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Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus launches diplomatic and media offensive

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turkish_republic_of_northern_cyprus_flag-2222pxBy Maas M.boup 

From the air, Cyprus is an island of greatly contrasting landscapes, set in a backdrop of mountain chains. It’s the third biggest island of the Mediterranean behind Sardinia and Sicily, but some 3,300km² of its 9,250km² is occupied. 

When the Turkish Airlines Airbus 330 announces its descent towards the capital Nicosia (Lefkosia, in Turkish Cypriot) the territory’s peculiarity comes into full view.

Since 1974, it has been characterised by a demarcation line known as 'the green line' – dividing the north of the island from south. Two geographic entities, one state of two communities : on the South side, the Greek-Cypriot community living in the heart of the Cyprus Republic and which has been a member of the EU since 2004 and the only one recognized by international bodies.

On the north side, the Turkish community forms the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), self-proclaimed in 1983 – that is recognized only by Turkey.  Peace and Freedom Day

Peace and Freedom Day

A group of foreign media professionals from over 30 countries were invited to visit the North to mark the 40th anniversary of Peace and Freedom Day held annually on 20 July.

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It was a grand celebration, including official ceremonies and parades with Turkish President Abdullah Gül as special guest, and also attended by numerous diplomats and other representatives from various global regions, including African dignitaries.  The organizers wanted to give opportunities to the foreign media to discover more about TRNC: society, politics, history, culture and tourism. The aim was to present Northern Cyprus in a glowing light, with monuments and historical sites and economic opportunities included. In addition, an attractive programme was offered, combining the necessary with the useful such as press briefings and guided trips. And as well, some walks in the heart of the living and vbrant city with its old quarters, and festive celebrations, when the thermometer easily surpassed 35° C.

Reunification? 

The press group was given the opportunity to meet TRNC President Dervis Eroglu. Following a few words of welcome from the President himself, who was elected in 2010, there was an opportunity for questions, the President complaining about Europe’s lopsided policies: Why does Europe still continue to punish Northern Cyprus? He pointed out that negotiations held with the Greek Cypriots to find solutions may favourably lead to the island’s reunification – a process that has so far consisted of countless meetings between the rulers of both communities but without any positive results.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ozdil Nami was both critical and pragmatic. As chief negotiator for the TRNC, he said his firm intention in talks was to find a formula which allowed Turkey and Cyprus to live together once more. The effects of the UN Security Council's resolutions on the island’s reunification, the paramount presence of the Turkish Armed Forces and yes, even the degree of Ankara’s decision-making in North Cyprus, were all discussed with the press as well as the foreign affairs diplomacy, in particular towards the EU.

Relations with Africa 

Some questions touched on the Turkish Cypriot authorities’ relations with Africa. In his speech, President Eroglu emphasized the presence of numerous African students thanks to a sponsorship programme pushed for by the Turkish Cypriot government. It was explained that about 10 % of the Cyprus-based students (both north and south) come from Sub-Saharan regions, of which 8,000 study in the north.

These figures were confirmed during the press group’s visit to the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMI). Based in the Northern coastal city of Famagusta, it is the island’s largest university with roughly 15,000 students, of which around 11,000 are of non-Cyprus origin, spread out over seven faculties. The campus has students of many nationalities including a large number from Nigeria and Cameroun.

The Turkish state of Cyprus also points to its observer seat since 2004 in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a sign of close relations with the African continent. Nami said that mechanisms of co-operation and solidarity have been developed and are being deepened between the Republic of Northern Cyprus and Turkey and African countries members of the OIC.  The opening towards the African continent also encompasses trade. The Turkish-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (Ktto) is promoting investments in the Sub-Saharan regions. The institution's president, Fikri Toros, said these were proactive and meant to open up new opportunities, especially with the African private sector.

Open and frank discussions 

A visit to the headquarters of KIBRIS Newspaper and a meeting with the Chief editor Süleyman Ergüclü prompted open and free discussion on media in the North of the island, its relations with colleagues in the South, with local authorities, its independence and role in the reunification process.

Despite the overall rewarding experience, many in the group of foreign media regretted that the stay was restricted to the Lefkosia area without the opportunity to visit the Greek part of the island. Admittedly this was never part of the schedule, but it would have widened our perspective on this complex and multi-faceted island that lies at the crossing of three continents and of the world’s great civilisations. A beautiful masterpiece in the heart of the Med, but with atypical and even contradictory features.

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