Tag: Press release

One Week On from Geneva: Where Does Cyprus Go Next?

25 March, 2025

One week on from the informal UN-led talks in Geneva, the outcome is being viewed as yet another missed opportunity for meaningful progress on the Cyprus issue. While both sides agreed to minor confidence-building measures, the core proposal put forward by the Turkish Cypriot side — aimed at fostering structured cooperation — was rejected by the Greek Cypriot administration.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had proposed the creation of a Cyprus Cooperation Council (CCC). This mechanism would bring together the two leaders, their negotiators, and relevant officials to cooperate on key island-wide issues, with the participation of guarantor powers and observers from the UN and the EU.

The CCC would have offered a practical framework for cooperation in areas such as:

Hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean
Electricity interconnectivity to the EU grid
Tourism, trade, and banking
Judicial matters and irregular migration
Freshwater management and climate change
Demining, green energy transition, and disaster preparedness

These proposals were clear, constructive, and left the door open for additional areas of collaboration. However, they were outright rejected by the Greek Cypriot side.

In contrast, the talks concluded with limited agreements on:

Advancing efforts to open new crossing points
Clearing landmines
Generating solar power in the buffer zone
Restoring cemeteries
Addressing climate and environmental issues
Establishing a technical committee on youth affairs

President Ersin Tatar welcomed these as ‘positive’ developments. However, far greater progress could have been achieved had the Greek Cypriot side engaged with the broader cooperative vision presented by the Turkish Cypriots.

This continued refusal to acknowledge the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people — as enshrined in the original 1960 Republic of Cyprus constitution — demonstrates an unwillingness to move beyond the outdated and failed federal framework.

As former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw wrote last week in The Independent:

“To me, the answer to this issue is simple. The only realistic way forward for the island is a two-state solution – a view shared by the TRNC and Turkey. The Greek Cypriots remain doggedly committed to the long failed federal proposal.”

We echo those words.

It is time for the international community to recognise the reality on the ground. Turkish Cypriots are ready to work in good faith, but the future of Cyprus must be built on sovereign equality and peaceful coexistence between two states — not on continued obstruction, isolation, or denial.

The Persistent Threat of Landmines in Cyprus: A Call for Action

21 February, 2025

Over 25 years ago, Princess Diana captured the world’s attention by walking through an Angolan minefield, shining a light on the devastating human cost of landmines. Her tireless advocacy not only pushed governments to confront this “plague on Earth” but also led to the landmark Ottawa Treaty, a global commitment to banning these hidden killers. Yet, decades later, the fight against landmines remains far from over.

The enduring presence of landmines in Cyprus is a tragic reminder of the island’s troubled history and the unresolved conflict between its communities. These hidden remnants of war pose a daily threat to lives, impede social and economic development, and serve as a symbolic barrier to reconciliation.

Despite international calls for action and the availability of financial and technical assistance, efforts to remove these deadly hazards have been obstructed – most notably by the inaction of Greek Cypriot authorities.

Landmines affect over two million square metres of land in Cyprus, rendering vast areas unusable for agriculture or development. While nearly 30,000 mines have been removed at a cost of over €14 million, an estimated €7 million more is needed to clear the remaining minefields.

As of 2022, there remained 29 suspected hazardous areas on the island. Specifically, there are three landmine areas under Greek Cypriot jurisdiction and one under Turkish Cypriot jurisdiction, all adjacent to the border.

Progress has been frustratingly slow, with demining operations hampered by Greek Cypriot resistance to granting access to known minefields. This reluctance stands in stark contrast to the urgency of the situation: landmines grow more unstable and dangerous over time, posing an increasing risk to anyone living or working near them.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has shown a willingness to address this issue, working with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to clear minefields within its territory.

Turkish Cypriot authorities have repeatedly invited cooperation from the Greek Cypriot side to expedite demining across the island, but these overtures have often been met with indifference or limited engagement.

Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriot leadership’s failure to act undermines their claims of seeking peace and coexistence, as unaddressed minefields continue to endanger lives and erode trust between the communities.

The humanitarian impact of this neglect is profound. Unmarked or poorly maintained minefields pose an immediate danger to civilians, particularly in buffer zones where both communities sometimes venture.

Demining must be considered a shared responsibility to the whole island and a legacy owed to future generations. Beyond the physical threat, landmines serve as a symbol of division and mistrust, hindering efforts to build a united future for Cyprus.

