UK Cypriots’ National Federation Demands Afzal Khan’s Resignation

Hristos Karaolis, President of the UK Cypriots’ National Federation, submitted the resignation demand following Khan’s visit to Cyprus last week. According to Fileleftheros’ report titled “Cypriot Community Demands Afzal Khan’s Resignation”, Karaolis sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade urging Khan’s resignation.

In his letter, Karaolis also addressed the Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Europe and North America Ministry, the Inter-Parliamentary Cyprus Group, MP Sarah Sackman KC, the Shadow Minister for Europe, and the British High Commissioner in Cyprus. He expressed “disappointment and deep concern” over Khan’s visit and statements made during his time in Cyprus.

The letter criticized Khan for entering the country via Ercan Airport, participating in activities allegedly conducted under “unrecognized and illegal” authorities, and posing in front of the TRNC flag. Karaolis argued that these actions represent “a worrying deviation from UK institutional policy and international rules.”

The federation requested that Khan be immediately removed from the Trade Special Representative role and that the UK government formally distance itself from his actions.

Representing over 300,000 UK citizens of Greek Cypriot origin, the federation highlighted that Ercan Airport has been operating “illegally” since 1974. It stressed that the territory is not recognized by any UN member state, including the UK, except Turkey, and argued that Khan’s entry via Ercan should be “diplomatically condemned and considered ethically improper.”

Karaolis also demanded an immediate explanation from the UK government regarding whether the Trade and Business Ministry or other departments were aware of Khan’s visit, whether they approved or tacitly condoned it, or remained neutral.

Finally, he requested confirmation that, in the absence of UK government approval, the government’s non-recognition policy would not be undermined, and that officials would be held accountable if they engaged in actions contrary to international law, UK policy, and commitments under the Treaty of Guarantee.