English translation and video of:
"Şener Elcil briefs the British about opposition to Turkey's Cyprus policies"
http://youtu.be/lBn2fgh02Mg
Spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles - CyBC TV 'Biz Emeis' bi-lingual program features an interview with Şener Elcil, General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Teacher's Union KTOS, and protagonist of the 'Union Platform' - speaks about their trip to London in order to brief British journalists, unionists and parliamentarians about their opposition to the policy which Turkey has been trying to impose on 'northern' Cyprus.
19.02.2013 - interviewed by Christodoulos Christodoulou and Huseyin Halil
-----------------------
Translation into English from the Greek subtitles
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen
"Our subject tonight is that of the contacts by the trade union platform in London recently and we have with us the General Secretary of KTOS Mr Şener Elcil.
"Welcome.
"You visited London. What was the fundamental purpose of your meetings?
ŞE: "As you know, the trade union platform was created two years ago as a coalition of the unions against the package of measures which is being imposed by Turkey but also the impasse in the Cyprus problem. Two years ago the platform undertook significant initiatives and on 29th January and 2nd March [2011] it organised two massive demonstrations which included the participation of 80,000 people. A manifesto consisting of 13 articles was proposed and approved. That manifesto makes reference to the achievement of a solution on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, the demand for respect of the political will of the Turkish Cypriots and the respect of the will of the Turkish Cypriots for self-rule and also the reaction to the policies for the assimilation and integration of the north into Turkey.
"In order to promote those points we had contacts in Turkey and in Brussels. It was envisaged that there would also be meetings in England, as one of the three guarantors of the Republic of Cyprus in relation to our demands and to the will of the Turkish Cypriots.
"Within that context we had accepted the invitation by the Labour Member of Parliament, Mr Andy Love, which was the basis for our visit and the contacts we had.
Q: "What were the impressions you derived? What is the policy of the British?
ŞE: "The policy of the British is known. What is important is what do we do?
"The alleged representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community, Misters Eroglu, Kucuk and others, do not allow the will of the Turkish Cypriots to become known to the outside world. What they do project to the outside world are the policies which are set for them by the Foreign Ministry of Turkey. The trade union platform therefore shouldered the duty to make known to the outside world the thoughts, aims and wishes of our community.
"In the context of our visit we had the chance to meet with officials of the British Foreign Office as well as with Conservative, Labour and Liberal members of parliament and members of the House of Lords.
"In addition there was a meeting at the Parliament with the participation of journalists, politicians, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot residents in Britain and representatives of 'MKO'. During this we had the chance to convey our demands.
"We also had meetings with organisations of the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots resident in Britain.
"Last Thursday there was an open meeting organised by the Democratic Association of Turkish Cypriots. This was attended by about a hundred Turkish Cypriot Londoners whom we briefed about the purpose and the aims of our visit.
Q: "How many Turkish Cypriots live in London, or in England, nowadays? Did you discuss the role they could play in these efforts ?
ŞE: "According to information we received there are in London nowadays some 250,000 Turkish Cypriots, living mainly in London. We're talking about a population which is twice the number of Turkish Cypriots on the island. These people are scattered. Some of them immigrated during the decade of the 1940's for economic reasons, others during the decade of the 1950s and 1960s for political reasons. The immigration process continues until current times, for political and economic reasons.
"During particularly the latest times, the flow of immigration has increased. The economic recession and the political pressures due to the political assimilation and incorporation which Turkey is implementing in the north is forcing our young people to immigrate.
"The Turkish Cypriot community in Britain is well organised. There are various organisations and associations.
"As far as a solution of the Cyprus problem is concerned, some of these promote the formal policy of Turkey. The democratic progressive organisations can only develop if they join their activities with us. If we do indeed succeed in combining our activities also with the Greek Cypriot organisations and work in a balanced manner for a solution for our country on the basis of political equality and bearing in mind that Cyprus is the common country of the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, then we believe that our actions will be more effective.
Q: "Have you ascertained further to your visit there what the relationship is between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots? From the personal experience which Hussein and I had during a visit there 2 to 3 years ago within the context of our program - is that there are very strong relations between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. I don't know whethere these relations do still exist and whether you experienced them?
ŞE: "We had the chance to experience the relations between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. We ascertained that the democratic and progressive people think like we do, and that between them there is good cooperation, as long as there are no interventions from Cyprus or from the "mother countries"
"We were taken, for example, to an association of pensioners - of people who left the island during the decade of the 1950s as a result of the activities of EOKA and TMT. We saw people older than 70 years old, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, eating together, living and working together. These people live at the same old people's home.
"As I said, if people are left in peace, they can live comfortably together. Some however interfere with official policies and threats which put the people in a difficult position.
