The general secretary of Turkish Cypriot movement Sol Hareket was banned from entering Turkey during his recent trip there, it emerged on Monday.

Abdullah Korkmazhan was denied entry upon his arrival at Esenboga airport in Ankara, on the grounds that he was “acting against national security”.

As a result, he had to return to northern Cyprus, the Cyprus news agency reported citing Yeniduzen.

He was also referred to the ‘Turkish embassy’ for explanations as to why he was not allowed to enter Turkey.