as a guarantor,
the UK is employing discriminatory measures against the Turkish Cypriots
contravening human rights issues as well as the international efforts
to end the isolations on them.
In the hope that the UK Government will take action to end the isolation
on the Turkish Cypriots and review this unfortunate request for passengers
travelling to North Cyprus via Turkey to disembark, we look forward to
hearing from you in due course."
(DPs)
[08] The Turkish Cypriot's "sport isolation" was discussed at a meeting
of PACE Committee on Culture
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (24.05.17) reports that the
self-styled deputy with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Mehmet Caglar
and the self-styled deputy Erdal Ozcenk with the National Unity Party
(UBP) attended a meeting organised by PACE Committee on Culture, Science,
Education and Media in Paris on May 22.
According to a press release by the "foreign affairs committee of the
assembly", in the meeting the topic "Football, a mirror of society,
needs good governance" was discussed.
Participants in the hearing included officials from FIFA, UEFA, EPFL,
FIFPRO, ECA, OECD, UNESCO and SIGA.
According to the paper, the German MP Schennech, member of the Socialist
Group, in a session held on May 22, argued that some people, who live
in countries that problems exist among the people, cannot carry out
international sports. He showed as an example the football teams of
"North Cyprus" that cannot make any international contact. He asked what
will be the future of the sports in the countries with such problems.
Then, Caglar explained to the Committee "the de facto situation in Cyprus,
the history of the football federation since 1950, and despite all the
international initiatives of the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation
(KTFF), they could not even have a friendly soccer game with any
football team of another country or to participate in the international
competitions".
Caglar further argued that it is beautiful that Greek Cypriot and Turkish
Cypriot football teams can have mutual games, but it is against the
spirit of sports and football that the Turkish Cypriot football teams
cannot play international games.
Arguing that this problem should be solved, Caglar said that sports should
contribute to the development of people relations and this reportedly
isolation should be ended.
According to the paper, it was reported that the PACE MPs, noting that
this problem is unacceptable, said that they could not understand it
and this issue will be discussed again.
(DPs)
[09] Information about the establishment of a new illegal university in
the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (24.05.17) reports that a
new illegal university will be established in the breakaway regime under
the name "International Aydin University".
The paper writes that the "permission" for the establishment was granted
by the "government' and notes that Ata Atun, the father of the "economy
minister" Sunat Atun is among the founders of the new illegal institution.
(CS)
[10] "Turkey's Erdogan to make a key debut at NATO, EU"
Under the above title, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.17) publishes
the following article by Serkan Demirtas who comments on the forthcoming
visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to the NATO Summit to Brussels:
"[…]
From the Turkish perspective, Erdogan's visit to Brussels has two key
aspects: He will certainly press allies for a more efficient and better
cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and will certainly hear support
from countries like the United Kingdom, France and Belgium, who have
all been the victims of ISIL terror recently.
However, tension between Turkey and Germany, as well as with Austria,
is sure to cause a lot of additional work for NATO Secretary-General Jens
Stoltenberg, who is trying to make the upcoming summit a success. Turkey
is continuing to prevent German lawmakers from visiting the Incirlik base,
where German soldiers and the Tornado surveillance mission are deployed
as part of anti-ISIL military operation.
In addition to the ongoing crisis with Berlin, Turkey has also blocked
non-NATO member Austria's participation in some programs run by the
alliance as part of the Partnership for Peace missions. Ankara has cited
Vienna's long-standing anti-Turkish actions on a number of different
EU platforms for these blockages. Berlin is aware of the seriousness
of the problem with Ankara, as it hosts more than 200 former military
personnel who are being sought by Turkish prosecutors over alleged links
with Gulenists. On the one hand Germany has been considering options to
remove its soldiers' military presence from Turkey, while on the other
hand it is trying to deliver the message to Ankara to keep "security
and NATO-related" issues out of the scope of bilateral tension.
The NATO summit will give Erdogan an opportunity to meet German Chancellor
Angela Merkel, as well as France's new President Emmanuelle Macron. But
equally important will be his meeting with European Commission President
Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk on May
25. It will mark Erdogan's first visit to Brussels since October 2015,
amid expectations of a new process to repair soured ties between Ankara
and Brussels.
