Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu has launched a new attack on UN Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín, accusing her of overstepping her mandate and attempting to “steer” the Turkish Cypriot community, while insisting they have no need for “advice from outside”.
In a written statement, the self-styled “foreign minister” of the breakaway entity referred to those who, as he put it, have long claimed to care more about the rights and security of Turkish Cypriots than the community itself, adding Holguín to that “list”.
He argued that the UN envoy should familiarise herself with the “limits of her mandate”, accusing her of intervening in matters beyond her role.
The Turkish Cypriot politician also suggested that Holguín’s stance may be driven by personal ambitions, including a possible bid for the position of UN Secretary-General or even a Nobel Peace Prize, which, he said, “does not concern” Turkish Cypriots.
He further claimed that the failure of her mission stems from what he described as “outdated” UN decisions and parameters on the Cyprus issue, adding that Holguín remains “hostage” to the UN Security Council.
Referring to Holguín’s statement of 1 July, in which she called on the sides not to remain “hostages of the past”, Ertuğruloğlu countered that she “ignores the bitter experiences and acquired rights” of Turkish Cypriots.
He concluded by reiterating that the Turkish Cypriot community does not require “advice from outside” and will not make concessions, calling on the international community to recognise the “sovereign equality” and “equal international status” of Turkish Cypriots.
Source: CNA
