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DW: Reactions to Turkish προσ ‘annexation’ protocol


The Ankara-Turkish Cypriot economic co-operation protocol is a cause for concern. It contains provisions that restrict freedoms. Reactions from the Turkish Cypriot opposition.

Another step towards the annexation of occupied Cyprus by Turkey is the new “protocol of economic cooperation” between Ankara and the “government” of the Turkish Cypriots. The protocol, which was signed on April 14th but was kept secret until May 20th, includes provisions that transfer practices applied in Turkey to the Turkish Cypriot community.

Indicatively, the agreement provides for the promotion of “legal regulations” regarding the obstruction of the ideological activities of the guilds and the restriction on the right of assembly and demonstration. It also appears that the goal of imposing political Islam on the Turkish Cypriot community is served by provisions for the promotion of legislation to “strengthen ties in areas derived from common historical, religious and spiritual values”.

The provisions that affect the freedom of expression are also indicative of the spirit of the protocol. The provision for cooperation of the “government” with Turkey “against misinformation on all communication platforms and especially on social media” is typical, as well as the criminalization of journalistic comments that will be considered offensive.

Reactions and wood in the “parliament”

The revelation of the provisions of the protocol provoked huge reactions in the Turkish Cypriot community with the leader of the opposition talking about a new intervention of Turkey inside the Turkish Cypriots.

Tufan Erhiurman’s statement came during a heated meeting in the Turkish parliament, where lawmakers from the ruling party were caught in the arms of opposition lawmakers after a left-wing RTK lawmaker tried to take the podium with a “No” T-shirt. in the protocol.

Large reactions were also provoked at the union level, with the Turkish Cypriot teachers ‘union calling on Turkey to stop trying to change the Turkish Cypriots, while the electricity workers’ union said it did not recognize “the protocol of annexation and betrayal”.

The Commission says unacceptable provisions

In relation to the provisions of the protocol concerning freedom of the press, a representative of the Commission also spoke, describing as unacceptable the use of criminal law as a tool to exert pressure on critical voices. “Freedom of expression and freedom of the press are essential foundations for democracy and the rule of law.

Loukianos Lyritsas, Nicosia

Source: Deutsche Welle

Source: Capital

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