Q: "Your main aim was for the British public opinion to become aware of the Turkish Cypriots as one of the participants in the Cyprus problem.
ŞE: "As I said at the beginning, the Turkish Cypriot community is facing a problem of its representation. The Turkish Cypriot community can not express itself.
"At the negotiating table the negotiator, Mr Eroglu, is acting on the basis of instructions provided to him by the Foreign Ministry of Turkey. There is no projection of the views and intentions of the Turkish Cypriot community.
"In going to Britain we wanted to create an opening. What we want is a bizonal bicommunal federation on the basis of political equality. There are relevant agreements of the 23rd of May and 1st July [2006] between Mr Talat and Mr Christofias. We want a Cyprus with one single sovereignty, one citizenship, one international personality. We want reunification of Cyprus.
"Therefore we reject all the policies which Turkey is trying to impose in the north. The policy of assimilation, the transfer of population, the 'politicization', the pillage of Greek Cypriot properties, the alienation of the identity and culture of the Turkish Cypriots, of their religous beliefs.
"We felt the need to share all these factors with British public opinion, the British unions, and I believe that we achived positive results.
"The formal British foreign policy is in favour of Turkey. We ascertained this unequivocally. It is a support within the context of its interests in the region.
"The Republic of Cyprus - the south part of Cyprus - has joined the European Union, and the European Acquis applies to the part of the island governed by the Republic of Cyprus while in the north it is suspended. Turkey is a candidate country for joining. The British consequently believe that the Cyprus problem can be solved in the context of Turkey joining the EU.
"The Foreign Office and the government officials of Britain know about the population policy which is being applied in the north, and the cultural and political pressures. The opposition parties however, the MKO and the unions do not know the realities in the north of the island because the government and the opposition support the formal positions. They present what is happening as being right and that the Turkish Cypriots do not have any complaints.
"With our visit and the presentation of the realities the balance has changed.
"There has now been created a direct connection between us and so we have the chance to brief them continuously about the realities which we are experiencing. We have direct connections with the largest British unions, the educational unions, transportation, employees and the British Trade Union Congress. They have created a committee of friendship and solidarity in order to confront the attacks which are being experienced by the Turkish Cypriot unions and the difficulties which the Turkish Cypriot community is having to live with. They have also decided that when there are trials of our union officials they will come to Cyprus in order to support us. This is a significant development for us.
Q: "What are the British positions with reference to a solution of the Cyprus problem? Particularly now that there is oil and natural gas involved?
ŞE: "The British believe that their bases are necessary for the region and that they are available for use by themselves and by NATO. Within the framework of that perception they consider a NATO solution as being possible. A NATO solution matches the interests of the multinational companies, the exploitation of natural gas and oil which exists within the EEZ of Cyprus.
"Now they are awaiting the outcome of the presidential elections which will take place in the south. From what we observed, following the elections there will be moves to restart the talks for a solution on the basis of a loose federation, the exportation of the natural gas and of oil will happen through Turkey and there will be stability in the region.
"We as Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, having in mind the interests of the multinational giants and knowing the intentions of the imperialist countries must pursue our demand for a Cypriot solution in order to defend our own interests. This is something which the Turkish Cypriots must demand in common with the Greek Cypriots. Otherwise the result will be the permanent partition of our island because the imperialist countries will promote partition as the possible solution. Considering that they have exhausted all possibilities of a federal solution, I believe that they will consent to partition as a lasting solution.
Q: "The last time you were here you expressed the certainty that after the presidential elections there will be immediate moves for a solution to the Cyprus problem. If I remember this correctly, you had said this would happen in April or May. Are these hopes valid?
ŞE: "That is my impression and it has been reinforced following my visit to the UK. The British foresee a new initiative in May or June. I stress again that this involves a NATO solution. It envisages Cyprus joining NATO, the conversion of the British bases to NATO ones, guarantees for the Republic of Cyprus by NATO.
"Given that the existing guarantor countries, Greece, Turkey and Britain are all members of NATO the NATO guarantees will include the separate guarantees of the three guarantors. In this way the reaction of the officials of the Republic of Cyprus who have not wanted there to be guarantees [will be dealt with].
"Besides this a loose federation is anticipated, with exportation of oil and natural gas, the extraction of which is expected to begin in 2016, will happen through Turkey. That is the basis, I believe, upon which a solution will be formed.
"Given this you can expect the aggravation of the [economic] crisis in the south.
"In the north there has been developed a perception which is positive to any form of solution. Some in the north may reject a solution due to ideological reasons, not however for economic ones. The mentality of the community in the north is such that it will say yes to any form of solution.
