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Tensions high
Tensions which erupted following President Mustafa Akıncı’s remarks on Turkey’s military offensive in Syria and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s response fuelled the debate in parliament yesterday. Discussion on a joint declaration was launched. Work on a joint declaration is set to continue today.
- “When has defending peace become a crime?” – Mustafa Akıncı said that his remarks calling for dialogue had been distorted.
Everyone should watch what they say
Common message emerged from parliament during this sensitive period despite different opinions. Everyone should watch what they say…
- “Unfair and hurtful criticism instead of correct understanding” – President Mustafa Akıncı defended his statements on Peace Spring.
- “A vital step taken with Peace Spring operation like the Cyprus peace operation” – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said.
The debate continues
The ripple caused by President Mustafa Akıncı’s statements on the “Peace Spring operation” continues. More statements on the matter issued on Monday.
- Akıncı should not participate in possible Cyprus negotiations – National Unity Party (UBP) party assembly adopted a nine-point decision following its meeting on Monday night. UBP said Akıncı did not represent the Turkish Cypriots’ political will anymore and that he should not take part in any future talks on the Cyprus Problem.
No confrontation. He stood his ground
President Mustafa Akıncı returned the unfair and hurtful statements made to him to those who uttered them. He once more emphasized the importance of peace and asked: “Since when has it become a crime to defend peace?”
- Don’t participate in the negotiations – National Unity Party party assembly adopted a nine-point decision in response to Akıncı’s Peace Spring statement. In its decision, the party assembly claimed Akıncı was trying to bring Turkey and the TRNC into conflict with each other, adding this was against the vital interests of Turkish Cypriots.
- Show of force in the Mediterranean – Greek Cypriot administration carries out a military training exercise in blocks 6, 7, 10 and 11.
Tensions at the top of the state
Prime Minister Ersin Tatar said that the president did not represent the will of Turkish Cypriots and should therefore not be involved in future negotiations. The National Unity Party’s Assembly expressed full support to Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring and condemned President Mustafa Akıncı.
- He’s concerned – The Irish President who visited South Cyprus on Monday criticized both operation ‘Peace Spring’ and Turkey’s drilling activities in block 7.
I return the statements to their owners
Akıncı responded to Tayyip Erdoğan’s insults. “I’m deeply disappointed by the unfair and hurtful expressions and statements against me. I return these statements to their owners,” said Akıncı. He also said that Turkish Cypriots would not be here if they had not resisted and fought to exist on this island.
- Black wreath for Akıncı – Members of the Association of Turkish Fighters Organisation (TMT) laid a black wreath in front of the presidential palace in protest of Akıncı. Another group visited the Turkish embassy.
Main News
Akıncı defends remarks, says he was misunderstood
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
External Security, Regional/International Relations, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
President Mustafa Akıncı defended his earlier remarks and hit back at his accusers on Monday, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling on those who he said distorted his Syria comments to “return to common sense”.
“I’m deeply disappointed by the unfair and hurtful expressions and statements against me. I return these statements to their owners,” Akıncı said in an official statement.
“How long has it been a crime to defend peace? What good will it do to blame and slander?”
Akıncı made his first public comment to Turkish news channel Habertürk since the furore erupted on Sunday but took his defence a step further on Monday by publishing an official statement, openly defying his attackers both in Turkey and in North Cyprus.
While thanking those who supported him and did not take his comments out of context, at the same time, he said: “I would like to invite those who deliberately distort and escalate the matter to use their common sense. I believe that there is no point in dividing camps and blaming each other.”
Turkey, he said, had suffered much to get rid of the scourge of terrorism and that was a common desire.
“We have emphasised this on every occasion at various events. However, I think it is time for the wars that are about to enter their 10th year on Syrian soil to come to an end,” he added.
He said all peoples in the region needed to establish a system in which they could live in peace, Syria could maintain its territorial integrity and Turks could feel safe at their borders.
To accomplish this, he said, Turkey and Syria needed to re-establish relations.
This would also help Turkey-EU relations, he said.
