Bundestag MP Maximilian Krah arrives in Northern Cyprus

Maximilian Krah, a member of the German Bundestag from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, arrived in Northern Cyprus at the invitation of Parliament Speaker Ziya Öztürkler. Öztürkler said that the parliament of Northern Cyprus had previously invited German MPs to visit the region, but the Bundestag Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid had rejected the invitation twice.

According to Öztürkler, Krah’s visit will help draw greater attention in Germany and Europe to the problems faced by Turkish Cypriots, including restrictions on travel and participation in international sports competitions. Krah said that resolving the Cyprus problem requires the sides to meet and discuss contentious issues directly. He also noted that his visit had faced serious opposition. In Krah’s view, some forces oppose such contacts because they are not interested in resolving the problem.

«They do not want to come here, see reality and talk,» the German MP said. Krah described the situation of Turkish Cypriots as unacceptable and noted the restrictions they face regarding international travel and participation in sports competitions.

According to him, the continuing instability hinders economic development and creates risks to regional security. «I believe that this issue should have been resolved by now. The number of people who want a solution is greater than the number of those trying to prevent it. I want to become part of this process,» Krah said.

Hasan Taçoy, the representative of the parliament of Northern Cyprus to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, said that during his visit Krah would meet with representatives of government institutions, civil society organisations and political parties.

According to Taçoy, the main aim of the visit is to give the German MP an opportunity to familiarise himself personally with the situation in Northern Cyprus and to inform the international community about the problems faced by Turkish Cypriots.