"Something like that is what they are trying to cultivate in the south. Creating economic difficulties in the south they are trying to shape the conditions in the south in order for a NATO solution to be accepted. And, as a plan B, permanent partition is planned.
"It is a NATO mentality. "Either you agree or we will divide the island". The impression created is that something like that will happen very soon.
Q: "A last question. What are your future plans as the trade union platform?
ŞE: "As you know, the economic and political impositions by Turkey in the north are progressively being upgraded. The process of destroying the natural beauty of the island has already started. The social wealth is being taken over by Turkish capital.
"When you want to conquer a country you first invade it, then you transfer the population, you create a subservient administration and as a last step you steal the social wealth, the airports, the ports, the factories, which are taken over by your own capital. This is what is happening at this time in the north of the island. The occupation is being progressively upgraded.
"As the trade union platform we are reacting to this because we believe that what is happening is not right. We want to remind Turkey that it is on the island on the basis of international agreements. In relation to this we are continuing with certain political efforts and our demonstrations continue. We will continue to use every possibility and every action necessary to ensure the existence of the Turkish Cypriot community on the island.
"We thank you very much".
Previously uploaded interview with Mr Şener Elcil (with links to previously uploaded videos relating to the Demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots protesting against Turkey's policies on Cyprus during 2011 are available online at:
"Şener Elcil - Turkey does not wish Cyprus solution, wants annexation"
http://youtu.be/Gu0EMkXfT4Y
Good evening ladies and gentlemen.
HH: The recent statements by the Turkish officials about Cyprus contain threats. Instead of initiatives towards a solution of the problem, Turkey theatens with annexation of one third of the island. As always, KTOS reacted intensely to these statements by Turkey. In order to hear more about this we have with us tonight the General Secretary of KTOS, Mr Şener Elcil.
CC: Welcome
HH: Following the statements by Turkey you made your own statements commenting that on the one hand Turkey talks about a Taiwanisation model, then about union with Turkey, and now about two states .... so, while Turkey claims that it wants a solution, its claim is unfounded.
SE: The talks, as is known, started in 1968 and then there were two basic chapters, the distribution of power and the granting of autonomy to the Turkish Cypriots. When we look at the matters which are at the negotiating table today we see that the basis of the problem involves three matters which were created in the period following 1974. The settlers from Turkey, a decision about the future of properties left behind by the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots and the right to sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot statelet which will be established in the northern part of our island which is defacto controlled by Turkey.
When we look at these issues we will see that there is a significant difference between the matters that were being discussed before 1974 with those which are being discussed today. All the problems which were created following 1974 are the result of the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.
In 1974 Turkey invaded the island with the pretext of restoring constitutional order which was disturbed as a result of the coup by the Greek junta and for the safeguarding of the territorial integrity of Cyprus. At the point we have reached there are talks about a problem created beyond the context of international law.
The Turkish statements are outside of international law - such as the annexation of Cyprus, or its union with Turkey or Greece ... in the past certain circles in the Greek Cypriot community had been founded on the idea of Enosis (union) and had fought for it. The statements by Egemen Bagis are Enosis statements, meaning that Turkey has begun to accept the idea of Enosis. Turkey does not look only to the annexation of the occupied areas. Turkey's aim is for the whole of Cyprus to be placed under its jurisdiction.
The aim of the Turkish side in the talks, where Mr Eroglu is under the influence of the Turkish foreign ministry is to extend the deadlock but pretend that he wants a solution. That is what characterises Turkey's policy. If it really did have that aim, then following the 2004 referendum it could have very easily moved towards a solution. On the contrary, the Turkish officials used the Yes by the Turkish Cypriots and the No by the Greek Cypriots to blame the Greek Cypriots for not wanting a solution and to gain benefits internationally for the Yes of the Turkish Cypriots.
This policy is not a solution policy. It is playing a blame game while it is presenting itself as wanting a solution while it extends the deadlock.
HH: You have met with Mr Downer. What is the policy of the Turkish side in the talks?
SE: It is the future of all Cypriots that is being compromised at the negotiating table. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, all of us who live on this island must be informed about the discussions which affect our future. As the trade union platform we consequently asked to have a meeting with the three sides involved in the negotiations. Mr Eroglu, Mr Christofias and Mr Downer. Mr Eroglu has not yet scheduled a meeting with us. He has created an imaginary "people's council" which consists basically of organisations he controls. He has suggested to us that we take part in that with them and that we should obey the "people's council". When necessary he can meet and brief any organisation he chooses. We did not accept his suggestion and he is refusing to meet with us.
On the 10th of January we had a meeting with Mr Christofias. We listened to his views about where the negotiations are at, and we had a press conference in the north to brief our community.
