President Anastasiades’ inexcusable slip

Easter message exchange proves poor choice of words, but it is time for Cypriots to know what was tabled in Geneva

The problem was initiated by a reference made by President Nicos Anastasiades who in his Easter message referred to the Turkish Cypriots as “compatriots”, continuing as follows: “The status quo is unacceptable to both communities. What is worse is that it would not lead to a solution where we would all act together as European citizens, enjoying peace, security and prosperity. That is why, I call on you, with due respect, to fight for our own country, to fight for Cyprus we all love and adore”.

Undoubtedly, the message of the President had the reconciliatory tone that is necessary for bridging the gap between the two sides and for reaching a mutually agreed solution of the Cyprus problem. However, these words were preceded, in the same message, by the following inflammatory statement: “A few hours ago, we experienced, once again, the Turkish intransigence. Once again, we witnessed the arrogance of those who envisage a new Ottoman empire… and who are asking the UNSG to become an accomplice to their illegitimate actions, demanding the recognition of the sovereignty of the illegal puppet regime, which is subordinate to Turkey”.

The references contained in Anastasiades’ Easter message prompted a response by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, who surpassed the statements of Anastasiades in terms of aggressiveness, referring to “black propaganda based on false assertions and insults” originating from the Greek Cypriot “administration”, including references to an “anachronistic and enslaving mentality” to conclude by demanding the “termination of the deception of the Turkish Cypriots by references to a federation myth, while hailing the continuing support of Mother Turkey, who is standing next to us ready to rally to our support”.

This is the stage at which the President’s inexcusable slip-up took place. Instead of responding to Tatar’s truly inflammatory statements in a cool and calm fashion, explaining the fact that the whole of Cyprus is a member state of the European Union and, therefore, all Cypriot citizens have the right to seek and secure their rights as EU citizens, including that of free movement and residence throughout the bloc and, needless to say, in the areas of Cyprus not occupied by the Turkish army, a silly response was given to Tatar the following day. The President said he has the right to call the Turkish Cypriots “his compatriots” on the basis that they utilise birth, marriage and similar certificates issued by the Republic of Cyprus as well as identity cards and passports of the same for facilitating their movements outside of Cyprus, concluding with the following threat: “An important question is whether they (the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey) have calculated the cost, which will be inflicted on our fellow Turkish Cypriots as a consequence of the isolation they are being led into?” I ask, continued Anastasiades, Mr Tatar: “97 thousand Turkish Cypriots have a Cyprus identity card and a Cypriot passport and they enjoy the rights emanating from European citizenship, as much as the Cypriots (Greek Cypriots?) do. Should these people be embarrassed as a result? Even more, should the associates of Mr Tatar be ashamed of themselves as a result of holding a Cyprus identity card or a Cyprus passport?”

In my opinion, this kind of a statement, coming from the President of the Republic is unacceptable under any circumstances. The Turkish Cypriots are citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and they have an unquestionable right to acquire the necessary travel papers that are needed to go wherever they wish to go outside of Cyprus. Any other stand on this issue simply arms the hand of the present Turkish Cypriot leadership to claim sovereignty.

This conclusion leads me to another huge problem. The President has repeatedly stated since the recent informal 5+1 meeting in Geneva that a written memorandum was tabled by the Greek Cypriot side in the negotiation process, which was communicated to all those participating in the meeting, including Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Indeed, it was clarified in the statements made that the document would be used as the basis for a systematic briefing of the international community on the positions of the Greek Cypriot side.

The fact is, however, that only rumours are circulating about the substantive content of this document. When I attempted to secure a copy to evaluate its content, I realised it had not been released to journalists, who could bring its substantive content to the attention of the people of Cyprus in a prompt and accurate manner. Given that the document in question has been placed at the disposal of the Turkish Cypriot and the Turkish side, I consider my note (submitted in writing to the government spokesman on Tuesday, May 4, 2021) requesting the release of this document to the press and, more specifically, to the two oldest daily newspapers circulating in Cyprus – Alithia and the Cyprus Mail – as reasonable and legitimate. I have not received any response.

I consider the effective refusal of the government to brief the people of Cyprus in a comprehensive and objective manner on a matter of the highest national importance an omission that undermines the democratic foundations of the Republic. I hope that those who are responsible for this omission will reconsider because the people of Cyprus should be the first (and not the last ones) to know.

Christos Panayiotides is a regular columnist for the Cyprus Mail, Sunday Mail and Alithia