Statement of the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regarding the appointment of a so-called “special representative for Cyprus” by the European Commission

The unilateral and illegitimate appointment of Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the so-called “special representative for Cyprus” by the European Commission—upon the recommendation of the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC)—and his involvement in the Cyprus issue are entirely unacceptable to the Turkish Cypriot people. This appointment made without obtaining the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side and with disregard of the Turkish Cypriot people, is a provocative step that once again exposes the European Union’s biased stance on the Cyprus issue.

The European Union, which unilaterally admitted the Greek Cypriot administration to membership in 2004 by disregarding the inherent rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people, has completely lost its neutrality and credibility on the Cyprus issue, and continues its stance that defies the sensitive political balances on the island by once again appointing a representative.

In an environment where no common ground exists between the two sides, and ahead of an informal meeting, that is being portrayed as taking place in the coming days, the EU’s attempts to exert pressure on the Turkish Cypriot side and create a *fait accompli* by acting in concert with the GCASC, in a bid to manufacture an artificial process, are doomed to fail.

It is evident that the European Union’s stance, aimed at reviving a defunct model,serves the policy of maintaining the status quo pursued by the Greek Cypriot side, which has rejected all settlement efforts to date. A realistic and lasting settlement regarding the Cyprus issue is possible only through cooperation based on the sovereign equality and equal international status of the two sides on the Island.

For the European Union to demonstrate its credibility regarding the Cyprus issue and its sincerity in contributing to the process, it must first lift all political, economic, cultural, and other restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people.

As long as the European Union refrains from recognizing our sovereign equality and the equal international status of our people, and continues to disregard the will of our people, any biased steps it takes will be considered null and void by the Turkish Cypriot people and the so-called representative will not be considered a counterpart by our Government.