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Tension over exceeding limits
Tensions erupted between the two countries following TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı’s comments on Operation Peace Spring being carried out by Turkey. He said that despite being named a peace operation, blood not water was running in Syria. Akıncı also expressed hope for diplomacy to intervene immediately and for a dialogue to start. While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Akıncı of overstepping his limits, his Vice President Fuat Oktay said that Akıncı’s statements were an insult to the martyrs.
What has changed in Akıncı since Afrin?
Many in Turkey and the north condemned Akıncı’s statement on operation Peace Spring, which he claims he made following the ‘demands’ of various circles. However, Akıncı had given support to Turkey’s Afrin operation named “Olive Branch.” The people ask what has changed in Akıncı since Afrin?
- Goals not realistic – Members of the public evaluate the education ministry’s 300-day goals and conclude they are not realistic.
Harsh reaction from Turkey to Akıncı
Turkish officials condemned the statement issued by President Akıncı regarding Operation Peace Spring that commenced last Wednesday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vice President Fuat Oktay and Justice and Reform Party (AKP) spokesman Ömer Çelik harshly criticized Akıncı.
Akıncı becomes everyone’s problem
Akıncı’s statement on operation Peace Spring topped the agenda both in Turkey and in the north. In a written statement Akıncı said even if it was named Operation Peace Spring, blood not water was flowing. He urged for diplomacy and dialogue. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Akıncı had overstepped his limits. Turkish VP Oktay condemned the statement and AKP spokesman Ömer Çelik said the statement was disrespectful.
Reactions pour in
Things went crazy after Akıncı likened the 1974 Peace Operation in Cyprus to Operation Peace Spring stating that what was flowing was not water but blood. Erdoğan who slammed Akıncı over his comments said: “The seat he sits on is not something he acquired. It was won by the intervention of the Turkish Republic, a favour from Turkey.” Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said Akıncı’s statement was an insult to the martyrs. A large number of civil defence organisations called on Akıncı to resign. Both Prime Minister Ersin Tatar and Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay described Akıncı’s comments as unfortunate. Tatar called for an extraordinary meeting of his party’s assembly to discuss the issue.
- Strong solidarity – France is conducting a joint military exercise with South Cyprus in block seven.
This time he showed Akıncı as the target
Tayyip Erdoğan, just as he did with Afrika newspaper on 22 January 2018, showed Akıncı as a target, calling on his supporters in Cyprus to “give him a lesson.” Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay also condemned Akıncı for his comments that “what was flowing in Syria was not water but blood.”
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Akıncı under fire from Ankara and TC nationalists
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Regional/International Relations, External Security
OVERVIEW
President Mustafa Akıncı came under a barrage of criticism and verbal attacks from Ankara as well as the National Unity Party (UBP)-People’s Party (HP) government in North Cyprus on Sunday following his earlier remarks on operation ‘Peace Spring’ being carried out by Turkey in north-eastern Syria.
On a post on Saturday night, Akıncı said that despite being named a peace operation, blood not water was running in Syria.
He expressed hope for diplomacy to intervene immediately and for a dialogue to start.
Erdoğan, during a news conference on the Syria offensive, publicly called out Akıncı for his comments saying that Akıncı had gone beyond his limits and needed to know his limits.
He wondered if there was any other country in the world besides Turkey that had fought for the TRNC state as Turkey had done. “No. He must know his limits. The seat he sits on is not something he acquired. It was won by the intervention of the Turkish Republic, a favour from Turkey,” said Erdoğan.
“I believe that the people of the TRNC will give him the lesson he needs,” Erdoğan added.
Earlier, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay tweeted: “I condemn [Mustafa] Akıncı who ignores the fact that Operation Peace Spring is taking place against the bloody terrorist organisation PKK/PYD for the stability of the region.”
“Our struggle in the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation which was carried out to bring peace and prosperity to the region and the struggle for Operation Peace Spring in Syria today are being carried out with the same spirit,” he added.
