NSW politician apologises to Cypriots for supporting event ‘celebrating’ Turkish occupation

·

Liberal Holsworthy MP Tina Ayyad has “unequivocally” apologised to the Cyprus Community of New South Wales after she attended a 40th celebration and commemoration anniversary for the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Cyprus remains divided by a UN-demilitarised buffer zone after the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974. There remains a strong Turkish military presence on the northern part of the island, which calls itself the TRNC.

Australia recognises the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus but not of the TRNC.

As reported last week, Ms Ayyad tabled a statement to NSW Parliament on November 28 after attending the Australia-North Cyprus Friendship Association’s (ANCFA) Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Independence Day commemoration event in Liverpool.

Ms Ayyad wrote it was “a privilege” to attend the event and said “it was a day of celebration and commemoration, with family‑friendly activities for everyone to enjoy including a jumping castle and face painting!”

Tina Ayaad (right) attending the event. Photo: Australian North Cyprus Friendship Association/Facebook

At the time, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Antonis Sammoutis, and the President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Andrew Costa, wrote to Ms Ayyad to demand an explanation.

Mr Costa also wrote to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Liberal Leader, Mark Speakman.

On Monday, Ms Ayyad sent an official response to Mr Costa apologising for any offence she caused to the Cyprus Community of NSW.

“I understand the sensitivity surrounding the issue as a Parliamentarian and will be more mindful of this in the future,” Ms Ayyad wrote in her apology.

“My attendance at the event should not be construed as acting contrary to Australian foreign policy. My views are in line with those of the Commonwealth government of Australia.”

Mr Costa “welcomed” this apology by the Member for Holsworthy and said Ms Ayyad wants to speak with him to be further acquainted with the true history of Cyprus.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

Greece and Australia among the lowest ranked in the OECD for global foreign aid

The OECD have released their international league table for global foreign aid spending, and Australia and Greece are in the bottom ten.

Two more Greek Australian artists aim to represent Greece at Eurovision 2025

Two more Greek Australian artists, Maree Mamalis and Vassy, have submitted entries to represent Greece at Eurovision 2025.

Greece ready to ‘openly discuss’ maritime zones delimitation with Turkey, Mitsotakis says

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has confirmed his readiness to discuss maritime zones delimitation with Ankara, speaking on Thursday.