Ersin Tatar: Attacks Against Afzal Khan Are Unacceptable
Ersin Tatar: Attacks Against Afzal Khan Are Unacceptable
President Ersin Tatar stated that the intolerant statements and disproportionate attacks made by the Greek Cypriot side following the visit of UK Member of Parliament for Manchester Rusholme and UK Trade Envoy to Turkey, Afzal Khan, to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are unacceptable.
According to information from the Presidency, President Tatar made the following remarks on the matter:
"As is known, UK MP for Manchester Rusholme and UK Trade Envoy to Turkey, Afzal Khan, visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recently at my invitation. Hosting Mr. Khan, whom I also met in Manchester in recent months, has been a great honor for me and for the Turkish Cypriot people.
The intolerant statements and attacks made by the Greek Cypriot side and certain other circles after this visit are a new example of the long-standing unjust and unlawful policy of isolation directed against the Turkish Cypriot people. The disproportionate attacks and pressures directed at a foreign high-level official, as if it were their first visit to the TRNC, are completely unacceptable. This approach constitutes a direct disrespect not only to our guest but also to the honor and will of the Turkish Cypriot people.
The Greek Cypriot side considers isolating us from all contacts, international participation, trade, sports, culture, and all areas of life as its main duty. I strongly condemn this policy and all statements made in this direction.
Such an exclusionary, oppressive, intolerant, and unequal approach cannot expect the Turkish Cypriot people to be recognized as equal partners in the future. These events serve as a wake-up call to those who still expect equality from the Greek side. The stance of the Greek leadership once again clearly demonstrates how wrong and dangerous it is to base the will of the Turkish Cypriot people on the approval of the Greek side.
The Turkish Cypriot people deserve a future shaped on the basis of two existing states on the island, under sovereign equality, with equal international status, and according to their own will. We will continue resolutely toward this goal, undeterred by all obstacles."