Turkish Cypriot organizations in the UK sent a letter of complaint to the IOC for the Turkish Cypriots’ exclusion from the London Olympics; they demand their participation under the Olympic flag
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (20.07.12) reports that two Turkish Cypriot organizations based in the United Kingdom have issued letters to the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge, to complain about the “TRNC” not being included to participate in the London Olympics.
British Turkish Cypriot Association Chairman Cetin Ramadan and Southwark Turkish Cypriot Association Chairman Hulusi Yuruten said in a letter to Rogge that the IOC openly promoted inclusion for everyone and denounced political discrimination.
“We hope the same principle applies for the sporting rights of Turkish Cypriot athletes from northern Cyprus. Young Turkish Cypriot athletes also have the same aspirations as all top class world athletes,” the letter wrote.
“Any world class athlete would consider it an honour to represent their own nation and to
compete under the colours of their national flag, however, the Turkish Cypriot athletes have put aside the politics and compromised their own flag and country by agreeing to participate under the Olympic flag as a positive way forward”, the letter said.
“The former President of the IOC, the late Juan Antonio Samaranch, had made an offer to Turkish Cypriots to allow them to participate in all future Olympic Games under the Olympic flag,” the letter alleged, and concluded claiming the following: “Turkish Cypriots are willing to accept participation under the terms laid out by the former IOC President and to join the Games under the Olympic flag as individuals rather than under their own national flag”.
“the Turkish Cypriot athletes have put aside the politics and compromised their own flag and country by agreeing to participate under the Olympic flag” What a load of crap,you do NOT have a flag,you do NOT have a country,theres nothing to compromise,if you wanted to compete,you should compete under the Cyprus flag.
Well said Mike!
Of course they dont have the right to participate.. that only apples to legitimate nations like the republic Of Cyprus! They are so brainwashed they believe their legitimacy can be borne out of continued bullying and oppression of the Turkish Cypriots, the only reason they are permitted to continue their pathetic occupation is because of Americas will and spineless policies!