Tag: Two-State

The Labour Party cannot fight Islamophobia without engaging Turkish Cypriots in the UK

11 January, 2024

In November 2023, a series of Turkish Cypriot community groups wrote to Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, to ask him to take a more active approach in tackling Islamophobia against Turkish Cypriot muslims. Starmer referred the group to Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, who refused a meeting citing his busy schedule.

As we face a general election this year, the Labour Party must realise that for decades Turkish Cypriots have formed a key voting bloc in their electoral coalition. Without them, they will be unable to win many seats in London and the surrounding counties.

The snub by the Shadow Foreign Secretary is a snub of 300,000 Turkish Cypriots living in the UK and highlights that cherry-picking instances of Islamophobia is real and a serious concern to many marginalised Muslim groups.

A lack of direct trade with and flights to Northern Cyprus is ‘onerous and arbitrary’ says senior Conservative MP

8 January, 2024

The Rt. Hon. David Jones MP, CapX

The UK formerly had a sensible approach to bilateral ties with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Not any more.

Forcing passengers to disembark one aircraft and board another in Türkiye is a cruel and arbitrary measure, especially given the historic ties between the country and the UK.

To continue in this approach would be hypocritical of the British government – especially given it did not reject Kosovo or Bosnia when they declared their independence.

Direct trade and flights is in Britain’s national interest. To not seize this opportunity gives Iran, China, Russia an open goal.

President Tatar: David Cameron should play his part to end 60 years of stalemate

4 January, 2024

President Ersin Tatar, Express.co.uk

The reality on Cyprus is one of two States. For 60 years, Turkish Cypriots have governed themselves. Each year the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus proves itself to be more and more of a state worthy of recognition. However, whilst 60 years of stalemate may suit the administration in Southern Cyprus, the UK must chart a path towards a mutually acceptable solution.

As a guarantor power of Cyprus, Britain’s foreign policy must be to recognise the independence of the TRNC so that this frozen conflict can finally end, and both Sides of the island can begin cooperating meaningfully on a range of initiatives that will benefit both communities, the region, and Britain.

The UK must recognise the TRNC as a legitimate authority for the Turkish Cypriot people.

19 December, 2023

Rt. Hon Sammy Wilson MP, REACTION

Due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the danger of frozen conflicts is more apparent than ever. The West must no longer ignore these unresolved issues as instability seems to inevitably lead to violence.

That is why the UK government must recognise the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and end the Cyprus issue conclusively.

Not only has the solution worked in places such as Ireland, but the Turkish Cypriot government would be a reliable and secure partner for the UK.

The Labour Party cannot ignore Turkish Cypriots when addressing Islamophobia

3 December, 2023

David Maddox, Express.co.uk

The Freedom and Fairness campaign, alongside representatives from the UK Turkish Cypriot community signed and issued a letter to Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, calling on him to address the hypocrisy in how Islamophobia is addressed within the party.

As we mark Islamophobia Awareness Month, the letter urges Starmer to reflect on whether the UK would isolate a European Christian country in the same way Britain has the Turkish Cypriots in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

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.”

A future Labour Government could exercise its leadership by recognising the TRNC

20 November, 2023

Rikki Williams, CapX

With the appointment of Lord David Cameron as Foreign Secretary, it is clear the Conservative Government is serious about burnishing its international credentials. At a time when Britain’s role in the world is more important than ever, and with the prospect of a Labour Government assuming office within a matter of months, how can the UK use its influence to resolve the frozen conflicts that remain?

Cyprus should be one of Keir Starmer’s foreign policy priorities. After nearly 50 years since the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation, Labour should endorse a two-State solution in Cyprus to create a lasting peace in the already fragile region.

WATCH: President Tatar gives an exclusive interview to TalkTV on his two State vision for Cyprus

19 November, 2023

Peter Cardwell, TalkTV

President Tatar speaks to TalkTV’s Peter Cardwell on his plans for a two State settlement for Cyprus, and touches on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and the implications it may have for the island.

A two State solution, proven in Cyprus, needed for Israel-Palestine

31 October, 2023

TRNC President, Ersin Tatar

President Tatar recently spoke to the Express amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The President highlighted that whilst the world does not recognise the two State solution in Cyprus, it is a model that is an undoubtable reality and it is a model for relative peace. President Tatar therefore argues that it should be implemented to other irreconcilable conflicts, like with Israel-Palestine.

President Tatar also reflects on his childhood and how he witnessed the atrocities faced by the Turkish Cypriot people. Similar to the Palestinians in Gaza, Turkish Cypriots were under siege between 1963 to 1974, deprived of food, water and electricity.

The only way to ensure peace between Israel-Palestine is via a two State solution. It established peace on the island of Cyprus and it can help establish peace in this area of the Middle East.

Türkiye is now a geopolitical kingmaker the West can no longer overlook

18 October, 2023

Çetin Ramadan, Comment Central

Turkey stands as a pivotal bridge between the West and East, projecting its influence globally across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and North Africa. Turkey’s stance on global matters, including the prolonged Syrian humanitarian crisis and issues in the Sahel and North Africa, must be acknowledged owing to the repercussions each has for Europe.

The Cyprus issue is no different, with President Erdoğan calling upon the international community to acknowledge the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as an independent state and a two-State solution akin to the UN and EU’s backing of Israel and Palestine. Additionally, the reintegration of Nagorno-Karabakh into Azerbaijan is regarded as a step towards heightened stability in the Caucasus. Furthermore, the international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is deemed conducive to fostering a peaceful settlement in the eastern Mediterranean.