“This is precisely why diplomacy and dialogue are essential,” said Akıncı, repeating what he had originally said in his Facebook post, which had been twisted to make it look as if he was talking about negotiating with the PKK.
“This was nothing more than distortion,” he said.
Akıncı said the Turkish Cypriots attach great importance to ties with Turkey and he has endeavoured to develop relations based on mutual respect.
“But it is not always possible to think the same way and to exhibit the same behaviour on every issue. Respect for different views is a requirement of a healthy relationship,” he added.
His presidency, he said, was shaped by the free will of the Turkish Cypriot people and he believes they have the maturity “to decide by their own volition and not by suggestions”.
Speaking to Habertürk earlier on Monday, Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar claimed that Akıncı had surrendered to the will of a small handful of marginal groups.
“Akıncı made those remarks under the influence of a minority of people,” he said, claiming that these circles wanted Turkey to leave Cyprus and for a new partnership state to be established under the guarantee of the EU.
“We call these people Baraka supporters. They’re Turkish in name but they’re from another ethnicity. Some imperialist forces support these groups,” he added.
Tatar claimed that Turkish Cypriot youth had witnessed the aggressive and unfriendly stance of their Greek Cypriot peers following the Annan Plan period.
“Don’t listen to what is being said. The people support us. We attach great importance to Turkey, its security and its power. We see the operation to the East of the Euphrates as important and we support Turkey to the very end,” he said.
The issue occupied the agenda of parliament on Monday as government and opposition MPs exchanged accusations and criticism over the matter.
Addressing the parliamentary session, Tatar repeated his view that Akıncı’s statement was unacceptable, unfortunate and disruptive.
“I wish he hadn’t made such a statement. All he has done is create confusion and drawn fierce reaction,” Tatar said, adding that Akıncı’s views did not represent those of the Turkish Cypriot community.
“We believe that the president has made a big mistake. Parliament needs to evaluate this. We discussed this issue with our coalition partners. We need to immediately issue a joint parliamentary declaration expressing our country’s full support to the Turkish army,” Tatar said.
The leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP) Erhan Arıklı and Social Democratic Party (TDP) MP Zeki Çeler had a heated exchange over Akıncı’s remarks.
While Arıklı accused Akıncı of sowing division within Turkish Cypriot society, Çeler defended Akıncı’s statements, claiming that his remarks had been deliberately distorted and taken out of context.
He said that it was Arıklı and his party which pursued policies of division and discrimination between Turkish Cypriots and Turkish nationals.
The leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman for his part tried to tone down the argument, urging everyone to work towards lowering tensions.
“We are going through a sensitive period. We all need to be careful. We should avoid or refrain from polarizing or dividing Turkish Cypriot society,” he said.
Erhürman said that even a president could be criticized but launching a lynching campaign or insulting the head of the state was going too far.
He pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot community was a society which embraced a democratic culture and called on all politicians to work together towards lowering social tensions.
Democratic Party (DP) MP Serdar Denktaş also underlined the importance of refraining from actions that would polarize society and create opposing camps.
“Perhaps our president issued an untimely statement that was distorted but to issue public statements against our president is also unacceptable. That is why everyone should be careful about what they say,” he added.
The former DP leader also said he wished Akıncı had not made such a statement but that his second statement that aimed to clarify his remarks was a step in the right direction.
Denktaş pointed out that Turkey had been forced to launch the offensive in north-eastern Syria after months of failed diplomatic efforts.
He expressed hope that the operation will be completed as soon as possible with the fewest number of casualties.
Denktaş also said he believed that it was too late to issue a joint declaration in support of Ankara’s offensive.
Leader of the People’s Party (HP) and Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay for his part said that Turkey had launched the offensive after all dialogue and diplomatic channels had been exhausted.
“Ankara used this instrument for a long time. This is why President Mustafa Akıncı’s remarks drew so much reaction. Turkey’s effort to preserve balances should not be underestimated or disregarded,” Özersay said.
