Foreign Ministry Condemns EU Spokesperson’s Remarks on TRNC Judiciary

In its statement, the Ministry underlined that the Spokesperson’s comments represent yet another example of the European Union’s ongoing biased and prejudiced stance on the Cyprus issue.

Describing the Spokesperson’s words as “inappropriate and overstepping” towards the TRNC state and judiciary, the statement called on the European Union to refrain from serving the propaganda of the Greek Cypriot side.

“In the TRNC, both citizens and foreigners fully enjoy their right to a fair trial.”

The Ministry stressed that the relevant cases are being conducted within the framework of the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law as guaranteed by the Constitution, adding: “In the TRNC, a democratic state governed by the rule of law, both our citizens and foreigners residing within our borders are treated equally and fully benefit from the right to a fair trial.”

The statement further noted that the EU Spokesperson attempted to overlook the fact that it is the Greek Cypriot side which politicizes the property issue in Cyprus, drawing attention to the existence of the Immovable Property Commission, recognized by the European Court of Human Rights as an effective domestic legal remedy. It emphasized that it is the Greek Cypriot side that turns legal matters into political tools through individual cases.

“The EU Spokesperson is encouraging the intransigent stance of the Greek Cypriot side.”

The Ministry stated that “by referring to outdated and invalid United Nations Security Council resolutions as well as to the EU acquis, which cannot be implemented in Cyprus, the EU Spokesperson encourages the uncompromising stance of the Greek Cypriot side.”

It concluded:
“In the said statement, the EU Spokesperson persistently ignores the fact that a settlement in Cyprus can only be possible on the basis of the realities of the island, between the two peoples and two sovereign, equal states. We once again strongly condemn the inappropriate and overstepping remarks directed at our state and judiciary, and call on the European Union to immediately put an end to this biased approach and refrain from serving the propaganda of the Greek Cypriot side.”