This inaction also raises serious questions about accountability. Cyprus, the UK, Türkiye, and Greece are all signatories to the Mine Ban Treaty, which obligates them to take proactive steps to eliminate landmines.

As a guarantor of Cyprus’s independence, the UK has a moral responsibility to advocate for stronger demining efforts and ensure that all parties come to the table to address this urgent humanitarian issue. This can only be achieved with David Lammy opening dialogue with all parties on the Island.

Clearing landmines is not just a matter of safety; it is a vital step toward promoting reconciliation and rebuilding trust. Removing these remnants of conflict would demonstrate goodwill and commitment to a more peaceful Cyprus.

The Greek Cypriot leadership must move beyond empty rhetoric and take tangible action required to resolve this issue, working with the TRNC and international partners.

The legacy of landmines cannot be ignored. For the safety and prosperity of both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, immediate and decisive action is needed to remove these hidden dangers and pave the way for a better future for all people on the island.

Former Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw: A divided Cyprus should never have been allowed into the EU

19 July, 2024

The Rt. Hon. Jack Straw has described Cypriot accession to the European Union as one of his “greatest regrets” from his time in office.

Writing in the Independent to mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish intervention in Cyprus, the former Foreign Secretary, describes how the “legal nonsense” of the terms of Cyprus’ accession to the EU has handed Greek Cypriots “all the cards” when it comes to negotiations on the divided island.

He warns that if the Greek Cypriot side continues its refusal to negotiate in good faith “there is only one way to unblock the impasse.”

It will be for international partners, such as guarantor nations like the UK, and the EU to tell the southern Cypriots that “partition of the island will be on the table, and the enforced isolation of the north will end.”

He highlights that the current stalemate and lack of agreement is due to the intransigence of the Greek Cypriot community which has rejected every negotiated settlement, including the 2004 UN backed Annan proposals. A rejection that led to “outrage” among European ministers.

Mr Straw insists that the EU and its member states “should have postponed Cyprus’s accession and insisted that it would only go ahead once a power-sharing peace settlement for the whole island was in place.” He points to how “this, after all, was part of the original rationale for making Cyprus an accession state.”

Going further, he labels the current position of the EU an “absurdity”. Referring to a declaration from the recently re-elected EU Commission President, Ursula Von der Leyen, that the EU would “never, ever” accept a two-state solution for the island.

He remarks that “there are plenty of examples, in Europe and beyond, where partitions are the least-worst solution to continuing conflicts.” He goes on to reiterate that “the possibility of partition is the one thing which could, and likely would, prompt the south to compromise, because if not, they would have an entirely separate, internationally recognised, independent state to their north.”

A situation that he acknowledges “is that de facto that’s what we have anyway.”

For him, it is time for change. Mr Straw questions why “innocent people in the north continue to be punished” with international isolation due to the “obduracy” of the Greek Cypriots.

In his mind, “the prize, of a settlement, would have many advantages for the long-term future of the south as well as the north, and should now actively be pursued.”

Northern Cyprus celebrates 50th anniversary of peace

16 July, 2024

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will mark the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation with a weekend of celebrations.

Over the course of the weekend, Turkish Cypriots will hold several events to celebrate the arrival of Turkish peacekeepers on Cyprus in 1974. Their arrival ended Greek Cypriot attempts to cleanse the island of Turkish Cypriots and to enforce an illegal Enosis with Greece.

There will be three main events marking the anniversary of this vital peacekeeping operation.
On the evening of Friday 19th July, Turkish Cypriots will gather for a torch lit rally on the beach at Girne, where Turkish forces first landed, to demonstrate their respect and gratitude for the surviving veterans who saved them from genocide.

Saturday morning, 20th July, will see the start of the main celebrations with a military parade through Lefkosa, the capital of the TRNC, followed by speeches from the President of the TRNC – Ersin Tatar, and the Turkish President – Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to the people of Northern Cyprus and commemorating those who died to prevent genocide.

In the afternoon, there will be a spectacular air display over Girne Harbour by the Turkish Stars and Solo Turk. The day will end with an invite-only reception at the Presidential Palace.

Parliamentarians urge Cameron to end discriminatory ban on flights to Northern Cyprus

30 May, 2024

A cross-party group of influential politicians have urged Lord Cameron to end the UK’s punitive and unfair ban on direct flights to Northern Cyprus.

Last week, the parliamentarians wrote to Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, raising serious concerns over the treatment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and calling for “the commencement of direct flights from the United Kingdom to Ercan International Airport – the largest airport on the island of Cyprus”.

