The cancellation of the football academy camp by the Spanish club Barcelona in Northern Cyprus has once again raised the issue of political tensions in the region. Prime Minister Ünal Üstel sharply criticized the motives behind this decision, particularly the influence of Greek politicians. Üstel stated, “If even a children’s football camp is targeted by Greek politics, there is a very serious mentality problem at hand.”
The cancellation of Barcelona’s football camp occurred after interventions by the Greek Cypriot administration and the right-wing ELAM party. Üstel indicated that the cancellation of this football event is a step aimed at preventing Turkish Cypriot youth from participating in international sports organizations.
ELAM’s Statements
The far-right ELAM party in Southern Cyprus expressed its satisfaction with the camp’s cancellation. In social media posts, they stated that the call they made on August 23 for the cancellation of the camp had been successful. “We have achieved our goal,” summarized ELAM’s stance and revealed once again the mentality behind the cancellation decision.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel highlighted the need to recognize the mindset that deprives the Turkish Cypriot people of sports events. Üstel asserted, “This is not called building trust; it is a policy to keep the Turkish Cypriot people isolated.”
Reflection of the Mentality
Üstel pointed out that this situation is not limited to just the football camp but is part of a systematic understanding aimed at preventing Turkish Cypriot youth from connecting with the international sports world and being recognized in global university rankings. He expressed that there is an attempt to obstruct every opportunity for economic and social development for the Turkish Cypriot people.
The Prime Minister said, “You will talk about building trust with the Turkish Cypriot people, yet you are questioning the sincerity of these efforts by even preventing our youth from participating in sports events.” Üstel stated that the understanding wanting to obstruct this is acting to make the Turkish Cypriot people invisible on the island.
Lastly, Üstel declared their determination to resist such systematic pressures, stating, “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus exists and the Turkish Cypriot people will continue to remain in these lands,” emphasizing the importance of national solidarity.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
