Berova: “We Will Never Compromise on Sovereign Equality and the Two-State Solution”

He underlined that President Ersin Tatar has consistently maintained that if there is to be a settlement in Cyprus, it must be based on a two-state formula, warning that a federation would lead to submission and pave the way for Turkish Cypriots to become a minority.

Pointing to the conflicts in neighbouring countries such as Syria, Palestine and Lebanon, Berova said Turkey’s role is vital, describing it as “the undisputed defender and protector of the Turkish Cypriots.” He added that Turkey, despite its troubled geography and difficult neighbours, stands firmly behind the two-state vision put forward by President Tatar, noting the support expressed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“Greek Cypriots Harass Turkish Cypriots at Every Opportunity”

Berova accused the Greek Cypriot side of abusing the authority of the usurped Republic of Cyprus and using it against Turkish Cypriots. “Greek Cypriots harass Turkish Cypriots at every opportunity. I believe this will only increase,” he said.

He referred to long queues at border crossings, recalling how his mother suffered at Greek Cypriot barricades in the 1960s, and warned that such fears could resurface under different circumstances. He criticised the Greek Cypriot side’s unilateral policies on ID cards, saying: “Yesterday our people suffered while trying to cross to the south. Those responsible are doing this under the usurped title of the Republic of Cyprus. We will not allow ourselves to be weakened.”

Berova argued that while many areas of cooperation could be pursued under good neighbourly relations, the Greek Cypriots showed no willingness. He noted that electricity problems could be solved and that efforts to bring power from Turkey via cable were in their final stages.

He also remarked that the Greek Cypriot community could not accept or explain the presence of Turkish troops on the island, pointing out that with a population three times larger than that of Turkish Cypriots, they reject political equality.

“The Mentality of the Greek Cypriot Administration Has Not Changed in 30 Years”

Berova criticised decades of federation-based negotiations, saying, “The mentality of the Greek Cypriot administration has not changed in 30 years. We continue to see actions designed to harass Turkish Cypriots.”

He also responded to the Republican Turkish Party’s claim that “a two-state solution based on sovereign equality cannot be accepted by the world,” stressing that this vision has been put forward for five years and that the UN itself has acknowledged the lack of a common vision between the two sides. He underlined that the Turkish Cypriot side has been clear in its demand for sovereignty.

Emphasising the necessity of acting in coordination with Turkey in foreign policy, Berova also drew attention to developments in Gaza. Referring to the Annan Plan period, he said: “We remember the time when Mehmet Ali Talat was elected. The Turkish Cypriots said ‘yes’ to the Annan Plan, but the gains of those who said ‘no’ cannot be compared with those of the ‘yes’ side.”

“We Will Never Compromise on the Two-State Solution Based on Sovereign Equality”

Berova said the upcoming presidential election would take place in this context. “We will never compromise on our model of sovereign equality and a two-state solution, and President Tatar continues to emphasise this. We are also underlining it,” he stated.

On the economy, Berova pointed to trade and service agreements with Turkey, crediting Turkey’s effective monetary policies for recent successes. He predicted that the economy would reach a stronger position within three years and dismissed the opposition’s criticism as self-serving.

Explaining that they had drafted the budget with the deficit in mind, Berova said the government was implementing policies to reduce borrowing, with debts projected to remain below 18 billion.

“We Will Close the Year With a Debt Burden Below Forecasts”

He announced that citizens with special needs would receive a one-time payment of 10,000 TL, with funds already secured. “The media often reports on the state’s borrowing but rarely on the debts we have repaid. We will continue this until the end of the year. None of our citizens should worry,” he said.

Berova added that rumours designed to create public concern were unfounded, stressing that public finances would close the year with a debt burden lower than projected thanks to fiscal discipline under the 2024 budget. He also pointed to falling inflation in Turkey, noting that “two years ago it was at 83 percent, but the target is now 35 percent. Leakages have been brought under control, and field inspections continue.”