The National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom welcomes the recent choice of Mr Mustafa Akinci as the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus as a positive sign which gives hope to all Cypriots that the island may at long last be free and reunited.
Mr Akinci has a history of campaigning for the reunification of Cyprus and his sweeping victory was achieved on the back of a promise made to the Turkish Cypriot community that, if chosen as its leader, he would work hard to inject fresh urgency into the quest to end the division of the island.
There is no doubt, however, that the question as to whether or not Cyprus can turn a new page will depend on Turkey’s willingness to remove its army of occupation from the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, and on its sincere engagement with the UN-facilitated process the purpose of which is to bring about an end to the island’s division and the country’s real unity and independence within the European Union.
The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK will redouble its efforts and will work with all Cypriots in the UK and in Cyprus who share the vision of a free and truly united Cyprus for the benefit of all of the legitimate inhabitants of the island, irrespective of ethnic origin or religious affiliation.
