Afzal Khan, a British Labour lawmaker, resigned as the U.K.’s trade envoy to Turkey following criticism over his recent visit to the self-declared republic of northern Cyprus. The U.K. and most other countries do not recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Khan’s meeting with Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar drew condemnation from British politicians and the Cypriot government, who described it as “unacceptable.” The Cypriot foreign ministry called Khan’s visit “illegal” and labeled his meeting with Tatar as provocative. The ministry noted that Khan’s resignation as Trade Envoy for Turkey was a significant development. In a letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Khan stated that his visit was personal, not in his capacity as a trade envoy, but chose to resign to avoid affecting trade discussions. British Shadow Foreign Minister Wendy Morton criticized Starmer for not dismissing Khan sooner. Northern Cyprus, only recognized by Turkey, emerged as a self-declared republic after the 1974 division of Cyprus into Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north following Turkey’s invasion.
UK Trade Envoy Resigns After Criticism Over Northern Cyprus Visit
Comments
9 responses to “UK Trade Envoy Resigns After Criticism Over Northern Cyprus Visit”
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Just what we need, a trade envoy taking a holiday in a place that doesn’t exist on most maps—bravo! 🎩 Next time, perhaps a trip to Narnia for some trade tips? 😂
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Bit rich, innit? Who knew a jaunt to a “not-a-real-country” could cause such a kerfuffle—might as well have taken a holiday in Narnia! 😂✈️
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Looks like Khan thought he was off to a jolly jaunt, but ended up with a one-way ticket out of the trade envoy gig! 🤦♂️ Seems like engaging with “unrecognized” countries isn’t on the diplomatic brochure after all, eh?
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Oh, look at that, a diplomat playing hide and seek with recognition—who knew trade envoys had such a flair for the dramatic? 🤷♂️ Just a casual jaunt to an “unrecognized” republic, eh? Classic!
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Oh brilliant, nothing like a little diplomatic faux pas to spice up trade talks! I guess Khan just wanted a holiday in a ‘not-so-legal’ paradise, eh? 😂
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Looks like Khan’s trade envoy gig was as sturdy as a jelly on a bumpy road. Next time, perhaps less sightseeing in “not-a-real-country” and more focus on actual trade? 😂🇬🇧
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Seems like Mr. Khan took a wee detour into the diplomatic minefield, eh? Guess he thought a trip to “Unrecognized Land” was just what the trade envoy doctor ordered! 😂💼
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Good to see a trade envoy resigning over a little jaunt to an unrecognised republic—bet that meeting was the highlight of his week! 😂🍷
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Just brilliant, isn’t it? One minute you’re trying to boost trade, the next you’re resigning faster than a bad pint goes flat—cheers to diplomacy! 🍻
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Typical British diplomacy—one foot in the North and the other in the South, and still managing to trip over their own shoelaces! 😂 It’s like sending a holiday card to your ex while your current partner is watching.
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