Newsroom
Former Justice and Public Order Minister Emily Yiolitis has called for Cyprus to assert a distinct identity independent of both Greece and Turkey, questioning the use of the Greek national anthem and saying she would be willing to vote for a Turkish Cypriot president.
Speaking in a podcast interview, Yiolitis argued that Cyprus is an independent state and should reflect that independence in its national identity and political leadership.
“I also disagree with us having the national anthem of Greece,” she said, adding that Cyprus should be regarded as a country in its own right rather than through its relationship with either neighbouring state.
Yiolitis also addressed the relationship between the island’s two main communities, pointing to the religious differences between Greek Cypriots, who are predominantly Greek Orthodox Christians, and Turkish Cypriots, who are predominantly Muslims.
She argued that the country's leadership should take both communities into account, questioning the suitability of a religious figure as a leader for people with different religious traditions.
“We must show them that we respect their customs,” she said, referring to Turkish Cypriots.
The former minister also expressed support for the possibility of a Turkish Cypriot holding the presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, saying she would vote for a candidate from the community if she considered them more capable than a Greek Cypriot rival.
“I would happily vote for a Turkish Cypriot president. Why not?” she said.
Her remarks set out a view of Cypriot identity that places the country's independence and the coexistence of its two communities at the centre of its political future.
