Cyprus condemns MP Khan's visit to occupied territories

The government has condemned the visit of British MP, Afzal Khan, to the occupied territories, calling it unacceptable. Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made démarches to the British government.

The British government stated that the visit was in Mr. Khan's personal capacity, without prior notification, and is not related to his duties. Mr. Letymbiotis added that representations have been made to him regarding his behavior.

Mr. Letymbiotis stressed that Mr. Khan's presence in the occupied territories and his photo with the occupation leader is condemnable and constitutes an attempt to create false impressions, contrary to the established position of British Governments.

Respect is expected from UK officials for their country's policy and the bilateral relations between Cyprus and the United Kingdom. Letters of protest followed from British MPs, following actions by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK.

British MP Wendy Morton expressed "deep concern" about Mr. Khan's visit to the occupied territories, noting that it undermines the credibility of the United Kingdom in negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Khan is a Labor MP of Pakistani origin and a trade envoy of the United Kingdom to Turkey.

Source: CNA