Germany blocks MPs’ visit to the TRNC for the second time

The German Bundestag’s Human Rights Committee has for the second time refused to approve a working visit to the TRNC by two German lawmakers, despite an official invitation from the country’s parliament.

The MPs in question are Achim Koehler and Maximilian Krah, who planned to visit Northern Cyprus from August 24 to 29 for meetings with representatives of parliament, the government and civil society organizations, as well as to assess the human rights situation on the ground.

According to the lawmakers, the first application was rejected because the invitation had been initiated by the UBP. After that, a new invitation was signed by Parliament Speaker Ziya Ozturkler with the support of the TRNC government, but the committee rejected it as well.

The MPs said the decision deprives them of the opportunity to obtain objective information firsthand. They emphasized that the purpose of the visit was solely to promote interparliamentary dialogue and examine the humanitarian situation, and in no way to imply any recognition of the TRNC by Germany.