South Cyprus broadcaster chief admits calling Tufan Erhürman an “occupier leader”

South Cyprus’s state broadcaster RİK has been linked to the phrase “occupier leader” used for President Tufan Erhürman. Board chairman Pavlos Pavlou admitted the term was used after being asked by the Politis newspaper.

Pavlou said Erhürman, in his capacity as TRNC President, agreed to salute “the army occupying the island” at a military parade held in the north of the island. “What else can be said about the occupier leader?” he said. Pavlou argued that the issue could not be assessed with a simple and clear approach, and that RİK, as the state broadcaster of South Cyprus, is obliged to handle such sensitive matters taking all parameters into account.

Pavlou said the new board, working with staff, is preparing a handbook called “Style Book”. The aim is to ensure that such issues are handled within a standard approach.