In his speech at the Victorian Parliament on August 2, Theophanous, a Greek-Cypriot MP, accused Turkey of carrying out massacres in Cyprus and described Turkey’s presence in Northern Cyprus as an “occupation”. While this speech caused discussions within the party, it was also met with great reaction by the Turkish society.
Following the news brought to the agenda by the media organization OzzyTurks and shared by many Turkey-friendly politicians on their social media accounts, the Australian Turkish Interests Association (ATAA) conveyed the public’s reaction on the issue to the State Prime Minister Daniel Andrews.
ATAA and OzzyTurks asked whether Theophanous’s direct submission of the World Inter-Parliamentary Hellenic Group’s statement to the state parliament would be considered “an illegal attempt to defend the interests of a foreign government.”
THE PARTY HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM THE GROUP IT IS AFFECTED
Thereupon, the group he was affiliated with within the party suspended Theophanous from the group indefinitely.
The event, which is interpreted as the victory of the Turkish lobby, continues to reverberate within the party. The developments are expected to activate Türkiye and anti-Turkish initiatives. (AA)