The HP leader also questioned how Akıncı’s proposal for dialogue could be possible with a terrorist organisation such as the PKK and Syria’s disarrayed government.
“He should have considered all these factors before speaking,” he added.
On Monday evening, UBP’s party assembly convened for an extraordinary session to discuss the latest situation.
The party issued a declaration at the end of the meeting expressing its full support to Turkey’s military offensive as well as condemning Akıncı for his statement.
Akıncı has lost the confidence of the people and given elections in 2020 he should not participate in Cyprus negotiations unless he is re-elected, the UBP declaration read.
Reading out the declaration, Tatar said Akıncı’s statements on Syria were unacceptable since Turkey was acting in self-defence and the operation was not a war aiming for bloodshed.
Tatar criticised Akinci over Cyprus, saying: “The Turkish armed forces brought peace to Cyprus.”
Akıncı’s statement on Turkey’s Syria operation did not reflect the feelings of the Turkish Cypriots, said Tatar, accusing him of bringing his people into conflict with Ankara, which was against their best interests.
“Mr Akıncı does not represent the will of the Turkish people since he has made statements that question the existence and interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots on the island,” he said, adding that confidence in Akıncı had been lost.
“Given that there are elections in the near future, Mr Akıncı should not be involved in the Cyprus negotiations,” he added.
Meanwhile, a message of support came to Akıncı from peace group Unite Cyprus Now (UCN).
“We condemn the lynch campaign against Mr Mustafa Akıncı, the elected leader of the Turkish Cypriots, led by top Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and nationalist circles in Cyprus, following his comments on the need to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the tragedy in Syria,” UCN said in a statement issued on Monday.
UCN argued that Akıncı’s humanitarian emphasis that wars mean bloodshed no matter what they are called is a “demonstration of a dignified and principled stance that needs to set an example for all politicians in this geography.”
The peace group reminded Erdogan that Akinci was elected leader of the Turkish Cypriots on a promise to work for a Cyprus solution.
“This incident is yet another demonstration that those, who stereotype all Turkish Cypriots as mere puppets of Turkey, are gravely mistaken. Turkish Cypriots are no less Cypriots than other Cypriot communities on this island. Only when we realize that we share the same homeland and start trusting each other will we be able to build a common future in our common home free from conflicts and wars,” said UCN.
“The latest development in Syria is also a stark reminder that Cyprus is located in an area marred with conflicts and we are even more prone to instability as long as the status quo continues,” UCN noted.
The peace group added: “While we all acknowledge every country’s right to security and safety in its own territories, we want to underline that the ongoing Turkish invasion of northern Syrian territories will only lead to more instability and human tragedies.
UCN called on all Cypriots to see the need for a federal solution to the Cyprus problem “to end the status quo which continues to be a potentially dangerous source of instability in our country”.
KEY ACTORS
Akıncı
>> Since when was defending peace a crime?
>> Getting rid of the scourge of terrorism is a common desire.
>> Necessary for all peoples in the region to establish a system in which they can live in peace, Syria can maintain its territorial integrity & Turks can feel safe at their borders.
>> To do this, Turkey & Syria need to re-establish relations, which would also help Turkey-EU relatoins. This is why diplomacy & dialogue are essential.
>> TCs attach great importance to ties with Turkey. Tried to develop relations based on mutual respect.
>> Not possible to think & act the same on every issue.
>> Respect for different views is a requirement of a healthy relationship.
>> The free will of the TC people and their maturity will allow them to decide by their own volition & not by suggestions.
Tatar (UBP)
>> Akıncı has surrendered his will to marginal groups who want Turkey to leave Cyprus & for new partnership state to be set up under EU guarantee.
>> Imperialist forces support this minority, called Bakara, who are only Turkish in name.
>> TC youth witnessed unfriendly stance of GC peers following Annan Plan.
>> TCs attach great importance to Turkey, its security & power. Support Operation Peace Spring to the very end.
>> Akıncı’s views do not represent the TC communty.
Arıklı (YDP)
>> Akıncı is sowing division within Turkish Cypriot society.
