Turkey rejected the EU's criticism in its annual report on the human rights situation and judiciary in the country, describing it as "baseless and unfair." The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to this report and also addressed the criticisms raised regarding Cyprus.
Turkey's Response to EU Criticism
In the annual report on the EU's enlargement policies, the European Commission noted the joint progress with Turkey in various areas, but also pointed to legal actions taken by Turkish authorities against elected officials, opposition figures, and civil society, raising concerns about Ankara's adherence to fundamental democratic principles.
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In recent years, Turkey has faced an unprecedented legal crackdown, with several elected officials and mayors being arrested, detained, or dismissed. Additionally, the Turkish government has pressured certain media outlets and conducted extensive operations against LGBTQ+ groups, which they claim are aimed at protecting children and family values, but these actions have faced severe criticism from human rights groups and the EU.
Turkey's Position on Cyprus
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the findings of the report on Cyprus, which rejected Turkey's call for a two-state solution and criticized Ankara's operations, presence, and projects on the island. The ministry stated that these findings defend the maximalist positions of Greece and the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government, labeling them as "unrealistic and inconsistent with international law."
Cyprus was divided in 1974 following a brief coup inspired by Greece, with a Turkish invasion. The island remains divided into two parts: the southern part, which is recognized and controlled by the Greek Cypriots, and the northern part, which is recognized only by Turkey. In recent years, Turkey has consistently called for a two-state solution in Cyprus, which has been rejected by Cyprus, Greece, and the EU.
The ministry also stated that the findings of the report regarding the maritime border agreement between Turkey and Libya are "null and worthless."
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