Who Speaks for Turkish Cypriots in the UK? Not Them.

 

 

Setting the Record Straight

A recent statement by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK (NFCUK), the Republican Turkish Party UK (CTP), and the Turkish Cypriot Association for Democracy (TCAD) claims to represent “the Cypriot diaspora in the UK.”   Let’s be clear:

• They do not speak for Turkish Cypriots.
• They do not represent the majority of our community.
• They ignore the real injustices faced by Turkish Cypriots.

These groups are entitled to their views, but they do not have the right to erase our struggles or misrepresent Turkish Cypriots in the UK. Their statement disregards the fundamental issue affecting our community: the continued embargoes that isolate Turkish Cypriots politically and economically.     —

The Problem with Their Statement

Their statement cites UN Resolutions 2771 and 1251, advocating for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. While this may sound fair on paper, they conveniently ignore the contradictions in their argument:

1.  They insist any solution must follow “EU acquis”, yet EU membership allows for freedom of movement and property rights. This means Greek Cypriots and all EU citizens would be free to purchase property and reside anywhere, including the Turkish Cypriot federal area. Would any agreement remain meaningful if it could be undone overnight?
2. They reference human rights as if they are being denied to them or as if we are restricting ourselves. But when we speak about human rights, we are talking about the repressive actions taken against Turkish Cypriots—the ongoing embargoes, lack of representation, and economic isolation forced upon us for decades. Who is really being denied human rights?
3. They claim to support justice for all, yet they fail to address the continued injustices against Turkish Cypriots. Why do they not question the embargoes? Why is justice only considered when it suits them?

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The CTP’s Dangerous Alignment: The Enemy Within?

It is no surprise to see the CTP aligning itself with Greek Cypriot nationalist organisations—but it should be a wake-up call for Turkish Cypriots everywhere.   There is widespread belief that the CTP is financially and politically fed by the Greek Cypriot Administration in the Republic of Cyprus. Their willingness to push an agenda that undermines Turkish Cypriot rights and weakens our negotiating position raises serious concerns about where their true loyalties lie.   “Sometimes, the greatest threat comes from within.”   Turkish Cypriots must ask themselves: Why does a so-called “Turkish Cypriot” party always take positions that align with the RoC’s interests, rather than defending Turkish Cypriot rights?     —

Our Message: Lift the Embargoes, THEN Talk

If these groups are truly committed to justice, they must first call for the removal of embargoes. Nelson Mandela once said:   “Only free men can negotiate.”   How can Turkish Cypriots negotiate freely when we are still treated as second-class citizens on the international stage?   We call on the international community to:

•  Recognise the embargoes as a violation of Turkish Cypriots’ human rights.
• Remove these restrictions to allow for equal and fair negotiations.
•  Allow Turkish Cypriots to determine their own future without external pressure.

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Who Really Represents Turkish Cypriots?

The Turkish Cypriot community in the UK is diverse—no single group can claim to speak for all of us. However, those who ignore our struggles and dismiss our rights do not represent us.   Embargoed!, along with other Turkish Cypriot organisations in the UK, stands for:

1.  An end to the embargoes—our rights should not be conditional on political negotiations.
2. A fair and realistic approach to reunification discussions, respecting the realities on the ground.
3. The right of Turkish Cypriots to determine their own future without coercion or discrimination.

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Join the Movement – Support Turkish Cypriot Rights

If you believe in justice, fairness, and human rights for Turkish Cypriots, stand with us:   

Demand an end to the embargoes NOW. 

Call for equal recognition of Turkish Cypriots in negotiations. 

Support a solution that respects both communities in Cyprus.     

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