Akıncı: “This issue should be focused on humanism rather than nationalism”

President Mustafa Akıncı stated that it was an upsetting situation that participation of scientists from India in the 55th National Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutritional Diseases Congress held in the TRNC, in partnership with Turkey Diabetes Foundation and the Turkish Diabetes Association, was prevented by the initiatives of the South Cyprus High Commissioner in India.

President Akıncı said that this issue should be focused on humanism rather than Turkish and Greek nationalism. However, they will benefit from this scientific congress as well.

In his speech at the opening of the Congress, Akıncı stated that diabetic cases in the TRNC were beyond the predictions, there were diabetic patients in almost each family and the percentage of diabetes is above the world average.

Stating that when you evaluate all of this, the issue should be focused on humanism rather than Turkish and Greek nationalism, Akıncı reiterated that the participation of scientists from India in the Congress which was prevented by the initiatives of the South Cyprus High Commissioner in India was an upsetting situation.

Indicating that the Greek Cypriot side will benefit from the results of this scientific congress, Akıncı reiterated that diabetes is not defined by nationality.

Noting that we are already accustomed to such actions by the Greek Cypriot side, Akıncı mentioned that not only scientific congresses but also young children from other countries who want to come to the TRNC to participate in folk dance shows were prevented, and added that Turkish Cypriots were forced to live under an embargo that they do not deserve.