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A recently elected Greek-Cypriot Member of the European Parliament and social media influencer Fidias Panayiotou has conducted an interview with Ersin Tatar, the President of Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.
President Ersin Tatar, speaking to Turkish media following the release, stated that backlash from the Greek-Cypriot side illustrates their continued refusal to acknowledge even the right of Turkish Cypriots to express their views.
“We are always ready to speak honestly about our vision and our legitimate state. Mr. Panayiotou showed courage in listening to our side,” said Tatar.
Greek-Cypriot parties across the political spectrum, from center to far-right, condemned Panayiotou. Official statements accused him of violating UN resolutions and serving “Turkish propaganda.” Some parties even demanded his resignation, branding him a “traitor” to the Greek Cyprus.
In Türkiye and Northern Cyprus, observers have largely welcomed the interview as a realistic and humanizing step. Analysts point out that it is not recognition, but rather an overdue acknowledgement that ignoring the other side has only prolonged division.
Turkish media commentators emphasized that diplomatic taboos must not stand in the way of mutual understanding, and praised Panayiotou for breaking the silence enforced by decades of one-sided narratives.
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