Latest news with #TurkishCypriot
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
India Supports Cyprus's Sovereignty: Why That's A Subtle Yet Strong Message To Turkey
Last Updated: In 1983, Turkish Cypriot leaders declared the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — a state recognised only by Turkey. India on Monday reiterated its 'unwavering and consistent support" for the 'independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity" of the Republic of Cyprus, in what can be seen as a clear message to Turkey, that shares not just a border with Cyprus, but also a decades old territorial conflict. India's statement comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus, where met President Nikos Christodoulides. 'India reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. In this regard, both sides emphasised the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations," a statement from PMO India said. PM Modi's Cyprus visit comes at a time when India is relooking at its ties with Turkey amid the Recep Tayyip Erdogan-led nation's diplomatic and seemingly overt military support for Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Hence, India's statement on support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus holds significance. India has always backed the territorial integrity of Cyprus and called for a resolution of the Cyprus problem under UNSC resolutions and international law. On Monday, PM Modi visited the Historic Centre of Nicosia with Cyprus President Christodoulides. The two were seen speaking to each other with the Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus in the background. The flag of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) could also be seen in the background. Turkey has been increasingly vocal in international forums against India, particularly on Kashmir. What Is The Turkey-Cyprus Conflict? At the core of the conflict between Turkey and Republic of Cyprus lies the division of the island of Cyprus, a geopolitical flashpoint shaped by ethnic divisions, historical grievances, and strategic interests. Cyprus, located south of Turkey, has long been home to two main communities — Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Tensions began escalating in the 1950s when Greek Cypriots pushed for enosis (union with Greece), which worried the Turkish Cypriot minority and Turkey. Following independence from Britain in 1960, the island adopted a power-sharing constitution. However, intercommunal violence in the 1960s and political instability undermined this arrangement. The conflict reached a tipping point in 1974, when a coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists aimed at annexing the island to Greece, prompted Turkey to launch a military intervention. Turkish forces took control of the northern third of the island, displacing thousands of Greek Cypriots. In 1983, Turkish Cypriot leaders declared the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — a state recognised only by Turkey. To this day, the island remains divided. The Republic of Cyprus, internationally recognised and a member of the European Union, governs the southern part of the island. The north is administered by the TRNC with heavy Turkish military and economic backing. The buffer zone, known as the Green Line, is patrolled by United Nations peacekeepers. Greek Cypriots demand the return of occupied land and the withdrawal of Turkish troops. Turkish Cypriots and Ankara, on the other hand, insist on political equality and recognition of their self-declared state. Numerous UN-mediated negotiations, including the Annan Plan in 2004, have failed to produce a lasting solution. The conflict is further complicated by natural gas exploration in the region. The Republic of Cyprus has issued drilling licences in areas that Turkey claims infringe on its continental shelf and on Turkish Cypriot rights. Turkey has sent its own exploration vessels into disputed waters, clashing with Cyprus, Greece, and even EU regulations. Despite occasional diplomatic engagement, the conflict remains. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Cyprus northern Cyprus pm narendra modi turkey Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 16, 2025, 16:20 IST News explainers India Supports Cyprus's Sovereignty: Why That's A Subtle Yet Strong Message To Turkey
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Watch: Nicosia council member touches Modi's feet - PM's Cyprus visit
Screengrab ANI NEW DELHI: Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, a member of the council of Nicosia, touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's feet as a mark of respect. Mhlapa was welcoming Prime Minister Modi at the historic Centre of Nicosia. The historic Centre of Nicosia is the old walled part of Cyprus's capital, renowned for its Venetian fortifications, traditional architecture, and vibrant markets. It stands as a living reminder of the city's diverse cultural heritage, positioned along the Green Line that divides the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sectors. In 2023, in an exemplary gesture of respect, Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape touched the feet of PM Narendra Modi, who visited the island nation. As he alighted from the aircraft, PM Modi was greeted by Marape, who then bent down to touch his feet. Papua New Guinea has a tradition of not welcoming anyone post sunset but PM Modi was given a gun salute, a red carpet welcome and was personally welcomed by Marape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian leader in 23 years, is being seen in Nicosia as a strong diplomatic message to Turkey, which has occupied nearly one-third of the island since 1974 and recently supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor . PM Modi's trip, his first international visit since the military action against Pakistan, carries added significance in this backdrop. He is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of President Nicos Christodoulides and is accompanied by a high-level delegation of about 100 officials. Cyprus is the first stop in Modi's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Canada for the G-7 Summit and to Croatia, marking the first-ever visit there by an Indian Prime Minister. The Cyprus leg of the tour holds strategic, diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical importance, underlining the island nation's growing relevance in India's wider regional and global strategy.
