Hasipoğlu: The Public Will Soon See the Results of Our Diplomatic Initiatives

In a written statement, Hasipoğlu criticized those who, he claimed, were using the OTS process as a tool for internal political gain and for the upcoming presidential elections. He described their frustration as a reaction stemming from what he called a "learned helplessness" tied to the federalist model.

"Diplomatic Initiatives Are Underway"

Highlighting the recent tensions surrounding the OTS, Hasipoğlu emphasized that the process is being followed closely in collaboration with Turkey. “While acknowledging that every state acts in line with its own interests, and without being stuck in the current status quo, the public will soon see the results of our diplomatic efforts,” he said.

He also pointed to the bilateral meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President Ersin Tatar on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum as a significant and promising development that should not be ignored.

"Federal Models Offer No Benefit to Turkish Cypriots"

Hasipoğlu reiterated his party’s position against a federal solution, stating that the idea was shelved in 2017. He noted that while President Erdoğan had recently called on the international community to recognize the TRNC at the United Nations General Assembly, efforts to promote an unaccepted federal solution were futile and unhelpful for Turkish Cypriots.

He criticized the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Tufan Erhürman, saying that continuing to advocate for federation despite years of negotiations and the Greek Cypriot side’s unwillingness to share power or resources was akin to “hitting a brick wall.” He referenced the Orams case as an example of how the Greek Cypriot side has used property issues to pressure Turkish Cypriots.

"The Greek Cypriot Side Never Wanted to Share the Island’s Wealth"

Hasipoğlu concluded by reiterating that the Greek Cypriot administration has never been willing to share the island’s wealth or its governance with Turkish Cypriots. Ignoring this reality and offering false hope during election campaigns, he warned, would lead to disappointment similar to the aftermath of the Annan Plan referendum in 2004.