Ertuğruloğlu: "We Have Been Fighting Greek Cypriot Disinformation Since the 1960s"

Participating in the event organized by the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications, Ertuğruloğlu appeared on NTV, attended TRT Documentary Days, and joined a podcast session within the forum’s framework.

In his NTV interview, Ertuğruloğlu said, "If there is one country that has committed the greatest injustice against the Turkish Cypriot people since the beginning, it is the United Kingdom." He accused the UK, one of Cyprus's guarantor states, of failing to fulfill its responsibilities and facilitating the recognition of Greek Cypriots as the Republic of Cyprus after the collapse of the partnership.

Ertuğruloğlu also commented on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent visit to South Cyprus, where he refrained from crossing to Northern Cyprus. The minister said this decision cast doubt on the UK’s position as a guarantor power.

Addressing the U.S.'s growing engagement with South Cyprus, including lifting the arms embargo, providing training to the Greek National Guard, and conducting joint exercises, Ertuğruloğlu expressed concern. "Let us hope that South Cyprus does not get emboldened by this American support and attempt something reckless. But they might," he warned.

He underscored Turkey’s critical role in maintaining peace on the island, stating, "Turkey is the most significant factor in preserving stability."

Strategic Communication and the Fight Against Disinformation

Speaking on a podcast at Stratcom Summit ’24, Ertuğruloğlu emphasized the importance of strategic communication and adapting to changes in the media landscape. He advocated for personnel from the TRNC's Foreign Ministry, the Turkish News Agency (TAK), and Bayrak Radio Television (BRT) to benefit from Turkey’s expertise in this area.

Ertuğruloğlu reminded that the Cyprus issue did not begin in 1974, as often portrayed, but much earlier, with UN forces arriving on the island in 1964. He noted that Turkish Cypriots have been battling Greek Cypriot disinformation and international misconceptions since the 1960s.

"Despite not committing any crimes, Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to inhumane embargoes due to this disinformation," he said. "If trying to prevent Cyprus from becoming a Greek state is considered a mistake, then we are proud of it."

Call for Support on Erenköy Documentaries

During a visit to the TRT International Documentary Awards in Istanbul, Ertuğruloğlu thanked TRT for its documentaries on Cyprus. He expressed hope for continued projects, particularly focusing on the Erenköy Resistance.

Ertuğruloğlu was accompanied in Istanbul by TAK Director Fehmi Gürdallı, BRT Director Meryem Özkurt, BRT Board Chairman Özdemir Tokel, and Cihangir Şahin, Press Counselor at the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia.