Özel: Respect for TRNC’s Independence and Will Must Be a Priority

In his post on social media, Özel underlined that the Cyprus issue has always been one of the top priorities of Turkey’s foreign policy, recalling that the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation was carried out under the leadership of CHP Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit. He emphasized that the CHP has consistently stood by the just struggle of the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriots under all circumstances.

Describing the ties between Turkish Cypriots and Turkey as “unshakable, historical and cultural,” Özel argued that Cyprus is not merely a matter of military security but that protecting the existence of the Turkish Cypriot community is equivalent to protecting Turkey’s land and maritime borders.

Özel noted that the Turkish Cypriot community “rejected being a minority and fought for equality with the Greek Cypriots,” paying a heavy price for it. He added that political parties in Turkey should take into account how their stance on the TRNC affects this struggle.

As the elections approach, Özel said the CHP “respects the will of the Turkish Cypriot people regardless of political affiliation” and called on all individuals and institutions to do the same. He described the TRNC Presidency as “the window through which Turkish Cypriots engage with the world.”

Özel further stressed that political developments in the TRNC and the position of its president are crucial for the interests, prosperity, and security of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean. He concluded by saying that for the TRNC to gain international recognition, “we must first treat it as an independent state and respect its will; otherwise, we would be disrespecting the Turkish Cypriots themselves.”