Cyprus has welcomed the resignation of the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey, Afzal Khan, calling it a strong message amid widespread criticism of the Labour MP’s recent visit to the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island.
Khan had defended his August 8 trip in a letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying it was made in a personal capacity during the parliamentary recess. However, acknowledging the backlash, the MP for Manchester Rusholme—who faced calls to resign—said he felt it was best to step down to avoid distracting from the government’s efforts to secure trade deals.
Shortly after the UK government confirmed his resignation on Saturday, the Cypriot foreign ministry called it an “important development,” stressing that there should be no tolerance for an entity recognized only by Turkey.
In a statement, the ministry said Khan’s visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus and his meeting with the northern leader, Ersin Tatar, were “unacceptable and provocative.” It added that the episode sent a clear message that such actions cannot be tolerated, warning of political consequences for those who support or legitimize the breakaway region.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a coup backed by Greece’s military junta led Turkey to invade, citing the need to protect Turkish Cypriots. The two-phase invasion left Turkish forces in control of 37% of the island, displacing thousands—Greek Cypriots fleeing south and Turkish Cypriots moving north.
In 1983, the north unilaterally declared independence, but no country except Turkey recognizes it. The UK, a guarantor power, condemned the move at the UN, and successive British governments have refused diplomatic ties with the breakaway state.
Despite efforts by Turkish Cypriot leaders to gain recognition, only the Republic of Cyprus in the Greek-speaking south is internationally acknowledged. When Starmer visited Cyprus last year—the first British prime minister to do so in over 50 years—he refused to meet Tatar, instead holding talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
Turkey still stations around 35,000 troops in the north.
On Saturday, Tatar—a nationalist who supports a two-state solution—criticized the pressure on Khan, saying the MP had visited at his invitation. He called the resignation a “warning sign” for those who believe in democracy and equality.
Cypriot diaspora groups in the UK, home to many Greek and Turkish Cypriots who fled after 1974, said Khan’s visit was particularly insensitive as it coincided with the 51st anniversary of the invasion’s second phase.The incident began in mid-August 1974, alongside ongoing UN efforts to restart negotiations for the island’s reunification.
Christos Karaolis, president of the National Federation of Cypriots in Britain, stated: “Afzal Khan was correct to step down as the UK trade envoy to Turkey after his deeply inappropriate and unacceptable visit to occupied northern Cyprus. His actions undermined the UK’s long-standing Cyprus policy, violated international law, and showed disrespect to our UK Cypriot community—many of whom are refugees or descendants of those forced from their homes during Turkey’s 1974 invasion. We now look forward to continuing our work with the UK government in support of a free and united Cyprus.”
FAQS
### **FAQs About Cyprus Welcoming the Resignation of the UK’s Trade Envoy**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. Why did Cyprus welcome the resignation of the UK’s trade envoy?**
Cyprus welcomed the resignation because the envoy visited the northern part of the island, which is under Turkish occupation and not recognized internationally. The visit was seen as undermining Cyprus’ sovereignty.
**2. What part of Cyprus is under Turkish occupation?**
The northern part of Cyprus has been occupied by Turkey since 1974. Only Turkey recognizes it as the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, while the rest of the world considers it part of the Republic of Cyprus.
**3. Who was the UK trade envoy who resigned?**
The envoy was a British official appointed to promote trade between the UK and Cyprus. His name has not been widely publicized in reports.
**4. Why was his visit to northern Cyprus controversial?**
The visit was controversial because the UK, like most countries, does not recognize northern Cyprus as a separate state. The trip was seen as legitimizing the Turkish occupation.
#### **Advanced Questions**
**5. How does the UK officially view northern Cyprus?**
The UK, like the UN and EU, recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus as the legitimate government of the whole island. It does not recognize the self-declared TRNC in the north.
**6. What impact could this resignation have on UK-Cyprus relations?**
The resignation may ease tensions, as Cyprus saw the envoy’s actions as disrespectful. However, long-term relations depend on continued UK support for Cyprus’ sovereignty.
**7. Has this happened before with other diplomats?**
Yes, similar incidents have occurred where foreign officials visiting northern Cyprus without permission faced backlash, as it violates international norms on Cyprus’ territorial integrity.
**8. What is the UN’s stance on northern Cyprus?**
The UN considers northern Cyprus occupied territory and supports reunification talks under a federal solution, respecting Cyprus’ sovereignty.
#### **Practical & Political Implications**
**9. Can foreigners travel to northern Cyprus?**
Yes, but entering from the north instead of the Republic of Cyprus is considered illegal by the Cypriot government. Most travelers enter through the recognized southern airports.
