Philenews

How Turkish Cypriot Politicians are Bidding Farewell to Giorgos Vassiliou – Messages from Akinci, Tatar and Nami

Published January 14, 2026, 13:22
How Turkish Cypriot Politicians are Bidding Farewell to Giorgos Vassiliou – Messages from Akinci, Tatar and Nami

Giorgos Vassiliou, who passed away last night, made great efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, a fact recognized by many Turkish Cypriots who envision a united and free Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot politicians, such as Mustafa Akinci and Ozdil Nami, are bidding farewell to the former President of the Republic of Cyprus with posts, emphasizing his contribution to efforts to reunite the island. Mustafa Akinci recognizes Giorgos Vassiliou as “one of the few political figures who dedicated themselves to a logical solution to the Cyprus issue.” In his message, he emphasizes that the late President continued to contribute to efforts to reunify Cyprus within a federal framework, even after leaving office, giving great importance to dialogue with Turkish Cypriots and possessing a realistic and modern vision. Ozdil Nami states that Cyprus has lost an important political leader and expresses his certainty that if Giorgos Vassiliou had been the Turkish Cypriot negotiator in Crans-Montana in 2017, “the outcome would have been very different.” He describes him as a man with a positive vision for all of Cyprus and the courage to break down the mental barriers that existed on both sides. Ersin Tatar, in a statement, expresses his sorrow over the death of Giorgos Vassiliou and his condolences to his family, relatives and the Greek Cypriot people. He notes that Giorgos Vassiliou will be remembered for his different approach compared to other Greek Cypriot leaders, as he highlighted the search for contact and dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot side during his term.