Ertuğruloğlu: We Do Not Recognise or Legitimize the Appointment of an EU Envoy

Speaking to the Turkish News Agency-Cyprus (TAK), Ertuğruloğlu described the move as a “provocative step,” stressing that it was made without the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side. He argued that the decision once again revealed the EU’s partial stance on the Cyprus issue.

"Considering that even the UN Secretary-General has not appointed a special envoy and that there is currently no negotiation process between the two sides, it is out of the question for us to recognise, legitimise, or accept the intervention of such a representative," said Ertuğruloğlu.

He criticised the EU for losing its neutrality and credibility by unilaterally admitting the Greek Cypriot Administration into the Union in 2004, stating that since then, the EU has consistently ignored the will, rights, and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people and has disregarded the sensitive political balance on the island.

“This manoeuvre by the EU to impose pressure on the Turkish Cypriot side and create a fait accompli will have no effect and will only harm the diplomatic efforts currently being undertaken within the UN framework,” he added.

“A Realistic and Lasting Solution Is Only Possible on the Basis of Sovereign Equality and Equal International Status”

Ertuğruloğlu went on to say:

“The EU’s efforts to revive the exhausted federation model have clearly served the Greek Cypriot side’s policy of maintaining the status quo by rejecting all past solution efforts. A realistic and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue is only possible through cooperation based on the sovereign equality and equal international status of the two sides on the island.

We take this opportunity to once again urgently stress that, if the EU wishes to demonstrate sincerity and credibility in contributing to the Cyprus issue, it must first lift the political, economic, and cultural embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people. As long as it refuses to recognise our sovereign equality and continues to disregard the will of our people, all steps taken by the EU will be considered null and void by us.”