Prime Minister Ünal Üstel assessed the Greek administration’s attempts to obstruct events that Barcelona Academy planned to hold with children and youth in Northern Cyprus, as well as the discomfort caused by the presence of the phrase “Lefkoşa, Kuzey Kıbrıs” in the QS World University Rankings of three universities in the TRNC.
Üstel stated that the Greek side’s blockages in sports and education threaten the Turkish Cypriot people’s presence in the international arena. He questioned what kind of trust environment such actions could create and emphasized that they are facing a severely negative situation due to this understanding.
In a statement made through the Prime Ministry’s Press and Public Relations Directorate, the lack of tolerance exhibited by the Greek side towards the Turkish Cypriot community was criticized. Üstel expressed concern about the efforts being made internationally to obstruct the activities of Barcelona Academy.
Üstel also brought up the Greek side’s reactions to the QS Rankings due to the placements of Eastern Mediterranean University, Near East University, and Lefke European University. It was notably pointed out that the far-right ELAM party demanded the removal of universities from the list, refusing to accept the term “Kuzey Kıbrıs”.
“Such a mentality cannot lead to an agreement,” said Üstel, posing questions to the Greek leadership. He highlighted their lack of tolerance regarding children’s soccer and young people’s communication with the world, asserting that the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people must be recognized.
Üstel regarded the Greek administration’s use of terms like solution, compromise, and dialogue as a clear contradiction, given their attempts to obstruct the Turkish Cypriot community. “Such a trust environment cannot be created, and such a compromise cannot be achieved,” he stated.
He noted that the Turkish Cypriot people’s right to exist internationally cannot be obstructed for the reasons mentioned above and emphasized the importance of young people and universities becoming more integrated with the world.
Stating that the Turkish Cypriot people have the right to live equally, freely, and securely, Üstel warned that a genuine trust environment cannot be established unless the Greek side follows equality-based policies.
Clearly stating, he added that the Turkish Cypriot people’s connection with the world “is not subject to anyone’s permission,” and he noted that necessary initiatives will continue in this context.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
