Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (19.12.14) reports that former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, made statements supporting the “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Dogus Derya who was insulted heavily in the social media and even faced threats for her life because of her statements that the Turkish army in 1974 raped Greek Cypriot women.

Talat condemned the attacks against Derya and stated that “laws” must be introduced so that similar attacks and insults not to be able to take place in the future. He also described the harsh comments made against Derya inconceivable and called on the organizations which have members who made these kinds of comments to dismiss these members from their ranks. He also said that the attacks are against the freedom of opinion and the freedom of speech.

Talat also accused the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu of not exerting any international effort as regards the Cyprus problem and of isolating further the Turkish Cypriots. He also said that the non-election of Eroglu in the “TRNC presidency” will send a strong message to the world. Talat finally added that Eroglu not only in the Cyprus problem but also in “internal issues” harms the Turkish Cypriot community.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (19.12.14) reports that Serdar Denktas, self-styled economy, tourism, culture and sport minister and Chairman of Democratic Party (DP) called on persons who make accusations against the Turkish army to come to reason.

Denktas stated that it is not right to forget how the “country” was created, where they have come from, what they have been put through and what dangers they have faced. However, Denktas stated thay is one thing to condemn with strong language statements that someone does not agree with, and another thing to insult the person.