Öztürkler: Local Elections to Be Held on December 6

According to a statement from the Republic's Assembly, Öztürkler made the remarks during an appearance on Kıbrıs'ta Sabah, hosted by Eda Alisinanoğlu on Kıbrıs TV, where he assessed parliamentary work and current issues.

Öztürkler said preparations regarding parliamentary elections were continuing.

"If elections are held on schedule, they will take place in January 2027. This falls under the authority of the Supreme Election Council. If there is to be an early election, that authority rests with the Republic's Assembly," he said.

He noted that the Assembly's international contacts had increased significantly in recent months at the level of the speaker, MPs and committees. Referring to the latest meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Öztürkler said they had the opportunity to meet the parliamentary speakers of Iran, Jordan, Qatar, Niger, Yemen, Mozambique and Oman, as well as representatives of many other countries.

Öztürkler said the war was also discussed during his meeting with the Speaker of the Iranian parliament.

Emphasising that MPs had been actively participating in meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Union and the Organization of Turkic States, he said: "Our aim was to make our voices heard and convey the legitimate voice of the Turkish Cypriot people to the world."

He cited his meetings with the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the Speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament and the President of Kazakhstan as examples of these contacts.

Highlighting the sensitivity of the Cyprus issue, Öztürkler also referred to remarks made by UN representative María Ángela Holguín.

He claimed that the Greek Cypriot administration had been promoting issues such as territorial concessions in three regions and NATO security through perception operations, adding that these narratives had caused concern among the public on social media.

Referring to concerns expressed by residents in affected areas, Öztürkler said: "Protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, achieving recognition and ending the isolations are rights that we deserve and must obtain. It is not right to reopen old chapters and discuss territorial concessions. The Immovable Property Commission exists, and the Greek Cypriot administration is trying to undermine it. These are facts that must be understood."

'The Positions of the UN and the Greek Cypriot Administration Are Clear'

Reiterating his position on the Turkish military presence and the system of guarantees, Öztürkler said they did not underestimate the UN's efforts but that the organisation must fulfil its mission of acting fairly.

He argued that the UN had failed to keep the promises it made to the Turkish Cypriot people following the Annan Plan process.

"In a sense, we were misled. Looking at the past, we cannot use overly optimistic language today," he said.

Emphasising that the positions of the UN and the Greek Cypriot administration were clear, Öztürkler said: "No one should expect us to believe that the UN is our only way forward. We will continue to make every effort together with our motherland, Turkey."

Rejecting any discussion of territorial concessions and guarantees, Öztürkler said: "They should not expect any compromise on sovereign equality. We do not have a single inch of land to give."

He added that Turkey's economic, political and defence capabilities represented the greatest guarantee for the Turkish Cypriot people.

"Turkey's strength strengthens our hand. In the end, an agreement will happen only if the demands are fair," he said.

Noting that he had spent many years working in the public sector, Öztürkler also offered advice to young people interested in politics.

"I came from the public sector and worked as a teacher and a bureaucrat. I spent 21 years in public service and gained valuable experience," he said.

Addressing young people, Öztürkler said entering politics was important but that gaining experience in one's own field before entering political life would be a more appropriate path.