Öztürkler Slams PACE: “It Must Not Become an Instrument of Greek Cypriot Politics”

He described the move as “a politically motivated act of disinformation” and underlined that the judicial system, shaped by the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, is strong enough to resist external pressure.

Speaking during an official reception, Öztürkler addressed the declaration, which was linked to the ongoing legal process concerning the arrest of five Greek Cypriots. He said the initiative was far removed from legal realities and instead served as part of a broader disinformation campaign.

Emphasizing the democratic structure and independence of the judiciary in the TRNC, Öztürkler stressed that judicial processes are conducted in accordance with international legal norms. “Institutions that claim to defend values such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights choose to ignore these principles when it comes to the Turkish Cypriot people. This attitude is in direct contradiction with the EU’s own stated values,” he said.

Öztürkler also criticized what he called the EU’s double standards towards the Turkish Cypriot people. He insisted that the legal system, rooted in the will of the community, would never bow to outside interference.

Accusing PACE of abandoning its principle of impartiality, Öztürkler argued that the Assembly had effectively turned into a political instrument of the Greek Cypriot side. He warned that such unilateral declarations are discriminatory, provocative, and undermine ongoing efforts to reach a settlement on the island.

He further underlined that PACE has a responsibility to act fairly and even-handedly. “Calls for pressure on Turkey ignore the realities on the ground. Turkey fully complies with its international obligations,” he noted.

In his remarks, Öztürkler also issued a call to the international community. “The rightful struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people cannot be overshadowed by political manipulation. The truth cannot be concealed through one-sided narratives but must be revealed through fair and objective approaches. The realities of the island cannot be erased by disinformation,” he said.