Regarding the issue that has arisen in relation to the display of the Turkish flag at the international cycling race Cyprus Gran Fondo held in Paphos, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to note the following:
It is customary in international sporting events, the competent federation or sports body to display the flags of the countries of origin of the participants. A prerequisite is always that all relevant procedures within the framework of legality have been followed by the participants and/or the organisations involved, whether they are public or private initiatives. The same procedure is observed, of course, when national teams are represented.
Organizations that meet the above conditions should be conducted smoothly and in no case should they be politicized, especially through inappropriate actions of private individuals in their personal capacity.
Similarly, in cases of Cypriot participation in sports events in Turkey, respect for international institutions is always required in the context of the international obligations of each state.
Related are the statements made by the Director General of the Cyprus Sports Organisation, which is the competent body for the smooth conduct of sporting events in Cyprus.
(MF/MB)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
