Ministry of Foreign Affairs Responds Exclusively to PACE President Kox’s Visit to Southern Cyprus
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Criticizes PACE President’s Visit to Cyprus
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its criticism towards the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Tiny Kox, for his visit to Cyprus. According to the ministry’s statement, Kox only made contacts with the Greek Cypriot Administration during his visit, ignoring the presence of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus deputies in the PACE.
The ministry emphasized that it is not appropriate to treat the Greek Cypriot Administration as the sole legal representative of the island. They stated that there are two existing states and self-governing peoples on the island, and denying this fact serves to maintain the current status quo. The ministry urged the international community to recognize the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people, and to take bold and determined steps to change the status quo.
The statement also criticized the lack of representation and consideration of the views of the Turkish Cypriot people, stating that it is an injustice, especially in the present age. It emphasized that any contact made regarding the Cyprus issue should take into account the views of all parties involved, rather than just one. Therefore, Kox’s visit to the island was considered unfinished and incomplete.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects the officials of the Council of Europe and the international community to adopt a more neutral and balanced attitude towards the delicate balances concerning Cyprus.
Source: TAK/BRT
