SEKA Victoria send letter to Premier ahead of visit by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar

·

SEKA Victoria, the Justice for Cyprus Co-ordinating Committee, have sent a letter to the state Premier, Jacinta Allen to request they ignore the upcoming visit of Turkish-Cypriot politician, Ersin Tatar.

The purpose of SEKA Victoria stands to provide justice for Cyprus since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974, where 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus fell to the Turkish military. The north unilaterally declared its independence on 15 November 1983 under the name of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

Tatar calls himself the “President” of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC) – a territory that is not recognised by any country except Turkey.

According to SEKA Victoria, Tatar is set to visit Australia on Wednesday, May 22 and his first stop will be to Melbourne, Victoria.

The SEKA Victoria Committee has written a letter to the State Premier, Jacinta Allen and the Victorian Minister for Environment Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos to request they ignore the upcoming visit of Turkish-Cypriot politician, Ersin Tatar to Melbourne on Wednesday, May 22.
The SEKA Victoria Committee has written a letter to the Victorian Government requesting that they ignore the upcoming visit of Turkish-Cypriot politician, Ersin Tatar to Melbourne on Wednesday, May 22.

In their letter to the Victorian Premier, President of SEKA Victoria Pavlos Andronikos said the organisation “understands that the Australian government has assured the Republic of Cyprus that it will not give Tatar’s visit any legitimacy or substance, and that it has informed local governments and State Parliaments of Australia’s official position (non-recognition of the “TRNC”).”

“We congratulate the Prime Minister and his Government for expressing clearly and unequivocally Australia’s position,” Mr Andronikos wrote.

He added that it would be “totally inappropriate for any Victorian Minister or Government official to meet with Tatar,” and explained that Greek and Cypriot Australians are distressed by his planned visit.

“We believe that the purpose of Tatar’s visit is to push for recognition of the illegal “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”,” Mr Andronikos said.

The letter concluded by calling on the Victorian Premier to issue a statement making it clear the state government will not engage with Tatar during their visit, and to show their support for the Federal Government’s position on the TRNC.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin threatens legal action over octopus dispute

The Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin is threatening legal action against the NT Government following a food safety dispute over octopus.

Meet the Greek sisters behind Adora: A 30-year legacy of handmade chocolate and heart

If you’re looking for a new spot in Sydney to satisfy your sweet cravings, Adora Handmade Chocolates is the place to be.

Young artists shine in ‘First Light’ exhibition at opening of That Art Place in Carlton

More than 65 young artists from the St George area in Sydney had their creative moment in the spotlight on Saturday, July 12.

Peter Tsolakides leads Australia’s first cryonics facility amid scientific doubts

Peter Tsolakides, founder of Southern Cryonics, is leading Australia's venture into cryonic preservation with a facility near Holbrook, NSW.

Kazzi Beach Greek owner Peter Papas criticises proposed RBA surcharge ban

Sydney restaurateur Peter Papas has raised concerns over the Reserve Bank of Australia’s proposal to ban credit and debit card surcharges.

You May Also Like

Pontian Greeks of Australia send supplies to Evros border guards in Greece

Pontian Greeks of Australia have provided 353 flashlights to the border guards at Evros, Greece, to help boost their protection.

Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou storms out of press conference

Jason Demetriou is under fire after storming out of a press conference after just 27 seconds of questions regarding his future.

Victoria Police announce $1 million reward over suspicious death of Penny Galanopoulos

A $1 million reward has been announced in relation to the suspicious death of Penny Galanopoulos in Mordialloc over a decade ago.