Hasipoğlu: Christodoulides’ Call for Turkey is a Futile Effort

Hasipoğlu referred to Christodoulides’ post-US visit statements as "tragicomic," arguing that when he failed to garner the attention he expected from his own public, he shifted the focus back to the Cyprus issue and Turkey in a disingenuous attempt to divert attention.

In a written statement, Hasipoğlu emphasized that Christodoulides’ call for discussions with Turkey regarding the determination of maritime zones in the northwest of the island was an ineffective and futile effort.

“We once again remind the Greek Cypriot side that in the sharing of Cyprus, the interlocutor is the Turkish Cypriot side,” Hasipoğlu said. He added that such comments from a leader who advertises informal discussions as diplomatic triumphs should not be taken seriously by anyone.

Hasipoğlu reiterated that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), together with the Republic of Turkey, will continue to steadfastly defend its rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“Remember, both during the presidency of our 3rd President Eroğlu and the 4th President Akıncı, cooperation offers were made regarding the energy resources of the Eastern Mediterranean,” Hasipoğlu noted. He pointed out that Turkey showed a constructive stance with its proposal for an energy conference, but the Greek Cypriot side repeatedly ignored these initiatives and continued to act as if they were the sole rulers of the island.

Hasipoğlu stated that the Greek Cypriot approach of "I am the sole sovereign of the island, and if a solution comes one day, I will give you your share" has now failed. He emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot people have grown weary of such so-called dialogues.

In his statement, Hasipoğlu also expressed support for President Ersin Tatar’s stance, praising Tatar for never avoiding the negotiation table and for his sincere efforts to promote cooperation between the two states for the benefit of both peoples.

Hasipoğlu concluded by stating that whether Christodoulides is truly sincere will become evident if he supports projects such as the electricity project in the buffer zone, opens new border crossings, and adopts concrete models of cooperation.