Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu has strongly rejected the European Union’s appointment of Johannes Hahn as Special Representative for Cyprus, declaring the decision as illegitimate and unacceptable to the Turkish Cypriot side.
In a statement to the Turkish Agency Cyprus (TAK), Ertuğruloğlu criticized the EU’s move as a “provocative step” made without the consent or consultation of the Turkish Cypriot community.
“It is out of the question for us to recognize, legitimize, or accept the involvement of such a representative in the current dialogue process,” he said.
He argued that the EU’s unilateral action highlights its continued bias on the Cyprus issue, and noted that even the UN Secretary-General has refrained from appointing a Special Representative due to the absence of formal negotiations between the two sides.
“In this context, the EU’s appointment has no legitimacy for us,” he added.
Ertuğruloğlu pointed to the EU’s acceptance of the Greek Cypriot Administration as a member in 2004—despite Turkish Cypriots voting in favor of the Annan Plan—as the moment the EU lost its neutrality and credibility on Cyprus.
Since then, he claimed, the EU has repeatedly ignored the will, rights, and interests of Turkish Cypriots, contributing to an imbalanced political climate on the island.
He described the EU’s latest move as an attempt to pressure the Turkish Cypriot side and impose a fait accompli, warning that such tactics will undermine ongoing UN efforts and are doomed to fail.
Ertuğruloğlu concluded with a clear message:
“If the EU truly wants to contribute to a solution, it should start by lifting the political, economic, and cultural embargoes it continues to impose on the Turkish Cypriot people.”
( Source : BRT News)
