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Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence
Turkish Foreign Policy and Turkey-Ireland Relations: Engagement with Ambassador of Turkey
All Committee meetings on 12 Oct 2021 « Previous debate Next debate »
Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to welcome to our meeting this afternoon H. E. Mr. Mehmet Hakan Olcay, ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Ireland. He is very welcome. This is the first opportunity for the members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to meet him since his arrival in Ireland earlier in the year. I welcome you on behalf of the committee. We look forward to working with him not only today but also throughout his tenure here as ambassador to Ireland. I also welcome his deputy head of mission, Ms Balca Kurhan Elayouti. Some members of the committee are wearing face coverings in accordance with our restrictions. Some members are in here in the room and others are joining us from their offices because of the Covid-19 restrictions. The witnesses will appreciate that our meetings are not yet back to what we would describe as normality. In any event, they are most welcome.
The format of the meeting is that we will hear the ambassador's opening statement, following by discussion, with some questions and answers from members of the committee. I ask members to be concise in their questions so as to allow all members an opportunity to participate. We may even have a second opportunity for members to come back in if they so desire.
I remind our witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity, by name or in such a way as to make them identifiable. I remind witnesses that if they make any statements that might be potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It goes without saying that any such direction should be complied with. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or body outside the House, or any official, either by name or in such a way as to make them in any way identifiable. Members may only participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex.
Ambassador, once again you are very welcome. I now call upon you to make your opening statement.
H.E. Mr. Mehmet Hakan Olcay:
I thank the Chair and distinguished members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for giving me this opportunity to address this respectable committee about Turkish foreign policy and Turkish foreign relations, as well as matters of mutual interest between Turkey and Ireland. Before proceeding to Turkish foreign policy, I would like to dwell shortly on the bilateral relations between Turkey and Ireland.
Turkey and Ireland enjoy historical bonds of friendship dating back to the Great Irish Famine. Aid sent by the then Ottoman Sultan to Ireland in 1847 built an everlasting friendship bridge between our countries. We are pleased that there is no outstanding political dispute between Turkey and Ireland. Hence, we strive to give an impetus to our current political relations and interactions. We also would like to increase our economic, commercial, trade, cultural and educational relations. We are eager to make efforts to double the current trade volume between our countries, which is around €1.5 billion. Also, we would like to increase mutual investments in our countries.
There are almost 5,000 Turkish citizens in Ireland. Most of them are working in international companies and one fifth of them are students. We believe that further interaction between educational institutions in Turkey and Ireland is needed. It will further increase the number of Turkish students in Irish universities and language schools.
The Covid-19 pandemic has proved that Turkey has a more resilient health system when compared to many developed countries in the world. While providing the best healthcare to our citizens, we sent medical aid to 159 countries and 12 international organisations. We also know that many non-Covid-19 patients from Ireland choose Turkey for their routine or normal medical treatments. Owing to this background, we can increase the co-operation between our medical institutions and healthcare workers. One other promising co-operation area is in the construction sector. Turkey, which ranks in the top five countries in this sector, may contribute to Ireland's ambitious new housing and infrastructure projects.
After this short introduction about Turkey-Ireland relations, I would like to continue with Turkish foreign policy and matters of mutual interest. Turkish foreign policy aims to protect Turkey's interests in a volatile regional and global environment, while also shaping conditions for sustainable peace and development in our neighbourhood and beyond. In the pursuit of this primary goal, like Ireland, Turkey contributes to peace, prosperity, and stability around the world.
Guided by our enduring objective to achieve "peace at home, peace in the world", as set out by the founder of our republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, we implement an enterprising and humanitarian foreign policy, which, in our President's words, "reflects the enterprising spirit and humanitarian values of our nation".
In order to eliminate threats and challenges and to take advantage of emerging opportunities, Turkey is compelled to pursue a foreign policy that is strong on the ground and at the table by implementing an insightful and agile diplomacy. In this regard, Turkey benefits from deep-rooted traditions of diplomacy and derives strength from several factors, including its central geographical position, rich historical experience, robust institutions, strong human resources and a dynamic economy. As such, Turkey's foreign policy is the embodiment of a bridge between tradition and the future.
In line with the enterprising aspect of its foreign policy, Turkey conducts a diplomacy that thinks globally but also acts locally in every corner of the world. With 253 diplomatic and consular missions, Turkey has spawned the fifth largest diplomatic network globally. Turkey maintains close ties with countries in the Balkans, the Middle East, north Africa, the southern Caucasus, and southern and central Asia. Beyond these neighbouring regions, we are expanding the horizons of Turkish foreign policy, reaching out to Africa and Latin America. In Africa, we have increased the number of our embassies from 12 to 43. Our trade volume with Africa is currently approximately $26 billion. We intend to hold the third Turkey-Africa summit in December 2021. In Latin America, we have increased the number of our embassies from six to 17 and our trade volume, parallel to that increase, has gone up from $1 billion to $12 billion. The Asia Anew initiative announced in 2019 has given Turkey the opportunity to lay the foundations of a holistic and comprehensive policy towards Asia and the Pacific, home of the rising powers of the 21st century. We have established strategic relations with China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore.
As a pluralist secular democracy that began westernising its economic, political and social structures in the 19th century, Turkey chose western Europe as the model for its new secular structure following the proclamation of the republic in 1923. Ever since, Turkey has closely aligned itself with the West. Turkey is a founding member of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, and a member of NATO and the OECD. Turkey is a part of Europe and will remain so. In addition, Turkey has a strategic partnership with the United States as a NATO ally and considers the transatlantic link vital for security and prosperity in Europe.
As the committee knows, Turkey has been a candidate country to the EU since 1963. Full membership of the Union remains a strategic priority for Turkey and accession negotiations are the backbone of Turkey-EU relations. Turkey believes in the necessity of developing a positive agenda in Turkey-EU relations based on our accession perspective. That will serve the interests of both sides and contribute to the stability in our region. Starting a Turkey-EU customs union modernisation process and full implementation of the 18 March statement will make a difference in the relations we have with the EU. In this context, we appreciate the ongoing support of Ireland for Turkey's EU accession process and for keeping the channels of communication open.
As a founding member of the United Nations, Turkey, like Ireland, is a strong supporter of multilateralism. Finding solutions to global challenges depends on collective efforts forged by co-operation and effective multilateralism. This reality guides Turkey's active diplomacy within multilateral fora. We are a founding member of several regional organisations and initiatives such as the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, the South-East European Cooperation Process and the Economic Cooperation Organization. In addition, Turkey is a prominent member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue and the MIKTA partnership comprising Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia. Turkey has also been an active member of the G20 since its inception, holding its term presidency for 2015. Turkey served at the UN Security Council during 2009 and 2010 as a constructive member, contributing to global peace, stability and security. Under the motto of "The world is bigger than five", coined by President Erdoan, Turkey has been advocating the reform of the UN Security Council, the UN and other multilateral organisations in order that they be fit for the purpose of today.
On the basis of its enterprising and humanitarian foreign policy, Turkey provides developmental and humanitarian aid programmes. Turkey is the largest humanitarian donor in the world and the most generous country on the basis of per capitahumanitarian spending. At the same time, Turkey is currently the top refugee-hosting country in the world. It hosts almost 5 million externally displaced people, approximately 3.7 million of whom are Syrians under temporary protection. Turkey has spent more than $40 billion to provide aid and services to the Syrians. Turkey supports the voluntary and dignified return of Syrians to Syria and, thanks to our efforts, nearly 462,000 of them were able to return to their homes.
The international community cannot allow the Syrian crisis to linger on for another ten years. We need to display a stronger will to find a political solution to the problem, based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 and in a way that will meet the expectations of the Syrian people. We welcome the extension of the United Nations' humanitarian assistance mechanism, which is delivered to the north-west of Syria via Turkey, for another 12 months. We appreciate the strong efforts of Ireland and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, in this regard. We had the pleasure to host the Minister in Turkey last January within the framework of those efforts.
Following developments in Afghanistan, we have recently been faced with the possibility of yet another inflow of migrants from that country. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is getting worse. There are approximately 300,000 Afghans in Turkey. For comparison, the figure was 35,000 in 2015. As a country that saved human dignity in the Syrian crisis, we no longer have the capability, nor the tolerance, to absorb new immigration waves. On the basis of fair burden and responsibility sharing, it is high time for all stakeholders to do their part on this issue. We support the UN's efforts to provide impartial humanitarian assistance to Afghans in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.
As far as the Syrian crisis is concerned, our struggle against terrorist organisations that threaten the territorial integrity of Syria and our national security will continue with determination. Making any distinction between terrorist organisations in the region and using them as subcontractors is unacceptable. Acts of terrorism in different countries of the world over the past ten years have shown that terrorism is not only our common enemy but also a common enemy of all mankind.
