Karpaz University Project Debate Escalates After Üstel’s ‘Strategic And Security’ Remarks

During discussions on the draft law related to the project, Ustel emphasized that the land in Karpaz should not be viewed solely as an investment area. He stressed that Turkey plays a role in ensuring the country’s security and highlighted the strategic importance of the region.

Following these remarks, Sila Usar Incirli of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) took the floor and questioned the details of the issue. Incirli pointed out the historical background of the project and suggested that the emphasis on security appeared to be a new element in the discussion.

“We are talking about a project that began in 2008 and whose protocol was signed in 2010. At what point in this process did the issue of security arise? What does a university have to do with national security?” Incirli asked.

She also inquired whether any assessment had been made by security authorities on the matter and requested a clearer explanation from Ustel.

However, the Prime Minister refrained from providing detailed answers. Reiterating that the matter is strategic, Ustel said, “Since this is a strategic issue, I cannot discuss it here.”

Ustel stated that he aimed only to provide lawmakers with a general framework, explaining that he felt the need to outline why a large area is being requested in Karpaz, while emphasizing that he would not go into further detail on the subject.