Tag: Cyprus issue

Statement: Presidential Election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

23 October, 2025

Statement on the Presidential Election held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign congratulates President Tufan Erhürman on his election as President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

This election represents the democratic will of the Turkish Cypriot people, reaffirming their enduring commitment to self-determination and their ability to shape their own political future through free and fair elections.

We extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing President Ersin Tatar for his leadership and years of dedicated service to the Turkish Cypriot people and the TRNC. Throughout his presidency, President Tatar strengthened the voice of the Turkish Cypriot people on the international stage, defended their sovereignty and security, and advanced their cause with determination and dignity.

As the TRNC enters a new chapter, the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign expresses confidence that President Erhürman will work towards unity, progress, and the continued advancement of the Turkish Cypriot people. His leadership now carries the responsibility of ensuring that the voice of the Turkish Cypriot people is heard, respected, and represented both at home and abroad.

The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign looks forward to working constructively with President Erhürman and his administration to support the ongoing struggle for equality, security, and recognition – and to contribute to a stronger and more prosperous future for the Turkish Cypriot people and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus

What is the Immovable Property Commission (IPC)?

22 October, 2025

The Immovable Property Commission (IPC) was established in 2006 under the Immovable Property Law (No. 67/2005) of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Its creation followed rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) – most notably in the Xenides-Arestis v. Turkey case – which called for an effective domestic remedy to address property claims arising from the events in Cyprus.

On 1 March 2010, the ECHR ruled in Demopoulos and Others v. Turkey that the IPC provides such an effective domestic legal remedy for property issues in Northern Cyprus. As a result, the Court now requires all property-related complaints to be first brought before the IPC before they can be considered at the international level.

The IPC officially began its work on 17 March 2006, with its President, Vice-President, and members appointed by the Supreme Council of Judicature of the TRNC. It is composed of both Turkish Cypriot and international members to ensure impartiality and compliance with international standards.

Mandate and Function

The Commission reviews applications concerning restitution, compensation, or exchange of properties left behind in Northern Cyprus prior to 1974. Its decisions are guided by the long-standing principles of bi-zonality and bi-communality, as reflected in the 1977–1979 High-Level Agreements and subsequent United Nations settlement plans.

The IPC aims to resolve individual property disputes fairly and efficiently, while respecting both the rights of displaced owners and those of the Turkish Cypriots currently residing on or using those properties.

Activity and Results

As of October 2025, the IPC has received 8,375 applications, of which 2,131 have been concluded.
In total, it has awarded £570.8 million in compensation to applicants.
In addition to compensation, the Commission has also issued rulings for exchange, restitution, and combined solutions in specific cases.

Recognition by the ECHR

The European Court of Human Rights officially recognises the IPC as a valid domestic legal mechanism for property claims in Cyprus. This recognition affirms that the IPC operates in line with international legal standards and provides a functional avenue for Greek Cypriot applicants seeking redress.

However, it is important to note that no equivalent mechanism exists for Turkish Cypriots who lost their homes, land, and property during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s – long before the division of the island – due to violence, displacement, and discriminatory policies against them.

Conclusion

The Immovable Property Commission continues to serve as an independent and recognised institution providing justice, stability, and due process for property disputes in Cyprus. By offering a structured and lawful process, it contributes to the broader goal of ensuring peace, fairness, and mutual respect between the island’s two peoples.

Statement: New York Trilateral Talks

27 September, 2025

Statement on the UN Trilateral Meeting in New York

The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign welcomes President Ersin Tatar’s constructive participation in the latest round of discussions held in New York under the auspices of the United Nations.

President Tatar has once again reaffirmed the unwavering position of the Turkish Cypriot side – a settlement based on two sovereign, equal states with equal international status. After more than fifty years of failed and exhausted federal negotiations, it is clear that a new, realistic, and sustainable model is needed to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation on the island.

The two-state solution proposed by President Tatar offers the most practical path forward: one that reflects the realities on the ground and provides a foundation for good neighbourly relations, mutual respect, and genuine partnership between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot peoples.

We express serious concern over the recent actions of the Greek Cypriot leadership, including the militarisation of the South through Israeli missile systems, the arbitrary arrests of Turkish Cypriots, and measures designed to damage the Turkish Cypriot economy and deepen isolation. Such steps only escalate tensions and undermine the prospects for lasting peace.

The Turkish Cypriot people deserve security, dignity, and international recognition. We stand firmly with President Tatar’s vision, which represents not only the will of his people but also the only viable and fair path toward stability and coexistence in Cyprus.

Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot NGOs Deliver Letters to UK Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary on Afzal Khan MP’s Forced Resignation

21 August, 2025

Representatives from the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus (FFNC) campaign, Embargoed!, and the British Turkish Cypriot Association (BTCA) visited both the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and 10 Downing Street to deliver letters addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe and North America.