While combating terrorism, Turkey gives particular attention to fundamental rights and freedoms. Advancing our democracy to a higher level has always been a top priority on our agenda. Our policies of zero tolerance against torture and violence against women continue firmly. Two years after the publication of the judicial reform strategy, the human rights action plan is a further indication of Turkey's unwavering resolve for reform. The action plan lays out concrete steps for further protecting and promoting human rights and strengthening the independence of the judiciary, such as reviewing legislation on freedom of expression and assembly, enhancing women's rights and combating violence against women, fighting against discrimination and hate crime and intensifying meetings with representatives of non-Muslim communities living in Turkey.
I am aware that the eastern Mediterranean issue and the situation in Cyprus have been discussed in the Oireachtas on several occasions. I consider today's session as an opportunity to put forward Turkey's views on those issues. Turkey's policy towards the eastern Mediterranean has two dimensions. The first is related to the maritime boundary delimitation in the region. The second dimension concerns the protection of the rights of Turkish Cypriots over the offshore resources of the island. We hope the problems regarding maritime boundary delimitation will be resolved within the framework of international law and good neighbourly relations.
Our proposal to organise an eastern Mediterranean conference in which all actors in the region will take part for dialogue and co-operation is still on the table.
Similarly, we believe that the problems in the Aegean Sea should be resolved through a bilateral dialogue. Thanks to our efforts, dialogue channels are in place and are operating. The 63rd round of consultative talks with Greece were held in Turkey last week on 6 October. With regard to the Cyprus issue, the current deadlock proves the failure of all federation negotiations since 1968. A new round of federation negotiations will lead us nowhere. Neither Turkey nor the Turkish Cypriots have another 50 years to lose. A fair, lasting and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is possible only through a result-oriented, realistic approach. It should be based on the realities on the island. Also, for a solution, it is necessary to reaffirm the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people, who are the co-owners of the island. Therefore, we believe that it is high time to consider a negotiated two-state settlement. We just want the international community to evaluate the views of the Turkish Cypriots as announced in Geneva with an open mind and without prejudice.
Another primary issue in Turkish foreign policy is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which fuels instability and threatens peace and security in our region. As long as the persecution of the Palestinian people continues, lasting peace and stability in the Middle East is not possible. Therefore, occupation, annexation and illegal settlement policies must absolutely and immediately be brought to an end. In this context, we welcome and are closely following the developments regarding the occupied territories Bill in Ireland. The peace process and the vision of a two-state solution must be revived without further delay. The establishment of an independent and contiguous Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the 1967 borders remains among our primary objectives.
There is one crucial issue that is common for all countries and nations, irrespective of being European, Asian, American, African, rich or poor. It is climate change. As our President put in detail during the UN General Assembly meeting last September in New York, Turkey plays its role in taking necessary measures in fighting climate change. If effective measures are not taken and greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, our children will not inherit a habitable world. The duty for all of us is to take measures against this threat, with fair burden-sharing, and to fulfil our obligations quickly. Acting with this understanding, Turkey was among the first signatories of the Paris Agreement of 2015. President Erdoan announced during the United Nations General Assembly meeting that the agreement will be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey this month for approval, and the ratification process of the agreement will be completed before the United Nations Climate Change Conference which will be held in Glasgow in late November. Indeed, I am happy to announce that the agreement was ratified by the assembly on 6 October last.
Before finalising my remarks, I wish to take this opportunity to renew the invitation from Mr. Çaatay Klç, the president of the commission for foreign affairs of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to visit Turkey. The committee's alternate date proposals for the visit will be welcome in due course. With such a visit, I am confident that the inter-parliamentary contacts between our two countries will also develop and strengthen to our mutual benefit. I thank the committee for this opportunity.
Thank you for that wide-ranging and comprehensive overview of Turkish foreign policy and, at the outset, a comprehensive note on the positive and constructive bilateral relations between Ireland and Turkey. As you pointed out, there is much to build on in our relationship.
I will call on members of the committee for questions. I will commence with Deputy Gannon who is with us in the committee room. Members can raise their hands if they wish. I will follow on to Deputy Clarke as soon as we can.
Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
I thank the ambassador for his statement. I have a question about Turkey's role in the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Does the ambassador have any comments on the recent conflict in that region? Does he believe that the issue of drone warfare, particularly in that conflict, would aid a further destabilisation of tensions and add new dimensions to warfare in that region? I also have a question about Turkey's relationship with Azerbaijan. Who else is Turkey providing regional support to in that region in a manner similar to that which it is doing for Azerbaijan?
I will group a number of questions, Ambassador, if that is okay. I call Deputy Clarke.
Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
I thank the ambassador for his time today. He is most welcome to the committee meeting. I have one question. How does the ambassador reconcile his opening statement with the withdrawal of Turkey from the Istanbul Convention, which set out comprehensive standards for the prevention of violence against women, protection and support for survivors and prosecution of perpetrators, as well as establishing minimum essential support services for victims, such as shelters and medical assistance? I ask for his own view on this and for his opinion on the impact the withdrawal has had on Turkey's international standing and on how women from outside Turkey view Turkey as a safe place for them. I say that as the only female Deputy on this committee. Given that I have researched this and seen over 2,000 cases of femicide reported between 2008 and 2017, which I understand was also echoed in another report by Turkish law enforcement, how can the ambassador reassure the international community and this committee that Turkey is a safe place for women and girls, particularly in light of yesterday being the International Day of the Girl Child?
I invite the ambassador to respond on Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and the domestic matter raised by Deputy Clarke in respect of the Istanbul Convention.
As the committee knows, the Karabakh conflict has been going on for 30 years, ever since the independence of Azerbaijan. One fifth of its territory was occupied by Armenian forces. Then the Minsk Group was established to try to find a diplomatic solution to the problem. However, it did not work for the last 30 years. In June 2020, new attacks started and they started to escalate going into September. Finally, a year ago today, the Azeri forces started their 44-day operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh is Azeri territory. The committee must also take that into account. I am sure the ambassador of Azerbaijan would have been in a much better position to answer this question but Turkey wants normalisation across the region. The new landscape in Karabakh offers a realistic opportunity to establish enduring peace and stability and this opportunity should not be missed.
President Erdoan announced recently that we can gradually also normalise our relations with Armenia if it takes concrete and sincere steps. We will reciprocate to any positive steps coming from Armenia. We also expect Armenia to be part of the regional co-operation projects. We are of the opinion that the recent Azeri proposal to negotiate a peace agreement with Armenia will contribute to lasting peace across the region, so there will be a win-win situation with a normalisation in that region.
Coming to the drones, we see Azerbaijan as one nation, two states - Turkey and Azerbaijan. For the last 30 years since its independence, we have developed many co-operation projects, including co-operation in military training and technical aid. As a free country to purchase its weaponry, it may have bought drones from Turkey as well.
It may have also been involved in training in Turkey for its operations. That is all the information I have on the use of drones.
The Istanbul Convention has been the subject of debate in Turkey since its entry into force not only in Turkey but also in a lot of other Council of Europe countries. Six EU members and the UK have not ratified it yet. In different segments of our society some elements of the convention became the subject of criticism. As a result of the evaluation made, the decision to withdraw from the agreement was taken. Our decision is not a step back from our determination to fight violence against women, and in all our laws we have the strictest applicability to punish any crime against women. We will continue to show no tolerance to violence against women. Also, we announced the fourth national action plan on combating violence against women on 1 July of this year.
This is not a follow-up question. I asked who else in the region Turkey is providing such support to. Is Turkey selling drones to Morocco, for example, similar to the way it is selling to Azerbaijan?
I know we are in the process of selling to Poland but this is the first time I have heard about Morocco.
The ambassador mentioned in his opening statement the situation in Syria, Turkey's neighbour. He will be aware of the dire humanitarian situation in evidence in Syria and the fact that in the north east, for example, the water level in the Euphrates river has become critically low. Currently, more than 13 million Syrians are reliant on humanitarian aid to survive. I note, as the ambassador stated, that Turkey is currently hosting more than 3.5 million Syrians, who have been in Turkey for some time. The ambassador might be in a position to expand on how he and the Turkish Government see a resolution of the conflict in Syria, having regard to the fact that, as he stated, it is over ten years since the horrific conflict commenced. There does not appear to be an immediate sense of a resolution. Having regard to the authority and influence of Turkey in the neighbourhood, what does the ambassador see as being the priority situation?
As for the issue of refugees specifically, given the large number of Syrians in Turkey, given the strain and pressure that this places on the country's resources and given the dangerous situation for many returnees from many refugee camps to Syria, what does the ambassador see as the priority?
Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, Turkey has followed a human-centred approach. We had our borders open to refugees. For the past ten years we have been providing many services to Syrian refugees, including counselling, language courses, vocational training, health, education and social services free of charge. The number of Syrian children born in Turkey since the beginning of the crisis and since their arrival into Turkey exceeds 700,000 newborns. There are more than 1 million school-aged children attending schools in Turkey. In the initial years the attendance rate was about 30% but, as of 2016, we have achieved a school attendance rate of 64.4%. The number of Syrians attending Turkish universities is about 40,000. This figure is higher for refugees because the global average is about 2% but in Turkey the average is about 7%. The healthcare sector is another area where we continue our efforts. To date, more than 2.2 million surgeries have been conducted on Syrians, inpatient treatment exceeds 2.7 million and the number of polyclinic visits is over 80 million. The committee will understand that the amount of resources needed to maintain this is quite high. The $40 billion I mentioned in my opening statement is just a rough estimate because it is not possible to quantify some of the services provided.
