The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reacted to the latest threats directed at the Turkish Cypriot people by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister.

“We condemn Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos for going so far as to make the mistake of sending a message to the Turkish Cypriot people and call on him to act with common sense,” a statement issued by the ministry on Monday read.

It also stressed that they will fight to the end for the recognition of the inherent rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday responded to the statements made by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister, Konstantinos Kombos, in an interview published on August 25 in the Greek Kathimerini newspaper.

In a statement, the Ministry said, “We condemn the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos for going so far as to make the mistake of sending a message to the Turkish Cypriot people within the context of his interview, and we call on him to act with common sense.”

“The Turkish Cypriot people, who are equal owners of the island of Cyprus, have, despite all the injustices they have faced throughout history, refused to live under the yoke of the Greek Cypriot side and have honourably exercised their right to self-governance” the statement stressed.

Stating that the Greek Cypriot side must recognize the fact that Turkish Cypriots, as equal owners of the island, have an equal say in determining their own future, the statement added, “The recognition of the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriots, including sovereign equality and equal international status, is the only realistic way to negotiate a fair and lasting settlement to the Cyprus issue.”

“We strongly rejected the threatening messages directed at the Turkish Cypriot people by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister, who presents himself as the sole legal representative of the entire island. The Turkish Cypriot people will not submit to the Greek Cypriot side’s arrogant approach, just as they have not in the past, and will not compromise their honourable stance” it said.

The statement concluded by noting that the TRNC will continue to fight until the recognition of its inherent rights is achieved.