The letters expressed outrage at the forced resignation of Afzal Khan MP as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Türkiye following political pressure over his recent personal visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Rikki Williams, Co-Chair of the FFNC campaign, said:
“It is outrageous that a foreign power can dictate what the UK government does. While Afzal Khan has resigned, the government’s failure to support him is deeply troubling.”

Nejla Clements, Secretary of Embargoed!, said:
“As Embargoed! we are appalled at Afzal Khan’s fate simply for engaging with Northern Cyprus in a private capacity. We have written to Stephen Doughty to explain Embargoed!’s stance and the Turkish Cypriot position. We also detailed our objections and made it clear why this is unacceptable.”

In addition to the joint letters, Embargoed! has also written separately to MPs Alexander Douglas, Dame Priti Patel, Wendy Morton, and Alicia Kearns, setting out the Turkish Cypriot community’s objections and urging them to reconsider their positions.

Çetin Ramadan, Co-Chair of the FFNC campaign, said:
“Labour prides itself on fairness, yet Afzal Khan has been forced out for a personal visit. His trip was primarily to pay respects at a Muslim site, Sheikh Nazim’s shrine, but the whole issue has been unnecessarily politicised.”

This follows strong criticism from Sammy Wilson MP, who condemned Khan’s resignation as “deeply unfair and unjust.” Wilson also accused Conservative MPs of hypocrisy, highlighting that those attacking Khan have themselves visited Northern Cyprus or other unrecognised territories such as Somaliland.

Further backing came from Lord Northbrook, Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, who described the political pressure that led to Khan’s resignation as “deeply regrettable.” Lord Northbrook stressed that parliamentarians must be free to engage with Turkish Cypriots without fear of reprisal, warning that attempts to silence dialogue undermine democracy and parliamentary independence.

Vice Chair of TRNC APPG Issues Statement on Afzal Khan’s Resignation

21 August, 2025

Statement from the Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

As the Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, I, along with fellow Members of both Houses of Parliament who serve on this Group, wish to express our deep concern at the resignation of Afzal Khan MP from his position as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Türkiye, following sustained pressure from outside groups.

Mr Khan’s recent visit to the TRNC was conducted in a personal capacity, with the simple aim of fostering dialogue, understanding, and engagement. For such a visit to be met with hostility and the kind of political pressure that has led to his resignation is deeply regrettable.

Parliamentarians must be free to engage with communities, build relationships, and listen to different perspectives without fear of reprisal. Attempts to intimidate or silence parliamentarians undermine the very principles of democratic representation and parliamentary independence.

The APPG for the TRNC will continue its important work of promoting dialogue, deepening understanding of the issues facing Turkish Cypriots, and ensuring that their voices are heard in Westminster.

We stand in solidarity with Afzal Khan MP and reaffirm that Members of Parliament and Peers should never be deterred from engaging constructively on matters of international importance.

Lord Northbrook
Vice Chair, APPG for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Sammy Wilson MP Hits Out at Conservative Double Standards on Afzal Khan’s Visit to Northern Cyprus

20 August, 2025

Senior Conservative MPs, including Shadow Foreign Office Minister Wendy Morton and former Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Alicia Kearns, have been accused of hypocrisy after condemning Labour MP Afzal Khan for visiting the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) – despite having undertaken similar visits themselves.

Wendy Morton, a former Minister for Europe, recently criticised Mr Khan’s trip, stating:

“A government representative would never visit occupied Donbas or Crimea. So for Afzal Khan to unofficially visit occupied northern Cyprus is totally unacceptable.”

Yet in 2021, Morton herself paid an official visit to the TRNC, where she met with President Ersin Tatar in her capacity as a UK government minister.

More recently, just three months ago, Morton took part in a trip funded by the Greek Cypriot government to southern Cyprus – raising further questions about her impartiality and understanding of the UK’s responsibilities as a guarantor power.

Similarly, Alicia Kearns, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned travel to “a territory we don’t recognise.” However, in 2023 she travelled to Somaliland – a region which also has no international recognition from the UK or the broader international community.

Critics argue that the attacks on Khan reflect a pattern of selective amnesia from the Tory front bench, with Morton and Kearns both having engaged with unrecognised or disputed territories when politically convenient.

The episode has reignited debate around the UK’s constitutional role as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, which requires the UK to act impartially and maintain good relations with both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Morton’s comparison of Northern Cyprus to Russian-occupied Donbas or Crimea has drawn particular criticism for misrepresenting the UK’s legal and diplomatic obligations. Critics say such rhetoric risks undermining the delicate balance Britain is meant to uphold between the two communities on the island.