Providing only financial support is not a sufficient answer to solve the problem. We need to focus more on preparing the conditions that could facilitate returns of Syrians. That should be one of our primary tasks. Owing to our efforts and the operations we had in the border region - we have a 900 km joint border with Syria - almost 500,000 Syrians have been able to return to Turkey in the past year or so. The returns have to be safe, dignified and voluntary, based on legal guarantees and in line with international law. The process has to be co-ordinated with the United Nations, and priority should be given to the return of internally displaced peoples and to the prevention of new displacements in Syria. UN Security Council Resolution 2254 gives the framework for resolving the crisis. There are two process continuing. One is the Geneva process and the other is the Astana process, in which we take part as well. If the new constitutional commission can establish a new constitution for the Syrians and if the will of the Syrian people is taken into consideration, I think that would be the only way of resolving the problem. In the meantime we have to make sure we preserve the territorial integrity of Syria from other sources.
David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
I confirm I am in my office in Leinster House. I welcome the ambassador to the meeting and thank him for his presentation. Obviously, Turkey is a very important country, historically and geographically. It is a very influential country as well. Turkey is involved in lots of engagements right across the region. The ambassador might comment on the current situation with respect to the involvement in Libya and how he sees that developing.
I note that the ambassador spoke about climate change earlier. He might let us know how that is progressing and what the plans and targets are in respect of Turkey. How does he see that developing and what are Turkey's plans in that regard?
The Istanbul Convention was mentioned by my colleague, Deputy Clarke, and the ambassador has covered that.
Can the ambassador tell me whether Turkey has plans to withdraw from north-eastern Syria and what the situation is there at the moment?
I note that the United States has been concerned about religious freedom in Turkey. The ambassador might take the opportunity to comment on that as well.
Finally, what is the position of the Turkish Government on LGBT rights, that is, the rights of gay or homosexual people? I note there have been some media reports that tolerance in Turkey is not very high but, again, the ambassador might comment on that.
We are heavily engaged in Libya and trying to help it to find a peaceful resolution of the divisions in the country.
After long years of war, the fighting is still continuing within Libya between two factions. We have been on the side of the legal government, which is recognised by the United Nations and we have had some agreements with them. Some of that is for military co-operation - training, for the most part. If the elections take place as scheduled in December, they will give a clearer pathway to a solution in Libya.
Withdrawal from the north-east or the north-west of Syria for the time being is not possible because without the maintenance of the Turkish presence there, we will not be able to protect the civilian population which is finding a safe haven or refuge in north-east Syria along the Turkish border. Our withdrawal would increase pressure for a new exodus because there are more than 1.5 million people living in the border area. If the protection shield is lifted from there, we will have a new impetus for a new wave of migration from Syria to Turkey, which is not desirable.
As far as LGBT rights are concerned, I am sure the Deputy is referring to the events that took place in Istanbul during Pride week. We do not distinguish between the preferences of people and there is no sentiment against that. Of course, Turkish culture may not see LGBT as "normal" – I am just quoting - but with regard to the standpoint of the state, there is no discrimination against that.
We are joined by Deputy John Brady, who is welcome. Before I call Deputy Brady to make some observations and ask questions of the ambassador, I want to briefly raise the issue of Cyprus. It is a long-standing issue of controversy going back to 1974. In particular, I want to raise with the ambassador the issue that, on the anniversary of the invasion, during a visit to northern Cyprus, President Erdoan raised the issue of the fenced-off area of Varosha. This is a matter of some controversy. I and the Irish Government are concerned at recent actions in regard to Varosha. The ambassador states that dialogue is the only way forward and that any long-term settlement can only be achieved by a dialogue and by people around the table by way of talks. Again, the Irish Government would encourage progress towards the achievement of a long-term settlement and the achievement of a bizonal, bicommunal federal state on the island of Cyprus in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. I ask the ambassador how he would see a Turkish contribution towards that, having regard to what, on the face of it, would appear to be action on Varosha that would seem to fly in the face of what might be described as diplomatic dialogue.
The Chairman referred to 1974 as being the start of the conflict but it goes back to 1968 because the Cyprus state really never functioned from its outset. The main reason for that is the Greek Cypriot side does not want to share power of governance and also the wealth with the Turkish Cypriots. This fact lies behind the failure of all federation negotiations ongoing since 1968. The Greek Cypriot side rejected the solution in the Annan plan in 2004, which was an opportunity missed, in my opinion. In turn, however, they were rewarded with EU membership in 2004. Later on, the Greek Cypriot side left the table at the conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana in 2017.
We need to be realistic because there are two peoples and two states on the island. The Turkish Cypriot side wants to establish a co-operative relationship in Cyprus. They submitted a written proposal at the informal five-plus UN meeting in Geneva in April of this year. The essence of the proposal is to secure enhanced sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people, and Turkey fully supports that vision. Any future negotiations should be carried out between two states on the island, not between two communities.
The Greek Cypriots still hide behind the EU, as well as the outdated UN Security Council resolutions stemming from the 1970s. The EU's blank cheque to the Greek Cypriots under the pretext of Union solidarity does not help the efforts for a settlement. If the EU sincerely wishes to contribute to the settlement of the Cyprus issue, first and foremost, it should acknowledge the existence and the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, and should fulfil its commitments stemming from the 2004 arrangement. On the other hand, the UN parameters, to which the Chairman referred, reflect an understanding between the two sides reached at the end of the 1970s and there is no agreement on that today.
On Varosha, the Turkish Cypriot Government exercises full control, jurisdiction and authority in Varosha and is the only authority to decide on matters pertaining to that suburb. Varosha is a suburb of the city of Mausa. In October 2020, the Turkish republic of northern Cyprus allowed public access to two main streets and the beach and, since that date, more than 200,000 people, including Greek Cypriots, have visited the area. On 20 July, the anniversary of the founding, the Turkish republic of northern Cyprus lifted military zone political status only to a pilot area, which corresponds to about 3.5% of Mara, that is, Varosha. The decision allows it to address the property issue in Varosha through the immovable property commission, which expands the horizons for the people who own properties there. The Greek Cypriot side attempts to portray these developments as if Varosha is open for new settlements at the expense of property rights, and this is absolutely not the case.
Would the ambassador accept, with respect, that the recent action amounts to something of a breach of trust and if there is going to be a long-term settlement, that settlement will be based on trust and confidence? What steps would he see as appropriate for his government to take in order to rebuild trust and ensure a level of trust and confidence that would engender talks towards a longer-term solution?
That trust should be built between the two communities, first and foremost, because we are the guarantor power, like the UK and Greece. It should be the two peoples on the island which should have trust in each other and build on that. For the Turkish Government to talk on behalf of a decision taken by the Turkish Cypriot Government on partially opening Varosha would not be appropriate.
Thank you. I hope a form of dialogue can take place in order to ensure harmony among people. I call Deputy John Brady.
John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
I thank the Chairman and wish the ambassador a good afternoon. He is very welcome to the committee. I congratulate him on his recent appointment to Ireland. I apologise for being late in joining the meeting. Much like other colleagues, I was tied up in the Dáil Chamber dealing with the budget, which is a not insignificant event going on as a backdrop within the Dáil today.
I have a number of questions and issues I want to try to address this afternoon. I will pick up the topic on which the Chairman finished, which is the whole issue of Cyprus. It is an issue on which I have been very vocal and one of the many reasons for which I wanted an engagement with a representative from the Turkish Embassy. I am, therefore, glad to be able to raise the issue directly with the ambassador today.
In my mind, the occupation by Turkey of northern Cyprus since Operation Atilla in 1974 must not only be condemned but the ratcheting up of tensions by Turkey, certainly over the last year or more, has really added to tensions rather than to the prospect of any peaceful resolution to the issue. As I stated, this has gone on now since the occupation of northern Cyprus in 1974.
I will not labour some of the points the Chairman made around tangible talks and efforts which are, in my mind, being taken by Turkey to undermine any prospect for talks. Last year, there were major tensions in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and much of that would have stemmed from the Turkish position and rights around exploration for oil and gas. Is the position of Turkey really ultimately about controlling large sections of the Mediterranean Sea for oil and gas? Is that influencing any positions being taken by Turkey with regard to a peaceful resolution?
I have a number of questions. Perhaps we will deal with them first and maybe the ambassador will want to come in at that point. Over the last number of years, an approach has been adopted by Turkey on the international stage and particularly in that region, which I believe to have been a very unsettling position. We see that in terms of the Turkish involvement in the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict around Nagorno-Karabakh. The Turkish intelligence transferring of jihadis from places such as Syria into the midst of that conflict was widely reported. The ambassador might address the Turkish involvement in tensions and hostilities in that particular region, what involvement Turkey had in it and what involvement it still has to this day. The use of drones, for example, which were used to target Armenian civilian populations, was widely reported. He might address that issue.
