Ertuğruloğlu: "Partnership Scenarios Are Over, Now It's About Neighbourly Relations"

Speaking at the parliament Ertuğruloğlu pointed out that the Cyprus issue was created by the UN Security Council's decisions, and the real issue has been overlooked: the Greek Cypriots are seen as a state, while the Turkish Cypriots are regarded as a community. He noted that the constitutional partnership established in 1960 was broken after the 1963 events, leading to the expulsion of the Turkish Cypriots. While it may not be appropriate to discuss their expulsion from the republic, the Greek Cypriot side continues to use the republic to this day.

Regarding the federation model that the Turkish side has advocated, Ertuğruloğlu questioned what had been achieved after 60 years of negotiations. He also highlighted that the UN Secretary-General had seen that the negotiation process was fruitless and had called for new proposals. This prompted the Turkish side to bring forward new suggestions at the negotiation table.

Ertuğruloğlu emphasized that if there is no common ground, there will be no negotiations, noting the Greek Cypriot side's focus on UN parameters and EU acquis. He stressed the importance of closely examining the Greek Cypriot stance.

He expressed that the current status quo in Cyprus was not acceptable to the Turkish side, and he rejected scenarios like political equality, timelines, and clarification of outcomes—such as those proposed by Shahali. He made it clear that negotiations would not force the Greek Cypriots to acknowledge that the Republic of Cyprus does not exist, and this reality must be recognized by everyone.

Ertuğruloğlu stated that the Greek Cypriot side views the island as part of Greece, and thus, they would never accept any solution outside of that framework. "A new page has been turned in Cyprus," he declared, adding that aiming for partnership with the Greek Cypriots is no longer on the table. Instead, the focus has shifted to shaping the future as neighbouring states. "Call it whatever you want, the partnership scenarios are over. Now, the neighbourly relations scenarios are on the table."

He further mentioned that the Greek Cypriot side, which is recognized as a state, is unlikely to accept any partnership proposal. He also noted that the UN Security Council, which created the Cyprus issue, consists of its five permanent members.

In response to a question, Ertuğruloğlu pointed out that while the Greek Cypriot side is currently making international agreements, any initiative that excludes the Turkish side will ultimately fail. He reaffirmed that the rights of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people are being protected.