Üstel: Greek Cypriot Leadership Fears Our Economic Strength

In a written statement addressing recent developments on the Cyprus issue and property disputes, Üstel accused the Greek Cypriot administration of shifting its stance in the face of the Turkish Cypriots' economic resilience.

“All Turkish Cypriots alive today have lived their entire lives with the Cyprus problem,” Üstel said, stressing that the community has long suffered from political deadlock and unjust embargoes. “Throughout my political career, and now as Prime Minister, I’ve continually faced questions from our people about the Cyprus issue,” he added.

Üstel asserted that the Turkish Cypriot side has always approached negotiations with clear intentions and never walked away from the table. “Each time a solution seemed close, it was the Greek Cypriot side that abandoned the talks and squandered opportunities,” he said.

He pointed to the strengthening economy of the TRNC as a source of discomfort for the Greek Cypriot leadership. “Years ago, they said, ‘If we reach a solution with the poor Turkish Cypriots, we will bear the economic burden.’ Today, they fear our economic self-sufficiency,” Üstel stated.

He accused Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides of launching a property-related offensive against investors in the TRNC as a result of these concerns. “This government—formed by UBP, DP, and the Rebirth Party—is not a bystander. With the support of our motherland Turkey, we will take every necessary step,” he said.

Üstel emphasized that sovereign equality and equal international status leading to a two-state solution are not obstacles to peace but a pathway toward it. “In intercommunal talks, the Greek Cypriot side attempts to use population differences to argue against equality, but negotiations based on two states provide a more balanced and equal framework,” he noted.

He drew comparisons to the European Union, arguing that if population size dictated influence, smaller EU countries would not have equal say in decision-making.

Üstel reaffirmed his government’s commitment to both internal affairs and the broader Cyprus issue. “The Turkish Cypriot people, who endured the hardships of 1963 to 1974 without surrendering, will move forward under the roof of the TRNC toward a brighter future without ever bowing down,” he declared.

He described Christodoulides’ approach to the property issue as “aggressive and terroristic,” accusing the Greek Cypriot leader of neglecting the responsibility that comes with political leadership.

“This is not a threat, but a statement of truth,” Üstel warned. “Every action has a price, and in time, both the Greek Cypriot public and the international community will understand this.”

Concluding his statement, Üstel pledged to stand on the side of justice and human rights, stating: “We will never remain silent in the face of injustice. I once again wish our people health, happiness, peace, and success.”