While I am talking about the transfer of jihadis from places such as Syria, it was also widely reported that Turkish intelligence again transported thousands of jihadis from places like Idlib in Syria into Egypt. Again, I listened intently to what the ambassador had to say in terms of why Turkey was involved in the situation in Libya. I will pose the point that the involvement of Turkey actually ratcheted up tensions within the region, particularly the transferring of thousands of jihadis into that particular conflict zone. The ambassador might also touch on that.
I have a couple of other issues, one of which is the treatment of the Kurdish population and Kurdish people by Turkey. We see that in terms of the ongoing attempts to ban a Kurdish political party, namely, the Peoples Democratic Party, HDP. I want to ask specifically about the ongoing efforts by President Erdoan and Turkey to ban the HDP. What is the rationale for that? Why has the decision been taken to outlaw political activity?
With regard to the ongoing tensions within the region concerning the Kurdish population, we see continuous incursions into Iraq by Turkey to target Kurdistan people, much to their annoyance and rightfully so. Ongoing incursions into Iraq are an intrusion into another country against international law. We also see the unlawful occupation of large sections of Syria. I mentioned the Idlib province already. We see it right along the northern borders of Syria and the southern borders of Turkey.
I noted with interest comments made yesterday by President Erdoan that in my mind were almost an indication that there was going to be a renewal of military hostilities against Kurdish people in those regions. I would like to get a view from the ambassador on the illegal occupation of Syria, the ongoing hostilities against the Kurds and their right to self-determination.
The final issue I want to raise with the ambassador is the that of the prevention of violence against women and combatting domestic violence. Of course, I am talking about the decision taken by Turkey to withdraw from the Istanbul accord. That was the 2011 Istanbul Convention, which was ratified by Turkey in 2012 and to which it was the first country to sign up. The decision by Turkey to withdraw from the accord is a retrograde step. It has been condemned and rightfully so. I utterly condemn the position taken by Turkey on its withdrawal from the Istanbul accord.
I will pose this question to the ambassador. What is the rationale for the withdrawal from the Istanbul accord? Ongoing violence against women is obviously prevalent in society right across the world and it must be condemned. Signing up to conventions such as this must be welcomed. I do not believe enough has been done internationally to target the ongoing issues of persecution and violence against women. Any withdrawal of positions by a government or by a country with regard to any measures to protect women in society anywhere in the world must be condemned. What is the rationale? I do not think any rationale would stand up to scrutiny. I would be interested to hear what the ambassador has to say to try to defend that indefensible position, however.
I thank Deputy Brady. The ambassador dealt with the latter issue in the context of an earlier question from Deputy Clarke. I understand that the Deputy was otherwise engaged. I am sure the ambassador would like to advert to matters in his reply to Deputy Brady. There were a number of questions, which I will leave with the ambassador for his reply.
I thank Deputy Brady for that short question. It was a rather extensive statement for the most part.
As the Chair has said I have already answered some of the questions but I am happy to repeat some of what I have said.
The Turkish policy towards the eastern Mediterranean has two dimensions. The first is related to the maritime boundary delimitation in the eastern Mediterranean. According to international law, coastal states should enter into negotiations in order to reach an agreement on maritime boundaries and this should be based on the principle of equity. Turkey has the longest coast in the eastern Mediterranean. The second dimension of Turkey's eastern Mediterranean policy concerns the protection of the rights of the Turkish Cypriots over the offshore resources of the island. I am happy to say that since July 2020 there have been no additional tensions in the eastern Mediterranean. With Germany as an intermediary, we have come to an understanding and the drilling and exploration were halted by both sides. I hope the status quoremains in the coming period.
The tensions started in 2003 when the Greek Cypriots concluded a delimitation agreement with Egypt despite our objections because that agreement violated the Turkish continental shelf. In 2007 the Greek Cypriots signed another delimitation agreement with Lebanon, disregarding the Turkish Cypriots' rights in the zone. In 2011 the Greek Cypriots started their drilling activities in the region. We did not take any action at sea from 2003 until the first offshore drilling operation of the Greek Cypriots in 2011. The commencement of those unilateral actions left us with no option but to react. Following the first drilling, Turkey signed a maritime boundary delimitation agreement with the Turkish Cypriots in 2011. Then we identified offshore licence blocks just like the Greek Cypriots have done and we granted survey and drilling licences to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation. We still waited until 2019 for our first drilling activity in the region, which was eight years after the first drilling activity of the Greek Cypriots. These developments brought us to sign a maritime delimitation agreement with the UN recognised legitimate government in Libya in 2019.
All these topics are being taken up with Greece as well and the latest round of the consultative talks were held on 6 October this year. The continuation of the calm environment in the eastern Mediterranean is in our common interest. For this it is necessary to first abandon the understanding whereby Turkey, which has the longest coast in the eastern Mediterranean, is ignored in the region. Our proposal to organise an eastern Mediterranean conference in which all actors in the region would take part for dialogue and co-operation is still on the table. Recently there was a slight provocation with a Maltese-flagged ship, Nautical Geo, which tried to do some research on our continental shelf but that was also averted and the situation did not grow out of proportion.
The Deputy asked about our policy on the HDP and the intention of closing that party down. Political parties in Turkey are among the indispensable elements of democratic and political life but they are also expected to respect democratic and universal principles of law. The request by the chief public prosecutor to Turkey's Court of Cassation for the dissolution of HDP was made on the grounds that its actions as a political extension of the terrorist organisation the Kurdistan Worker's Party, PKK, and statements and activities that it made are not in line with the democratic and universal principles of law. Dissolution of political parties is a legal measure applied in all democracies so it is nothing particular to Turkey. Everybody should respect the judicial process, which is carried out in accordance with the Turkish constitution. As for the lifting of the parliamentary immunity of some members of the HDP, there are judicial remedies and in a recent example Mr. Ömer Faruk Gergerliolu took his case to the Constitutional Court of Turkey and was reinstated.
In northern Syria we have established a secure zone for the internally displaced persons, IDPs, in that region to avoid another influx of migrants coming to Turkey who would then go onwards to European countries. The PKK's extension in northern Syria, the YPG, which is the so called People's Defence Units, exploits the pretext of fighting against Daesh to gain legitimacy and to expand its oppressive role in the region. For this reason we had to fight Daesh and the PKK in the region. Turkey has carried out three operations in the region. The first was in 2017, Operation Spring Shield and then in 2019 and 2020, two other operations took place.
Turkey has not sent any jihadists to Azerbaijan at all but the opposite is true because there is plenty of evidence that PKK elements were used in Nagorno-Karabakh by the Armenian forces and by some foreign fighters from its diaspora. That is all I have to say on that issue. I refer to President Erdoan's statement yesterday that we may have to do something in Syria. That was a reaction to the sad event of two police officers who were stationed in northern Syria being killed on the same day near Idlib.
I will bring matters to a conclusion if there are no other members offering. Deputy Brady can make a brief supplementary contribution.
I thank the ambassador for his comments but he did not really deal with the question on the banning of political parties. He danced around the issue and said it was a matter for the Turkish judiciary. I posed the point that many members of the Turkish judiciary, many journalists and many members of opposition political parties have been rounded up and are languishing in prison because of their opposition to the Turkish Government and its policy under President Erdoan. I would not take what the ambassador is saying at face value. How many political prisoners are in prison in Turkey? How many journalists are in prison in Turkey for speaking out against the Turkish Government? How many members of political parties are languishing in prison in Turkey for speaking out against the oppressive nature of the Turkish regime?
I see Deputy Stanton offering to make a supplementary contribution as well.
When I was in earlier I asked the ambassador to comment on religious freedom in Turkey. We have seen some reports which would lead us to be concerned about that. Could he also comment on the impact of Covid-19 in Turkey, especially on the economy?
Could the ambassador give us an update on the economic situation in Turkey?
Religious freedoms are constitutional guarantees, so I see no problem in that area. They enjoy all the rights the Muslim majority in the country enjoys.
Coming to the Covid-19 problem, as I said in my opening statement, we have a resilient healthcare system, so we were not that bad. On the vaccines, although we cannot match Ireland, where 90% have been vaccinated, in Turkey 112,356,099 vaccines have been used. Some 54 million are first dose, which represents 75% of the population, while 46 million are second dose, which represents 74.36% of the population. During the pandemic, we had 7 million people who were infected by the virus and to date we have recorded 63,000 deaths, but of course we are a country of 83 million so when you take this figure, you have to base it on that population.
Our economy was also affected by the pandemic and the curfew which was imposed on and off. We had a different system. Instead of a prolonged lockdown, it was lockdown on the weekends, on certain holidays and so forth. However, the economy was affected just like all other countries. The economy is also being affected by the rise in energy prices, which is the same problem Ireland has begun to experience in the last year. Electricity and natural gas prices have gone up, so it has affected many areas of life. Part of that is because of the pandemic, which I hope we will soon leave behind.
I thank the ambassador. It is my intention to bring matters to a conclusion. I remind members that we have some private business to engage in immediately following this meeting.
