Heated Exchange in Copenhagen Over Cyprus Between Hulusi Akar and ELAM MEP Geadi

According to Greek Cypriot daily Fileleftheros, Akar, who also served as Turkey’s former Defence Minister, addressed the conference on the final day, asserting that the Cyprus problem is not an “occupation” issue. He emphasized that Turkey brought peace to the island in 1974, supports dialogue, and seeks resolution of all disputes.

In response, Geadi sharply rejected Akar’s remarks, labeling them “unacceptable.” The ELAM MEP argued that the 1974 Turkish intervention in Cyprus was illegal under international law and urged Akar to “study international legal norms.” Geadi further stated that no country has the right to occupy a sovereign state and questioned whether terms like “democracy” and “Europe” could be reconciled with historical acts of violence against Armenians, Pontic Greeks, and Cypriots. He added that a country with Turkey’s legal record should have no place as a member or partner within Europe.

Akar requested the floor again, accusing Geadi of using the conference podium to spread anti-Turkish rhetoric and claiming that such statements undermine European unity.

Geadi countered, asserting that those undermining European unity are not members of the European Parliament but states that attempt to impose themselves by force. He concluded by insisting that “as long as the occupation continues in Cyprus, Turkey has no place in the European family.”