In the interview, President Ersin Tatar emphasised that alleviating the isolation face by the Turkish Cypriots would foster peace, urging the UK to reassess its policies. He underscored that cooperation between Turkish and Greek Cypriots in areas like energy and natural resources could benefit both communities on the divided island.
Tatar also reminded the UK, as a guarantor power of Cyprus, of its responsibilities to both Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
Decades-Long Conflict
The conflict in Cyprus has persisted for decades between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In the early 1960s, ethnic violence pushed Turkish Cypriots into isolated enclaves for safety. In 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at annexing the island to Greece led to Turkey’s military intervention, safeguarding Turkish Cypriots. This action resulted in the creation of the TRNC in 1983.
Although Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, a UN plan to reunite the island was rejected by Greek Cypriots that same year. Turkey continues to advocate for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality for both communities.
Urging for Diplomatic Action
Tatar’s concerns are shared by Turkish Cypriot non-governmental organisations, which have called on the UK to end the isolation of their community. These groups are pressing the newly elected Labour government to prioritise policies that ensure the safety and long-term stability of Turkish Cypriots.
Alp Cengiz Alp, a board member of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the close ties between the UK and Cyprus, noting that many British citizens live in North Cyprus. He advocated for direct flights, arguing that connecting Turkish Cypriots to the world is essential not only for economic reasons but also on humanitarian grounds.
The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce plans to address this issue directly with UK Parliament members, stressing its urgency.
EU Violations
Alp criticised the Greek Cypriot administration for acting against European Union principles since Cyprus’ EU accession in 2004. He noted that while the EU has provided financial aid to the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriot government’s actions have increased their isolation, contrary to EU ideals of fostering cooperation and development.
The Role of the UK
Turkish Cypriots are hopeful that the new Labour government will engage more actively with their concerns. As a guarantor power, the UK has an important role in addressing the ongoing isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community, Alp said. He also pointed out the frustration of Turkish Cypriot youth, who are excluded from participating in international organisations and events due to the political situation.
Broader Human Rights Issues
The Protection Rights Initiative, a coalition of Turkish Cypriot civil society groups, has raised concerns about property disputes in North Cyprus. In meetings held in London, the coalition urged the international community to address these issues, framing them as significant human rights concerns that affect global justice.
The coalition also expressed frustration over Greek Cypriot authorities arresting third-country nationals over property rights violations in the TRNC, which they argue contravenes international law.
