Denktaş: There Is a Game Being Played Over the Island of Cyprus

Speaking live on Sözcü TV’s “Nokta Atışı” programme hosted by İpek Özbey and Erol Mütercimler, Denktaş commented on the renewed international focus on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue following U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East projects and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent statement that “the imperialist game seeks to put Cyprus on the menu.”

Denktaş emphasised that the hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean play a key role in the Cyprus issue and noted that Turkey’s involvement in this matter came late. “We can clearly see that a game is being played over the island of Cyprus,” he said. “Somewhere, a menu is being prepared — and we will soon see what it contains. Different lives have formed on both sides of the island, and we need to learn to live side by side and in contact with each other. Unless the Cyprus problem is solved, neither the Greek Cypriot side nor we will benefit from these hydrocarbons. If they are to be exported, the fastest and most cost-effective route is through Turkey, and the Greek Cypriot side should seek ways to improve its relations with Turkey.”

He stressed that reconciliation, not confrontation, would bring prosperity, adding that both communities should focus on developing formulas to raise economic welfare for all.

“The Greek Cypriot Side Must Get Along With Turkey”

Denktaş criticised the use of the term “Turkish-speaking Cypriots,” saying it was misleading. “We are not Turkish-speaking Cypriots; we are Turkish Cypriots. We are equal owners of this island. We were equal partners in the 1960 Republic, but they tried to seize it, and that is why the TRNC exists today,” he said. Denktaş warned that the Greek Cypriot side must now act wisely, adding that “Turkey is not a country to be trifled with.”

“The island cannot be towed away like a trailer,” he said, pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side has no choice but to maintain good relations with 85 million people living just 40 miles away in Anatolia. “The path to that lies through the Turkish Cypriots,” he stressed.

“The Turkish Military Is the Greatest Guarantee”

Responding to Greek Cypriot calls for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island, Denktaş said such a move would only reignite conflict, describing the Turkish military as “the greatest guarantee for both communities.” He underlined that global powers, including the United States and the European Union, have a keen interest in the region.

“We are in the middle of a great ring of fire — right at the crossroads of trade routes and hydrocarbon reserves,” he said. “As Turkey and the TRNC, we hold an important and strategic position. What we must do is put our internal affairs in order and continue to strengthen our relationship with Turkey as two brotherly states.”