According to Anadolu news agency, Oktay said Akıncı’s “unfortunate remarks” did not reflect the opinion of Turkish Cypriots.
He said that the remarks were an insult to the martyrs who lay at the military cemetery near Dikmen (Dikomo).
Another statement of condemnation came from the spokesman for Turkey’s Justice and Reform Party Ömer Çelik.
“The TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı’s statement on Operation Peace Spring is disrespectful and lacks foresight,” Çelik tweeted.
He said that to invite a terrorist organization for dialogue with Turkey was unfitting for someone who held the post of president.
Turkish Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Hamza Yerlikaya also condemned Akıncı’s statement regarding the ongoing military offensive on Twitter.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar joined the chorus on Sunday with a statement of his own.
“I read President Mustafa Akıncı’s remarks concerning the Peace Spring military operation launched against the PKK-YPG terrorist organizations issued four days after the operation began with disappointment and shock,” said Tatar.
He said that as a Turkish Cypriot he condemned Akıncı’s statement.
Tatar claimed that the Turkish Cypriot community supported Turkey and would never abandon its guarantees.
“Turkish Cypriots are aware of the importance of Turkey. The Turkish Cypriot community’s prayers are with our heroic army. Akıncı’s views do not in any way reflect the views of the Turkish Cypriot community,” he said.
Tatar said that Akıncı had made a big mistake by bringing in to the discussion Turkey’s military operation in 1974.
“Akıncı has tried to distort the historical facts. The fact that Turkey brought peace to Cyprus in 1974, saved Turkish Cypriots from certain annihilation and helped us create our state,” Tatar added.
He accused Akıncı of serving those who harboured feelings of hatred and enmity towards Turkey and the TRNC.
“UBP and our government strongly condemn Akıncı for his stance and urge him to come to his senses,” he said.
Tatar also pointed out that his party’s assembly will be convening on Monday for an extraordinary session to evaluate Akıncı’s position.
Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay also condemned Akıncı’s remarks with a written statement on Sunday.
“Mr Akıncı’s latest statement is quite unfortunate in terms of our foreign relations and communal peace and harmony,” Özersay said.
He said that his government supported Turkey’s struggle and determined stance against terrorism and security risks in the region.
“Which country was it that threw a lifeline to Turkish Cypriots in 1960, 1967, and 1974? Which country provides us economic, political and diplomatic support? Which country do we have strong emotional and historical ties with? Which country rushes to our aid whenever we are faced with a disaster?” asked Özersay.
He said that under the circumstances, Turkish Cypriots could not be expected to do anything less than extend their full support to Turkey.
Özersay also accused Akıncı of disrupting the peace and harmony of the Turkish Cypriot community.
He said that all statesmen had a historical responsibility to refrain from actions or statements that would harm relations with Turkey which Turkish Cypriots had historical and emotional bonds with.
Turkish Cypriot Minister for Economy and Energy Hasan Taçoy on Sunday said he was shocked by Akıncı’s remarks.
In a written statement, he said he believed the remarks were made out of consideration for the forthcoming 2020 presidential elections.
Taçoy said that the statements which disregarded Turkey’s fight against terrorism deeply hurt many both in North Cyprus and Turkey.
“Turkish Cypriots are on Turkey’s side. They cry and laugh together,” he added.
He pointed out that Akıncı’s comment on the 1974 Peace Operation, which had saved Turkish Cypriots from Greek Cypriot atrocities, was unacceptable.
In the meantime, the Turkish Cypriot Trade Unions’ Platform issued a written statement on Sunday expressing its support to Akıncı and his remarks.
The statement said that Akıncı had reflected the views and thoughts of the Turkish Cypriot community in general.
“Akıncı has become the voice and conscious of Turkish Cypriots,” the statement read.
