Üstel: Sovereignty And Statehood Are Not Negotiable

In a statement, Üstel said unverified claims should not be used as a basis for firm conclusions, but added that some of the scenarios being discussed raise serious concerns regarding the security, sovereignty and future of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Recalling the history of the 1960 Republic, Üstel said the Turkish Cypriot community was excluded from state governance through force and had endured years of isolation. He said the state that exists today was achieved through significant sacrifice.

He underlined that any settlement model involving territorial concessions, the removal of Turkey’s guarantor role, or measures weakening sovereign equality would be unacceptable.

Üstel reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side’s position is based on a two-state vision founded on sovereign equality and equal international status, describing it as both a state policy and a position fully aligned with Turkey.

He said the Turkish Cypriot side would not step back from its demand for sovereign equality, and called on the international community to recognise the reality of “two separate peoples, two democracies and two states” on the island.

Üstel added that property issues should be addressed through international law-based mechanisms such as exchange, compensation and protection of existing users’ rights, rather than territorial concessions.

“Our priority is not new concessions, but strengthening our state, improving the welfare of our people and advancing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to the position it deserves internationally,” he said.

He concluded by stating that expectations of abandoning sovereignty, territory or Turkey’s guarantor role should not be made, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to firmly protect its rights, interests and future.