Newsroom
The Turkish-backed authorities in occupied Cyprus have reportedly warned that Greek Cypriot politicians could be declared persona non grata if they make certain public statements while visiting the occupied areas. The warnings, communicated to UN peacekeeping chief Khassim Diagne, focus on two points: calling Turkey an occupying power or describing the breakaway administration in the north as a “pseudo-state.”
Local Turkish media and social media posts indicate that the issue may also affect access through checkpoints, with officials threatening to block entry for anyone making the statements.
The tension comes after First Lady Philippa Karsera reportedly prayed at the Monastery of Apostle Andrew for Cyprus’ reunification and liberation from Turkey, an act that the occupation authorities described as “disturbing.”
According to reports, the "authorities" on the occupied side asked the UN mediator to “clearly convey the message to the Greek Cypriots” that anyone speaking publicly about Turkey as an occupier or the north as a pseudo-state risks being banned from entering the occupied territory.
