Turkish Cypriot leader reiterates ‘two-state solution’ stance during Australia visit

·

During a visit to Sydney over the weekend, the Turkish Cypriot leader of the illegitimate “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC), Ersin Tatar reiterated his stance on the necessity of a two-state solution to the Cyprus issue.

Tatar spoke at the opening of a festival marking the 80th anniversary of the Turkish Cypriot presence in Australia.

Referring to the failure of the last federal solution attempt in Crans-Montana in July 2017, Tatar said, “The primary reason for the failure to achieve a solution based on equality for over 50 years is the inequality itself. The internationally recognised Greek Cypriot side does not want to share the administration and resources of the island with the Turkish Cypriots.”

He also expressed his pride in the cultural and traditional preservation efforts by the Turkish Cypriots in Australia.

Tatar arrived in Australia on Wednesday, May 22 to much fan fare from the local Turkish community. His first stop was in Melbourne, Victoria before travelling to the Australian Capital Territory to pay a visit to the Turkish Embassy and lay a wreath at the War Memorial.

He said the aim of his visit was to meet and embrace “our wonderful and resilient people who have settled here since the 1940s.”

So far, Tatar has not had any official meetings with politicians or government representatives.

Tatar’s arrival comes amid tensions with the Cypriot Australian community.

Since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, 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 TRNC.

Tatar calls himself the “President” of the TRNC – a territory that is not recognised by any country except Turkey.

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 visit of Turkish-Cypriot politician, Ersin Tatar.

SEKA Victoria – the Justice for Cyprus Co-ordinating Committee – sent a letter to the state Premier, Jacinta Allen on Tuesday, May 21 to request they ignore Tatar’s visit.

In the letter, President of SEKA Victoria Pavlos Andronikos said it would be “totally inappropriate for any Victorian Minister or Government official to meet with Tatar,” and explained that Greek and Cypriot Australians were distressed by his 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.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Oakleigh Grammar launches Term 4 with recognition, reflection, and a global vision

Oakleigh Grammar proudly welcomed the start of Term 4 with a meaningful commencement assembly, bringing the school community together.

Seventy-year-old Mike Zervos to run ‘against racism’ in Melbourne Marathon

Community leader Mike Zervos OAM will take part in this year’s Melbourne Marathon on October 12, running his 20th race at age 70.

Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosts Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos

The GOCNSW had the honour of hosting the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Ioannis-Michail Loverdos.

Betty Exintaris OAM takes helm of Greek Elderly Federation

Renowned community leader Betty Exintaris OAM has been elected president of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Victoria.

Pantazopoulos turns down overseas offers to chase redemption with Western Sydney Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers defender Anthony Pantazopoulos says he rejected several overseas opportunities to stay in Sydney.

You May Also Like

Over 10 Greeks named in Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List for 2021

There are over 10 billionaires with Greek heritage in the Forbes' World's Billionaires List for 2021. This is their names.

Experts warn seismic activity on Santorini may persist for weeks

Seismic activity on Santorini is expected to continue for an extended period, according to Professor Efthymios Lekkas.

Creative writing workshops at Melbourne’s Greek Centre for aspiring storytellers

An engaging six-week creative writing workshop, hosted by The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), will commence on February 6.