Hasan Taçoy raises issue of Turkish Cypriot isolation at PACE

In Northern Cyprus, during the sessions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), PACE representative and National Unity Party MP Hasan Taçoy drew attention to discrimination, hate speech, and attacks against Turkish Cypriots. The statement was made on April 24, 2026.

According to a report citing the Legislative Assembly's press office, Taçoy reminded that following the UN-backed settlement plan in 2004, Turkish Cypriots continue to face serious restrictions in trade, travel, and international representation. He asked whether concrete steps would be taken.

The MP addressed an inquiry to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. In response, Berset emphasized that the situation of Turkish Cypriots is not an abstract topic but directly affects people's daily lives. He stated that the Council of Europe is ready to support efforts to find a solution and advocates for a federation based on two zones and two communities within the UN parameters.

Separately, Taçoy raised the issue of discrimination and attacks: he pointed to instances of attacks on mosques and places of worship, as well as assaults and violence in Southern Cyprus, noting that in most cases, the perpetrators are not detained or do not receive proper punishment. He also called on the international community to act more decisively to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of Turkish Cypriots.