They want the Foreign Secretary to end “one of the most restrictive policies of any country in Europe when it comes to air travel to Ercan”.

The move by more than fifty parliamentarians and politicians, including former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, highlights the hypocrisy of the UK’s current position. They point to the UK allowing flights to non-UN member states such as Kosovo, and to countries that it doesn’t recognise such as Taiwan. The question is “why not to Northern Cyprus?”

Air travel to the TRNC is not a risk and there is no history of poor safety. Indeed, Ercan Airport abides by international aviation security standards, and safely hosts hundreds of thousands of passengers each year.

They warn that if the UK continues to fail to engage with the TRNC, it will “risk letting countries such as Russia and Iran do so instead – fundamentally challenging the UK’s strategic foothold in the eastern Mediterranean.”

This call for action from the 300,000 strong Turkish Cypriot diaspora comes as a new general election has been announced. Turkish Cypriots, their friends and families, will
also be putting pressure on both the Government and other major parties to commit to ending this unjust situation.

Chet Ramadan, founder of Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus, said: “It is time that the UK ends their regressive ban on flights to the TRNC. This is something that was promised 20 years ago and has yet to be fulfilled.

“300,000 Turkish Cypriots live in the UK, and 15,000 British expats live in Northern Cyprus. The onerous and unnecessary flight rules only create a cruel burden for those wishing to visit family members or go on holiday.

“UK parties must commit to allowing direct flights to restart and we will repeat this call to whoever forms the next government.”

DUP call for UK to lead in resolving ‘Cyprus issue’

23 February, 2024

A two-state solution is the only way forward.

The United Kingdom must step forward and fulfil its duty by ensuring lasting peace for Cypriots, according to the leader and senior figures of the Democratic Unionist Party.

A former leader of the party and the Rt. Hon. Sammy Wilson MP have both called on the UK government to take a lead on resolving the 50-year-old ‘frozen conflict’ in Cyprus in recent commentaries.

They believe that Cypriots on both sides of the UN-enforced Green Line deserve better than the current efforts of the British government and international community.

Both believe that there is a “moral duty” and “responsibility to help resolve the Cyprus issue” that, by failing to create a lasting peace, the UK government is not upholding.

They believe that peace can only be achieved with a two-state solution and recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as equal to the Republic of Cyprus.

Writing for the House Magazine, the former leader highlights that continuing to reject Northern Cypriot independence is “an unfair and untenable situation” that leaves Turkish Cypriots “perpetually punished for the inability of their counterparts to reach an agreement”.

Mr Wilson, published on politics.co.uk, argues that “Continuing to insist on reunification is not helping anyone and only adds to the problem. Cyprus has changed and cannot be considered one state anymore.”

Calling on the opportunities of Brexit and the strength of the UK’s historic relationship with Cyprus, both are clear that the UK is uniquely placed to take the lead on ensuring a cooperative and long-term solution for Cypriots.

Sammy Wilson goes further and points to the UK’s support for Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, commenting that, “The UK has a long history of supporting new states declaring independence on ethnic and religious lines… We support a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. What makes the situation in Cyprus different?”

Commenting Chet Ramadan, co-founder of Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus, said:

“I am profoundly grateful for the intervention of the DUP and their recognition of reality in Cyprus. For 50 years, the international community has been far too willing to ignore Cyprus and let it continue in limbo with a succession of failed negotiations – all rejected by Greek Cypriots.

“The United Kingdom has a responsibility to find a true solution that benefits all Cypriots and continued support for the status quo is failing that duty. A two-state solution is the only answer.”

European ‘ghost town’ to transform into the next Vegas

12 February, 2024

Radical plans are underway to transform a deserted ‘ghost town’ into a European hotspot for gambling, shopping, fine dining and entertainment, to compete with Las Vegas or Macao.

A consortium of prominent businesspeople have approached authorities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with a grand proposal to create a major new resort city.

Billionaire businesspeople from across the globe as well as some of the world’s most successful hoteliers have identified the beachfront town of Maraş, a suburb of Famagusta, as the best location for this new billion pound project.

During the early 1970s, Maraş was the top tourist destination in Cyprus and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and attracted the glitz and glamour of Hollywood celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren. However, following the Cypriot civil war and the Turkish intervention it has lain empty and is now a ghost town. Buildings have deteriorated over time, metal has corroded and plants and

trees grow through the roads and pavements.

Maraş is host to one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and sea turtles have been known to nest there.

