Çeler: TDP to Be Guarantee of Turkish Cypriots’ Will for a Settlement in Parliament

TDP Chair Zeki Çeler said the agreement reached at today’s meeting between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders in the buffer zone included positive developments but did not fully meet expectations.

In a statement on social media, Çeler described the agreements on opening two new crossing points, restarting the Imagine Project, continuing the work of technical committees, establishing a mechanism for crisis situations and restoring historic cultural sites as positive developments.

Noting that the sharing of archival documents, environmental projects and the holding of another trilateral meeting in the presence of the UN Secretary-General were also important steps, Çeler nevertheless pointed out that the agreement did not include crossing points that could ease traffic in Nicosia or facilitate Green Line trade, such as Haspolat.

Çeler said they would continue to support initiatives that make life easier for Cypriots and strengthen trust between the communities. However, he stressed that confidence-building measures could not replace a comprehensive settlement that would safeguard the rights of Turkish Cypriots and provide a future of peace and prosperity.

Stating that military, political, economic and social developments in different parts of the world demonstrated how unresolved issues could turn into crises in a short period of time, Çeler said the current status quo in Cyprus also carried serious risks. He added that a settlement in Cyprus was vital not only for the communities on the island but also for regional peace and stability.

“THE CYPRUS PROBLEM DIRECTLY AFFECTS OUR ECONOMY”

Arguing that the Cyprus problem isolated Turkish Cypriots from the rest of the world, Çeler said many economic sectors, particularly foreign trade, transportation, tourism, higher education and real estate, were adversely affected by the situation.

Emphasising that the problem must be resolved through an agreement based on political equality, Çeler highlighted the importance of strong TDP representation in Parliament during this process.

Stating that TDP would serve as Parliament’s guarantee of Turkish Cypriots’ will for a settlement and their right to have a say in decisions, Çeler argued that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must not act according to personal preferences, independently of voters’ will, or as an alternative presidency.

He stressed the importance of all state institutions acting in a coordinated and consistent manner in line with the will for a settlement in Cyprus.

“PREPARING OUR ECONOMY FOR A SETTLEMENT WILL BE OUR PRIORITY”

Çeler said TDP’s priorities would include preparing the economy for a settlement, improving the implementation of the Green Line and Financial Aid Regulations, lobbying for Direct Trade, and bringing production standards into line with the European Union acquis.

He added that the party also aimed to communicate its commitment to a settlement to Greek Cypriots and international stakeholders, while encouraging the President and all political stakeholders to work towards a solution.

Çeler said TDP would continue to lead efforts for a settlement, peace, security and prosperity.