We were due to meet with Mr Downer also at that time. However, due to the meetings at Greetree, we were not able to meet. We met him just two weeks ago. He briefed us that the negotiations are not at a good point, that there is an impasse on the basic issues, on the property issue, territory and settlers, and that Mr Eroglu is continuously creating problems regarding the rotating presidency and the cross-voting. He stressed that the people and all those who do want a solution should raise their voices and become more demanding. He also stressed that the continuation of the impasse will bring no benefit to the people of the island, that it does not bring prosperity and that it will further complicate the situation. We then briefed our people accordingly. Due to what he told us, some organisations in the north which are subservient to Mr Eroglu demanded that Mr Downer should be forbidden from entering the north with the excuse that he is provoking people. They tried to have him declared persona-non-grata. The same situation had also been created two weeks earlier in the south when the matter was discussed by the House of Representatives. That means that the denialists on both sides are at the same point.
CC: I want to go back a little, to the statements by the Turkish officials. Do you feel that these statements, over and above what you have already explained, are intended to bring pressure to bear on the Greek Cypriot side?
SE: In order for there to be a solution both sides must agree. If we are to reach a solution we must know how to take a step back. The parameters of a solution are known. They are the high-level agreements of 1977 and 1978. A bicommunal bizonal federation. Additionally there are the agreements Christofias-Talat of 23rd May and 1st July regarding a single international sovereignty, a single international personality, and one citizenship. The rotating presidency is one of the subjects on which there had been a conclusion.
The parameters of a solution are known. The sides must therefore show courage. To prepare political decisions. On the property issue for example the two sides must reach agreement. All the subsequent issues are technical matters.
My parents have property at Kalavasos, from where they had originated. The fate of the property must be judged by the experts in the technical committees. The politicians must make the political decisions and the technical matters must be left for the experts. On the property issue everything is very clear. There can be compensation, exchange or the restitution of the property. My family can not use the fields which they left behind at Kalavasos. That is since 1963. The property will be either exchanged, returned or compensated. The final decision will be taken by the owner. In other words it is a technical issue. The negotiators must have the authority to take political decisions. But what the Turkish Cypriot side is doing at the negotiation table is to show that it wants a solution while it is actually aiming at a deadlock. That is the reality.
From this perspective I believe that while there are moves which Mr Christofias must make on certain matters, they who must make substantive steps are Turkey and the Turkish side.
HH: Do you think that the recent threatening statements by Mr Egemen Bagis are intended more about the 1st of July?
SE: The 1st of July is being presented by Turkey and Mr Eroglu as a landmark. They say that if progress is not achieved by the 1st of July then the process of the negotiations will end. Mr Eroglu recently said that he is tired .... as if he very much wanted a solution to be found. He has hardly been in power for a year and a half and he is already tired!
Their intention is clear. To end the negotiations and after the 1st of July to proceed in another direction. Mr Eroglu had stated the following: "We could change the name of the north to the Turkish State as it had been designated in the Anan Plan, we might change the constitution, to make certain amendments towards democratisation" ... in other words they intend to make certain cosmetic changes to the secessionist entity in the north, something which we can no longer tolerate.
CC: How do the average Turkish Cypriots feel about ... while we all see that those things which were agreed between Christofias and Talat are now disputed by Mr Eroglu who is changing everything ... how do the Turkish Cypriots feel about it? Lets leave aside the rotating presidency ... how do they feel ?
SE: The people are losing their hopes. That is Turkey's intention. That the people should lose their hopes so that Turkey can implement its basic aim which is the annexation of the island. Mr Egemen Bagis talks about incorporation. The question is what is left for them to incorporate? They have transferred settlers to the island, the north uses the Turkish lira, they have changed the names of the villages, they have imposed surnames for Turkish Cypriots, a separate entity has been created in the north completely controlled by Turkey. A large proportion of the Greek Cypriot properties in the north has been given to settlers, they have been allowed to build ... the laws have been changed, the same with the educational system ... at this time we are under attack by the Sunni Muslims. All these are component parts of a systematic incorporation which has been implemented now and for many years. Mr Bagis has expressed this with honesty.
HH: In practice it has therefore achieved it ...
SE: In reality it has achieved it to a certain extent. There is however a section of the society which is reacting and which they are trying to silence.
CC: An impartial observer ... trying to look at the motivations behind the words and the actions of Turkey ... the conclusion to be reached with reference to the Turkish Cypriots is for them to be absorbed and for the community of the Turkish Cypriots to disappear. We are talking plainly about Turkey's policy regarding the Turkish Cypriots ...