Under the new proposals, Maraş would be restored to its place as one of the world’s top holiday destinations. Dozens of casinos, luxury hotels and resorts, shops and fine dining restaurants are planned.

Dr Muhammet Yasarata, Chairman and CEO of the Paradise and Premier Group of Companies, a leading luxury tour operator in North Cyprus, Turkey and Malta said:

“For too long America has held Las Vegas as a shining example of what can be achieved through strategic investment. It is about time Europe had a contender to attract tourists from all corners of the globe.

“What better place to establish a rival, than in a historically significant tourist destination that has languished unused and neglected for far too long.

“This year Maraş will have stood deserted for half a century, which is far too long.

“Now is the opportune moment to unleash our creativity and explore ways in which Maraş can flourish and offer experiences to people across the world.”

Chet Ramadan, Co-Chairman of the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign said:

“North Cyprus and the rest of the island will benefit enormously from this development. It will show the world that North Cyprus is open for business.

The University of Oxford welcomes the Turkish Cypriot President to mark its 40th anniversary as a nation

30 November, 2023

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) visited The University of Oxford, to mark the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the state, and set out his plans for a new co-operation agreement with Greek Cyprus.

At an event, last week (Monday 20th November) at St John’s College, the University of Oxford, President Ersin Tatar set out a new all-encompassing initiative for cooperation dialogue between TRNC and Greek Cyprus to secure peaceful coexistence on the island and create an environment of interdependence.

President Tatar was joined at the event by Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş (Turkish Ambassador to the UK), Ambassador Çimen Keskin (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Representative to the UK), TRNC community representatives, and students of the University of Oxford.

President Tatar called for the North and South to cooperate on a wide range of issues, including hydrocarbon resources off the coast of Cyprus; electrical interconnectivity with the European Union’s grid via the Republic of Türkiye; effective use of solar energy as a means of transitioning to green energy; managing the Island’s freshwater resources; demining; and curbing of irregular migration.

The President reiterated his commitment to a two-state solution to the Cyprus issue based on sovereign equality and equal international status of the two sides.

Commenting on the visit, Chet Ramadan, Co-Chairman of the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign said:

“It was an excellent initiative of the University of Oxford to host this event to mark the 40th anniversary of the TRNC, which means so much to the 300,000 Turkish Cypriots living in the UK.

“The President set out his proposal for how the north and south can co-operate and co-exist peacefully which is absolutely essential given the volatility of the region.”

Senior politicians to join 30,000 Turkish Cypriots at London festival

30 June, 2023

Senior politicians from the UK and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are set to join thirty thousand people from the Turkish Cypriot community to celebrate its history and culture this weekend in London.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and former Conservative Party Leader, Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, will join Ersin Tatar, President of the TRNC, on Sunday (July 2nd) to mark the Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival at Donkey Lane in Enfield, north London.

President Tatar is expected to use the event to protest that there are no direct flights between the UK and the TRNC , which makes life so difficult for the hundreds of thousands of Turkish Cypriots who travel between the two countries.

Direct flights would also mean that the TRNC would become a more popular destination with British tourists.

Speaking before the event, President Tatar said:
“The Turkish Cypriot community is thriving in Britain. 300,000 Turkish Cypriots have been welcomed into British society.
“I look forward to joining so many in London to celebrate our history, our culture and our important relationship with Britain and British people.

“I want to further enhance our relationship with Britain by establishing direct flights between our two nations which will make it so much easier for the Turkish Cypriot community and will enable us to welcome so many more British friends to the TRNC.”
The festival, organised by the Council of Turkish Cypriots Association (CTCA), is the sixth to take place, with the inaugural event taking place in 2017. However, the past three have been held online because of the pandemic.

The event will bring together tens of thousands of families and friends from the Turkish Cypriot community.

There will be traditional folk dancing, an array of food stalls, arts and crafts and funfair rides and the day will be topped off with a live performance from Işın Karaca, the British-born Turkish Cypriot pop star.

One of the event organisers, Chet Ramadan said:
“After three years of marking this event online, it will be fantastic to celebrate face to face once again. “This festival will bring the Turkish Cypriot community together to mark our unique culture.”

President Tatar is visiting the UK

27 March, 2023

President Tatar is visiting London to meet British politicians to discuss the need to reaffirm the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot People so that new and formal negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus issue can start.

He will explain how federalism based negotiations have been exhausted, and have been rejected at least 15 times by the Greek Cypriot Side for more than half-a-century.

The President will be calling on post-Brexit Britain to play a lead role in resolving this conflict.