Tufan Erhürman has described Mahmoud Abbas’ recent visit to the Republic of Cyprus as "unacceptable", arguing that it disregards Turkish Cypriots and their political status.
In remarks reported by Turkish media, Erhürman expressed disappointment over the Palestinian leader's visit, citing Ankara's long-standing position that Cyprus consists of what it describes as two separate peoples and two separate states.
Turkish media reaction
Turkish newspaper Sözcü prominently featured reactions by Erhürman and Turkish Cypriot "foreign minister" Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, both of whom were in Ankara for the Organisation of Turkic States Summit.
The newspaper portrayed Abbas' visit and his meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides as a diplomatic setback from the Palestinian side, criticising the fact that Abbas did not visit northern Cyprus.
Sözcü described the move as an act of "ingratitude" towards Türkiye, arguing that Ankara has for years been among the strongest supporters of the Palestinian cause.
Under the headline, "Abbas ignored the homeland and visited South Cyprus", the newspaper criticised the 29 October meeting between Abbas and Christodoulides.
Focus on Cyprus-Palestine cooperation
Particular attention was given to the agreement between Abbas and Christodoulides to strengthen bilateral relations and reactivate the Amalthea humanitarian maritime corridor to Gaza.
According to Sözcü, the Republic of Cyprus, which maintains good relations with **Israel, has secured support from the European Union and the United States for the humanitarian-aid initiative.
The newspaper further argued that Nicosia has succeeded in strengthening diplomatic ties with the Palestinians, following a pattern similar to that of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, all of which maintain diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cyprus.
Timing highlighted
Sözcü also noted that Abbas had been received in Ankara on 12 August with full state honours, including a ceremonial welcome and a 21-gun salute.
The paper highlighted that his meeting with Christodoulides took place on 29 October, Turkey's national day, presenting the timing as politically significant.
Also criticism of Mitsotakis
In a separate report, Sözcü criticised Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis over remarks concerning the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum during a United Nations Security Council meeting on maritime security held under Greece's presidency.
The newspaper described Mitsotakis' assertion that the memorandum constitutes a "clear violation" of international law of the sea as an "arrogant accusation" against Türkiye.
Source: CNA