SE: This is very clear. The mass demonstrations which we had last year on 28th January and 2nd March were about our communal survival. There is a policy which aims at the disappearance of the Turkish Cypriots. The deterioration of salaries, of wages, of the economy, social, political and religious structure cause the emigration of Turkish Cypriots from the island. The young ones do not intend any longer to remain on the island. The starting salary of an employee is 400 euros, an amount which is insufficient for someone to maintain a family and obtain housing. Our young ones are leaving the island. The number of Turkish Cypriots moving to the south has increased ... a systematic policy is being implemented for the complete control of the north by Turkey converting it into a colony.
This must not however gladden the Greek Cypriots, there is no reason for that. From the time when the Turkish Cypriots are gone from the island or become a minority, you must know that Greek Cypriots will find it very difficult to survive here.
HH: Some time ago you had made a statement in relation to Turkish Cypriots being forbidden to hold passports and identity cards of the Republic of Cyprus. Have you had satisfactory responses?
SE: There has been no satisfactory reply. In the period up to 1st July a change can be expected of the name of the "state", of the "constitution", of "laws", and there will be efforts to upgrade the "beyond international legality" state. Within this context, although it is doubtful whether they can legally do this, they will try to prevent the Turkish Cypriots from making use of passports and identity cards of the Republic of Cyprus. In 2001 there had been such a "law" which was not approved ... some Turkish Cypriots were even arrested while they were departing to go abroad from the "airport" and they were held for several days at the detention centres of "the police". From this perspective it is inevitable that there will be a total approach.
In Turkey, with the rise to power of Erdogan, more than a hundred journalists have been imprisoned, and unions have been closed down ... yesterday the indictment collapsed regarding the burning of 37 persons at Sivas in Turkey. Mr Erdogan praised the outcome of the case. Now the murderers are walking about free in Turkey. All these things are happening with the approval of the country's leader. Given such a regime it is natural that there will be pressures on the Turkish Cypriots. It is clearly a totalitarian regime.
Last year, on 22nd July, during Erdogan's visit to the island, our people suffered an inhuman attack by "the police". There were casualties who had to be admitted to hospital. We are therefore facing an inhuman regime, an inhuman administration. This is no joke, it is something which is known by all those who are experiencing it.
CC: We only have three minutes left. Can we expect any new mobilisations ... are things being planned?
SE: There are endless possibilities. When one wants to be saved one has to try. At this time we are trying to gather together all the people and all the organisations which want peace, in a struggle for our existence. We are trying to structure the form of the struggle. It is clear that we will not be able to overcome the problem with demonstrations and protests. At this stage the Turkish Cypriots have a problem of representation which we are trying to solve. We will be creating a lobby in Brussels, in England, abroad, in Turkey ... to explain the realities to the world and we will try to muster international support.
In the next few days the necessary actions to further this will be taking place.
CC: Are you in communication with corresponding Greek Cypriot organisations for their support of the whole effort?
SE: We meet certain Greek Cypriot organisations at certain events. With reference to the movement I am referring to, we are planning the way they could be involved, but we have not taken any steps yet.
If the Cyprus problem is to be solved and for Cyprus to be a democratic nation, this can not happen only with the struggle of Turkish Cypriots but with the common struggle of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
HH: Thank you very much
CC: Thank you for being with us today.
Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation interview spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles, broadcast by Biz Emeis bilingual program on 15th March 2012
See past history of items recorded and made available on the web about the Turkish Cypriot demonstrations during 2011:
"Turkish Cypriot demo protesting Turkey's Cyprus Policy - 07.04.2011"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/turkish-cypriot-demo-protesting-turkeys.html
"Another massive Turkish Cypriot demonstration 02.03.2011 - a blow to Turkey"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-massive-turkish-cypriot.html
"Turkish Cypriot Revolt, Demonstration & Protests which Rocked Turkey 2011"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/turkish-cypriot-revolt-demonstration.html
"Sener Elcil - UN and EU officials turn blind eye to Turkey's settler policy in Cyprus"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.com/2010/09/serer-ercil-un-and-eu-officials-turn.html
"Supporting Dissidents in Turkish occupied Cyprus"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/supporting-dissidents-in-turkish.html
Announcement from the Turkish Cypriot New Cyprus Party (YKP), one of the few branches of the community in 'northern' Cyprus which openly acknowledge the facts of the illegal military Occupation of the island, and openly oppose the occupation regime
Adnan Eraslan 1of3 - Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union KTOEOS
05 October 2009
Introduction - Turkish Cypriot Unions have entered a new phase of activism currently, prompted on the one hand by economic problems and on the other by a reduction in their effectiveness as a result of the importation of settlers from Turkey and recent efforts to turn Turkish Cypriot society from a cosmopolitan one to an islamic one. This has led to the creation of an alliance of 29 unions which are protesting these developments. We have with us today Mr Adnan Eraslan, President of KTOEOS (Union of Teachers in Middle Education), one of the most active among these unions.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNnNJDn_8NM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHu_SAe_syY
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgtVf0pfB48
Zeki Βeşiktepeli interviewed - BΙΖ / EΜΕΙΣ - 22.09.2009
(Bilingual with subs)
Be sure to watch all 3 parts.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwXGaA_V13w
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxRAHPCSqYE
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niu_s0AaKGc
"The ‘problem of Turkey’ in Cyprus" by LEVENT KÖKER
http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=238197
"Turkish deep state and Cyprus" by ORHAN KEMAL CENGİZ
http://www.todayszaman.com/columnistDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=249710
HH: The recent statements by the Turkish officials about Cyprus contain threats. Instead of initiatives towards a solution of the problem, Turkey theatens with annexation of one third of the island. As always, KTOS reacted intensely to these statements by Turkey. In order to hear more about this we have with us tonight the General Secretary of KTOS, Mr Şener Elcil.
