Palestine’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Abdallah Attari, issued a written statement responding to a recent Democratic Rally (DISY) announcement, aiming -he said- to clear up “misunderstandings” he hopes were made in good faith.
Representation and recognition
Attari stressed he represents the State of Palestine, not the Palestinian Authority, recalling that Cyprus was among the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine in 1988, prior to the establishment of the PA. He called that recognition a historic decision that commands Palestinian gratitude.
He underlined that the Palestinian Embassy does not intervene in the internal political affairs of the Republic of Cyprus. Relations with the Cypriot government and all political parties, he said, are excellent, built on mutual respect and consistent diplomatic conduct aimed at deepening Palestine’s ties with the international community.
On domestic debate and Hamas
Attari said his only reference to party politics was an expression of hope that the Palestinian question could be an area of broad consensus in Cyprus, not an intervention. Addressing mentions of Hamas, he noted he speaks on behalf of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the internationally recognised representative of the Palestinian people-“a clear and undisputed position.”
‘Unfortunate example’ and symbolism dispute
The Ambassador voiced dissatisfaction with what he called an “unfortunate and unjustified” example used by DISY that, in his view, equated victim and perpetrator. Without entering Cypriot institutional matters, he also deemed “deeply offensive and unacceptable” a separate claim by an Israeli official that the Palestinian flag is a “symbol of antisemitism.”
The Embassy reiterated its unwavering respect for the sovereignty and internal processes of the Republic of Cyprus and its appreciation for the enduring friendship and solidarity between the two peoples. With this statement, Attari said, the matter is considered closed.
What DISY had said
Earlier, DISY expressed surprise that the “Ambassador of the Palestinian Authority” (as the party phrased it) had publicly entered a domestic political dispute, saying such interventions do not align with the role of a diplomatic mission. DISY clarified its recent remarks were not about Palestine or the Palestinian people, but about a Cypriot party’s stance on foreign policy.
The party added it does not regard Hamas as representing the Palestinian people, reaffirmed support for humanitarian aid from Cyprus to civilians in Gaza and for actions grounded in international law and human rights, and stressed that Cypriot-Palestinian ties of friendship and solidarity remain solid. DISY concluded it strongly supports UN resolutions on the Palestinian issue.
