Turkey Must Vacate Cyprus Territory Unconditionally, India reaffirms support for Cyprus’ territorial integrity
The Mediterranean island country was brutally invaded by Turkey in 1974 which led to the formation of “Northern Cyprus”, recognised only by Turkey. Turkey continues to retain its military presence in the region and has faced censure for its actions by the United Nations Security Council.
Cyprus remains Europe’s last divided country along with Ireland, with its capital being referred to as the last divided capital of the continent. Northern Ireland is also under British Occupation since long.
President Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus while speaking from UNGA said, “Turkey threatens Cyprus that there will be severe consequences if we proceed ahead with our energy programme… it threatens neighbouring states and energy companies, with which we are cooperating and have established conventional obligations”.
Cyprus and Turkey don’t have very good ties as Turkey occupies the northern part of the island country. Recently, Ankara threatened Cyprus with its plan to drill in what Nicosia says is their “exclusive economic zone”.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and reiterated India’s “consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.”
Turkey has recently become very vocal and continues to back Pakistan’s line on Kashmir. In fact, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke from the United Nations General Assembly on Kashmir, against New Delhi. Erdogan probably thinks himself as the erstwhile Khalifa of the Arabian World and therefore has to support Pakistan even if it supports terrorism.
