Tag Archives: Greek Cypriot

Foreign Minister Ertuğruloğlu: “We were not surprised to see bloody murderers in cooperation”

TRNC Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu made a statement regarding the Greek Cypriot administration’s recent move to allow PKK/PYD terrorist organization to open a representative office in South Cyprus. 

In his statement; Ertuğruloğlu stated that Turkish Cypriots were not surprised to see bloody murderers in cooperation. He also emphasized that the Turkish nation is not the enemy of anyone, but that they know very well to teach a lesson to those who are hostile. 

Furthermore, Ertuğruloğlu stressed, “The Greek Cypriot administration which is a supporter of terrorism continues its provocative initiatives and it is obvious that this provocative initiative of the Greek Cypriot Administration which is a member of the European Union will not serve peace in our region and in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

Regarding the irregular migration

As it is known, irregular migration is becoming increasingly complex as communication and transportation have globalized and the repercussions of the poverty, economic and/or political instability in some countries have global effects. The problems resulted by this phenomenon, namely “irregular migration”, are beyond the means of a single country to overcome. Therefore, the prevention of irregular migration requires the international community to exert joint effort with the sense of responsibility and solidarity.

At the crossroad of three continents, the Island of Cyprus is not immune to irregular migration. Both the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus receive irregular immigration from various countries. Contrary to the Greek Cypriot side, our country is devoid of international assistance and struggling with irregular migration only with the support of Motherland Turkey. As stated above, we believe that the issue of irregular migration should be addressed within the spirit of cooperation. Our State announces, on every occasion, that it favors cooperation with the Greek Cypriot side in matters concerning our Island. It is worth reminding that our offer to establish a cooperation with the Greek Cypriot side on irregular migration remains to be on the table. We would like to take this opportunity to renew, once again, our proposal for cooperation on “irregular migration”, posing significant challenge to all of us.

Regarding the unilateral acts of the Greek Cypriot administration in the Eastern Mediterranean

The Greek Cypriot administration (GCA) of Southern Cyprus has announced that it will launch a hydrocarbon research activity on 3 October 2021 in the Eastern Mediterranean, with an Italian-owned and Maltese-flagged vessel. In addition to this, the GCA stated that a drilling activity is also planned to take place by the end of November in the southern part of the island. These unilateral acts by the Greek Cypriot side amount to a blatant violation of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Despite the aggressive behaviour of the Greek Cypriot administration which escalates tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish Cypriot side, since the first day, has made proposals for compromise and cooperation regarding the hydrocarbon resources. The comprehensive cooperation proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side dated 13 July 2019 regarding the hydrocarbon resources, is still on the table. It is never too late to follow the path of dialogue and cooperation.

Moreover, Turkey’s proposal to convene an inclusive conference with the participation of all interested parties in the Eastern Mediterranean, is an extremely important initiative paving the way forward.

However, the Greek Cypriot side’s approach on the matter has always been to turn deaf ears to our constructive proposals and to continue provocative actions. The unilateral acts by the Greek Cypriot administration do not only violate the Turkish Cypriot people’s rights, but also the continental shelf of the Republic of Turkey.

We, as the Turkish Cypriot side, once again reiterate our call for cooperation. We will continue taking reciprocal and simultaneous steps together with our Motherland Turkey, should the Greek Cypriot side continues violating our rights with its unilateral actions in the region.