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Modi's historic Cyprus visit: Why it matters more than you think
The significance of Modi's Cyprus visit extends far beyond ceremonial diplomacy. During his stay, the Prime Minister engaged in substantive discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia and addressed business leaders in Limassol, setting the stage for enhanced bilateral cooperation across multiple his remarks during the visit, Modi emphasised the development of "a complete roadmap to give strategic direction for the partnership between the two nations." This comprehensive approach signals India's intention to deepen ties with Cyprus across defence, security, trade, and technological Strategic geography and regional dynamics Cyprus occupies a unique position in the eastern Mediterranean, serving as a crucial bridge between Europe, Asia, and West Asia. Despite its geographic location in Asia, Cyprus maintains strong ties with Europe as a European Union member state, making it an invaluable partner for India's expanding engagement with the island nation's complex history, marked by the division between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and the 1974 Turkish military intervention, provides important context for understanding regional dynamics. The northern portion of the island remains under Turkish control as the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey—a situation that influences broader Mediterranean Mediterranean strategyCyprus has emerged as one of India's dependable friends in the Mediterranean region. The island nation has consistently supported India's bid for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council and backed India's civil nuclear cooperation agreements within international visit comes at a time when India seeks to counter growing Turkish-Pakistani cooperation, particularly in defence and security matters. Recent conflicts have highlighted the use of Turkish-origin military equipment by Pakistan, marking what Indian officials consider a concerning escalation in regional and security cooperation frameworkA key outcome of Modi's Cyprus visit was the commitment to strengthen defence and security cooperation through enhanced bilateral programs. The Prime Minister outlined plans to emphasise defence industry collaboration under existing bilateral frameworks while initiating separate dialogues on cyber and maritime specifically thanked Cyprus for its continued support in India's efforts to combat cross-border terrorism, announcing the establishment of real-time information exchange mechanisms between security agencies of both countries. This cooperation framework represents a significant step in India's broader counter-terrorism and economic connectivityBeyond security considerations, Cyprus plays a vital role in India's ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project. This infrastructure initiative aims to boost trade and connectivity between India and Europe through West Asian transit points, with Cyprus serving as a crucial Mediterranean timing of Modi's visit is particularly strategic, as Cyprus is scheduled to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. This positioning makes Cyprus an invaluable ally as India seeks to strengthen trade and security relationships across cooperation and global challengesDuring discussions with Cypriot leadership, Modi addressed shared concerns about ongoing conflicts in Europe and West Asia, emphasising that "this is not an era of war." Both nations expressed similar views on the need for UN reforms to address contemporary global challenges, reinforcing their alignment on multilateral Prime Minister's visit also provided an opportunity to express gratitude to partner countries for their steadfast support in India's fight against cross-border terrorism and to build global consensus on tackling terrorism in all its forms.A strategic partnership in the makingModi's Cyprus visit represents more than bilateral engagement—it signals India's broader Mediterranean strategy and commitment to building diverse partnerships that support its growing global influence. The comprehensive roadmap discussed during the visit encompasses defence cooperation, economic connectivity, technological collaboration, and multilateral diplomatic India continues to expand its international partnerships and counter emerging security challenges, Cyprus emerges as a strategically positioned ally that offers both geographic advantages and consistent diplomatic support. This historic visit sets the foundation for enhanced cooperation that could serve as a model for India's engagement with other Mediterranean and European success of this diplomatic initiative will be measured not just in immediate agreements, but in the long-term strategic benefits it provides for India's expanding global presence and its efforts to build a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean region.
