AKEL is outraged by the formation of a parliamentary group in collaboration with the Israel Allies Foundation and the creation of a Cypriot branch of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI).
AKEL describes these as extremely provocative actions and the formation of a “lobby promoting the interests of a foreign country within the House of Representatives,” while launching an attack against DISY, DIKO, ELAM, and the President of the Republic for “strengthening political support” for Israel.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
DISY, meanwhile, is stepping forward to make it clear that it will not apologize for seeking a stronger Cyprus.
Instead, it calls on AKEL to apologize for “wanting Cyprus to be isolated because it cannot tolerate its Western orientation.”
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The AKEL statement in its entirety
The formation of a parliamentary group by DISY, DIKO, and ELAM in collaboration with the Israel Allies Foundation and the creation of a Cypriot branch of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) constitute extremely provocative actions. In essence, they are organizing lobbying groups to promote the interests of a foreign country within the House of Representatives, something unprecedented in the history of the Cypriot parliament.
The TFI, which was founded by the American Jewish Committee, has organized a campaign to vote against resolutions and abolish UN mechanisms that it characterizes as “anti-Israel.” How does the participation of Cypriot MPs in such initiatives reconcile with our struggle to end the Turkish occupation and settlement, which is grounded in international law and UN resolutions?
The challenge becomes even greater when Israel continues its illegal occupation and settlement of Palestinian territories and the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry has found that genocidein Gaza. While even its traditional Western allies are imposing sanctions on officials in Netanyahu’s government and pushing for measures against the illegal settlements, the Christodoulides government and the DISY–DIKO–ELAM coalition are strengthening their political support for Israel.
The presence of ministers at these events and the President of the Republic’s reception of the leadership of the Israel Allies Foundation confirm the government’s support and the responsibilities that come with it. What message are they sending to the international community? With what credibility can we demand pressure on Turkey when we politically support another occupying and colonizing state?
Occupation, settlement, and violations of international law cannot and must not be judged based on the perpetrator. The consistent defense of international law is a matter of principle and a prerequisite for credibility in the struggle for freedom and reunification. Cyprus cannot demand justice for its own people while becoming politically complicit in injustice against another people.
DISY’s Response
Cyprus’s international partnerships do not require AKEL’s permission
•AKEL, which wants Cyprus to remain isolated because it cannot tolerate the country’s Western orientation, must apologize
Strengthening relations with Israel is a strategic choice of the Democratic Rally. We support our MPs’ participation in initiatives that serve this goal.
We will not apologize for seeking a stronger Cyprus. If anything, the opposite should be the case: AKEL, which wants Cyprus to remain isolated because it cannot tolerate the country’s Western orientation, should be the one to apologize.
AKEL may label such collaborations as “lobbying for foreign interests.” A country under Turkish occupation needs strong international support and a presence where decisions affecting it are made.
We do not accept the false dilemma that support for the Palestinian people requires limiting our international partnerships.
But what exactly is AKEL asking for? That we align ourselves with Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and Turkey?
Cyprus’s security and international standing are far too serious matters to be subordinated to AKEL’s ideological obsessions. We will continue to build partnerships guided by Cyprus’s best interests.
P.S. Meanwhile, AKEL has still not responded regarding the funding, armaments, and surveillance revealed in Soviet Union archives. Did it function as a secret satellite of the Soviet Union for decades?