Again I thank the ambassador for being with us. I wish you well in your tenure in Ireland in terms of our bilateral relationship with Turkey. Ireland, as an active and engaged member of the European Union, acknowledges the fact that relations between the European Union and Turkey have regressed somewhat in recent years. We believe it is important that there is a constructive and stable relationship between the European Union and Turkey. We trust that both you and your government will positively engage to ensure that stable, constructive and positive relationship.
With that in mind, I thank you most sincerely for your invitation on behalf of Mr. Çaatay Klç, the president of the commission for foreign affairs in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. My members and I would be very keen to give appropriate and due consideration to that invitation and we will revert to you.
On behalf of members I thank the ambassador for being with us and dealing with the many and varied questions. We look forward to an active and positive engagement between our committee and yourself in your time here. I also thank Mrs. Elayouti for being with us.
The joint committee went into private session at 4.14 p.m. and adjourned at 4.24 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 2 November 2021.
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Home→News→Breakthrough Prize: A glittering night for science
Breakthrough Prize: A glittering night for science
In a black-tie and gown extravaganza on Sunday night at NASA Ames Research Center's glammed-up Hanger One, the $22 million Breakthrough Prizes were awarded to some of the world's top physicists, biologists, and mathematicians.
Think Met Gala meets Doctor Who. In a heady celebrity/scientist cocktail, movie stars Morgan Freeman, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher and others presented trophies to long-unheralded brainiacs, including Californians Peter Walter of UC San Francisco, plant geneticist Joanne Chory of San Diego's Salk Institute for Biological Studies and cancer scientist Don W. Cleveland and mathematician James McKernan of UC San Diego, among others.
"It is an amazing recognition for our work, which is normally rather abstract," said Walter, who studies how proteins within cells communicate with one another, fundamental to understanding how life organizes and functions. "What this prize does is put fundamental discoveries in the spotlight. It means a tremendous amount not just to me, but to the lab and the entire field."
Actor Morgan Freeman gives a thumbs up for a picture on the red carpet for the 6th annual 2018 Breakthrough Prizes
Scientists arrived in sleek limousines, then smiled stiffly as a phalanx of photographers waved and shouted, "Chin up!" Look left, please! Straight ahead, look straight ahead!"
The bravest ventured into the media huddle to explain how their discoveries could save our warming planet, transform how we conceive the cosmos or rock the world of math.
John Urschel, former offensive lineman with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens and now a doctoral candidate in math at MIT, valiantly described combinatorial optimization to the starstruck but befuddled journalists. It's just a way to seek optimal solutions to problems with a large but finite set of solutions, he said.
Gavin Newsom, right, chats with Marissa Mayer on the red carpet for the 6th annual 2018 Breakthrough Prizes
Then the scientists were escorted to the glittering grand event.
"My lab is going to be shocked to see me looking like this," laughed Chory in a floor-length pink gown, who journeyed from San Diego to Orange County with her family to find just the right dress. "We don't dress up much."
She seeks to design a plant that can sequester carbon in the soil. Oh, and also feed the world.
What's it like inside the hangar? It's a secret. Journalists are banned after the red carpet. But because it is live-streamed, what we can tell you is this: There is an elegant dinner, they are called to the stage for their award, and there is entertainment by Wiz Khalifa and Nana Ou-Yang. They are tended to by a small army of publicists and scurrying wait staff.
Sergey Brin poses for a picture on the red carpet for the 6th annual 2018 Breakthrough Prizes
It's a self-consciously grand but cherished event, which since its inception in 2012 has awarded close to $200 million to honor critical research in the fields of fundamental physics, life sciences, and mathematics.
"I love to come to this," said 2015 winner UC Berkeley biochemist Jennifer Doudna, in a sleek black dress and diamond earrings, who pioneered the gene editing tool CRISPR-Cas9.
The hope is to create a cultural shift — if scientists are treated like celebrities, they'll win the attention of young people. The awards, conceived by theoretical physics dropout and entrepreneur Yuri Milner, are funded by Milner and his wife, Julia, and several Silicon Valley tech titans: Sergey Brin, of Google; Anne Wojcicki, of 23andMe; and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, a pediatrician at UC San Francisco.
Zuckerberg, away on vacation with his family, thanked the scientists via video: "It is because of you that we can image a world when all diseases are cured in our children's lifetime and all of us can live to our full potential," he said, in a blue hoodie. "We are making steady progress towards making a better future for all of us."
Other guests included Spotify co-founder and CEO Daniel Elk, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, Udacity co-founder Sebastian Thrum, Miss USA 2017 Kara McCullough and George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic, a firm developing commercial space vehicles.
More than 11,000 entries from 178 countries were received in the 2017 installment of the global competition, which kicked off on Sept. 1.
Dr. Jennifer A. Doudna, the 2015 Breakthrough Prize winner in Life Sciences, poses for a picture on the red carpet for the 6th annual 2018 Breakthrough Prizes
The winners were chosen by a committee of the previous year's winners.
A total of seven $3 million prizes were awarded. In addition, three $100,000 New Horizons in Physics Prizes were awarded to three early-career physicists, and three New Horizons in Mathematics Prizes totaling $300,000 were awarded to four early-career mathematicians. The Breakthrough Junior Challenge recognized one student with a $250,000 scholarship and provided an additional $150,000 in educational prizes for the winner's science teacher and school.
Some scientists use the money to pay mortgages; others, to put kids through college. Some give their gifts to needy causes. UC Berkeley's Doudna donated her $3 million to her alma mater Pomona College and UC Berkeley to support undergraduate students doing summer research.
News of his prize was startling and unexpected — like research, said UCSF's Walter, 62, a Berlin native who lives in San Francisco with his family.
Yuri Milner poses for a picture on the red carpet for the 6th annual 2018 Breakthrough Prizes
"In research, we are explorers," he said. "We have no idea where we are going. It is unpredictable. And what we find can be very abstract and inaccessible to the average citizen."
"So this is a wonderful way to put our work out there."
The 2018 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences was awarded to Joanne Chory (Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Howard Hughes Medical Institute), Don W. Cleveland (Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at University of California, San Diego), Kazutoshi Mori (Kyoto University), Kim Nasmyth (University of Oxford) and Peter Walter (University of California, San Francisco).
The 2018 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics was awarded to Charles L. Bennett (Johns Hopkins University), Gary Hinshaw (University of British Columbia), Norman Jarosik (Princeton University), Lyman Page Jr. (Princeton University), and David N. Spergel (Princeton University).
The 2018 Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics was be awarded to Christopher Hacon (University of Utah) and James McKernan (University of California, San Diego).

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Simon Charles
Email: clerk@stjohnsbuildings.co.uk
Book BarristerDownload Details
Simon's practice is focused on financial issues arising out of family and private client matters. Simon has narrowed his practice from broad chancery/commercial work meaning that he has a wealth of experience in the company, commercial and fiscal issues which often lie at the heart of his cases.
Simon was appointed to the Attorney-General's Panel in 2010 and in this capacity has acted for HMRC in a number of leading cases.
Simon's practice encompasses the following:
Family finance – (matrimonial, cohabitation disputes and schedule 1 of the Children Act)
All aspects of contested probate
Claims under the Inheritance Act
Drafting/Advice concerning pre-nuptial agreements, Deeds of Variation and other similar documents
Court of Protection (Property and affairs including Statutory Wills and Powers of Attorney)
Tax tribunal appeals
Professional negligence (especially in relation to the above matters).
FLBA
Court of Protection Practitioners Association
Northern Circuit Chancery Bar Association
Northern Circuit Commercial Bar Association
Junior Counsel to the Crown – (2010 – date)
Family - Finance
Simon has a broad private client practice and takes pride in being able to provide practical solutions to complex legal issues. Given the diverse range of issues which fall within private client work Simon considers that his experience of both commercial and tax litigation regularly add significant value to the quality and scope of the advice he provides.
Simon is regularly instructed in cases which include the following:
Claims within which the validity of a Will is challenged
Disputes as to the meaning/construction of a Will or Trust (including applications pursuant to s.48 AJA 1985)
Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
Inheritance tax disputes
Claims within which the conduct of Personal Representatives and/or Trustees is challenged
Claims which seek the removal of Personal Representatives/Trustees
Claims for rectification
Probate Applications – e.g. Re Beddoe applications, s.27 Trustee Act 1925 and 'Benjamin Orders'
Professional negligence claims arising from the above.
A significant proportion of Simon's practice involves disputes which concern real property. Simon has particular experience of the issues common to litigation arising as a consequence of 'secured lending'. Simon has been instructed in cases involving the following issues:
Disputes as to the priority of legal charges
Subrogation and marshalling
The validity and enforcement of personal guarantees (typically given by way of additional security)
Claims of undue influence (RBS v Etridge)
Compulsory purchase and blight notices (including 'HS2 claims').
Currently instructed in numerous claims issued pursuant to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 involving estates of in excess of £1million.
Currently retained in a number of cases within which the validity of a Will is being challenged.
Lim v Walia – Court of Appeal – [2015] 1 All ER 902 – (Arden, McFarlane, McCombe LLJ)
A case concerning section 8 of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and its application to a 'life and critical illness policy'. This case was reported in The Telegraph. Read the judgment here.
