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Category: Media

Out of touch High Commissioner calls 1974 Turkish intervention a “land grab”

12 July, 2023

Speaking to the estimated 10,000 British nationals living in the TRNC, the British High Commissioner to ‘Cyprus’ Irfan Siddiq referred to the second phase of Türkiye’s intervention on the island as a “land grab”.

Suggesting that the 1960 Constitution no longer could be applied to Turkish Cypriots, Siddiq, showcased his staggering ignorance of history and reality by likening the TRNC to that of Russia’s annexations in Ukraine.

President Tatar: “Something is cooking” as Macron eyes ‘revenge strategy’ to threaten British bases on Cyprus

7 July, 2023

David Maddox, Express.co.uk

Following a visit by French President Macron to Southern Cyprus in May, TRNC President Ersin Tatar raised his concerns about a potential French military base on the island stating it contradicts existing agreements.

The President put forward his case that this may be Macron seeking to exact revenge on the UK following its withdrawal from the European Union.

Tatar said that any agreement must consult Turkish and Greek Cypriots the UK, Türkiye, and Greece.

LISTEN: LBC’s Iain Dale and former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith discuss the TRNC and President Tatar

31 March, 2023

Iain Dale and the Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith, ‘For the Many’

Renowned broadcaster, Iain Dale, and former Home Secretary under Gordon Brown, Jacqui Smith speak about President Tatar’s March interview on LBC, the Cyprus issue, and the continued importance of British involvement on the island. Describing it as ‘fascinating’, Dale spoke about the President’s CapX article, the history of the island, and makes comparisons to Israel-Palestine, and Northern Ireland.

LISTEN: President Tatar features on Times Radio for exclusive interview with Baroness Ruth Davidson

31 March, 2023

The Rt. Hon. Baroness Ruth Davidson, Times Radio

President Tatar speaks to former Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, the Rt. Hon. Baroness Ruth Davidson on his vision for a two State solution on Cyprus, the purpose of his visit to the United Kingdom, and his desire to see Britain adopt a more prominent role in resolving the ‘Cyprus issue’ in a fair way – respecting the sovereign equality of both Sides.

LISTEN: President Tatar gives an exclusive interview to LBC’s Iain Dale

29 March, 2023

Iain Dale, LBC

President Tatar speaks to LBC’s Iain Dale on his vision of a two State solution on the island of Cyprus, the role the TRNC can play on the world stage, and the history of the island and why the TRNC formed.

Global Britain – a ‘guarantor power’ capable of breaking the Cyprus deadlock

28 March, 2023

President Ersin Tatar, CAPX

Writing whilst on his official trip to London in March 2022, President Tatar sets out his argument for British parliamentarians and political stakeholders to support the inherent sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot People. He argues that the Turkish Cypriot People are entitled to equal rights and opportunities as Greek Cypriots and that their inherent rights, including individual and collective human rights, have been violated for decades.

Despite pledges to end the isolation of the TRNC, the international community has not honoured their commitments, and the Greek Cypriot side has entrenched the status quo in their favour. The President advocates for a two State solution and calls for the UK and the international community to honour their promises to end the embargo on the Turkish Cypriot people, which will contribute to the security, stability, and cooperation in the region.

The island of Ireland offers a pathway to follow to solve the ‘Cyprus issue’

23 March, 2023

Lord Dennis Rogan, The Telegraph

The Good Friday Agreement turns 25 years old this year. Lord Rogan writes that Prime Minister Sunak should follow in the footsteps of Blair, Trimble, and those leaders who put aside their political differences to find a solution on the island of Ireland. The Cyprus issue could be looked at in a similar way – both are islands with two Peoples and two nations.

Lord Rogan, Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords writes that the TRNC has a right to exist, praising President Ersin Tatar for his forward-thinking ambition – a two State solution. Brexit offers the United Kingdom a chance to break the deadlock on Cyprus.

The isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people isn’t just a political motivation, but a religious one too

17 March, 2023

Paul Bristow MP, Politics.co.uk

The UN has approved the second International Day to Combat Islamophobia, recognising that Muslims worldwide face persecution and atrocities such as the Rohingya and Uyghur genocides. While 94% of the UK’s over three million Muslims are able to practice their religion freely, anti-Muslim prejudice still exists, and the UK Government has promised to define Islamophobia. Paul Bristow, Member of Parliament for Peterborough (a city with a significant Muslim community), has seen how Islamophobia can be subtle but real during his February (2023) visit to the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot Muslim population faces international isolation due to the unresolved “Cyprus issue,” which needs to be resolved for the benefit of the UK and the Western Alliance by creating trade opportunities and strengthening relations with Turkey. Prejudice against Muslims can take many forms, including isolation.

Former Turkish Ambassador to the UK urges Global Britain to use its unique role to end the Cyprus issue

11 March, 2023

His Excellency Ümit Yalçın, Express.co.uk

During his time as the Turkish Ambassador in London, Ümit Yalçın has witnessed significant events such as Brexit, Covid-19, and the earthquakes in Türkiye. He expresses gratitude for the UK’s solidarity and support during the earthquakes, but believes the UK can play a more active role in finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Cyprus. Despite this issue, bilateral relations between Türkiye and the UK have developed, with intensified political contacts as NATO allies and strategic partners. The Free Trade Agreement between the two countries has been signed and is being expanded. The UK is also among the top 10 favourite tourism destinations for Turkish visitors. Yalçın considers it an honor to represent Türkiye as an ambassador, especially in the UK, and holds the UK and its people in a special place in his heart.

The UK has a unique role to play in resolving one of Europe’s last frozen conflicts

10 February, 2023

Çetin Ramadan, Wolves of Westminster

According to the European Research Group (ERG), the UK’s most significant achievement since leaving the EU has been its foreign policy leadership, particularly in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The article argues that this demonstrates the UK’s potential to shape its global role and resolve conflicts such as the ongoing Cyprus issue. The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has called for a two State solution to the Cyprus issue, which has been unresolved for nearly 50 years. The article contends that a federal solution has failed and that only by granting equal sovereign and international status to both sides can a peaceful, long-term solution be achieved. The article concludes by suggesting that by seizing post-Brexit opportunities, Britain can establish direct trade and international flights with the TRNC, which is a crucial step towards resolving Europe’s longest frozen conflict.