The need for a new perspective in ties is accepted by both sides. But
there are differences. The EU seems not ready to deliver in concrete
terms, other than launching negotiations for an upgraded Customs Union
agreement. It wants to focus on the continuation of the refugee deal
to stop the flow of irregular migrants into the EU and to thus avoid
weakening Merkel's hand ahead of the crucial September election.
Erdogan's Brussels trip could be seen as a fresh debut, as it coincides
with the start of a new era in Turkey's political system. As president
and recently reappointed AKP chairman, Erdogan has made clear that Turkey
favors a continued relationship with the EU, despite difficulties, as
he has pledged that his roadmap as party leader will prioritize a new
"democratization campaign."
The EU should positively assess this promise and should itself be keen to
start a new political dialogue with Turkey, thus recharging ties. This
relationship may constitute one of the last areas that can help make
Turkey a democracy again."
[11] Turkey's veto on Austria in NATO stirs debate ahead of key meeting
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.17) reports that Turkey has confirmed
that it has blocked Austrian participation in some NATO programs due to
Vienna's constant anti-Turkish stance on various EU platforms, Turkish
diplomatic sources told the Hurriyet Daily News.
"Turkey has been taking appropriate measures regarding Austria's
participation in NATO activities on the grounds that Austria brings its
anti-Turkey attitude to the EU platforms," a Turkish diplomatic said on
condition of anonymity.
Turkey's blocking of Austria, which is not a NATO member, in projects for
2017 such as ones for military training, has been continuing for months,
another Turkish official confirmed.
A NATO meeting is planned for May 24 at the 28-nation alliance's Brussels
headquarters with the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan.
In a statement sent to the BBC, Austrian Defense Minister Hans Peter
Doskozil lambasted Turkey for its veto.
Diplomatic tensions between Austria and Turkey predate a current
escalation with other European countries. Austrian Foreign Minister
Sebastian Kurz said late last year that they wanted the freezing of
Turkey's accession talks with the EU, causing a row between the two
countries.
[12] German Ambassador: "Turkey-Germany working to resolve Incirlik
crisis"
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.17) reports that Turkey and Germany
are working to resolve a bilateral crisis over Ankara's rejection of
a number of German lawmakers' visit to the Incirlik base, where German
troops are based, German Ambassador to Turkey Martin Erdmann has said.
"We are continuing our work to resolve this saddening problem. I have
visited Incirlik twice in the past but not this time," Erdmann told
reporters on May 23 during a visit to Adana, a southern province where
the Incirlik base is also located.
Germany has about 250 military personnel stationed at the Incirlik base
that fly Tornado surveillance missions over Syria, as well as refueling
flights for partner nations battling the Islamic State of Iraq and the
Levant (ISIL).
Turkey rejected a group of German lawmakers' request to visit the base
on the grounds that Berlin granted asylum to former Turkish officers
who allegedly took part in the failed July 2016 coup attempt.
Germany is discussing whether to remove its troops from Turkey if the
crisis is not resolved, while also looking for other options to station
its soldiers and Tornados.
[13] Deputy PM Simsek: "Turkey must stick to EU membership bid"
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.17) reports that Ankara must stick to
its European Union membership target, explain itself in a better way and
pass the reforms in order to be able to attract more foreign investments,
Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said.
Speaking at the International Media Forum in Antalya, Simsek said Turkey
urgently needs to recover its image abroad, in response to a reporter's
question about what the country should do to maintain investor confidence
during the ongoing state of emergency.
"We should also stick to our EU bid. With regard to the rule of law,
democratic standards and fundamental freedoms and rights, this is the
best way for both Turkey and the EU. What we need to do first of all is
to realize more structural reforms," he said.
Simsek stressed that Turkey has faced a series of disastrous incidents,
including a coup attempt and bomb attacks, over the past couple of years.
"Turkey needs to explain why it is in a state of emergency through a good
communications plan. In short, what it needs to do is apply a better
communication plan, to stick to the EU bid, and to pass more reforms,"
he said.
In response to a question from a Russian journalist about whether the
agreement inked by Turkey and Russia on May 22 to lift bilateral trade
barriers is satisfying, Simsek said it was in the interest of both Ankara
and Moscow.
