**Title: Turkish Cypriot ‘FM’ Rejects EU Envoy Amid Ongoing Tensions Over Cyprus Issue**
**Nicosia, Cyprus** – Turkish Cypriot ‘foreign minister’ Tahsin Ertugruloglu expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding President Nikos Christodoulides’ recent meeting with Raffaele Fitto, the newly appointed EU envoy for the Cyprus problem. Ertugruloglu criticized the European Union’s approach to the longstanding issue, characterizing it as an unwarranted intervention in the affairs of Cyprus.
The Turkish Cypriot official condemned Fitto’s appointment, arguing that it was made without the necessary consent from the Turkish Cypriot side. He stated that Fitto lacks “legitimacy” among Turkish Cypriots, asserting that any actions taken by him in this capacity would be deemed unacceptable. “Therefore, any activity undertaken in our country in this capacity, or any attempt to interfere in a possible process, is unacceptable to our government and will not be considered in any way a legitimate interlocutor,” Ertugruloglu remarked.
Ertugruloglu’s comments come at a time of heightened sensitivity regarding the Cyprus issue, which has remained unresolved since the island was divided in 1974 following a Turkish invasion triggered by a Greek-led coup. The division has led to the establishment of two separate administrations: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey.
In his statements, Ertugruloglu emphasized the need for the EU to acknowledge the realities on the ground, which he described as comprising “two separate peoples, two separate states and two separate democratic authorities on the island.” He argued that any lasting and sustainable agreement regarding Cyprus would require the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of both sides.
Ertugruloglu also urged the EU to take meaningful steps to address what he termed the cultural, economic, and political “isolations” faced by Turkish Cypriots. He expressed skepticism about the EU’s willingness to engage positively, stating, “I do not expect the EU to respond positively.”
The meeting between Christodoulides and Fitto took place at the presidential palace just two days after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the island. Guterres met with both leaders and announced plans for an enlarged meeting to discuss the Cyprus problem, highlighting the ongoing international interest in resolving the decades-long conflict.
The EU’s involvement in the Cyprus issue has often been a point of contention for the Turkish Cypriot leadership, which has consistently called for a more balanced approach that recognizes the rights and status of the Turkish Cypriot community. The appointment of Fitto, who is expected to play a role in facilitating dialogue, is viewed by Ertugruloglu as a continuation of what he perceives as the EU’s failure to engage with the Turkish Cypriots on equal footing.
As the situation develops, the reactions from both sides of the island will be closely monitored, particularly in light of the upcoming discussions led by the UN. The complexities of the Cyprus problem remain a significant challenge for both local and international stakeholders, with historical grievances and differing narratives complicating the path to reconciliation.
The ongoing dialogue and international efforts to address the Cyprus issue reflect the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, where tensions often intersect with issues of national identity, sovereignty, and regional stability.