Ersoy: Whoever Wins, We Will Keep Pressure for a Federation on the Presidency

Speaking as a guest on Kanal T’s program Kaptan’s Diary hosted by Ahmet Kaptan, Ersoy stated, “Whoever is elected, we will create pressure for a federation on the presidency.”

Two-State and Federation Debate

Ersoy discussed the group’s findings regarding the concepts of a two-state solution and a federation. He highlighted that while Independence Path does not support the two-state policy, it is understandable that the people wish to live under the framework of two separate states rather than a federal, united Cyprus.

Ersoy criticized those claiming to support a two-state solution, describing them as duplicitous and using the pretense of two-state advocacy for political gain. He alleged that in the previous election, interventions were made to secure Ersin Tatar’s rise under this guise.

Recognition of the TRNC

Ersoy pointed out that since the declaration of the TRNC in 1983, the two-state model has already been in practice, noting that pretending it is a new idea is misleading. He questioned the actions taken for TRNC’s international recognition, asserting that proponents of a two-state solution have done nothing meaningful for the TRNC or for Turkey over the past five years. He stressed that if Turkey supports the principle of two independent sovereign states, it must act accordingly and push for parliamentary recognition of the TRNC as an independent state, noting that mere statements at the UN are insufficient without concrete diplomatic action.

Criticism of Christodoulides

Ersoy also criticized Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides for disingenuously advocating a federation while undermining genuine political equality. He argued that exposing this duplicity requires sincere federative advocates to actively participate at the negotiation table.

British Bases and Guarantees

Ersoy addressed the issue of guarantees and foreign military presence, claiming that all historical agreements have long been nullified. He criticized Greece for its past interventions, Turkey for dividing the island militarily in 1974, and Britain for never truly supporting an independent Cyprus. Highlighting the role of British bases in the genocide in Palestine, he called for their removal from the island. He accused Turkey and Ersin Tatar of not opposing the bases and said that rather than challenging them, officials focus on blaming the Greek Cypriots for armament.

Ersoy emphasized the importance of security for the Turkish Cypriot people and argued that peace and stability on the island depend not on stockpiling weapons or relying on external powers, but on internal mechanisms rooted in the people’s own strength.

Labor Rights and Guarantees

Ersoy also criticized the lack of labor protections in the private sector, stating, “They talk about guarantees, but there is no union in the private sector. Are guarantees only for the Cyprus problem?” He called for union rights and labor protections to be extended to private sector workers, labeling the current negligence as another form of duplicity.

Election Analysis

Discussing the upcoming elections, Ersoy stressed the importance of labor-oriented parties running with their own candidates. He noted that voter sentiment has shifted toward dissatisfaction with Tatar, creating a natural rally around Tufan Erhürman, who emerged as the strongest alternative despite not presenting a clear program. Ersoy warned that failing to discuss the programs of candidates who might replace Tatar could lead to future disappointments.

He criticized Erhürman for conditional statements that apply not only to Greek Cypriots but also to the European Council and the UN, which have hindered the formation of a negotiation table.

Federation Pressure

Ersoy concluded by stressing that as long as Turkish Cypriots defend the federation, their position is considered by the international community. However, once a two-state approach is pursued, leaders like Anastasiadis and Christodoulides feel relieved. He reiterated the importance of sincerely advocating a federation at the negotiation table and stated, “Whoever is elected, we will create pressure for a federation on the presidency.”