Filenews 24 March 2022 - by Andreas Pimpisis
Depending on the audience before him, the Turkish Foreign Minister is attempting to address various issues in such a way as to pass on his own views. Before the members of the Islamic Cooperation, he referred to violations of the rights of the Muslims of Cyprus and Thrace. A report aimed at creating a "Muslim issue" that could be supported by other Muslim countries.
Speaking at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mevlut Çavuşoğlu (source of Aksam/PIO) attempted to give a religious dimension to both the Cyprus issue and the Muslims of western Thrace. Two issues that also arise through the expansionist aspirations of Turkey at the expense of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece.
According to Mevlut Çavuşoğlu, "hostility against Islam in Europe and the rest of the world is increasing and the rights of Muslims in various countries such as India and the Oyguur Turks in China are being violated." He also referred to what is happening in Libya, Syria and Yemen. With the first two countries having experienced Turkish involvement in the conflicts on their territory.
"The events today in Ukraine have revealed to all of us the double standards. We have also heard those who say that this is not the Middle East, it is not Afghanistan, because blood is being shed. For us the blood shed in Kharkiv and the blood in Aleppo are the same blood. That's because that's what our culture predicts," Mevlut Çavuşoğlu said.
The Turkish foreign minister also argued that the rights of both Muslim Turks in Western Thrace and Muslims in Cyprus are being violated. Claiming that "the Islamic world is suffering from various problems", Çavusoglu, addressing the OIC countries, called on the countries of the Organization to work together to improve the situation of Muslim communities, arguing that it is a matter for all. "I think if we have a common vision, we can overcome the obstacles before us," he said.
Moreover, according to the Anatoli news agency (AA-22.03.22), the Turkish Foreign Minister, in his exclusive statements to the Orient agency and the TRT on his return from Islamabad, referred to the need for an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war and the achievement of a ceasefire as soon as possible. "On this issue, everyone should show responsibility and a constructive attitude," Çavusoglu said, underlining that among the steps that should be taken after the ceasefire between the sides occurs, are building confidence measures and harmonising their relations. "Any war can bring peace. No one can win in the war and no one can lose to peace," he said.
In Pakistan for the 48th meeting of the OIC foreign ministers is also Tahsin Ertugrouloglou (source Kipris Postassi/PIO), who met with the Secretary General of the Organization Hussein Ibrahim Taha. As the newspaper writes, the Secretary General of the OIC and the so-called "foreign minister" of the occupying regime discussed "bilateral relations" and the latest situation on the island. "During the meeting, OIC's relations with the TRNC were evaluated and the importance of implementing the decisions taken by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers for Cyprus was stressed," the newspaper said.
Satisfaction and discomfort for "Strategic Compass"
Nicosia smiles with satisfaction and Ankara resents the adoption of the EU's Strategic Compass for Security and Defence. The Government of Cyprus is satisfied with the whole text while Turkey is against reports concerning the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus welcomed the adoption of the EU's Strategic Compass for Security and Defence. In a post on Twitter, the Foreign Ministry pointed out that this is a step towards further integration and a milestone for the EU's Strategic Autonomy as well as a guide for action to safeguard European citizens' interests and values. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (source PIO) in a statement published on its official website, condemns the draft "Strategic Compass", an action plan for the defence and security of the European Union that was adopted on Monday 21 March by the EU's Foreign and Defence Council.
In its announcement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs states the following: "In particular, the reference made to our country in the chapter of the document concerning the Eastern Mediterranean, seems to have been dictated by the two members of the EU who have maximalist claims for the maritime borders against us and a persistent denial of the rights of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots. This chapter is totally contrary to international law, international practice and the very laws of the EU and is thus disconnected from reality. As the document fails to point the right direction, it cannot act as a compass and cannot be classified as strategic. This document will undoubtedly make the EU part of the problem instead of part of the solution in the Eastern Mediterranean and therefore prevents the Union from the right strategies. In view of the latest developments, it is regrettable that the EU is losing the truth and the reality and is seeing a candidate country and a NATO ally in such a shallow perspective," the statement concludes.
