TRNC News 4.10.2017 Özgürgün: No longer possible to be equal partner with Greek Cypriots

Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün has said that it is no longer possible for Turkish Cypriots to be considered equal partners with Greek Cypriots, given that official Greek Cypriot documents have recently categorised Turkish Cypriots as an ethnic minority.

Speaking on a BRT radio programme, Özgürgün stated that discussing citizenship policies transparently serves to benefit the Greek Cypriot agenda and stressed that nowadays Greek Cypriots view their Turkish counterparts as a minority similar to Maronites and Armenians, “It is clear that it is not possible to achieve a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal partnership with this mentality,” said Özgürgün.

Stating that the “ethnic minority document” was distributed while registering schools in South Cyprus to determine the ethnic identity of student, the Prime Minister stressed that the move has no bearing on the quality of student educational attainment. Özgürgün also said that Turkish Cypriots will continue to confer citizenship to the people who live on the island and have invested in it over many years, adding that the government will continue to roll out its citizenship policy within a legal framework.

Responding to a question on whether he expects any development on the Cyprus issue after the Greek Cypriot Presidential Elections in February 2018, Özgürgün said that the TRNC’s decisions cannot be based on election results in the South, “Turkish Cypriots will not determine their fate by looking at the results of elections in the South, we do not have the luxury of waiting to see what will happen after February.”

Emphasising that the TRNC government will work to strengthen the economy and improve the welfare of the Turkish Cypriot people, Özgürgün said that the TRNC will continue on its path – with strong democracy and consulting with Turkey on serious decisions regarding the future.

Dizdarlı attends conferences in Bucharest and İstanbul

Ombudswoman Emine Dizdarlı attended the European Ombudsman Institute (EOI) General Council and International Human Rights Conference on 20-24 September at the Romanian Parliament in Bucharest.

Following the initial speeches, EOI Secretary General Dr. Josef Siegel introduced the participants to other EOI members. Emine Dizdarlı was present in her capacity as TRNC Ombudswoman and voted for the election of new General Council governing bodies.

Following the conference in Bucharest, Dizdarlı visited Turkey, where she attended the İstanbul International Ombudsman Conference.

‘Alashia Reborn’ wins award at the 18th International Golden Safran Documentary Film Festival

Turkish Cypriot artist Ayhatun Ateşin has received an award under the “Cultural Heritage and Protection” category at the 18th International Golden Safran Documentary Film Festival which was held in Safranbolu this week.

Ateşin’s documentary ‘Alashia Reborn’ won the TÜRKSOY special award and explores how artefacts produced over 12,000 years of human history were taken from the island and are now exhibited in famous museums all over the world. The film narrates the story of these artefacts – following their journey from the Mediterranean to other shores. It also argues that the cultural heritage of these lost artefacts must remain in the land where they belong.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ayhatun Ateşin said: “Cyprus is an island that has been home to many civilizations. ‘Alashia Reborn’ is actually the story of our existence and journey – a road extending from the past to the future. Our journey is not yet complete. Receiving the TÜRKSOY prize, having competed with 14 other Turkish regions, is like winning the Communities of Eurasia prize.”

Çavuşoğlu: “As a first step, the restrictions and embargoes on the TRNC should be lifted”

The Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has stated that the Turkish Cypriot side is not responsible for the current impasse reached on the Cyprus issue, and added that, as a first step, the restrictions and embargoes on the TRNC must be lifted.

Noting that the TRNC has maintained a positive approach to talks since Crans-Montana, Çavuşoğlu said: “We have never accused any side.”

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Çavuşoğlu pointed out that the ongoing Cyprus negotiations had not been resolved under the United Nations (UN) parameters or the common declaration on February 11, 2014. Çavuşoğlu also said that it was widely perceived that the Greek Cypriot side was not ready to find a solution at the Cyprus talks in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Emphasizing that the Turkish Cypriot side has shown a constructive attitude during the negotiating process, Çavuşoğlu added: “Everyone saw that we were there to find a solution. The international community also acknowledges that the TRNC and Turkey were very constructive and ready for a solution as well. All institutions including the EU are clearly aware of this fact.”

Citing the beginning of the Greek Cypriot presidential campaign as one of the reasons for not reaching a settlement in Cyprus , Çavuşoğlu emphasized that the Greek Cypriot people are not in favour of a solution because they do not wish to address issues of power sharing and government.

Near East University will play against Dynamo Kursk in the “Super Cup” competition

Near East University Women’s Basketball Team, who competed recently in the Turkey Women’s Basketball Super League, will play Dynamo Kursk, a Russian team at the FIBA Super Cup basketball competition.

The Super Cup Contest, where FIBA Eurocup champions Near East University and FIBA Euroleague champion Dynamo Kursk will compete, will be held tomorrow evening in Kursk, Russia.

Near East University ended last season in 2016-2017 with three cups and is competing to win its fourth cup this year.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

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