Çeler (TDP)
>> It is the YDP that pursues policies of division & discrimination between TCs & Turkish nationals.
Erhürman (CTP)
>> Everyone should work towards lowering tensions & refrain from polarizing TC society.
Denktaş (DP)
>> Everyone should refrain from actions that polarize society.
>> Turkey was forced to launch offensive in north-eastern Syria after months of failed diplomatic efforts.
Özersay (HP)
>> Turkey launched offensive after all dialogue and diplomatic channels had been exhausted.
>> Turkey’s effort to preserve balances should not be underestimated or disregarded.
UBP
>> Akıncı’s statements on Syria are unacceptable since Turkey is acting in self-defence & the operation is not a war aimed at bloodshed.
>> The Turkish armed forces brought peace to Cyprus.
>> Such statements bring TCs into conflict with Ankara, which was against their best interests.
>> Akıncı has lost the trust & confidence of TCs.
>> Akıncı should not be involved in negotiations on behalf of the TC community, since elections near.
UCN
>> Akıncı’s emphasis on the negative impact of war is a demonstration of a dignified & principled stance that needs to set an example for all politicians in the region.
>> Those who think TCs are mere puppets of Turkey are gravely mistaken.
>> TCs are no less Cypriot than other Cypriot communities on the island.
>> Cypriots will be able to build a common future, free from conflicts & wars, when they realise they share the same homeland & start trusting each other.
>> Latest development in Syria is a stark reminder that Cyprus is located in an area marred with conflicts. Cypriots are even more prone to instability as long as the status quo continues.
>> Turkish invasion of northern Syrian territories will only lead to more instability & human tragedies.
>> All Cypriots need to see need for a federal solution to end status quo, which is a potentially dangerous source of instability.
Ankara condemns EU Foreign Affairs Council decisions
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
EU Matters, External Security, Energy
OVERVIEW
“We reject and condemn the decisions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council taken under the titles of Syria and Turkey’s drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, and all the calls made on our country,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement issued on Monday.
The ministry also stressed the bloc has no right to give a lesson to Turkey on fighting terrorism.
“We will seriously reconsider our cooperation with the EU in some areas due to its unlawful and biased attitude,” the statement added.
The ministry emphasized it is unacceptable to deem Turkey’s hydrocarbon research and drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean as illegal.
“These activities are underway to protect the rights of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots,” the ministry stated.
The ministry argued that the EU’s unprecedented biased attitude towards Turkey is also not in line with international law.
“Moreover, the lack of any reference to the Turkish Cypriots in the bloc’s decisions and a blatant disregard of them is a matter of concern,” it noted.
It added, “This is the latest example of EU being taken hostage by the Greek Cypriot side and that it cannot remain impartial.”
The ministry recalled the EU’s decision adopted in 2004 as an example of how the Union has disregarded the Turkish Cypriots.
It said the hydrocarbon activities together with the Turkish Cypriots will continue with determination. “Any obstructive or preventive measure imposed by the EU on this matter will be reciprocated equally,” the ministry stressed.
The ministry also pointed out the great contradiction in the EU Council when one hand asks for dialogue and good-willed negotiations to solve the exclusive economic zones and continental shelf issue while on the other, under the pretext of membership solidarity, they accept the Greek Cypriot side’s claims on maritime jurisdiction.
On Monday, the EU Foreign Affairs Council said that Turkey’s security concerns in northeast Syria should be addressed through political and diplomatic means, not through military action.
The TC papers further report that the Council said in a statement that Turkey should cease its anti-terrorist operation in North East Syria and withdraw its forces.
KEY ACTORS
MFA (Turkey)
>> EU Foreign Affairs Council decisions on Syria & Turkey’s drilling activities in the East Med unacceptable.
>> The bloc has no right to give a lesson to Turkey on fighting terrorism.
>> Turkey to reconsider cooperation with the EU in some areas due to its unlawful & biased attitude.
