Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou has triggered condemnation from political parties in the Republic of Cyprus after conducting an interview with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in the occupied north.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis criticised the European Parliament member for actions that, as he said, violate UN Security Council resolutions and provide material for exploitation by the occupation regime.
“It is regrettable that a European parliamentarian, elected by the Cypriot people to represent them in the European Parliament, engages in actions that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are exploited by the occupying entity to promote their unacceptable narrative,” Letymbiotis said.
The spokesman stressed that the interview’s location in the ‘presidential palace’ in occupied Nicosia amplified concerns, noting the occupying regime had already begun instrumentalising the event for propaganda purposes.
Letymbiotis noted that any similar action by a foreign official would prompt formal diplomatic protests, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Political parties launched attacks on Panayiotou. DIKO described him as “a pawn of Turkish propaganda,” whilst EDEK accused the MEP of “committing indecency against the country.” DIPA stated that the interview provided recognition to the illegal entity in the occupied north.
Far-right ELAM condemned the visit as “shame and provocation,” declaring Panayiotou operated as an open collaborator with Turkish propaganda whilst providing political cover to the pseudo-state.
DIKO’s statement highlighted concerns over the MEP’s perceived ignorance regarding the Cyprus problem, suggesting Turkish authorities exploit his “ignorance, naivety and lack of knowledge” to advance their positions.
EDEK called for Panayiotou’s resignation, stating he could not simultaneously serve as a European parliamentarian whilst appearing to conduct activities that undermine the Republic of Cyprus.
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