German AfD lawmaker Maximilian Krah visits north Cyprus

Nicosia, Cyprus. German Bundestag member Maximilian Krah, from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), visited the north on Tuesday and met ‘parliament speaker’ Ziya Ozturkler and Turkish Cypriot representative to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Hasan Tacoy.

He said direct discussions between the sides were needed if a solution to the Cyprus problem was to be reached.

Visit and meetings

Krah said that people did not want to visit the island to see and discuss its reality, adding that he was aware of the historical experiences of the Turkish Cypriot people.

“If a solution is desired in Cyprus, the sides should come together and discuss all issues directly,” he said.

Opposition in Germany

Krah said his plans to visit the north had faced significant opposition in Germany, where the parliamentary human rights committee had rejected the plans twice.

He said the difficulties faced by Turkish Cypriots were unacceptable, referring to restrictions on travel without a second passport and participation in sporting events.

Regional security and Cyprus problem

Describing himself as a parliament member who prioritises Germany’s interests, Krah said disorder and instability in the region were significant for global security, hindered economic development and jeopardised regional security.

He said the Cyprus problem should now be resolved because, in his view, the number of people seeking a solution was greater than those seeking to prevent one.

“I want to be a part of this progress,” he said.

Ozturkler’s response

Ozturkler said Krah’s contacts in the north would contribute to raising awareness in Europe and Germany about what he described as the unjust isolation and obstacles faced by Turkish Cypriots for years.

He said this should now be recognised by the world and praised Krah’s “courage, heart and stance” towards the Turkish Cypriot people.