Saba Yemen
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus condemns attack on Madeleine Ship
Cyprus - Saba: President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar condemned on Monday the Israeli attack on the Madeleine ship, which was on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Tatar said, "The Israeli forces' intervention on the Madeleine ship, which was on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, while it was sailing in international waters, and the firing on people who had gathered to receive the aid is an unacceptable violation of human rights." Tatar added, in a statement published by the Turkish Cypriot Presidency, "I condemn this terrorist act and the genocidal attempts by Israel, and I hope for the immediate release of the detained activists and crew members." For his part, Speaker of the Turkish Cypriot Parliament Ziya Öztürkler condemned the Israeli attack on the Madeleine ship. He explained in a statement that Israel's attack on the Madeleine ship, which was carrying human rights defenders in international waters, is an assault on human values. Ozturkler stressed that Israel's attack on the Madeleine ship was unacceptable and a violation of international law and basic human rights. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Euronews
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Turkish Cypriot leader rules out prospect of tripartite meeting
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Monday shot down the idea of a tripartite meeting between himself, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and UN envoy María Angela Holguín. Following a meeting with Holguín, Tatar lashed out at the authorities of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus over recent arrests of individuals suspected of selling Greek Cypriot-owned property in the Turkish-occupied north. Referring to the arrests as "terrorist activies", Tatar said he had told Holguín during their meeting in Cyprus that "there was no need for a tripartite meeting." "I said that a meeting with Christodoulides could not be held in such an environment, that there was discomfort on the issue of property, and that it would not be right to create such an environment without resolving these issues,' Tatar told public broadcaster CyBC. The island nation of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup backed by the Greek junta, which aimed at a union with Greece. The Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island's northern third is recognised only by Turkey, which maintains around 35,000 troops there. The Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but only the Greek Cypriot south, where the island's internationally recognised government is based, enjoys full benefits. A spate of recent arrests targeted people over the illegal development of property in the north which is owned by Greek Cypriot refugees, who fled south during the 1974 invasion. Two Hungarian nationals were the first to be sentenced to prison over the issue earlier this month. Tatar asked Holguín to convey his position to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, adding that "All this must stop," as "the real victims are the Turkish Cypriot people." Christodoulides had met with Holguín on Saturday, after which he indicated the Republic of Cyprus would be "here to respond" in the event of a positive response from Tatar. Referring to the latter's comments on Monday, the Cypriot president said he was "saddened". He insisted that the judiciary was responsible for the arrests, saying "the executive authority of does not interfere in the judicial authority under any circumstances." He also reiterated previous comments that "it would be good for the three of us to sit around a table to discuss and have a free discussion so that we can get closer to the goal of July, so that there are positive developments," adding that he would "definitely" be holding a new meeting with Holguín. Christodoulides added that Holguín's meetings outside Cyprus and especially Turkey would be "decisive". The UN envoy is also scheduled to visit Greece, the UK and Brussels. Christodoulides and Tatar last met in Geneva in mid-March, after which a series of modest confidence-building measures were announced. Guterres announced a similar meeting is to be held at the end of July. He appointed Holguín as his personal envoy on Cyprus in early May. She had previously been in the same role between January and July 2024. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticised Israel's plans to take control of Gaza and hold up to 75% of the Strip, stating he "no longer understands" the end goal. "The Israeli government must not do anything that even its best friends are no longer willing to accept," said Merz at the WDR Europaforum in Berlin on Monday. "What the Israeli army is now doing in the Gaza Strip, I frankly no longer understand with what goal," he added. The German chancellor also commented on the fact that Palestinians in the Strip are dependent on international aid deliveries, which Israel had blocked until recently with the argument that Hamas would benefit from them. "To cause such suffering to the civilian population, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism," Merz said. Merz's words point to a shift in tone in another ally of Israel, after the leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada last week condemned what they called Israel's "egregious" military actions in Gaza and warned that they would take "concrete actions" if Netanyahu didn't change course, particularly regarding humanitarian aid. On Friday, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the trio of being on the "wrong side of history" and siding with Hamas after they all called for an end to Israel's military operation in Gaza and restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid. "When mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you're on the wrong side of justice, you're on the wrong side of humanity and you're on the wrong side of history," he said in remarks on Friday, name-checking Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer and Mark Carney. "Now, these leaders may think that they're advancing peace, they're not. They're emboldening Hamas to continue fighting forever and they give them hope to establish a second Palestinian state from which Hamas will again seek to destroy the Jewish state - and mind you, it's not going to be a state free of Hamas." After an almost three-month blockade on all aid entering the Strip, dozens of trucks were allowed to enter Gaza again last week, but the UN said that the amount entering was a "drop in the ocean" compared to what was needed. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched a renewed offensive on Hamas in Gaza, codenamed Operation Gideon's Chariots, in mid-May. The major ground offensive in northern and southern Gaza is backed by the Israeli air force and aims to expand "operational control" over the Strip and free the remaining hostages still being held by Hamas.
