geadis geadi — A high-profile clash unfolded between Geadis Geadi and Hulusi Akar during the Inter-parliamentary Conference on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in Copenhagen.
- The heated exchange underscored the deep-seated tensions surrounding Turkey's historical actions in Cyprus and the broader implications for its relationship with Europe.
On the final day of the two-day conference, Akar, the former Turkish Minister of Defence, directed sharp criticism towards the Republic of Cyprus. During a thematic session focused on “The Enlargement of Europe,” he controversially asserted that the situation regarding Cyprus is not a case of occupation, claiming instead that Turkey’s military intervention in 1974 was a peacekeeping effort.
Akar’s remarks sparked immediate backlash from Geadi, a Cypriot Member of the European Parliament (MEP), who labelled Akar’s statement as unacceptable. Geadi underscored the illegality of Turkey’s invasion and urged Akar to delve into international law. He further questioned Turkey’s eligibility for European partnership by referencing its historical actions against various ethnic groups, suggesting that a nation with such a record should not be integrated into the European community.
As tensions mounted, Akar seized the opportunity to respond, accusing Geadi of employing the conference platform for “hate speech” that threatens European unity. He defended Turkey’s stance, arguing that it is committed to dialogue and resolution of regional issues.
In a decisive rebuttal, Geadi reiterated that true threats to unity stem from nations that resort to military force. He emphasised that Turkey’s continued occupation of Cyprus and its refusal to recognise the Republic of Cyprus render it unfit for membership or partnership within Europe.
The heated exchange underscored the deep-seated tensions surrounding Turkey’s historical actions in Cyprus and the broader implications for its relationship with Europe.
