Top Turkish officials slam Turkish Cypriot leader for remarks

Senior Turkish officials on Feb. 8 condemned the remarks by Mustafa Akıncı, the leader of Turkish Cyprus in a British daily.         

The condemnations came after Akıncı talked to The Guardian about the long-standing reunification efforts in Cyprus island.         

"If this failed to happen, he [Akıncı] said, the north [Turkish Cyprus] would grow increasingly dependent on Ankara and could end up being swallowed up, as a de facto Turkish province," The Guardian cited Akıncı as saying.

Commenting on the possibility of a full-blown military takeover by Turkey, Akıncı was quoted by the newspaper as saying the prospect of a Crimea-style annexation would be "horrible."

Turkey's vice president Fuat Oktay said on Twitter: "I condemn the remarks that target Republic of Turkey which stands with TRNC [Turkish Cyprus] in all conditions and protect its rights and interests."         

It will not be tolerated to use Turkey as "a tool of election campaign" with political approaches lack of vision, he stressed.            

Communications Director Fahrettin Altun also strongly condemned Akıncı's remarks, which he said reflect Akıncı's concern for personal survival.     

Altun said in a written statement that Akıncı does not deserve to sit on the chair of presidency, which had cost the lives of Turkish Cypriots and Turkish soldiers.         

"Turkey has no designs on the soil of any country and it will not tolerate Turkish soil being made benefits available to anybody," he warned.     

Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gül criticized Akıncı's remarks on Turkey, as well, which he said hurt the ancestors and martyrs.      

"Ankara will continue to stand by Turkish Cypriot as it has done so far...