Oğuz: The Federation Will End Up a Dream, Just Like It Has for the Past Forty Years

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s Sabah Postası program, hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Oğuz said that UBP’s campaign activities were ongoing across the country as the presidential election draws near.

“The Presidential Election Will Be Decided in the First Round”

Oğuz described the presidential election as a precedent-setting one and emphasized the importance of voter participation. “UBP is actively working on the ground. There are two strong candidates, and this election will be decided in the first round,” he said.

Highlighting President Tatar’s achievements, Oğuz noted that the two-state vision had been developed together with Turkey. “People ask, ‘What has he done in five years?’ But what could not be done in forty years cannot be expected to be completed in five. Preparations and steps need to be made, and that takes time,” he explained.

Referring to the federation issue, Oğuz said, “Turkey’s stance is clear and firm: they said, ‘The chapter is closed.’ Within this framework, a new policy has been adopted. Returning to federation talks would only mean losing another five years.”

He continued, “Everything that could be discussed has already been discussed. If you have no counterpart for a federation, then they won’t meet with you. In that case, you shouldn’t go before the people saying you will resume talks. You say, ‘I’ll conduct Cyprus negotiations in harmony with Turkey’ — but how will you do that? The federation is over. Are you going to oppose Turkey?”

Oğuz stressed that there should be no tension between the TRNC and Turkey. “Turkey is the one defending our rights. Without the Republic of Turkey, this is impossible,” he said.

Arguing that forty years of federation negotiations have already involved too many concessions, Oğuz added, “The Greek Cypriots see themselves as the island’s legitimate government. They say, ‘Everyone recognizes me — why should I share power with you? You have no say.’ We need to speak based on these realities.”

“Why Is TRNC’s Observer Membership in the OTS Looked Down Upon?”

Pointing out that the TRNC has its own state, parliament, and members of parliament, Oğuz criticized the perception that “the West is the only center of prestige while the East is seen as backward.” He said, “Western countries continue to exploit others for their own interests. In such a world, why do we look down on the TRNC’s observer membership in the Organization of Turkic States?”

Expressing satisfaction over growing relations with Azerbaijan, Oğuz said, “There are bridges of friendship, prestige, and commercial relations — these should be respected. Recognition by Turkic states is valuable. These are significant steps. We are not enemies of the EU, but our current priority is lifting the embargoes. This process must continue alongside Turkey.”

“Turkey’s Guarantee Must Continue Forever”

Reaffirming that the Turkish Cypriot people intend to live permanently on the island, Oğuz stated, “Turkey’s guarantorship must continue forever. We can see what happens to weak states in Africa — the same could happen to us. To look to the future with confidence, Turkey’s guarantorship must definitely continue.”