The UK’s commerce envoy to Turkey, Afzal Khan, has resigned following a visit final week to Northern Cyprus.
It’s a territory not recognised by the British authorities as a self-declared impartial nation since Turkey’s navy invasion of the island in 1974.
The spokesperson went on to say Mr Khan’s actions “are in complete contradiction with the established position of all British governments”.
The Overseas Workplace mentioned in an announcement this week that Mr Khan’s go to “was undertaken in a personal capacity”, including: “There is no change to the government’s long-standing position regarding the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.”
On Friday, a UK authorities spokesperson mentioned: “Mr Khan has left his position as trade envoy to the Republic of Turkey.”
The Turkish Cypriot chief, Ersin Tatar, initially mentioned Mr Khan was invited at his request after assembly him in Manchester just a few months in the past.
Shadow international secretary Dame Priti Patel had referred to as for his resignation, and shadow international affairs minister Wendy Morton had additionally written to Europe minister Stephen Doughty to specific “deep concern” at Mr Khan’s go to.
Ms Morton famous that he travelled by way of Tymbou airport (domestically often called Ercan Worldwide Airport), to which the British authorities prevents direct flights. The Cypriot authorities considers using the airport to enter or exit the island unlawful.
“The UK has a special role in Cyprus as a guarantor power and permanent member of the UN Security Council. Mr Khan’s condemnable actions compromised UK foreign policy, undermined the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and contravened international law.
“We’re very grateful to the Parliamentarians and media who stood with our UK Cypriot neighborhood and raised this challenge.”
It is my belief that trust in Parliament is paramount. Due to the attention this matter has drawn, I feel it is best to step down at this time, as to not distract from the hard work this Labour government is doing to secure the best possible trade deals and international relationships for our country.”
