Selma Eylem: "Cypriot Turks Will Continue to Decide on Their Own Consent"

Altun had stated that the Turkish Cypriots had "withdrawn their consent" from the outdated and unfeasible federal model after 60 years of unsuccessful negotiations. Eylem rejected this, asserting that the Cyprus Turkish community has always made its own decisions regarding its consent and will continue to do so.

Eylem criticized Altun for speaking on behalf of the Turkish Cypriots, claiming that the real objective is to reduce Turkish Cypriots to a minority status, stripping them of their will and autonomy. She argued that efforts are underway to replicate Turkey's system in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), focusing on a model of governance that is easily controlled through economic hardship and ideological education.

According to Eylem, the calls for the recognition of the TRNC are aimed at preserving the existing system of rent-seeking and exploitation. She emphasized that values such as democracy, tolerance, and respect are being eroded, and highlighted the community’s historical struggle for equal political status.

“Cypriot Turks have fought for and succeeded in establishing their existence as an equal entity. They have the right to decide their own future,” Eylem stated, affirming that the community will continue to resist any attempts to divide, transform, or marginalize them, regardless of the source of the pressure. She concluded by reiterating that the Turkish Cypriot community will continue its fight for peace, solution, and survival.