Greek Cyprus using EU as political weapon: Turkish Cyprus FM
A view of snow covering a portion of Cyprus' northern Girne mountain range, above the flag of the Turkish Cyprus (TRNC), Lefkosia on March 13, 2022. (AFP Photo)
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu expressed dissatisfaction over recent agreements between certain Turkic States Organization (OTS) members and the European Union, as well as the appointment of ambassadors to Greek Cyprus.
Ertugruloglu stated that the Greek Cypriot side “has always used the EU as a weapon,” arguing that such developments could be used to undermine the sovereignty-based policies of Turkish Cyprus.
“This should not be seen as a criticism of our policy,” he said, noting that the E.U. had admitted the Greek Cypriot side into the union as if it represented the whole island. “The E.U. possesses a perception that does not align with the realities of the island,” he added.
EU accused of acting contrary to Cyprus realities
The minister criticized the E.U. for involving OTS member states in a process that, according to him, contradicts the sovereign policy of the TRNC.
He emphasized that the E.U., despite claiming to uphold noble values, has taken steps in cooperation with the Greek Cypriot side that he believes threaten the recognition of TRNC.
“The steps regarding U.N. Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550 were taken by those countries under the direction of Greek Cyprus and the E.U.,” Ertugruloglu said. He argued that these moves are not being analyzed correctly by some observers.
Greek Cypriots aim to impose EU-based settlement, TRNC claims
Ertugruloglu further claimed that the E.U. continues to pressure the Turkish Cypriot community to accept integration under the umbrella of the Republic of Cyprus.
“The Greek Cypriot side wants a solution in line with E.U. norms,” he said. “This means freedom of movement and settlement, which we do not accept. We are a people who prefer to stand firm.”
The minister added that the current developments should be approached calmly and stressed that they do not represent a “disaster” for TRNC nor a “victory” for Greek Cyprus.
“It should now be clearly understood that there will be no retreat from our sovereign state policy,” he concluded.
