Hamit: Turkish Cypriots Have Shifted from Being Seen as Victims to Being Perceived as a ‘Mafia State’

Hamit spoke on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s program Gündem, hosted by Ulaş Barış, assessing recent political rhetoric and developments regarding the Cyprus issue.

He described the government and presidency’s statements toward the Greek Cypriot side as “visionless and without a future,” adding that such rhetoric pushes the island toward a line of annexation by Turkey and diminishes Turkish Cypriots’ visibility internationally.

Reviewing the era of President Ersin Tatar, Hamit said:

• Turkish Cypriots have been cast as the side abandoning the Cyprus problem’s resolution.

• Despite EU sanctions on Russia, exemptions for Russians on the island have led to violations of international law.

Hamit strongly stated, “Turkish Cypriots have shifted from being seen as a victimized people to being perceived internationally as a mafia state.”

He argued these outcomes are the natural consequences of policies run under the notion of “advantages of non-recognition,” which he said have become the root cause of many diplomatic and social tensions today.

On property matters, Hamit noted recent arrests have created serious distrust among investors, leading to capital withdrawal and a decline in housing supply — causing a significant drop in housing prices.

Hamit stressed that regardless of the Cyprus solution model, all property-related processes must comply fully with European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) standards, warning that without strict enforcement, Turkey’s position internationally will not be credible.

Addressing the Schengen issue, Hamit urged authorities to urgently engage with the EU, emphasizing that Turkish Cypriots must have a seat at the negotiating table. He said the free movement of people and goods is key to societal welfare, and without it, the claim of “equal sovereignty” remains an empty slogan.

Hamit concluded by criticizing the presidency and the Special Representative’s silence on these issues, stating: “You cannot shut yourselves off and expect the world to understand you.” He sharply criticized the passive and reactive diplomatic approach currently practiced.