Sandher v Pearson – Court of Appeal – [2013] All ER (D) 335 (Arden, Gloster and Ryder LLJ)
A case involving subrogation/unjust enrichment/priority of charges. Read the judgment here.
Horridge v Downshire House Ltd – Court of Appeal – [2010] EWCA Civ 777
A case involving nuisance caused by water ingress from a neighbouring property. Read the judgment here.
NP Integrated Technology v Entwistle [2017] EWHC B21 (HHJ Stephen Davies QC)
Litigation arising from the installation of an integrated technology ('smart home') system in a residential property. The case also involved the correct application of VAT. Read the judgment here.
2017 – High Court of Justice (Manchester) (HHJ Pelling QC)
3-day claim concerning 'Etridge undue influence'.
2017 – County Court (Manchester)
6-day 'TOLATA' trial involving a portfolio of 14 properties.
2016 – High Court of Justice (Manchester) (HHJ Bird)
4-day trial concerning a Deed of Easement which gave access to a development of newly built residential houses.
2016 – High Court of Justice (Manchester) (HHJ Hodge QC)
3-day trial. Acted for 'minority shareholder' in unfair prejudice petition arising as a result of a dispute within a 'SPV' incorporated for the purpose of a bespoke property development.
Book BarristerBack to top
Simon is regularly instructed on cases involving all aspect of Matrimonial Finance but with a particular interest in cases involving: businesses, trusts, inheritance, insolvency and disputes concerning valuation/liquidity. Simon's broad background means that he has extensive experience of representing clients in both the 'commercial/chancery courts' as well as the Tax Tribunal meaning he is particularly well placed to deal with family finance cases with a company, commercial or fiscal element.
Simon has significant experience in:
Co-habitation disputes. Simon often deals with 'TOLATA applications' involving a portfolio of properties
Claims pursuant to Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989
Claims issued pursuant to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
Professional negligence claims arising from the mismanagement of the above (with a particular emphasis upon the misevaluation of pensions).
Ezair v Ezair – Court of Appeal – [2013] 1 FLR 281 – (Thorpe, Rimer, Black LLJ)
An appeal concerning issues of liquidity and a dispute as to how the risk incumbent in 'business assets' should be divided between the parties. The appeal also involved a challenge against the costs order made by the Judge at first instance. Ths case was reported in The Telegraph. Read the judgment here.
Simon is instructed in a wide range of property and affairs cases in the Court of Protection and regards this work as a natural extension of his 'private client' practice. Simon has particular experience in cases involving the following issues:
Statutory Wills
Claims by/against Deputies.
JS v (1) KB (2) MP (Property and Affairs Depty of DB) [2014] COPLR 275, [2014] WTLR 991 – Cobb J
A property and affairs case – costs in the Court of Protection. Read the judgment here.
Following his appointment to the Attorney General's Panel of Counsel to the Crown Simon has developed a busy contentious tax practice which includes a number of 'leading/test' cases. Simon has appeared in cases ranging from the First Tier Tribunal up to the Court of Appeal.
Patersons of Greenoakhill v HMRC – [2017] 1 WLR 1210, [2017] STC 225. (Led by Melanie Hall QC)
Landfill tax – a test case concerning the application of the tax to biodegradable material which, post deposit, created methane which was burnt to produce electricity.
Upper Tribunal
B&M Ltd v HMRC – [2016] STC 2456 – (Led by Kieron Beal QC)
A 'test case' concerning excise duty chargeable under the Excise Goods (Holding, Movement and Duty Point) Regulations 2010. The case is ongoing.
Davison & Robinson Ltd v HMRC (Led by Kieron Beal QC)
An ongoing case concerning excise duty chargeable under the Excise Goods (Holding, Movement and Duty Point) Regulations 2010.
Revenue & Customs Commissioners v Charles Shaw – [2016] UKUT 4 (TCC) – (Barling J)
Seizure of goods – Sch 3 of CEMA 1979.
R (on the application of Ace Drinks Ltd) v HMRC – [2016] UKUT 124 (TCC) – (Warren J)
Judicial review – Licence to trade as an 'approved revenue trader'.
Revenue & Customs Commissioners v Sprint C.P.A. Ltd – [2013] UKUT 169 (TCC)
Classification – Bicycle parts.
First Tier-Tribunal
CW Fletcher v HMRC – [2017] UKFTT 14 (TC)
Inward processing relief.
Knutsford Business Services v HMRC – [2016] STI 222
A case involving a PAYE scheme.
Sandvik Osprey v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 698
Classification – Combined Nomenclature – Customs Duties.
Fiesta Showland Transport v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 813 (TC)
Restoration of seized vehicles.
Thomas McPolin v HMRC [2015] UKFTT 243 (TC)
Appeal concerning the definition of "holding" pursuant to Excise Goods (Holding, Movement and Duty Point) Regulations 2010.
R S Garments (A Firm Comprising (1) Ragveer Singh (2) Balbir Kaur) v Revenue & Customs Commissioners – [2014] UKFTT 1120 (TC)
'Wrongdoing penalties'.
Nufarm Ltd v Revenue & Customs Commissioners [2014] UKFTT 54 (TC)
Inward Processing Relief – Jurisdiction of the FTT.
Henry Diaper & Co Ltd v Revenue & Customs Commissioners [2014] UKFTT 45 (TC)
Penalties – Finance Act 2008, Schedule 41.
Weddle v HMRC [2014]] UKFTT (TC)
Excise Duty – tobacco imports.
Matalan Retail Ltd v Revenue & Customs Commissioners [2013] UKFTT 728 (TC)
Phil Holden Fasteners Ltd v Revenue & Customs Commissioners [2013] UKFTT 474 (TC)
Classification – Anti-Dumping Duty – Article 239 of Regulation 2913/92.
Many of Simon's cases settle as a result of ADR/Mediation. Where possible, Simon is committed to using ADR to avoid exposing his clients to both the costs and anxiety associated with litigation.
Simon is often instructed in professional negligence cases arising out of the mismanagement of issues which form the mainstay of his practice (i.e. private client work and family finance). Simon has successfully pursued a number of cases arising out of both the negligent valuation of pensions in matrimonial finance cases and conveyancing errors.


When Virginia "Ginni" Rometty became the CEO of IBM, in early 2012, she dutifully adopted her predecessor's strategy. Sam Palmisano, who held the position for a decade, had vowed in 2010 that IBM would roughly double its per-share earnings within five years. Two-plus years into her tenure, Rometty concluded that trying to meet that goal would end up crippling IBM's efforts to reinvent itself. She abandoned the plan in October 2014, thereby taking full ownership of the company's future strategy and financial health. It's been an interesting ride ever since. Rometty, 59, is on a protracted mission to make IBM a cloud-based "solutions" business. She has invested billions in advanced technologies while selling off legacy divisions that don't fit the new model.
IBM is still hugely profitable, with net income in 2016 of $13.0 billion on revenue of $79.9 billion. But it's also still a work in progress. Amid the transformation, the company has suffered 20 consecutive quarters of falling revenue. Rometty says the decline is due primarily to her selling off legacy businesses and to unavoidable currency hits. Moreover, she says, moving to new, higher-margin businesses requires some short-term pain. "My job is to build an IBM that's durable," she says.
So far her board has been supportive. Despite the shrinking revenue, it recently raised Rometty's pay package to $33 million, making her the eighth-highest-paid CEO in the United States. The question is whether investors will remain as patient. In May, IBM's biggest shareholder, Warren Buffett, said he had dumped about 30% of his holdings, noting that the company faces "some pretty tough competitors." Rometty, who also serves as IBM's chairman and president, seems undaunted. She says IBM's ability to change is "in its DNA." She should know. She has spent 36 years at the company and earned her stripes developing IBM's business-services division and leading the successful purchase and integration of PwC Consulting.
Now she is betting the farm largely on Watson, IBM's artificial intelligence platform. Watson debuted in 2011, when it took on two former champions of the TV quiz show Jeopardy! Watson won, demonstrating just how far machine learning had come. IBM commercialized Watson two years later, and its big brain now does everything from advising doctors on cancer treatment to predicting the weather.
Rometty met with HBR in her office at IBM's leafy headquarters in Armonk, New York.
HBR: You've been running IBM for more than five years now, overseeing big changes. Do you view this process as a turnaround?
Rometty: I wouldn't use that term. This is a transformation. We're a 106-year-old technology company, and we're the only tech company that has moved from one era to the next. When you're in tech, you have to transform.
How much transformation can your employees and investors handle? When will you be able to declare that you've made it to the other side?
That's a good question. Let me answer in a couple of ways. First, you need to be clear about what you are transforming to. For us, it's all about data, and we have a very clear view of what our enterprise clients will need. When people talk about data, they often mean things that are searchable via public search engines. But that's only 20% of the data in the world. What we're trying to unlock is the 80% that's behind everyone's firewalls, because that's where the value is. Everybody has tons of data; they just can't make use of it. Our belief is that you'll make better decisions if you can unlock that data and that there's a $2 trillion market around better decision making. That's the market we are going after.
How do you know you're on the right strategic path? And are you making changes as you go?
Oh, goodness, have I made changes! It's important to have deeply held beliefs about the vision. But then you have to look at the results. I'm confident about where we are at this point. Our new businesses around cloud, data, and security add up to almost $34 billion in revenue. They're growing at 13% to 14% a year and make up 42% of the company. Watson, our artificial intelligence platform, will touch one billion people by the end of this year. I consider these numbers proof that we're on the right track.
Yet you've had 20 consecutive quarters of revenue decline.
Yes, but that includes divestitures and the strong U.S. dollar. Currency is responsible for $14 billion of that decline. And I divested $8 billion to $9 billion worth of revenue sources. So that is the bulk of it.
However you account for it, is this extended revenue slide part of the plan? Or is it a disappointment?
What's positive is that the plan is proceeding as we believe it should, with the growth of large new businesses that are adjacent to our core franchises. IBM will grow again. But we need to grow in the right ways. We're moving into areas that have value and shedding ones that don't. We could have higher growth rates, but we made a bold decision to divest commoditizing businesses before they commoditize further. The new areas are higher margin, but we have to invest in them and then scale them up.
Warren Buffett just sold a big chunk of his IBM holdings. Does he not get it?
I never talk about our shareholders; they can speak for themselves. But our clients vote through their use of our offerings, and they are showing that we're on the right track. H&R Block, for example, took Watson for the tax season to assist its professionals in handling millions of customers. The company gained market share and had an unbelievable Net Promoter Score.
IBM's former CEO Lou Gerstner came from the outside and pretty much wrote the playbook on how to transform a company. Is it harder to accomplish something like that when you've already been at the company for a few decades?
I don't think it's any harder. I really believe the company has in its DNA the ability to change. We've done it over and over again. And Lou would agree that this is a more extensive transformation because of the convergence of multiple trends that are accelerating the pace of change. It doesn't matter if you're an insider so long as you don't try to protect the past. Then you have the freedom to reinvent yourself for the long term.
What's the hardest thing about trying to take this transformation through to the other side?
You have to have passion. And you have to have clarity. But I think the most difficult thing is perseverance. This is a large, highly profitable company that continues to do mission-critical work serving clients around the world — and at the same time reinventing itself. As the familiar metaphor has it, that's like changing the wheels while you're driving. And we're doing it all in the public eye. Above all, we need to stay focused on our clients and keep moving forward. I think the team has done a super job at this.
Do you feel pressure to get this done quickly?
Sure we do. Every leader wants things to go faster. You have to set the bar high and keep moving faster. But my job is to build an IBM that's durable for a whole era. We take seriously our ongoing responsibility to the clients that run our systems today, to make their work more productive. Supporting those clients takes my revenue down, but I'm proud of it: We run the world's systems. Without IBM, banks couldn't operate. Railroads couldn't move. Airlines couldn't fly.
Don't you worry that advances in cloud-based computing and data analytics could commoditize some of your new areas of growth?
I don't. Our analytics business is worth more than $19 billion. So there's no problem there. The cloud is accretive to our services business, which makes up 60% of IBM. And the cloud works in a standardized way, which means the margins can be higher. Most important, we believe that the basis of competitive advantage in the future will be data. As I've said before, data is the next natural resource. Think of oil. Where it sits is not necessarily where the wealth is. The wealth goes to whoever can refine it, process it, and turn it into something else.
How is transformation affecting your processes and your people?
For starters, we've adopted "design thinking" in our offices around the world. The goal is to make our B2B products as consumerish as possible in terms of ease, feel, simplicity. Then, to increase our speed, we've adopted agile work flows in every part of the company. And we've changed the tools we use, forming partnerships with Box, Apple, Slack, and others. We now have probably one of the most modern work environments in the world. And we're doing this with a workforce of 380,000 people.
What's the plan for your core businesses?
Our new businesses have been built off our core franchises and couldn't have grown to the size they are without them. That said, the core businesses are not necessarily in growth markets. So we need to continually reinvent them. One example is our Global Business Services. We've been transitioning to digital, but it takes time, because it's a people business. Although areas like that aren't big growth markets, they are big cash producers, and they do mission-critical work for our clients.
In a fast-paced environment like this, how do you construct the right management team?
I've brought in five direct reports from the outside, because you need people who really understand how the new systems work. About 15% of IBM's managers up and down the company came from the outside. That adds up to a lot of people when you consider our size. We've spent $2 billion in the past three years on training in new methods and approaches and on the new areas we've gone into, such as Watson Health, where we now have hundreds of doctors and nurses. With Watson we are also exploring creativity and music, and we've been hiring musicians. A new spectrum of career types are part of IBM now.
Aside from such specialties, what are the attributes you look for in new hires?
The attributes we care most about are intelligence and adaptability. Our own Watson is helping us predict people's propensity to learn.
What makes Watson different from other AI platforms?
First of all, Watson is able to deal in vertical domains. It understands the languages of medicine, financial services, underwriting, and so on. That is extremely difficult to achieve, and it's a differentiation. Second is our business model: We ensure that Watson protects clients' insights. When a client brings its data, the insights go only to that client. Third is the range of data that Watson can deal with, including sight, sound, speech.
What does all this look like in practice?
Think about a conversation. Generally, people miss about 5% of the words. Watson is at 5.5%. That makes it number one in the field. It can also sense motion; the Watson Internet of Things group has developed for customers applications such as cognitive ball bearings, which use sensors to record work-process data. And Watson can "see." In analyzing melanoma, for example, Watson achieves 95% accuracy. Try to do this task with other systems, and at best they'll score 50/50.
Fast-forward a number of years. What will Watson be doing that will amaze us?
Our moon shot is bringing world-class health care to every corner of the world. Some of that is already happening. Watson is being trained by the best cancer centers in the world and then being rolled out across hundreds of hospitals in China and India. Some of those areas have just one oncologist for maybe 1,600 patients. People in those regions have had no chance of getting world-class health care. Now they can, with Watson as an oncology adviser assisting doctors with decision making. And this is just the start.
Do you worry that Watson and other AI programs will wipe out entire categories of jobs?
There will be an impact, of course. But in many cases AI will automate only parts of jobs, meaning people can do the rest of their jobs better. Over the years, I've watched professionals — chemists, researchers, doctors, financial analysts — say, "Uh-oh, I'm going to be replaced." And eventually they end up saying, "I can't do my job without this technology." That's what always happens when there's a dislocation in technology: We learn what it is that man innately does better.
To what extent is IBM trying to write the rules of human-AI interaction?
We're leaders in the field, and we will have influence over these technologies. In January we published our "Principles for the Cognitive Era." There are three tenets. The first is purpose: We believe that "cognitive" will augment humans and extend what they do, not replace them. The second is transparency: We need to be able to tell people not just how and when our technologies are being used, but also how they were trained and by whom. If you're sick and Watson is assisting your doctor, you want to know that it was trained by the 20 best cancer centers in the world. The third is about skills: We need to help prepare a whole new cadre to live in this world. We're working with 50,000 kids in 100 high schools to help build these skills.
You've decided to engage with the Trump administration, even though some of your employees oppose that. What have you learned from trying to navigate the new political era?
I wrote a letter to employees noting that IBM CEOs have interacted with every president since Woodrow Wilson. My view is that you have to be engaged on the issues that matter so that you can have influence. You need a seat at the table to advocate for what's really important to your company — and to the world. But we stand up for policies and positions, not for politics. In fact, we're one of the few companies in our industry that don't make political contributions.
Let's talk about gender. Some female executives like talking about gender issues, and some don't, preferring to be judged solely on their records. Where do you come down?
In the past I would have said I wasn't interested in the topic. I would rather have people just look at me for what I'm capable of doing. But some years ago I realized that wasn't a sufficient answer. I was in Australia making a presentation, and a man came up to me at the end and said, "I really wish my daughter could have been here." I realized that whether I like it or not, I have to be a role model. Women and girls need role models. There aren't enough out there.
Have you faced gender-related challenges in your career?
My biggest obstacles were self-imposed, which I think is true for many women. I often tell the story of how, years ago, my boss offered me a big promotion. I told him I wasn't sure I was ready — that I needed two more years to prepare and become more confident. Later I spoke to my husband, who asked, "Do you think a man would have responded that way?" And I said, "No, he wouldn't have." The next day I accepted the job.
So what's your advice to women who are facing such a challenge?
You have to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, or you won't grow. I often ask people, "When do you feel you grew the most during your career?" They typically mention a time when they took a risk. Growth and comfort never coexist. If you're not nervous about something, it means you're not learning.
Is that why there are so few female CEOs? Women are holding themselves back? Or do you think something else is going on?
This is not Salt Flats original content. A version of this article appeared in the July – August 2017 issue (pp.126 – 132) of Harvard Business Review and online here.


SOON is an easy English web magazine for the world!
Wycliffe Associates (UK) also made a form of simple English called EasyEnglish.
There is great interest in their stories.
Tens of thousands of notes on any subject written in simple English.
Make a simple sentence in Basic English with John Derry's internet model of Ogden's word wheel.
