Erdogan warns Akinci over ‘brotherly countries’ remark

AFP/AnkaraTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan became embroiled with a war of words with the newly elected leader of northern Cyprus yesterday, bluntly telling him he should be careful of what he says.Mustafa Akinci, who won a run-off poll in the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday, drew Ankara’s ire when he said that Turkey and the TRNC should enjoy a relationship of “brotherly countries” rather than mother and child.The election of Akinci, a former mayor of northern Nicosia and a vocal advocate of reconciliation with the internationally recognised Cyprus government, has raised hopes of an end to the island’s decades-long division.But Erdogan told reporters at an Ankara airport: “Mr President (Akinci) should listen to what he says.”Turkey, the only country to recognise the TRNC, has often referred to it as the “yavru vatan” or “baby homeland” – a label rejected by some Turkish Cypriots.Turkish troops invaded northern Cyprus in 1974 in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece, and Turkish Cypriots declared their breakaway state in 1983.“This country has paid a price in northern Cyprus and continues to do so,” Erdogan said, adding that Turkey contributes $1bn (€900mn) to the north.The failure to reach a deal to reunify the eastern Mediterranean island has also hampered Turkey’s efforts to join the European Union.Speaking to CNN-Turk television, Akinci said he was seeking a “healthy relationship” with Ankara, not tensions.“There is no hostility against Turkey here,” he said. “Doesn’t Turkey want to see its baby grow up?”