Öztürkler: No Agreement Can Take Effect Without the Approval of Turkish Cypriots and Turkey

Speaking on the Sabah Postası programme on Kıbrıs Postası, Öztürkler answered questions from Gökhan Altıner and commented on the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day celebrations as well as the Cyprus issue.

He said the anniversary had been marked with pride and drew strong participation from both the TRNC and abroad. Among those attending were Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, Chief of the General Staff Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, senior military commanders, representatives of the Turkish Peace Force Command and Security Forces Command, more than 20 MPs from Turkey and Azerbaijan, and former Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım.

Öztürkler said more than 1,000 people attended the official reception, where the central themes were the Turkish Cypriot people's struggle for existence, Turkey's guarantor status and the presence of Turkish troops on the island.

'Peace Cannot Be Achieved by Isolating Turkish Cypriots'

Öztürkler said the Greek Cypriot side and the UN Secretary-General should be assessed separately, accusing the Greek Cypriot leadership of lacking sincerity on the Cyprus issue while pursuing its own foreign policy agenda.

He argued that the international community had made a major mistake by isolating Turkish Cypriots.

"Peace cannot be achieved by isolating the Turkish Cypriot people," he said. "Promises were made during the Annan Plan period. There is no world in which the Greek Cypriot side gets everything it wants and then returns with further demands. We are equal co-owners of this island and have inherent rights."

He added that because the Greek Cypriot side has not been adversely affected by the current status quo, it has little incentive to reach an agreement with Turkish Cypriots.

'Unjust Isolation Must End'

Referring to Guterres' expected visit next week, Öztürkler called on the UN chief to clearly state that the unjust isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots must be lifted.

"We have to start somewhere," he said. "Our young people should be able to represent our country under its own flag in sports and culture, and our business community should be able to do the same in the economy. The Greek Cypriot side must be told 'enough.' Why should our businesspeople be arrested when the Immovable Property Commission exists? The rights of Turkish Cypriots, who have been isolated from the world for years, continue to be ignored."

'I Do Not Dismiss Guterres' Visit'

Öztürkler said that despite years of negotiations conducted by leaders from different political parties, no settlement had been reached together with Turkey.

He said he did not dismiss Guterres' visit or regard it as a farewell visit, but stressed that it should not be interpreted as evidence that the parties had reached an agreement or entered a peace process.

"We need to be clear on some issues," he said. "No agreement that is not approved by the Turkish Cypriot people and Motherland Turkey can enter into force."

Öztürkler also referred to plans to bring natural gas from Turkey to the TRNC, noting that the Oruç Reis research vessel is operating in the region.

"The protocols that have been signed are not merely symbolic," he said. "Signing them means they will be implemented. The natural gas project will go ahead, and Turkey has made it clear that it intends to move forward quickly and decisively."

'We Have Become More Visible in the Turkic World'

Öztürkler said the TRNC's visibility within the Turkic world has increased, pointing to meetings with parliamentary speakers from countries including Azerbaijan and Iran.

He said these ties would continue to strengthen with Turkey's support.

'The Greek Cypriot Side Could Not Move Because of Turkey's Deterrent Power'

Commenting on occasional statements from the Greek Cypriot side about raising their flag in Kyrenia, Öztürkler dismissed such remarks as "wishful thinking."

"Since Turkey's intervention on July 20, the Greek Cypriot side has not been able to make a move," he said. "The main reason is Turkey's deterrent power."

He also referred to defence agreements between the Greek Cypriot administration and France, saying everyone was aware of the difference between the capabilities of the Greek Cypriot National Guard and those of Turkey.

"We are neighbours on the same island. Land power matters, and there is no need to explain the courage of the Turkish military," he said.

'No Election Date Has Been Submitted to Parliament'

Addressing speculation over an early general election, Öztürkler said that if the vote is held in January, the election timetable will be set by the Supreme Election Council.

If elections are brought forward, however, the decision rests with parliament, he said, adding that the government is still evaluating the issue.

"As of today, no decision on an election date has been submitted to parliament," Öztürkler said. "Once the coalition partners complete their assessments and reach a decision, parliament will be informed."

He added that parliament could be convened for an extraordinary session if necessary to discuss election legislation or set a polling date.

'UBP Is the Party of Delivery'

Öztürkler said the UBP-led government had completed a productive legislative term, passing more than 350 laws.

He acknowledged that the heavy legislative workload had limited opportunities to engage directly with the public but said party members had returned to the field following parliament's summer recess.

Claiming that support for the UBP continues to grow, Öztürkler said allegations made against the party did not reflect reality.

"We trust our grassroots and our voters," he said. "The UBP is a strong party during election periods. Once we unite, we always succeed, and we have done so again. In the end, the result will be a positive one."

He concluded by describing the UBP as "the party of delivery" and said he was confident it would achieve the desired result in the upcoming election.