US EditionUK trade envoy resigns over Northern Cyprus visit
Afzal Khan resigned after an unauthorised visit to Northern Cyprus, a territory occupied since 1974, amid concerns his actions undermined UK foreign policy and credibility.
- On Friday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced calls from Labour MPs to sack Afzal Khan, UK trade envoy to Turkey, after his unauthorised visit to Northern Cyprus last week.
- Ersin Tatar, Turkish Cypriot leader, said he invited Khan after meeting him in Manchester a few months ago, despite UK non-recognition of Northern Cyprus.
- A government spokesman emphasised the trip was personal with no change to UK policy, while Dame Priti Patel called for Britain to restate its long-standing position on Cyprus.
- This week, Labour backbenchers raised the matter with ministers to channel Greek Cypriot fury over the trip, and critics argue Khan’s actions undermine UK credibility.
- In the broader diplomatic context, critics say Khan’s actions contravened international law, underscoring sensitivities around the UK guarantor role and UN Security Council responsibilities on Cyprus.
24 Articles
24 Articles
UK lawmaker resigns as trade envoy after northern Cyprus trip backlash
LONDON, Aug 16 — A member of parliament (MP) for the Labour party has resigned as the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey amid controversy over a visit to Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, reported PA Media/dpa.A government spokesman told the BBC that Afzal Khan, who represents Manchester Rusholme, had stepped down from his position on Friday.Khan said the trip to the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognised by the UK go…
UK Official Fired Over Northern Cyprus Visit
The UK’s trade envoy to Turkey, Afzal Khan, has been dismissed after an unauthorised visit to northern Cyprus sparked a diplomatic backlash. Mr Khan, Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, met Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in his official residence and posed for photographs beneath the territory’s flag. Britain, in line with UN resolutions, does not recognise the self-declared state, which is acknowledged only by Turkey. The move angered the Cy…
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