A reception by Turkey’s consul general in Melbourne for the visiting leader of Turkish occupied northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, has caused controversy with the attendance of a sitting Victorian minister.
Minister for Veterans, Small Business, and Youth, Natalie Suleyman attended the reception and is now being questioned for breaking national protocol.
The self-proclaimed ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC) is not recognised by Australia or any other 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.
During the reception hosted by Turkey’s Consul General, Doğan F. Işık, Tatar spoke about wanting equality for Turkish Cypriots.
Suleyman’s attendance is being questioned, as a member of the Australian Labor Party, and as an elected member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
“As Australia does not recognise the TRNC it is a breach of protocol that she has attended as minister”, Greek Cypriot sources told Neos Kosmos.
It is believed that prime minister Anthony Albanese sent a letter to all state and territory governments informing them of Tatar’s visit to Australia and to let them know that there will be no official recognition of him.
“As a Victorian minister, Suleyman’s attendance could be considered as recognition,” the same sources told Neos Kosmos.
Tatar visits the Shrine and attends Victoria’s Parliament
Furthermore, Victoria parliamentary member Adem Somyürek also met with Tatar at Victoria’s Parliament, to discuss bilateral relations between the TRNC and Australia, and the Cyprus issue.
Somyürek served as the Minister of Local Government and Small Business between December 2018 and 2020.
Tatar also visited the Shrine of Remembrance to lay a wreath in the presence of Turkish community members.
Neos Kosmos understands that the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia will be writing a letter to Victorian premier Jacinta Allan about these meetings.
SEKA calls for action
The Coordinating Committee for the Cyprus Struggle (SEKA) Victoria sent a second letter on Thursday to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan questioning the behaviour of Minister Süleyman for breaching Australia’s policy of offering ‘no recognition to the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”‘.
Referring to the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey in 1974 and the ongoing illegal occupation, SEKA called on the premier to take action, asking for “a clear statement from yourself on this matter would go a long way towards soothing the indignation and anger which Greek and Cypriot Australians feel about Mr Tatar’s visit.”
Prior to the visit SEKA President Pavlos Andronikos had sent a letter on 20 May to Premier Allan, with copies to Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and Greek Australian minister Steve Dimopoulos, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding the Cyprus issue.
In that letter Mr Andronikos had asked the premier for “A statement from yourself making clear that your government will not engage with Mr Tatar and supporting the Federal Government’s position we believe is necessary, and would be much appreciated.”