It said that the insults and threats made by circles who have no tolerance to humane thinking and expect Turkish Cypriots to obey every step the Turkish government takes no matter what, have crossed the line.
“Any insult to Akıncı is an insult to Turkish Cypriots. Akıncı’s remarks are very clear. No Turkish Cypriot would want any harm upon Turkey’s territorial integrity and security of its borders. What we and the President have just expressed is that this problem can be solved through negotiations and not by bloodshed. Our platform reiterates that there are no winners in wars but only losers. We will continue to fight for that as we firmly believe that the conflict that has torn this region apart can only come to an end with peace,” the statement read.
Democratic Party (DP) Nicosia MP Serdar Denktaş posted a statement on Facebook late on Sunday urging everyone to come to their senses.
“The timing of such comments, expressing differences of opinion with Turkey should not coincide with Turkey’s military offensive as the nation’s heart beats with the soldiers fighting and defending their country on the front lines,” Denktaş said.
He said he observed a spike in tensions within different sections of the Turkish Cypriot community following the unfortunate statement. Denktaş reiterated his support for operation Peace Spring and urged everyone “not to abuse the situation for political gain.
KEY ACTORS
Erdoğan (Turkey)
>> Akıncı has overstepped his boundaries. He needs to know his limits.
>> The seat Akıncı sits on is not something he acquired. It was won by the intervention of the Turkish Republic, a favour from Turkey.
>> The people of the TRNC will give him the lesson he needs.
Oktay (Turkey)
>> Akıncı ignores the fact that Operation Peace Spring is taking place against the bloody terrorist organisation PKK/PYD for the stability of the region.
>> Operation Peace Spring is being carried out with the same spirit of the 1974 Peace Operation.
>> Akıncı’s remarks direct insult to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for TCs.
Çelik (Turkey)
>> Akıncı’s remarks disrespectful and lacks foresight.
>> Inviting a terrorist organization for dialogue with Turkey unfitting for someone who holds the post of president.
Tatar (UBP)
>> Akıncı’s statements are disappointing & shocking.
>> Akıncı’s views do not reflect the views of TCs. TCs continue to support Turkey & its guarantees.
>> Views expressed serve to support those who harbour hatred & enmity against Turkey and TRNC.
>> UBP & coalition government strongly condemns Akıncı for his stance & urges him to come to his senses.
Özersay (HP)
>> Akıncı’s remarks unfortunate & damaging to foreign relations as well as to communal peace & harmony.
>> Government supports Turkey’s struggle & determined stance against terrorism & security risks in the region.
>> Turkey has & continues to extend full support to TCs, economically, politically & socially throwing a lifeline whenever they need it.
>> Under the circumstances, TCs could not be expected to do anything less than extend their full support to Turkey.
>> All TC statesmen have a historical responsibility to refrain from actions or statements that would harm relations with Turkey.
Taçoy (UBP)
>> Akıncı’s remarks are shocking. They are aimed at forthcoming elections in 2020.
>> Akıncı’s remarks disregarded Turkey’s fight against terrorism & deeply hurt many both in North Cyprus & Turkey.
>> TCs support Turkey. Akıncı’s remarks on 1974 unacceptable.
Trade Unions’ Platform
>> Akıncı’s statement reflects views & thoughts of the TC community in general.
>> Akıncı has become the voice & conscious of TCs.
>> Insults & threats made by circles who have no tolerance to humane thinking & expect TCs to obey Turkey’s every step have crossed the line.
>> Any insult to Akıncı is an insult to TCs.
>> Akıncı’s remarks are very clear. No TC would want any harm upon Turkey’s territorial integrity & security of its borders. What is being said is this problem can be solved through negotiations & not by bloodshed.
>> There are no winners in wars but only losers.
>> Platform will continue to fight for peace.
Denktaş (DP)
>> Timing of such comments should not coincide with Turkey’s military offensive.
>> Everyone should come to their senses and stop abusing the situation for political gain.