The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has announced that the 17th meeting of its Council of Elders will be held in Northern Cyprus on May 1-2.
The decision comes amid recent diplomatic developments, after three of the five countries represented on the Council, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, along with fellow OTS member Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, signed a joint declaration with the European Union. The declaration explicitly ruled out the possibility of any of these countries recognizing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as an independent state.
Additionally, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan have announced plans to open embassies in South Cyprus, further stirring reactions.
In response to this move, which has drawn criticism, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar urged Turkic states to exercise caution in their relations with the Greek Cypriot leadership.
