FC Barcelona has cancelled the planned camp in the occupied areas following the controversy surrounding the event.
According to information cited by Kathimerini.com.cy, the decision was taken following diplomatic efforts by the Republic of Cyprus.
The cancellation comes days after EXIT announced that it would withdraw from the NEXUS festival in the occupied areas following a backlash over its participation.
Erhürman comments on developments
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman said on Wednesday that he opposed what he described as the “exclusion” of young people from international activities because of the Cyprus problem.
Commenting on developments surrounding the so-called “Barcelona issue”, Erhürman said he did not accept that Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot young people should be deprived of opportunities available to young people elsewhere in the world.
“The sadness of a Greek Cypriot young person cannot be my joy, nor can I accept the sadness of a Turkish Cypriot young person being turned into joy for any Greek Cypriot,” he said.
Erhürman also expressed the legal view that the participation of young people, artists or clubs from other countries in events held in the occupied areas does not constitute recognition of the self-declared Turkish Cypriot administration.
He compared this with the participation of Greek Cypriots in events in Turkey, arguing that such participation would not amount to recognition of the Republic of Cyprus by Ankara.
NEXUS withdrawal preceded cancellation
The Barcelona camp cancellation follows EXIT’s decision to withdraw from the NEXUS festival in the occupied areas after reactions to its participation.
The developments have renewed debate over the participation of international organisations, artists and sporting groups in activities held in the occupied areas and the implications for the Cyprus problem.
Also read: Erhürman: International events in occupied north do not mean recognition of “TRNC”
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