Türkiye’s Chief Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç and Azerbaijani Human Rights Commissioner Sabina Aliyeva are in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for a series of contacts.
The two who are in Northern Cyprus as guests of Ombudsman İlkan Varol were received by President Ersin Tatar on Tuesday.
The delegation was also received by Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.
Receiving the Chief Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç and Azerbaijani Human Rights Commissioner Sabina Aliyeva on Tuesday, President Tatar highlighted the presence of two separate peoples, democracies, and states on the island, stating that there is no turning back from this reality.
“Your support is precious to us,” Tatar told the two who were accompanied by the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu. President Tatar emphasized the growing relations between the three countries, mentioning that with the TRNC’s observer membership in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and new opportunities, the realities of the Turkish Cypriots have been better communicated.
He noted the significance of his recent visit to Azerbaijan, the subsequent visits by Türkiye’s and Azerbaijan’s Inter-parliamentary Friendship Groups, and now the arrival of the Turkish and Azerbaijani Ombudspersons.
He praised the Ombudsmen for their crucial work in human rights and state-citizen relations.
Tatar also acknowledged the obstacles faced by the TRNC Ombudsman İlkan Varol at international meetings, often due to the Greek Cypriot side’s interference.
“Despite all obstacles, we have a state, a people, and institutions with inherent rights. We established this state under forced conditions and continue on our path,” Tatar said.
He expressed confidence that the support from Türkiye and other allies would overcome these obstacles.
Tatar reiterated that any agreement in Cyprus must reflect the realities of the island and that an agreement reducing Türkiye’s influence would be unacceptable and that negotiations must recognize the equal international status and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots.
Turkish Chief Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç for his part mentioned the establishment of the Turkic States Ombudsman Association and praised İlkan Varol’s participation in defending the rights of Turkish Cypriots.
He emphasized that the TRNC has existed for 40 years and that international and national law favours the just.
Malkoç expressed optimism that the international community would eventually abandon its unjust stance against the TRNC, highlighting Azerbaijan’s clear support and the TRNC’s observer status in the OTS as steps in this process.
“Our countries are as close as flesh and bone, and the world needs peace and harmony,” he said.
Azerbaijani Human Rights Commissioner Sabina Aliyeva for her part pointed out that the path of Turkic nations is one of unity and collaboration.
She affirmed that there would always be solidarity in every field. Aliyeva also praised Varol’s representation of the TRNC in meetings, noting that the TRNC would be represented at this year’s conference in Azerbaijan, where human rights violations against Turkish Cypriots would be highlighted.
In his final remarks, Ombudsman İlkan Varol expressed gratitude for the contributions of the Turkish and Azerbaijani Ombudspersons in establishing the Turkic States Ombudsman Association, where he serves as a founding member.
Varol emphasized the importance of this platform for voicing the TRNC’s concerns and noted that he had highlighted the embargoes faced by the Turkish Cypriot people during these engagements.
He reaffirmed the commitment to continued collaboration in their efforts.
