Öztürkler: EU Presidency Opening Is The Latest Example Of Discrimination On The Island

Speaking during the meeting, Öztürkler stressed that the Turkish World represents not only a cultural bond for the Turkish Cypriot people, but also a strong platform of solidarity that enhances their visibility in the international arena. He noted that contacts with the Turkish World offer new opportunities, particularly in the field of youth policies.

Öztürkler said that bringing Turkish Cypriot youth together with young people from the Turkish World through joint projects would both strengthen identity awareness and contribute to the more effective representation of the TRNC on international platforms. He also referred to the injustices faced by Turkish Cypriots internationally.

Reiterating his criticism of the EU presidency opening ceremony held today in South Cyprus, Öztürkler said it exemplified the European Union’s disregard for Turkish Cypriots and the ongoing discrimination on the island.

The Speaker underlined that Turkish Cypriots have long been subjected to isolation and political obstruction, adding that South Cyprus’s unilateral representation under the EU framework constitutes an unacceptable double standard. He said this approach damages efforts toward a settlement on the island and ignores the will of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Öztürkler stated that this situation once again demonstrates the EU’s biased stance, which fails to observe balance between the two communities on the island, and added that solidarity with the Turkish World represents the strongest response to such double standards.

Also speaking at the meeting, Turkish World Youth Foundation Chairman Ramazan İzol said that the TRNC holds a special position within the Turkish World and expressed readiness to carry out joint initiatives in the field of youth.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts.