After 50 years of failed negotiations in Cyprus, Lord Balfe calls on the United Kingdom to put things right.
There are several steps the British government could take to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots which could in turn end the impasse on the island.
The ghost town of Maraş was reopened in 2020 by TRNC President Tatar. Known for its past as an A-list celebrity hotspot, the town is now being eyed as the Dubai of the eastern Mediterranean.
After decades of abandonment, the TRNC has bold and ambitious plans to bring the seaside town back to its former glory. Over a million tourists have already visited the town – proving its incredible potential.
Both Sides in Cyprus must remain level-headed and respectful of one another to prevent a costly mistake that could turn the island into the new Gaza. Speaking to The Telegraph’s Nick Squires, who was visiting the TRNC, President Ersin Tatar outlined why he believes efforts to reunify the island are a ‘waste of time’, and explained how recognition from more countries can and will come slowly but surely.
The British Residents’ Society also gave their opinions on the continued stalemate in negotiations on the future of the island, with one commenting “you can’t keep flogging a dead horse.”
When Maraş was reopened by President Tatar in 2021, it was brimming with potential. In just three years, the town has seen an exponential tourism boom – attracting over half a million visitors in just two years. The town has the potential to become the new Dubai of the eastern Mediterranean that benefits the economies of both the North and South of the island.
Baroness Mobarik visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in February 2024. During her time there she saw the wealth of tourism and business opportunities the country offers the UK. She heard plans for Maraş to be restored as a world-leading tourist destination, and listened to the entrepreneurial spirit of Turkish Cypriot small business owners and the Chamber of Commerce (KTTO).
She says that the UK should seize the opportunities that the TRNC offers and recognise the two State solution on Cyprus to preserve peace and economically benefit both North and South.
Sammy Wilson MP visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in January 2024. Following that visit, he returned to the UK with a full understanding of the injustice Turkish Cypriots face on a daily basis – from a lack of direct flights and trade, to banning from international sporting tournaments.
Turkish Cypriots are Commonwealth citizens and the UK has an obligation to defend their interests. Currently, this is not the case, and the way to win them equality on the world stage would be through recognition of a two State solution in Cyprus.
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.
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.
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.
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.