Following the maritime disaster in Kyrenia, which turned into a mass murder, there are issues that need to be addressed. Foremost among these is an objective investigation into all aspects of the causes of this disaster.
However, there are steps that must be taken to ensure this is handled properly. Yes, the legal process must take precedence. Those brought before the court as defendants must be assessed in accordance with the ‘presumption of innocence’. Furthermore, the same principles must be applied when dealing with the politicians and bureaucrats who bear primary responsibility for the matter. There will undoubtedly be highly sensitive individuals who will take offence at my writing this. However, to ensure the discussion does not stray from the essence of the matter, these principles must not be compromised. The remarks made by Mr. Arıklı, who spoke on the matter after being contacted by Ms. Nagehan Alçı—a figure of considerable standing in the Turkish media—corroborate my assessment. Mr. Arıklı attributes his dismissal to his political and ideological stance. Firstly, the animosity felt towards him by the UBP because his party has grown; secondly, the hostility shown towards him by left-wingers and pro-Greek elements. Upon reading this statement, one might think as follows: “Goodness me, UBP, you’ve finally become an accomplice to the conspiracies of left-wingers and pro-Greek elements.” Well, shall we say, ‘what goes around comes around’?
However, whatever the case may be, these statements should not divert anyone from the objectives I outlined at the very beginning of this article. In other words, no response should be given, nor should one engage in polemics. To do otherwise would divert attention from the core of the matter and undermine the fundamental issues. Look, after the main opposition party, the CTP, submitted its motion, the UBP, the government’s major coalition partner, also tabled a motion for an inquiry in Parliament. This is a very positive start to finding common ground. Furthermore, Mr. Arıklı, whilst knowing that it is legally impossible, had stated that he would apply to have his parliamentary immunity lifted. In other words, he has no objection to an objective outcome. Now that the matter is before the courts, the findings of this parliamentary inquiry will also provide support to the judicial process.
However, as the election is now just around the corner, this inquiry must not be used as a platform for the ruling coalition’s major partner to defend itself at the expense of its junior partner, nor as a platform for the opposition—regardless of whether major, or minor—to attack the government in the run-up to the election. It must be based on a principle that objectively brings the matter to light in all its aspects. Furthermore, both the political sphere and civil society should bear in mind the saying, ‘No good deed goes unpunished’. This is because Turkey is engaging in certain ‘benevolent’ actions towards Northern Cyprus, which is experiencing difficulties with sea and air transport due to embargoes. It is precisely these actions that, in the end, give rise to problems. Let us consider an example. In the wake of this maritime disaster, the RoRo vessel belonging to Akgünler was inspected in Mersin in accordance with international maritime regulations… No one should take offence at this. For if compliance with these international regulations had been sought—as was done with the RoRo vessel today—no businessperson, bureaucrat, or politician from either Turkey, or Cyprus would have granted that vessel, which harbors the problems outlined in the Hatay Metropolitan Municipality’s statements, the right to sail.
For this reason, the political sphere and civil society must now prioritise Turkey–Turkish Cypriot relations not on the basis of the emotional notion of ‘Motherland–Baby Homeland’, but rather on the foundation of a principled relationship grounded in the values of rules and institutions. This is because attitudes and behaviours that disregard the rules in an attempt to do a favour for the North, which is experiencing difficulties with maritime transport under embargoes, are leading to developments that result in ever-increasing loss of life and erosion of morale. Moreover, if those who attempt to voice these concerns are attacked as enemies of Turkey, or pro-Greek, this relationship can never develop on a constructive basis. Everyone must contribute to the healthy progression of the judicial process. Furthermore, on the basis of ‘Public-Private Partnerships’ – and, of course, with the support of the state and Turkey – we must place the opening of the door to investments in air and maritime transport, grounded in international rules, at the very heart of the agenda.
In a nutshell, there is a need for the development of a social policy for maritime and air transport.
Source: THE SHIPWRECK AND POLITICS