CC: Welcome
HH: Following the statements by Turkey you made your own statements commenting that on the one hand Turkey talks about a Taiwanisation model, then about union with Turkey, and now about two states .... so, while Turkey claims that it wants a solution, its claim is unfounded.
SE: The talks, as is known, started in 1968 and then there were two basic chapters, the distribution of power and the granting of autonomy to the Turkish Cypriots. When we look at the matters which are at the negotiating table today we see that the basis of the problem involves three matters which were created in the period following 1974. The settlers from Turkey, a decision about the future of properties left behind by the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots and the right to sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot statelet which will be established in the northern part of our island which is defacto controlled by Turkey.
When we look at these issues we will see that there is a significant difference between the matters that were being discussed before 1974 with those which are being discussed today. All the problems which were created following 1974 are the result of the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.
In 1974 Turkey invaded the island with the pretext of restoring constitutional order which was disturbed as a result of the coup by the Greek junta and for the safeguarding of the territorial integrity of Cyprus. At the point we have reached there are talks about a problem created beyond the context of international law.
The Turkish statements are outside of international law - such as the annexation of Cyprus, or its union with Turkey or Greece ... in the past certain circles in the Greek Cypriot community had been founded on the idea of Enosis (union) and had fought for it. The statements by Egemen Bagis are Enosis statements, meaning that Turkey has begun to accept the idea of Enosis. Turkey does not look only to the annexation of the occupied areas. Turkey's aim is for the whole of Cyprus to be placed under its jurisdiction.
The aim of the Turkish side in the talks, where Mr Eroglu is under the influence of the Turkish foreign ministry is to extend the deadlock but pretend that he wants a solution. That is what characterises Turkey's policy. If it really did have that aim, then following the 2004 referendum it could have very easily moved towards a solution. On the contrary, the Turkish officials used the Yes by the Turkish Cypriots and the No by the Greek Cypriots to blame the Greek Cypriots for not wanting a solution and to gain benefits internationally for the Yes of the Turkish Cypriots.
This policy is not a solution policy. It is playing a blame game while it is presenting itself as wanting a solution while it extends the deadlock.
HH: You have met with Mr Downer. What is the policy of the Turkish side in the talks?
SE: It is the future of all Cypriots that is being compromised at the negotiating table. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, all of us who live on this island must be informed about the discussions which affect our future. As the trade union platform we consequently asked to have a meeting with the three sides involved in the negotiations. Mr Eroglu, Mr Christofias and Mr Downer. Mr Eroglu has not yet scheduled a meeting with us. He has created an imaginary "people's council" which consists basically of organisations he controls. He has suggested to us that we take part in that with them and that we should obey the "people's council". When necessary he can meet and brief any organisation he chooses. We did not accept his suggestion and he is refusing to meet with us.
On the 10th of January we had a meeting with Mr Christofias. We listened to his views about where the negotiations are at, and we had a press conference in the north to brief our community.
We were due to meet with Mr Downer also at that time. However, due to the meetings at Greetree, we were not able to meet. We met him just two weeks ago. He briefed us that the negotiations are not at a good point, that there is an impasse on the basic issues, on the property issue, territory and settlers, and that Mr Eroglu is continuously creating problems regarding the rotating presidency and the cross-voting. He stressed that the people and all those who do want a solution should raise their voices and become more demanding. He also stressed that the continuation of the impasse will bring no benefit to the people of the island, that it does not bring prosperity and that it will further complicate the situation. We then briefed our people accordingly. Due to what he told us, some organisations in the north which are subservient to Mr Eroglu demanded that Mr Downer should be forbidden from entering the north with the excuse that he is provoking people. They tried to have him declared persona-non-grata. The same situation had also been created two weeks earlier in the south when the matter was discussed by the House of Representatives. That means that the denialists on both sides are at the same point.
