Zekai: Cyprus Must Embrace a Shared Future Through Peace and a Commitment to a Settlement

"We must embrace our island together through a commitment to a settlement, a culture of peace and a shared understanding of our common future," Zekai said.

He argued that the opportunity to secure lasting peace should not be missed and urged all sides to act without further delay.

"We must not lose this historic opportunity if we want to leave future generations an island where they can live in peace," he said, adding that a lasting settlement is essential for both Cyprus and the wider region.

In a written statement, Zekai said the Turkish Cypriot community has preserved its existence throughout history by enduring hardship and overcoming numerous challenges.

However, he argued that over the past 52 years, policies serving the interests of a limited number of groups have brought the Turkish Cypriot community to the point of losing its future, status and identity.

According to Zekai, while those benefiting from the status quo have continued to accumulate wealth, society as a whole has become increasingly impoverished.

He also claimed that the public is being forced to accept illegality, repression, anti-democratic practices and the continuation of the status quo, arguing that the existing system serves only those who created and benefit from it.

"The status quo must be dismantled," he said.

Zekai also urged the Turkish Cypriot community to take ownership of its own future, saying the struggle should evolve into one for becoming a genuine political subject in its own homeland.

He concluded by saying that the need for peace and a culture of peace is greater than ever in Cyprus, the region and the wider world, adding that the status quo, which he said perpetuates conflict, division and external intervention, is also unsustainable for the Greek Cypriot community in the long term.