Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has said youth opportunities should not be restricted because of the Cyprus problem, calling for equal access to sporting, cultural and international activities for young people from both communities.
His comments came amid reactions and developments surrounding the issue involving Barcelona.
Equal opportunities for young people
In a social media post, Erhürman said Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot young people should have the same opportunities as young people elsewhere in the world.
He said the disappointment experienced by one community should not become a source of satisfaction for the other.
Erhürman also argued that the participation of young people, artists or clubs from other countries in events held in the occupied north does not constitute recognition of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)”.
He compared this with Greek Cypriot participation in events held in Turkey, saying such participation would not mean that Turkey recognises the Republic of Cyprus.
Calls for greater contact between communities
The Turkish Cypriot leader said such events should not be viewed through a political lens.
However, if a political dimension was being sought, he referred to statements made after 2004 by the United Nations, the European Union and relevant Council of Europe bodies calling for an end to the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
Erhürman reiterated his support for strengthening contacts between young people from the two communities.
He said he had supported the idea of bringing young people and children together through joint sporting and other activities since the first day of his contacts.
“A defeat for everyone”
Referring to the cancellation of the festival and other similar cases, Erhürman said some may regard efforts to cancel events or prevent children from taking part in sporting activities as a “diplomatic victory”.
He said he did not view them that way.
“From a humanitarian perspective, it is quite clear to me that this constitutes a defeat for all people and for humanity as a whole,” he said.
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