Tag: Articles

Cyprus Today Front Page: Call for UK–TRNC Direct Flights Gains National Attention

7 June, 2025

The campaign for direct flights between the UK and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) received national press coverage this week as Cyprus Today ran the story on its front page.

The article highlights the Early Day Motion (EDM 63709) tabled by Rt Hon Sammy Wilson MP, describing it as a “historic milestone” and the first positive parliamentary proposal for Turkish Cypriots in nearly 20 years. The motion has already received cross-party attention and support from other MPs.

The EDM calls on the UK Government to permit direct flights to Ercan International Airport, citing the hardship faced by over 300,000 Turkish Cypriots in the UK and thousands of British nationals in the North due to current travel restrictions.

Greek Cypriot Leader Responds to Direct Flights Motion But Ignores 2004 UK Promise

5 June, 2025

Tom Cleaver, Cyprus Today

Following the tabling of EDM 63709 in the UK Parliament, calling for direct flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides was questioned on the issue in an interview with Cyprus Mail.

His response avoided any mention of the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, where Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly voted Yes to reunification while Greek Cypriots voted No — after which the UK, EU, and international community promised to end Turkish Cypriot isolation through direct trade and travel.

Instead, Christodoulides stated:

“The international community… has repeatedly taken a position on these issues. Especially Britain, which is a guarantor power and a member of the United Nations Security Council.”

The comments come as pressure builds on the UK Government to finally deliver on its commitment to Turkish Cypriots, 20 years after the failed reunification vote.

UK Parliament Bill Calls for Direct Flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

4 June, 2025

Tom Cleaver, Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail reports on a landmark bill has been tabled in the UK Parliament by MP Sammy Wilson calling for direct flights to Ercan Airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

This marks the first such proposal since 2007 and highlights growing parliamentary support for the rights and recognition of Turkish Cypriots.

The bill urges the UK Government to engage with the TRNC and reconsider outdated restrictions that isolate its people.

The move has been welcomed by campaigners as a major development in the fight for fairness, equality, and practical engagement.

It also reflects an increasing awareness in Westminster of the unjust treatment Turkish Cypriots face.

Lord Balfe Condemns TRNC Isolation as “Outrageous” in UK Parliament

30 May, 2025

MyKibris

MyKibris reports on Lord Balfe’s latest remarks in the UK Parliament, where he described the ongoing embargoes and international isolation of the TRNC as “outrageous” and hypocritical.

Speaking at an event honouring Turkish Cypriot poet Osman Türkay, he highlighted the inconsistency of allowing direct flights to Taiwan but not to Ercan.

His statement is part of a growing wave of British parliamentary voices calling for an end to the unfair treatment of Turkish Cypriots.

The event also reflects increasing momentum in UK–Northern Cyprus engagement, which has gained significant ground under President Ersin Tatar’s leadership.

Avrupa Gazete Features Upcoming Documentary on Turkish Cypriot Football

30 May, 2025

Mert Ahmet, Avrupa Gazete

Offside: The Untold Story of Sports in the TRNC, a documentary supported by the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign, has been featured in Avrupa Gazete.

The article explores the roots of sporting isolation in Northern Cyprus and tells the stories of Turkish Cypriot players, coaches, and fans who continue to fight for international recognition.

The piece also sheds light on past attempts at integration, including the failed Zurich Agreement, and features scenes from recent matches, interviews with KTFF President Hasan Sertoğlu, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, and President Ersin Tatar. This growing media attention reflects increasing awareness in the diaspora and international press about the injustices faced by Turkish Cypriots in sport.

The documentary is scheduled for release in early July 2025.

South Cyprus Rejects Water from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as Drought Crisis Deepens

30 May, 2025

SME Bulletin, Noel Alberts

As the Greek Cypriot Administration faces a growing water crisis, authorities in the South have rejected an offer from the TRNC to supply clean water from Türkiye via the existing Geçitköy pipeline.

Instead, desalination units have been brought in from the UAE, despite the TRNC’s offer being more cost-effective and immediately operational.

Turkish Cypriot officials have criticised the refusal as politically motivated, noting that cooperation could have eased pressure on millions of residents and tourists.

The episode reflects ongoing resistance to practical collaboration between the two sides of the island.

New Documentary Spotlights Struggle for Turkish Cypriot Football Recognition

30 May, 2025

Mert Ahmet, Cyprus Today

Cyprus Today has featured Offside: The Untold Story of Sports in the TRNC, a new documentary supported by the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign.

The film explores the deep-rooted political barriers that have kept Turkish Cypriot football in the shadows of international sport, despite its rich history and passionate following.

Through interviews with key figures, including TRNC President Ersin Tatar, KTFF officials, and former international players, the documentary sheds light on the injustice of sporting embargoes and the community’s continued determination to compete on the global stage.

Set for release in early July 2025, the film marks an important cultural milestone in the ongoing fight for recognition and fairness.

TRNC–UK Engagement Reaches New Heights Under President Tatar

28 May, 2025

Türk Ajansı Kıbrıs

Türk Ajansı Kıbrıs (TAK) has reported on the growing momentum behind UK–TRNC relations, noting that 15 Members of the UK Parliament have visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus since President Ersin Tatar’s election.

These parliamentarians – from the Conservative Party, Labour Party, and Democratic Unionist Party – held high-level meetings and visited key historical sites, including Maraş and the Murataga-Sandallar-Atlilar Memorial.

The visits reflect President Tatar’s strategic push for broader international engagement, with a clear emphasis on securing a two-state solution grounded in sovereign equality.

The growing interest from across the UK political spectrum marks a notable shift in the level of attention and engagement with the TRNC.

Former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw: Two-State Solution is the Only Way Forward for Cyprus

19 March, 2025

Jack Straw, The Independent

Former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has reiterated his support for a two-state solution in Cyprus, stating that the decades-long federal negotiations have failed due to Greek Cypriot intransigence.

In The Independent, he highlights the missed opportunities for peace, the need for a new approach, and why the UK must reassess its policy.

With the UN talks in Geneva having ended, his intervention adds weight to the argument for recognising Turkish Cypriot sovereignty.

UN Cyprus Talks Will Lead Nowhere Without UK Policy Shift, Minister Warned

7 March, 2025

MSN

MSN reports that ahead of the UN Cyprus talks scheduled for March 17-18, the UK is being urged to reconsider its stance on the long-standing dispute. Concerns have been raised that without a shift in policy from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, the talks will achieve little progress.

TRNC Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu has made clear that Turkish Cypriots reject returning to failed federal negotiations and that only a two-state solution can provide lasting stability.