CC: I want to go back a little, to the statements by the Turkish officials. Do you feel that these statements, over and above what you have already explained, are intended to bring pressure to bear on the Greek Cypriot side?
SE: In order for there to be a solution both sides must agree. If we are to reach a solution we must know how to take a step back. The parameters of a solution are known. They are the high-level agreements of 1977 and 1978. A bicommunal bizonal federation. Additionally there are the agreements Christofias-Talat of 23rd May and 1st July regarding a single international sovereignty, a single international personality, and one citizenship. The rotating presidency is one of the subjects on which there had been a conclusion.
The parameters of a solution are known. The sides must therefore show courage. To prepare political decisions. On the property issue for example the two sides must reach agreement. All the subsequent issues are technical matters.
My parents have property at Kalavasos, from where they had originated. The fate of the property must be judged by the experts in the technical committees. The politicians must make the political decisions and the technical matters must be left for the experts. On the property issue everything is very clear. There can be compensation, exchange or the restitution of the property. My family can not use the fields which they left behind at Kalavasos. That is since 1963. The property will be either exchanged, returned or compensated. The final decision will be taken by the owner. In other words it is a technical issue. The negotiators must have the authority to take political decisions. But what the Turkish Cypriot side is doing at the negotiation table is to show that it wants a solution while it is actually aiming at a deadlock. That is the reality.
From this perspective I believe that while there are moves which Mr Christofias must make on certain matters, they who must make substantive steps are Turkey and the Turkish side.
HH: Do you think that the recent threatening statements by Mr Egemen Bagis are intended more about the 1st of July?
SE: The 1st of July is being presented by Turkey and Mr Eroglu as a landmark. They say that if progress is not achieved by the 1st of July then the process of the negotiations will end. Mr Eroglu recently said that he is tired .... as if he very much wanted a solution to be found. He has hardly been in power for a year and a half and he is already tired!
Their intention is clear. To end the negotiations and after the 1st of July to proceed in another direction. Mr Eroglu had stated the following: "We could change the name of the north to the Turkish State as it had been designated in the Anan Plan, we might change the constitution, to make certain amendments towards democratisation" ... in other words they intend to make certain cosmetic changes to the secessionist entity in the north, something which we can no longer tolerate.
CC: How do the average Turkish Cypriots feel about ... while we all see that those things which were agreed between Christofias and Talat are now disputed by Mr Eroglu who is changing everything ... how do the Turkish Cypriots feel about it? Lets leave aside the rotating presidency ... how do they feel ?
SE: The people are losing their hopes. That is Turkey's intention. That the people should lose their hopes so that Turkey can implement its basic aim which is the annexation of the island. Mr Egemen Bagis talks about incorporation. The question is what is left for them to incorporate? They have transferred settlers to the island, the north uses the Turkish lira, they have changed the names of the villages, they have imposed surnames for Turkish Cypriots, a separate entity has been created in the north completely controlled by Turkey. A large proportion of the Greek Cypriot properties in the north has been given to settlers, they have been allowed to build ... the laws have been changed, the same with the educational system ... at this time we are under attack by the Sunni Muslims. All these are component parts of a systematic incorporation which has been implemented now and for many years. Mr Bagis has expressed this with honesty.
HH: In practice it has therefore achieved it ...
SE: In reality it has achieved it to a certain extent. There is however a section of the society which is reacting and which they are trying to silence.
CC: An impartial observer ... trying to look at the motivations behind the words and the actions of Turkey ... the conclusion to be reached with reference to the Turkish Cypriots is for them to be absorbed and for the community of the Turkish Cypriots to disappear. We are talking plainly about Turkey's policy regarding the Turkish Cypriots ...
SE: This is very clear. The mass demonstrations which we had last year on 28th January and 2nd March were about our communal survival. There is a policy which aims at the disappearance of the Turkish Cypriots. The deterioration of salaries, of wages, of the economy, social, political and religious structure cause the emigration of Turkish Cypriots from the island. The young ones do not intend any longer to remain on the island. The starting salary of an employee is 400 euros, an amount which is insufficient for someone to maintain a family and obtain housing. Our young ones are leaving the island. The number of Turkish Cypriots moving to the south has increased ... a systematic policy is being implemented for the complete control of the north by Turkey converting it into a colony.
This must not however gladden the Greek Cypriots, there is no reason for that. From the time when the Turkish Cypriots are gone from the island or become a minority, you must know that Greek Cypriots will find it very difficult to survive here.
HH: Some time ago you had made a statement in relation to Turkish Cypriots being forbidden to hold passports and identity cards of the Republic of Cyprus. Have you had satisfactory responses?
