cyprus sovereignty — cyprus sovereignty — The Palestinian ambassador to Cyprus, Abdallah Attari, has reaffirmed his unwavering respect for Cyprus’ sovereignty while addressing a recent controversy involving the political party Disy.
Attari highlighted the strong friendship and solidarity shared between Palestine and Cyprus, stating, “We always find open doors, in a positive climate of understanding and mutual respect.” He emphasised that the Palestinian embassy fully respects the internal processes of all states and adheres to the principles of international law and diplomatic ethics.
In his response, Attari clarified that his comments regarding the Palestinian issue were not intended as interference but rather a wish for a common understanding among political parties in Cyprus. He remarked, “I simply expressed the wish, and not any intervention, that the Palestinian issue would be a point of common position and unanimity among political parties.”
The ambassador acknowledged the diversity of opinions within a democratic society, asserting that different viewpoints are vital to political discourse. He expressed his respect for the Republic of Cyprus and its local governments, reiterating the embassy’s commitment to non-interference in internal affairs.
Attari did, however, take issue with a statement made by an Israeli official, which described the Palestinian flag as a “symbol of anti-Semitism.” He found such characterisations deeply offensive and unacceptable, especially in light of the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian people.
The controversy erupted when Disy accused the left-wing party Akel of antisemitism in relation to an official request from Israel’s diaspora ministry. This request included a call for the removal of anti-Israel graffiti across municipalities in Cyprus. Disy’s statement suggested that Akel had a history of uncritically supporting international issues that did not align with Cyprus’ interests.
In a pointed critique, Attari rebuked Disy for equating the Palestinian struggle with a state accused of war crimes and genocide. He stated, “The Palestinian people are not asking for special treatment, but instead, they are asking for justice.”
Disy defended its position by clarifying that their concerns were more about Akel’s foreign policy stance than the Palestinian issue itself. They noted, “After all, we do not consider Hamas as an organisation representing the Palestinian people.”
Attari, in response, questioned Disy’s reference to Hamas, reinforcing that he was speaking as the ambassador of the State of Palestine, representing the internationally recognised Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). He concluded his remarks by expressing his “deep appreciation for the long-standing relations of friendship and solidarity between the two peoples,” indicating that he viewed the matter as resolved.