2. Read "n+1" texts. ie. One level above your level of English.
3. Read texts written in "everyday" English.
4. Read the kind of sentences that you want to write or say yourself.
5. Start by reading or listening to texts or programs by the same author.
6. Watch and listen to many episodes of an interesting series.
seesaydo.org is still under construction.
For innovative solutions to your internet maze.


Fiber-optic communications on the way to carrier and utility grade packet transport networks.
Today – Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) plus Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH) access multiplexer solutions.
Today, SDH solutions in combination with PDH access multiplexer are used mostly by utilities for the communication requirements in high-voltage networks. Siemens offers for these demands the latest generation of SDH equipment, commonly referred to as NG (Next Generation) SDH systems or Multi-Service Provisioning Platforms (MSPP). NG SDH technology combines a number of benefits that makes it still well-suited to the needs of power utilities. Among those benefits are high availability, comprehensive manageability, and monitoring features. Ethernet-over-SDH provides the capacity to transport packet-based traffic over the SDH backbone with high reliability and low latencies. State-of-the-art NG SDH systems are highly integrated, providing the requested capabilities for utilities in a single device. At the subscriber side there is still a need to operate a number of different systems with conventional communication interfaces in today's substations (e.g., FXS, FXO, E&M, V.24, X.21, etc.). For this purpose, so-called PDH access multiplexers are used, which provide the requested interfaces, bundle the communication signals, and pass them on to the NG-SDH systems..
The SDH technology, combined with PDH multiplexer, is a well-proven solution for the manifold communication requirements of the transmission utilities. But meanwhile new requirements arise, which clearly identify the limits of the SDH / PDH technology. Especially the demand for further cost savings, above all the OPEX part, is the main challenge for the communication departments of the utilities. At the same time, the portion of packet-based data (Ethernet and IP) in the wide area networks, caused by new Ethernet- and IP-based systems (e.g., new IEC 104 RTUs, IEC61850 protection systems, sensors, IP telephony, IP CCTV, etc.) is increasing dramatically.
In order to follow the general trend of the telecom industry and the roadmaps of the network manufacturers, the existing traditional communication networks need to be migrated into highly available, packet-based hybrid systems with low latency. However, these packet-based optical networks need to meet the specific communication requirements of the transmission network operators.
Support of conventional PDH communication interfaces.
In order to meet these requirements, it is advisable to stepwise migrate the installed SDH / PDH communication infrastructure to a packet-based, highly available (carrier and utility grade) and standardized MPLS transport network, which integrates, besides Ethernet, also conventional interfaces. This means that MPLS systems offer the integration of voice, data and protection signals into one system. This allows the operation of older systems during a transition period.
In a final stage, Ethernet would be the single communication interface, which will be used in the backbone as well as in the access network. Based on this easy network structure in combination with a powerful Network Management System (NMS) and intelligent network functions, daily network configuration tasks and other service work can be performed fast and straightforward. This is the basis for further OPEX reductions.
Supports the conventional interfaces, and is therefore perfectly applicable for a stepwise migration from SDH to an Ethernet- and IP-based NG network.
Siemens offers a wide range of end-to-end solutions for utility grade telecommunication networks, and supports with its Smart Grid knowledge a smooth migration from today's TDM-based networks towards packet-based networks.


text:
Trish Stratus: The Rock told me 'You could be the female Rock'
Trish Stratus is rightly regarded as one of the most important women in the history of the WWE. The Rock and Patricia Anne Stratigeas better known as Trish Stratus share a special bond dating back to their days in WWE.
After retiring in 2006, the seven-time women's champion made several sporadic appearances, but she officially made an official one-on-one in-ring return against Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam, a few years ago.
The 45-year-old surpassed all expectations with the battle she put on with Flair and she has now gracefully headed back into retirement.
On how it feels for the current generation of female superstars to regard her as their idol
"It makes me want to come back and fight them all (laughs). It's humbling for sure and gratifying because the blood, sweat and tears you put in along the way have made an impact, which is all you can really do when you choose a career path, is hope to make an impression and have people be influenced by your work."
Mickie James, Trish Stratus kissing
On who her influences were upon starting a career in wrestling
"Well here's the crazy thing, is there were no female wrestlers to look up to. There was no women's division or anything for me to connect and resonate with, like 'I could be that one day'.
But from a wrestling perspective, The Rock, for me, was always the perfect balance of Sports Entertainment, he brought both ends perfectly and I was lucky to have him as a very good friend and he mentored me along the way.
Trish Stratus and Mickie James WWE Star
I'll never forget the day he said to me, 'You could be the female Rock'. So a lot of what I did was influenced by his work and his words, so I definitely have him to thank for a lot of my career moves."
On how comfortable the female talent during the attitude era was with some of the situations they were put in on camera
"I was never a typical 'sexy girl', like I know I played the bombshell but I'm definitely not a bombshell, so that was always a stretch for me, but as a performer and a professional I did that.
Trish Stratus Trends On Twitter Causing Alarm
And some of the stuff, we understood the narrative and the environment of the time and a lot of what we did, we knew what it meant, what the turning point would be and what the payoff was, which was always important to keep in mind.
What the fans expected at the time was, it was part of the entertainment of the time so I feel like we had to go through all that to get to where we are today."
Trish Stratus Trends On Twitter Causing Alarm Until Fans Realize Why
On being the first woman to headline RAW, with Lita
"It felt legit. It felt so important and was a huge boost of confidence knowing that the work we'd put in had made people sit up and take notice.
It was important for us to nail it and prove to people that we were deserving of the spot. That day was a very special day for me."
Related Topics:Attitude EraCharlotte Flairfemale wrestlersSummerslamThe RockTrish Stratus
Otis Was Speared By WWE Security As A Boy For Trying To Touch Trish Stratus… PHOTOS
The Rock sends personal message to Trish Stratus addressing her as "the female Rock"
Charlotte Flair Posts Breathtaking Lingerie Photo
Arn Anderson says, "I allowed Steve Austin to urinate on me because of my wife and kids"
Arn Anderson On If Segment Where Steve Austin Peed On Him Was Punishment From Vince McMahon
AEW1 hour ago


text:
Nation's Capitol on Edge After Car Crashes into Two Officers; Killing One
Lorenzo Arce, Digital Editor-in-Chief • April 6, 2021
One Capitol Police officer was killed and another severely injured by a car that rammed though a barricade protecting the US Capitol building on April 2. The driver ran towards officers wielding a knife. shot and killed he was. The Incident The attack occurred at 1 a.m. at a police checkpoint on...
El Paisano Media
Officer involved shooting
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's Ex-Advisor Tricks Companies into Investing Over $250 Million
Elizabeth Pierce, former CEO of FCC lead-man Ajit Pai's Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC), has been arrested for wire fraud after using "forged guaranteed revenue contracts" to trick companies into investing over $250 million in a fiber-optic company. The news came April 12, courtesy...
Ajit Pai
President Trump fires FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe days before Retirement
Cesar E. Gonzalez, Reporter • March 21, 2018
March 16th is the day word was out that the deputy director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe was fired just a few days before his planned retirement. Aside from the President's habit of informing the public through the social media app known as Twitter, Attorney General Jeff Sessions gave a statement as well...
Andrew McCabe
FBI Deputy Director
General Attorney
The FBI Agent In Your Webcam Is Not The Only Imaginary Entity To Fear
Dante Lopez- Bennett, Copy Editor • March 19, 2018
I think that perhaps everybody's scared. Can you truly say that tape has never been over your webcam? Today, webcams are now seen as invasive threats. Truly, if the FBI were Roko's henchmen and a Basilisk anything but mythological, could hefty middle-aged men be watching our secrets? kept and archived?...
Trump to Comey: You're Fired
Corbin Boone, Staff Writer • May 16, 2017
President Trump decided to Fire James Comey, the head director of the FBI Tuesday, May 9. The President gave his reasoned that Comey was being dishonest and showing a disregard for the bureau when handling Hillary Clinton's private email server during the U.S. presidential election. Many political...
FBI director
FBI director admits to investigation of Russian interference, colluding with Trump administration
Angelo Torres, Staff Writer • March 21, 2017
FBI Director James Comey confirmed rumors of investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election during a testimony before the House of Intelligence Committee the morning of March 20. Russian interference has been a major point of discussion since the conclusion of the 2016 presidential...
Security vs Privacy, FBI vs Apple
Carlos Alvarado Jr., Staff writer • February 25, 2016
After hearing so much about the FBI asking Apple to assist them in the unlocking of the San Bernardino gunman's iphone by creating a "back door" that as of right now, dose not exist. To then taking it out to our very own campus to ask the students their opinion on Security vs Privacy for the student...
FBI vs Apple


text:
import argparse
parser = argparse.ArgumentParser()
parser.add_argument("square", type=int,
                    help="display a square of a given number")
parser.add_argument("-v", "--verbose", action="store_true",
                    help="increase output verbosity")
def main():
    args = parser.parse_args()
    answer = args.square**2
    if args.verbose:
        print "the square of {} equals {}".format(args.square, answer)
    else:
        print answer

if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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