Cyprus Forum Dispute: Nicosia Mayor Withdraws in Solidarity with Harmanci

Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos has withdrawn from the Cyprus Forum in solidarity with Mehmet Harmanci, who was initially listed as "mayor of [the] Nicosia Turkish Municipality" before the title was changed to "leader of the Turkish Cypriot community of Nicosia". Harmanci thanked Prountzos for his decision, describing him as a "dear friend" and praising his "courage, empathy, solidarity, and commitment to peace". The dispute arose after objections from Elam, which had protested against Harmanci's participation under the original title. Cyprus Forum executive president Nicolas Kyriakides stated that the request not to refer to Harmanci as a mayor came from "Republic of Cyprus officials". Harmanci emphasized that the issue was not about the title itself, but rather the forum's response to what he described as a "racist and divisive propaganda machine". Several other participants have also withdrawn from the forum's panels in support of Harmanci.