Ersin Tatar the leader of the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus is in Australia.
The self-proclaimed ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC) is not recognised internationally by any country, except Turkey.
The so-called TRNC is considered by all other states to be part of the Republic of Cyprus which was occupied by Turkish forces in 1974.
Tatar landed in Melbourne on Wednesday with a Turkish passport and was met by dozens of enthusiastic members of the Turkish-Cypriot community who referred to his as “His Excellency” and “TRNC President” holding banners.
He was officially welcomed by the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye Doğan Işık, the TRNC Honorary Representative in Melbourne Hasan Sayar and heads of several associations.
Speaking to the press he addressed his supporters at Tullamarine, and said that “The Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus belongs to us” a direct challenge to the Greek-Cypriot and international community that do not recognise the self-declared state.
“I have come to embrace our brothers and sisters who have settled here since the 1940s and to convey the greeting of the Turkish-Cypriot people,” he added.
“We are all one heart, we have the love of Cyprus in our hearts. The TRNC belongs to all of us.”
and made a stop at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to pay his respects where he signed the guest book as the “President of the Republic of Northern Cyprus”.
Tatar himself posted photos of the wreath-laying ceremony on his Facebook page, which has drawn significant attention and criticism given that the wreath he laid was on behalf of the “Republic of Northern Cyprus”.
The presence of the Turkish Cypriot leader in Australia has mobilised the local Greek-Cypriot community and drawn attention to the unresolved conflict.
Prior to Tatar’s visit, the Coordinating Committee for the Cyprus Struggle (SEKA) Victoria sent a letter to State Premier Jacinta Allan, with copies to Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and Greek-Australian “super minister” Steve Dimopoulos highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding the Cyprus issue.
In his letter, sent to Neos Kosmos, SEKA Victoria President Pavlos Andronikos said:
“We understand that the Australian government has assured the Republic of Cyprus that it will not give Tatar’s visit any legitimacy or substance, and that it has informed local governments and State Parliaments of Australia’s official position (non-recognition of the “TRNC”).
We congratulate the Prime Minister and his Government for expressing clearly and unequivocally Australia’s position.
It would also be totally inappropriate for any Victorian Minister or Government official to meet with Mr Tatar.
You will appreciate that Greek and Cypriot Australians are distressed by Mr Tatar’s visit. Many Cypriot Australians are refugees from the north of Cyprus where they lost homes, land, and all their belongings to the invading Turks. Some among them also lost loved ones, many of whom have been classified as missing since 1974.
We believe that the purpose of Mr Tatar’s visit is to push for recognition of the illegal “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. I must explain how this entity was created nearly 50 years ago.”
At the end of the letter Andronikos requested a statement from the Premier and Ministers making clear that they not engage with Tatar, supporting the official Federal Government’s position.
So far, Tatar has not had any official contacts with Australian politicians.
While in Australia, he will participate in events and festivals celebrating the 80th anniversary of Turkish-Cypriots and engage in various meetings not yet outlined
in his schedule.
Tatar, as the first leader of the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus to ever visit Australia has planned visits to both Melbourne and Sydney.