"We have resolved almost all issues and I believe we are on the right
track together. With Russia we are almost back to the pre-November
2015 [downing of the Russian jet by Turkey] situation. This is good
news. Russia is a key neighbor and trade partner for us and we want to
give a further boost to our ties. We do not want to get caught up on
whether or not the deal includes tomatoes. I'm personally quite satisfied
with it," he added.
Turkey and Russia signed the declaration in Istanbul to remove
restrictions on bilateral trade that were imposed after a jet crisis in
2015. Moscow agreed to lift all sanctions imposed on imported items from
Turkey apart from tomatoes and its visa restrictions on Turkish citizens
[14] Turkey has become 'then money laundering center of Europe,' main
opposition leader says
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.17) reports that main opposition
Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu has said
that Turkey has become the biggest money laundering center in Europe,
slamming the government for allowing vast flows of illegitimate cash
into the country.
"Corruption, drugs, prostitution, money … You can launder [money] in
Turkey whenever you want. The name of these dollars is clearly 'error and
omission,'" Kilicdaroglu said, addressing his party group at Parliament
on May 23.
The CHP leader slammed government for allowing the inflow of unregistered
money that paves the way for money laundering.
"You issued the laws, you brought it about. You have acquitted bribery and
now Turkey is one of the biggest money laundering countries in Europe,"
he said.
Kilicdaroglu also blasted the recent police operation against daily
Sozcu and ongoing pressure on daily Cumhuriyet, two newspapers critical
of the government, arguing that the prosecutors are trying to link the
cases with the movement of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen,
an ally turned nemesis of the government.
"You can neither silence Cumhuriyet nor Sozcu. They have found a
[Fethullahist Terrorist Organization] FETO prosecutor for Cumhuriyet. They
cannot open a case, the file is empty. But they have finally been able
to find a prosecutor," he said.
"They are looking for a FETO link, if you are looking for a FETO
member, look in the cabinet Ministers, look into the [ruling Justice and
Development Party] AKP parliamentary group, look into the Presidential
Palace," Kilicdaroglu added.
[15] Court orders the arrests of two Turkish hunger-striking educators
on terror charges
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.17) reports that an Ankara court on May
23 ordered the arrest of two educators, Nuriye Gulmen and Semih Ozakca,
who have been on a hunger strike for over 75 days in protest at being
dismissed from their posts through state of emergency decrees.
Ozakca and Gulmen had earlier been referred to court with the arrest
demands on May 23, a day after both were detained from their homes in
the capital Ankara.
The court later ordered the arrest of the duo on charges of "being member
of an armed terror organization."
Police escorted supporters of the educators who arrived at the courthouse
outside, citing the prosecutor's request.
Asked about what the educators were asked during their interrogations,
lawyer Zehra Ozdemir said Ozakca was asked what the motive behind his
hunger strike was and about his social media posts.
Meanwhile, a sit-in protest staged by the main opposition Republican
People's Party (CHP) lawmakers after the educators were detained lasted
for seven hours.
[16] Turkish Ministry to support TV series promoting family life
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (24.05.17) reports that the Turkish Family
and Social Policies Ministry has announced plans to support TV series
that promote family life and which are aimed at children.
The Ministry commenced talks with the Radio and Television Supreme Council
(RTUK) on the issue and is working to determine the criteria regarding
the support, daily Haberturk reported May 23.
The issue came to the fore with a recently issued state of emergency
decree, which said that TV productions and series that support children
and youth's physical, mental and moral development, as well as those
which promote the unity and continuity of the family, would be encouraged.
The support will be provided with 20%of the administrative fines imposed
on TV channels and radio stations by RTUK in the previous year.
Speaking about the issue, Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Betul
Sayan Kaya said they hoped to watch TV series as a family altogether
with the new regulation.
"I hope that the producers make TV series in which family values are
protected from now on with this support. God willing, we will be able
to watch TV series as a family," Sayan Kaya told daily Haberturk.
According to RTUK's citizen notifications report, the media watchdog
received a total of 16,881 complaints regarding TV series in 2016. Some
5,282 of the complaints said the TV series in question were "against the
principle of the protection of family, public morals and moral values."
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