Speaking to Izvestia, one of Russia’s leading newspapers, high-level sources said that Russia is preparing to start air links with Northern Cyprus and to open a consulate in Nicosia, that this could happen before the end of the year.
‘It doesn’t mean to know’
The start of flights and the opening of the consulate, according to sources “diplomatic recognition” doesn’t mean. Sources stated that the consulate in question is planned to be opened to serve Russian citizens living in Northern Cyprus and that approximately 10 thousand Russian citizens live in the TRNC.
Sources speaking to the Russian newspaper, “This airline plans to organize direct flights, there was indeed such a demand. However, this will not mean that the TRNC is recognized diplomatically by Russia, Moscow’s stance on this issue remains the same.” said.
Russian consulate to the rest of the world “Republic of Cyprus” It will open as a subordinate of the Greek Cypriot Administration, which it recognizes as The ex-Moscow Ambassador we spoke to Halil Akinci this step “a political gesture” stated that.
Will Turkey take the same step for Crimea?
Halil Akıncı, the former Ambassador of Turkey to Moscow, and Assoc. Dr. Iqbal DurreHe stated that Russia can expect the same gesture on the Crimea issue.
Halil Akıncı, former Ambassador of Turkey to Moscow, on the issue of opening a consulate “semi-knowledge” declaring that it will “Actually, consulates cannot be opened without recognition, but countries can do this to ‘provide services to their citizens living in the region’. There is no obstacle to opening a consulate. This is considered half-recognition.” used the phrases.
‘A political gesture’
President of Russia Vladimir Putinwho was one of the close colleagues of Murat ZyazikovAkıncı, who we asked about the news of the consulate in North Nicosia after he appointed him as the ambassador to the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA), which the rest of the world recognizes as the Republic of Cyprus, said, “This is a political gesture” said.
Assoc. Dr. Dürre, on the news in the Russian press, “There are reports in the Russian press that ‘The consulate point will be opened, but this does not mean that we recognize it’. But I think Russia will expect a similar move from Turkey in Crimea,” he said. he said.
Akıncı made the same comment as Dürre on the Crimea issue and stated that Russia would not do anything for free. Forward, “As Turkey, we do not recognize Crimea, but Russia does nothing for nothing. Therefore, if Turkey wants to make a political gesture, it can open a consulate in Crimea.” used the phrases.
It was noteworthy that the news that Russia will appoint a consul to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus followed the sanction of Moscow by the west due to the Ukraine war. Western sanctions “balance” This period, which was criticized by Turkey, which did not implement it due to its policy, also coincides with a period when the sovereignty debates in the Eastern Mediterranean with Greece grew.
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