President Mustafa Akıncı has said that he has been subjected to attacks on social media that were full of disgusting language and threats. He expressed his sadness about some of the expressions used against his person. Akıncı stated the following:
“The views I expressed a few days ago on social media are my sincere thoughts. However, instead of understanding these ideas correctly, unfair and disproportionate criticisms have been made, and moreover, attacks on social media have been organised using disgusting language and threats.
“This low level still continues”, he said.
He acknowledged that Turkey had suffered a great deal to get rid of the scourge of terrorism and he shared this desire for Turkey to be rid of its enemies. The President said that he had emphasised this sentiment on every occasion at various events.
“However, I think it is time for the wars that are about to enter their 10th year on Syrian soil to come to an end. It is inevitable for all peoples here and in the region to establish a system in which they can live peacefully and in peace. Syria’s territorial integrity within its own borders can exist. It is also essential for Turkey to create a situation where it can feel safe within own limits.
“As I emphasised earlier in this context, is it clearly necessary to re-establish relations between Turkey and Syria. This is precisely why diplomacy and dialogue are essential. In the same context, with other countries in the region and I believe Turkey will be much stronger in developing relations with the EU”.
“How long has it been a crime to defend peace? What will it bring to blame and slander?” he asked.
President Akıncı said that the Turkish Cypriot people are a people attach great importance to the friendship and fraternal ties with Turkey throughout history.
“Throughout my term of office, I have endeavoured to develop relations on the basis of mutual respect within the understanding of this importance. But it is not always possible to think the same way and to exhibit the same behaviour in every subject. Respect for different views is a requirement of a healthy relationship”.
He acknowledged that the Turkish Cypriots and the TRNC had been greatly supported by Turkey to reach its present position. However, he noted that:
“At the same time, the Turkish Cypriots have reached this point with their own great struggles. If Turkish Cypriots did not resist to exist on this island, these days would never have been reached. The authorities that exist within our democracy and the Presidency in the first place, are shaped by the free will of our people.
“I believe that the Turkish Cypriot people have reached the maturity to decide by their own volition, not by suggestions. In this process, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our people who know my true feelings and thoughts on issues such as terror, peace and democracy and do not spare their support. I would like to invite those who deliberately distort and escalate the matter to use common sense.
“I believe that there is no point in dividing camps and blaming each other. Turkey and the region will find its way out from this difficult period of peace, of course. These days will be left behind.
“With these feelings and thoughts, I share the pain of the families of the fallen martyrs, wishing them God’s mercy and that those who have been wounded should heal”.
Yeni Duzen
