Sunat Atun: Turkey’s Official Policy Aims to Lift Embargoes

Speaking on the Kıbrıs Postası TV program Sabah Postası, hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Atun compared the situations in Gaza and Cyprus, saying that while European states have begun recognizing Palestine, international intervention has been inadequate. On Cyprus, he said that there are two states on the island, that the Turkish side had lived through painful periods, and that the Greek Cypriot effort to strengthen its position against Turkish Cypriots had not changed over the years.

“ERDOĞAN’S STATEMENTS CARRY THE HIGHEST VALUE”

Atun said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s statements hold great importance at this stage, recalling that Erdoğan has repeatedly said that Turkish Cypriots have made enough sacrifices and have been subjected to embargoes. He noted that the federation issue had been discussed during Mustafa Akıncı’s presidency but no progress was achieved, quoting Erdoğan as saying, “Turkish Cypriots do not need to pay any more of a price. The federation option is closed. A partnership with the Greek Cypriots is not possible.”

Atun argued that the recognition of the TRNC is crucial and said that Turkey’s stance would remain unchanged after the elections. “President Erdoğan’s remarks signaled that the policy of taking the federation off the table will continue. Turkey’s official state policy is the recognition of the TRNC and the lifting of economic and social embargoes,” he said.

On Greek Cypriot politics, Atun claimed that the Greek Cypriot stance is deeply influenced by the church and has remained unchanged for centuries. “It is a structure that does not change. Forcing two sides that cannot be integrated will only lead to disaster,” he said.

He also emphasized that a two-state model would be economically beneficial. “Why should we not live well as two states? I have said before: open all trade borders with the South. Neither we nor they should fear this. The better side will win,” he added.

“GUARANTEESHIP IS OUR MOST FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT”

Atun also stressed the importance of Turkey’s guarantor status and military presence. “Guarantees are one of our most fundamental rights. Some try to create contradictions with demagoguery during election campaigns. The Treaty of Lausanne recognized Cyprus as British territory, but this was overturned by the heroic resistance of Turkish Cypriots, which led to the creation of a new regime. Guarantee agreements are made between states and their terms are set by the parties. This right stems from the existence of the TRNC people,” he said.