SE: There has been no satisfactory reply. In the period up to 1st July a change can be expected of the name of the "state", of the "constitution", of "laws", and there will be efforts to upgrade the "beyond international legality" state. Within this context, although it is doubtful whether they can legally do this, they will try to prevent the Turkish Cypriots from making use of passports and identity cards of the Republic of Cyprus. In 2001 there had been such a "law" which was not approved ... some Turkish Cypriots were even arrested while they were departing to go abroad from the "airport" and they were held for several days at the detention centres of "the police". From this perspective it is inevitable that there will be a total approach.
In Turkey, with the rise to power of Erdogan, more than a hundred journalists have been imprisoned, and unions have been closed down ... yesterday the indictment collapsed regarding the burning of 37 persons at Sivas in Turkey. Mr Erdogan praised the outcome of the case. Now the murderers are walking about free in Turkey. All these things are happening with the approval of the country's leader. Given such a regime it is natural that there will be pressures on the Turkish Cypriots. It is clearly a totalitarian regime.
Last year, on 22nd July, during Erdogan's visit to the island, our people suffered an inhuman attack by "the police". There were casualties who had to be admitted to hospital. We are therefore facing an inhuman regime, an inhuman administration. This is no joke, it is something which is known by all those who are experiencing it.
CC: We only have three minutes left. Can we expect any new mobilisations ... are things being planned?
SE: There are endless possibilities. When one wants to be saved one has to try. At this time we are trying to gather together all the people and all the organisations which want peace, in a struggle for our existence. We are trying to structure the form of the struggle. It is clear that we will not be able to overcome the problem with demonstrations and protests. At this stage the Turkish Cypriots have a problem of representation which we are trying to solve. We will be creating a lobby in Brussels, in England, abroad, in Turkey ... to explain the realities to the world and we will try to muster international support.
In the next few days the necessary actions to further this will be taking place.
CC: Are you in communication with corresponding Greek Cypriot organisations for their support of the whole effort?
SE: We meet certain Greek Cypriot organisations at certain events. With reference to the movement I am referring to, we are planning the way they could be involved, but we have not taken any steps yet.
If the Cyprus problem is to be solved and for Cyprus to be a democratic nation, this can not happen only with the struggle of Turkish Cypriots but with the common struggle of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
HH: Thank you very much
CC: Thank you for being with us today.
Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation interview spoken in Turkish with Greek subtitles, broadcast by Biz Emeis bilingual program on 15th March 2012
See past history of items recorded and made available on the web about the Turkish Cypriot demonstrations during 2011:
"Turkish Cypriot demo protesting Turkey's Cyprus Policy - 07.04.2011"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/turkish-cypriot-demo-protesting-turkeys.html
"Another massive Turkish Cypriot demonstration 02.03.2011 - a blow to Turkey"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-massive-turkish-cypriot.html
"Turkish Cypriot Revolt, Demonstration & Protests which Rocked Turkey 2011"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/turkish-cypriot-revolt-demonstration.html
"Sener Elcil - UN and EU officials turn blind eye to Turkey's settler policy in Cyprus"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.com/2010/09/serer-ercil-un-and-eu-officials-turn.html
"Supporting Dissidents in Turkish occupied Cyprus"
http://aspectsofreality.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/supporting-dissidents-in-turkish.html
Announcement from the Turkish Cypriot New Cyprus Party (YKP), one of the few branches of the community in 'northern' Cyprus which openly acknowledge the facts of the illegal military Occupation of the island, and openly oppose the occupation regime
Adnan Eraslan 1of3 - Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union KTOEOS
05 October 2009
Introduction - Turkish Cypriot Unions have entered a new phase of activism currently, prompted on the one hand by economic problems and on the other by a reduction in their effectiveness as a result of the importation of settlers from Turkey and recent efforts to turn Turkish Cypriot society from a cosmopolitan one to an islamic one. This has led to the creation of an alliance of 29 unions which are protesting these developments. We have with us today Mr Adnan Eraslan, President of KTOEOS (Union of Teachers in Middle Education), one of the most active among these unions.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNnNJDn_8NM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHu_SAe_syY
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgtVf0pfB48
Zeki Βeşiktepeli interviewed - BΙΖ / EΜΕΙΣ - 22.09.2009
(Bilingual with subs)
Be sure to watch all 3 parts.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwXGaA_V13w
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxRAHPCSqYE
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niu_s0AaKGc
"The ‘problem of Turkey’ in Cyprus" by LEVENT KÖKER
http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=238197
"Turkish deep state and Cyprus" by ORHAN KEMAL CENGİZ
http://www.todayszaman.com/columnistDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=249710
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