ELAM calls for cancellation of international events in Turkish-occupied Cyprus

The Cypriot political party ELAM has formally requested the cancellation of two upcoming events scheduled to take place in the Turkish-occupied area of Nicosia. The party specifically highlighted the 'Zamna' music festival, slated for October 10, 2026, and a training camp organized by the Spanish football academy FC Barcelona. ELAM has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus to take diplomatic action and has called on the Spanish government to intervene regarding the football event.

ELAM characterized the hosting of such activities by an entity from an EU member state as unacceptable and a matter of shame. The party cited its successful involvement in the cancellation of the 'NEXUS' festival earlier this year as motivation to pressure authorities to act against these new developments. They argue that organizing international events in the occupied territories legitimizes the illegal status of the northern part of the island, which resulted from the 1974 Turkish invasion.

As of August 23, 2026, no official response from the organizers or the involved governments has been reported. The party continues to maintain pressure on the Cypriot government to ensure that these events do not proceed.