>> Unacceptable to deem Turkey’s hydrocarbon research & drilling in the East Med as illegal.
>> Hydrocarbon activities are underway to protect the rights of both Turkey & the TCs.
>> Failure to include the TCs in the bloc’s decisions & disregarding them is a matter of concern.
>> This is the latest example of EU being taken hostage by the GC side & the fact it cannot remain impartial.
>> The hydrocarbon activities together with the TCs will continue with determination.
>> Any obstructive or preventive measure imposed by the EU on this matter will be reciprocated equally.
>> EU Council contradicts itself by asking for dialogue & negotiations to solve EEZ and continental shelf issue while at same time, accepting GC side’s claims on maritime jurisdiction.
Uluçay: TCs ready for a BBF solution
Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog
Negotiations Process, Governance & Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
The TRNC Parliamentary Speaker Teberrüken Uluçay and his accompanying delegation are in the Serbian capital Belgrade to attend the 141st Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union, where they met with the Turkish Speaker of Parliament Mustafa Şentop on Monday.
Şentop said it had emerged that the Greek Cypriot side was not ready to form a partnership with the Turkish Cypriots or share wealth and governance with them.
“If they really want a solution, the Greek Cypriots must first accept Turkish Cypriots’ political equality,” Şentop stressed.
Şentop said, “Turkey is ready for any solution model that safeguards Turkish Cypriots’ political equality and security.”
On the issue of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, Şentop said Turkey did not separate Turkey’s rights from those of Turkish Cypriots, adding that the joint declaration issued by four political parties in the Turkish parliament was proof of it. “Turkey will continue to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots as long as the Greek Cypriot side refuses to share natural gas revenues with the Turkish Cypriots,” Şentop noted. He recalled that the 13 July co-management proposal put forward by the Turkish Cypriot side which was rejected by Greek Cypriots was still on the table.
For his part, Uluçay pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready and remained committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federal (BFF) solution based on political equality.
He said the Greek Cypriot side failed to display the necessary will for reconciliation.
Also touching upon operation Peace Spring, Uluçay said that Turkey securing its borders would not only benefit Turkey but people living in the region as well.
In the meantime, Rebirth Party (YDP) MP Bertan Zaroğlu on Monday drew attention to the different historical discourses of the two communities in Cyprus.
Addressing a meeting of the union, Zaroğlu said that the Greek Cypriots did not want to remember intercommunal clashes that took place between 1963 and 1974.
“Instead they choose to acknowledge 1974 as the starting point of the Cyprus Problem, ignoring the fact that Turkish Cypriots had been forced out of the partnership state in 1963 and had endured great suffering until 1974,” he said.
The YDP MP said that it was the opposite for Turkish Cypriots who did not want to forget what happened before 1974.
Zaroğlu also argued that the failed attempts for the past 50 years have proven that the Greek Cypriots will never agree to a federal partnership in Cyprus.
“The best course of action would be a velvet divorce where both communities go their separate ways and cooperate in areas needed. The world needs to acknowledge this without losing any more time,” he said.
KEY ACTORS
Şentop (Turkey)
>> GC side not ready to form a partnership with the TCs or share wealth & power with them.
>> GCs must first accept TC’s political equality if they want a solution.
>> Turkey is ready for any solution model that safeguards TCs’ political equality & security.
>> Turkey does not separate its rights from TCs’ rights.
>> Turkey to continue protecting rights of TCs as long as GCs refuse to share natural gas revenues with TCs.
>> 13 July co-management proposal put forward by the TC side still on the table.
Uluçay (CTP)
>> TC side ready for BBF solution based on political equality.
>> GC side fails to display necessary will for reconciliation.
>> Turkey securing its borders through operation Peace Spring will not only benefit Turkey but people living in the region as well.
Zaroğlu (YDP)
>> Two communities have different historical discourses.
>> GCs want to forget pre-1974 while TCs don’t want to forget pre-1974.
>> Failed negotiations prove GCs will never accept a federal partnership.
>> Two sides should have a velvet divorce & cooperate in certain areas.