FATMA GÜLÇİN KABASAKALLI – Direct flights from Russia to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) begin. According to the information shared by diplomatic sources, it has been learned that Russian commercial flights will be carried out directly between Russia and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), possibly through a tour operator, and the Russian government has given consent to this issue. It is also learned that talks between Turkey and Russia are still ongoing. According to the sources, the development, which is perceived as a diplomatic victory for the TRNC and Turkey, is expected to be announced in the coming days. In addition, it was learned that with the development, which is an important milestone for the recognition of the TRNC, efforts are being made to prepare the first flight from Russia to the TRNC for the opening of the new Ercan Airport, which is planned to be held on November 15.
First time Muslim ambassador
While it is hoped that the said development will pave the way for the TRNC to be officially recognized in the international arena, it was also stated that after the war in Ukraine, the preference point of Russian tourists shifted from Southern Cyprus to the TRNC. In the past days, the USA lifted the arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration, and this decision of the USA was met with reaction from both Turkey and the TRNC. While comments were made that Russia changed its strategy in the international arena regarding the TRNC, it was noteworthy that such a decision was confirmed by diplomatic sources. However, it did not go unnoticed that Russia recently appointed a Muslim ambassador to Southern Cyprus, Murat Zyazikov, who is known for his closeness to Putin. While the Southern Cyprus media interpreted Zyazikov’s appointment as a “gift from Putin to Erdoğan”, concerns were expressed about the Russian Ambassador’s taking positive steps in relations with the TRNC and even “taking the TRNC as an interlocutor”.
The ‘first step’ towards recognition
Sharing his views on the developments in Russia’s relations with the TRNC, Prof. Dr. Hasan Ünal stated that he had been waiting for such a decision in line with Russia’s geopolitical obligations for a long time. Ünal emphasized that such a positive conjuncture occurred when the Greek Cypriot side closed its airspace to Russia together with Greece at the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, and that Russia was ready for such a bargain on the TRNC long before the Ukraine crisis actually started. prof. Dr. Unal said, “I see this step as the first step towards Russia’s recognition of the TRNC and I attach great importance to it,” while expressing that direct flights and the process of recognizing the TRNC are not the Kremlin’s anger towards Greece and the Greek Cypriots, but a strategic basis for this decision. also stated that. Ünal said: “For example, when there is a one-state solution on the Island, the whole of this Island will be EU territory. In fact, if Turkey will say yes to a one-state solution with a compromise with the United States, Britain and the EU, then it will be a more dangerous situation for Russia. As a result, Turkey would lean more towards the Western bloc against Russia. This new government to be established on the island will also join NATO. I’ve been talking and discussing this with the Russians for years, and the Russians have strategically grasped this very well and realized the danger here.”
‘He gave a trump card to Turkey’
Noting that direct flights are critical to show that the island’s airspace is not only owned by the Greek Cypriots, but a significant part of it is under the control of the TRNC, Ünal also said that the attempts of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side to militarize the crisis gave Turkey a trump card. Ünal said, “The attempts of Greece and the Greek Cypriots to militarize the crisis also form the basis for such negotiations with Russia. You should not be afraid of it. As they militarize the problem, we are focused on achieving political results while responding to them militarily. And no Western country can interfere with these steps regarding the TRNC with the Russians. “The men are coming at us with guns in their hands, we have to say what to do,” he said.
TATAR: IT WOULD BE A VERY IMPORTANT STEP FOR TRNC!
Making a statement to Milliyet on the subject, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, said, “We would welcome it if such a development occurs with Russia in the context of Turkey’s balance policy. Such a development would be a very important step for the TRNC, this is how recognition begins, the important thing is economic movements.” Emphasizing that Turkey has already made direct flights to Ercan since the 1970s, President Tatar said, “According to our lawyers, there is no reason why there should be no direct flights. But the Greeks are objecting to hinder our progress and bring us to our knees. For Russia’s own reasons, I am removing this objection. If a private plane company wants to fly a kite directly from Moscow to Ercan, there is no problem for me, as soon as it says that it is the policy of that company, this happens. Stating that all developments regarding direct flights should be within the knowledge of Turkey and that they are in contact all over the world as the TRNC, Tatar said, “With the leadership of Mr. President Erdogan, Turkey’s leadership in the war, the formation of a mediation and grain corridor and its ability to carry out a balanced diplomacy, It will be a source of pride for us,” he said. President Tatar also stated that the participation of Southern Cyprus in the embargoes against Russia deteriorated relations with Russia, adding that Russia was uncomfortable with this.