Commenting on the controversy, DUP MP Sammy Wilson said:

“Afzal Khan’s resignation is deeply unfair and unjust. No MP should be punished for engaging with Turkish Cypriots and listening to their concerns.

“For decades, MPs have visited Northern Cyprus and met officials without consequence – yet Afzal Khan has been unfairly singled out.

“The hypocrisy is glaring: those now criticising him have themselves visited Northern Cyprus and even travelled to territories the UK does not recognise, such as Somaliland.

“Silencing dialogue in this way undermines free speech and sets a dangerous precedent for parliamentary independence.”

References:

Wendy Morton’s remarks criticising Afzal Khan’s visit to Northern Cyprus were published in the Daily Mail (August 2025), where she stated:
“A government representative would never visit occupied Donbas or Crimea. So for Afzal Khan to unofficially visit occupied northern Cyprus is totally unacceptable.”
Full article: Daily Mail – 20 August 2025
Wendy Morton previously visited the TRNC in 2021 as the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Europe, where she met with President Ersin Tatar in an official capacity:
TRNC Presidency Website – October 2021
Alicia Kearns publicly condemned travel to unrecognised territories in response to Afzal Khan’s visit, stating:
“We should not be sending parliamentarians to a territory we don’t recognise.”
Tweet by Alicia Kearns – 2025
Yet in 2023, Alicia Kearns herself visited Somaliland, a territory not recognised by the UK or the international community. Her visit included meetings with officials and was shared on her public channels:
Tweet by Alicia Kearns – September 2023

Statement on Afzal Khan MP’s Visit to the TRNC

12 August, 2025

Afzal Khan MP’s visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), in a personal capacity, shows his commitment to ensuring engagement with Turkish Cypriots that reflects a spirit of dialogue and openness that should be encouraged, not criticised.

Recent attacks on Mr Khan are misplaced and risk undermining the UK’s longstanding and balanced role as a Guarantor Power in Cyprus. The UK Government regularly meets representatives from both the North and the South of Cyprus. Minister Doughty has met President Ersin Tatar on multiple occasions since the General Election. Engagement with the TRNC forms a key part of the UK’s role as a Guarantor Power.

The United Nations continues to facilitate 5 plus 1 talks, of which the UK is part, to find a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue. Attempting to silence or prevent dialogue with one side only makes the prospect of a lasting agreement less likely. The TRNC – and Turkish Cypriots around the world – too often remain excluded from international engagement, despite being essential to any future solution.

We commend Mr Khan’s willingness to engage in respectful dialogue and urge all public figures to adopt a balanced and constructive approach to Cyprus.

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.

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.

EU Funds Central Asia — But at What Cost to the Turkish Cypriots?

29 April, 2025

The European Union’s recent pledge of over €12 billion in funding for Central Asian and Turkic states under its Global Gateway initiative has drawn fresh criticism over its tone and intent. While framed as a step toward deeper cooperation, leaders in the region — and supporters of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — are raising concerns about how this funding is being used, and what political conditions are being imposed in return.

At the Samarkand summit, attended by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan alongside top EU officials, a €12 billion investment package was unveiled. While officially designed to foster deeper EU–Central Asia ties, sources indicate that acceptance of these funds came with politically motivated conditions aimed at marginalising the TRNC and appeasing the Greek Cypriot administration.

These conditions included:

• Recognition of the Republic of Cyprus as the island’s sole legitimate authority.
• Appointment of ambassadors exclusively to the Greek Cypriot administration.
• Rejection of the sovereignty of the TRNC and denial of Türkiye’s legitimate protective role.
• Obstruction of the TRNC’s participation in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

These demands were reportedly made in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984) — resolutions that have long been criticised by Turkish Cypriots as one-sided and outdated. Passed during the Cold War amid immense political pressure, these resolutions fail to reflect the realities on the ground in Cyprus today. Instead, they have been used as a tool to perpetuate the political isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people, despite their ongoing democratic will and consistent calls for peace and parity.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commented today on the issue, stating:
“There are also areas where we see that the EU is trying to exploit this mutual interest. Of course, we are closely following all aspects of these developments. We are taking the necessary initiatives. We are in contact with our friends, exchanging views, and informing them.”

This development comes just days after the 21st anniversary of the Annan Plan — when the Turkish Cypriot people overwhelmingly voted in favour of reunification and compromise, only to be punished with continued international isolation, while the Greek Cypriot rejection was quietly overlooked.

There is growing concern that the EU’s approach risks appearing more coercive than cooperative — undermining trust in a region that is vital for energy security, trade, and long-term global stability.

At a time when unity is needed to support Ukraine and build genuine partnerships, the UK can — and should — play a different role: one rooted in fairness, dialogue, and recognition of the Turkish Cypriot people’s right to equal representation and sovereign dignity.