Neofytou confronts Turkish delegate on Cyprus invasion and occupation

DISY MP and former presidential candidate Averof Neofytou didn't hold back during a recent meeting at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean when he engaged in a spirited exchange with Turkish representative Samil Ayrim.

The encounter unfolded as Ayrim took a stand on defending Palestinians, vehemently criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza and its occupation of Palestine.

Neofytou wasted no time in reminding Ayrim of Turkey's contentious history, stating, "He probably forgot that his country invaded Cyprus in 1974, occupying 40% of the territory of a European nation. That is all from the podium."

Following the formal session, tensions escalated into a heated dialogue between Neofytou and Ayrim. Neofytou expressed his concerns, specifically stating his hope that Turkey would not derail the new UN initiative.

The exchange sheds light on the ongoing complexities surrounding Cyprus-Turkey relations and adds another chapter to the ongoing discourse within the Union for the Mediterranean. As Neofytou continues to be a vocal figure and remains at the forefront of addressing historical issues and advocating for diplomatic solutions within the Union for the Mediterranean.

Αντιμέτωπος με τον κυνικό οπορτουνισμό της Τουρκίας βρέθηκα στην Κοινοβουλευτικη Συνέλευση της Ένωσης για τη Μεσόγειο.
Ο Τούρκος αντιπρόσωπος Samil Ayrim εμφανίστηκε ως υπερασπιστής των Παλαιστινιων καταγγέλλοντας την εισβολή του Ισραήλ στη Γαζα και την κατοχή της Παλαιστινης.… pic.twitter.com/TVVZcAliQG

— Averof Neofytou (@AverofCY) February 16, 2024