Üstel Calls On EU To Respect Turkish Cypriot Rights And Political Will

In a detailed statement, Üstel said the references in the report suggesting that Turkey should act within a framework defining Turkish Cypriots as merely a “legitimate community” were unacceptable and misrepresented historical and political realities. He argued that Turkish Cypriots are a people with their own state, democratic institutions, and freely exercised political will.

Üstel rejected any implication that Turkey’s role in Cyprus amounts to interference, stating instead that it stems from historical and cultural ties as well as its guarantor responsibilities.

He also dismissed the report’s characterization of Turkish Cypriots as a “community,” insisting they constitute a separate and equal people with their own political structure under their own state framework.

Commenting on references to UN-led initiatives and calls for renewed negotiations, Üstel said such approaches ignore the Turkish Cypriot position based on sovereign equality and equal international status.

He further rejected claims regarding the buffer zone, Pile developments, demographic concerns, and Varosha, describing them as one-sided and detached from reality. He stressed that security concerns dating back to 1963 remain central for Turkish Cypriots.

On Varosha, Üstel defended the opening process, describing it as a lawful initiative carried out with respect for property rights and international law, and rejected its portrayal as exploitation.

The Prime Minister also criticised the EU’s historical role in Cyprus, arguing that the bloc’s decision to admit the Greek Cypriot administration as the sole representative of the island following the rejection of the Annan Plan undermined prospects for a comprehensive settlement.

Üstel concluded by calling on EU institutions to adopt a more balanced and realistic approach and to respect the rights, will, and equal status of the Turkish Cypriot people.