Media - Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus

The Golden Sands Hotel: King Charles III responds to TRNC President Ersin Tatar

15 February, 2024

The current fiasco surrounding the ownership of the Golden Sands hotel by King Charles has caused a diplomatic row as leader of the Greek Cypriot administration orders an investigation into the issue.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus authorities claim that the Royal Family do own the hotel as redevelopment plans for Maraş continue.

One of the proposed images of the redeveloped town seems to have created quite a stir according to the Daily Express.

“When it opened, it was fully booked until 2020″ – what is known about “seven star” hotel allegedly belonging to King Charles III in the TRNC?

13 February, 2024

Zahra Khaliq, Mirror

Following the Cyprus Peace Operation carried out by Türkiye, the town of Maraş had to be abandoned.

It has now been reported that the Golden Sands hotel which has been left there is owned by King Charles.

However, the Royal Family have continued to deny these claims despite the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus stating the rumours are true.

President Tatar’s plans to transform Maras forces Greek Cypriot Administration into launching an investigation

13 February, 2024

David Maddox, Express.co.uk

Whilst the Royal Family have tried to distance themselves from the Golden Sands hotel, the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, has ordered a full investigation into the issue.

President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has stated to Express.co.uk that King Charles does indeed own the hotel.

Meanwhile, redevelopment plans for Maraş continues.

‘Vegas of the Med’ may forge ties between the British Royal Family and Northern Cyprus

12 February, 2024

David Maddox, Express.co.uk

As redevelopment plans continue in Maraş, the ownership of the Golden Sands hotel by King Charles has once again come into question with legal battles potentially taking place in the future if the issue is not resolved.

With a consortium of billionaire businesspeople from across the globe in alliance with some of the world’s most successful hoteliers, the beachfront town has the potential to be a top holiday destination for travellers.

It will be interesting to see how the UK Government and Royal Family respond to a potential re-opening of the Golden Sands hotel.

President Tatar’s plans to redevelop Maras could include a hotel owned by Kind Charles III

12 February, 2024

Georgie English, The Sun

The ownership of the Golden Sands hotel continues to come into question as redevelopment plans continue in Maraş.

King Charles is believed to be the owner of the hotel according to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus government. However, the Royal Family have denied these rumours.

The hotel was first opened in 1974 and proudly defined itself as “the world’s first seven-star hotel.”

The Labour Party cannot fight Islamophobia without engaging Turkish Cypriots in the UK

11 January, 2024

David Maddox, Express.co.uk

In November 2023, a series of Turkish Cypriot community groups wrote to Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, to ask him to take a more active approach in tackling Islamophobia against Turkish Cypriot muslims. Starmer referred the group to Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, who refused a meeting citing his busy schedule.

As we face a general election this year, the Labour Party must realise that for decades Turkish Cypriots have formed a key voting bloc in their electoral coalition. Without them, they will be unable to win many seats in London and the surrounding counties.

The snub by the Shadow Foreign Secretary is a snub of 300,000 Turkish Cypriots living in the UK and highlights that cherry-picking instances of Islamophobia is real and a serious concern to many marginalised Muslim groups.

A lack of direct trade with and flights to Northern Cyprus is ‘onerous and arbitrary’ says senior Conservative MP

8 January, 2024

The Rt. Hon. David Jones MP, CapX

The UK formerly had a sensible approach to bilateral ties with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Not any more.

Forcing passengers to disembark one aircraft and board another in Türkiye is a cruel and arbitrary measure, especially given the historic ties between the country and the UK.

To continue in this approach would be hypocritical of the British government – especially given it did not reject Kosovo or Bosnia when they declared their independence.

Direct trade and flights is in Britain’s national interest. To not seize this opportunity gives Iran, China, Russia an open goal.

President Tatar: David Cameron should play his part to end 60 years of stalemate

4 January, 2024

President Ersin Tatar, Express.co.uk

The reality on Cyprus is one of two States. For 60 years, Turkish Cypriots have governed themselves. Each year the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus proves itself to be more and more of a state worthy of recognition. However, whilst 60 years of stalemate may suit the administration in Southern Cyprus, the UK must chart a path towards a mutually acceptable solution.

As a guarantor power of Cyprus, Britain’s foreign policy must be to recognise the independence of the TRNC so that this frozen conflict can finally end, and both Sides of the island can begin cooperating meaningfully on a range of initiatives that will benefit both communities, the region, and Britain.

The UK must recognise the TRNC as a legitimate authority for the Turkish Cypriot people.

19 December, 2023

Rt. Hon Sammy Wilson MP, REACTION

Due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the danger of frozen conflicts is more apparent than ever. The West must no longer ignore these unresolved issues as instability seems to inevitably lead to violence.

That is why the UK government must recognise the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and end the Cyprus issue conclusively.

Not only has the solution worked in places such as Ireland, but the Turkish Cypriot government would be a reliable and secure partner for the UK.

The Labour Party cannot ignore Turkish Cypriots when addressing Islamophobia

3 December, 2023

David Maddox, Express.co.uk

The Freedom and Fairness campaign, alongside representatives from the UK Turkish Cypriot community signed and issued a letter to Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, calling on him to address the hypocrisy in how Islamophobia is addressed within the party.

As we mark Islamophobia Awareness Month, the letter urges Starmer to reflect on whether the UK would isolate a European Christian country in the same way Britain has the Turkish Cypriots in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Category: Media