Üstel: No Progress Without Sovereign Equality Recognition

Üstel said the President had briefed political parties on recent contacts by UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar and initiatives by Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Christodoulides, adding that keeping all parties informed is important for the continuation of consultations.

He noted that Holguín has held talks in both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides, as well as in Türkiye, and that these contacts are aimed at preparing a possible 5+1 meeting, although no concrete substance is currently on the table.

Commenting on the political situation in the Greek Cypriot side, Üstel said more hardline political forces have gained strength following recent elections and accused the leadership of trying to present itself internationally as pro-solution while pursuing different policies domestically.

He said recent Greek Cypriot agreements with other countries, including defence cooperation with France, should be closely examined, stressing that the 1960 constitutional order and guarantor system involving Türkiye, Greece and the United Kingdom must not be ignored.

On energy, Üstel said electricity transmission projects from Türkiye via an undersea cable could benefit both sides of the island, but claimed the Greek Cypriot side and the EU have not responded positively to goodwill initiatives.

He argued that the Greek Cypriot side pursues policies that economically pressure Turkish Cypriots, adding that a change in mindset is needed for a lasting settlement.

Reiterating Ankara’s position, Üstel referred to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s “two peoples, two states” approach and said sovereign equality and equal international status are preconditions for any new process.

He added that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres may be seeking to launch a new initiative before the end of his term, but stressed that existing realities on the island cannot be ignored.