Talat: Two-State Formula Would Eliminate Turkey’s Guarantee Over the Whole Island

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s Sabah Postası programme hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Talat discussed the ongoing election campaign, saying, “There is no complacency. As the election approaches, all our teams are even more motivated. We have met with people from all walks of life, and our campaign is running very organically.”

He added that there was broad consensus among the public, noting, “I cannot recall another election where I had to do so little propaganda. There is a shared understanding among people, especially regarding representation and the defence of our rights.”

Addressing the two-state policy, Talat said, “The two-state approach has already hit a wall. People want a leader who stands tall, defends our rights, and creates a moment where we can reconnect with the world. There is sensitivity about becoming visible internationally and taking part in regional and global developments.”

“We Have a Serious Advantage on the Ground”

With one week remaining before the election, Talat said that preparations for polling-day organisation were nearly complete. “We will collectively determine the people’s will. We are not relying solely on polls, but I can say we have a serious advantage on the ground. Still, we will work until the very end,” he noted.

Talat also criticised President Ersin Tatar’s approach to the Cyprus issue, saying, “The public says we should not walk away from the table. Until now, Mr. Tatar has shown leadership that ran from the talks. He pretended to engage, but no tangible progress was achieved.”

He added that no new crossing points had been opened and criticised the ruling National Unity Party (UBP) for framing the election as one of “views rather than individuals.” “You cannot remove the personal element in an election. Citizens will form their own opinion — such slogans will not change that,” he said.

Talat clarified that his criticisms of Tatar were political, not personal: “We respect Mr. Tatar and will continue to do so after the election. We criticised policies, not personalities.”

“Two-State Proposal Contradicts the Guarantorship Principle”

Talat argued that some recent parliamentary steps violated the constitution and said government members often disregarded constitutional limits. “They have repeatedly conducted unconstitutional votes. For instance, the Draft Law on Military Service could not pass due to lack of quorum — another constitutional breach,” he said.

Turning to the Cyprus issue, Talat accused the government of exploiting it for electoral purposes. “They turned the Cyprus issue into campaign material. Let the people’s will be shaped freely. After 19 October, our leader Tufan Erhürman will discuss a new roadmap with Turkey,” he said.

He added, “Even they have accepted that Tufan Erhürman will be elected, but they think they can exert pressure. They are wrong. Raising the Cyprus issue at this late stage only shows their desperation.”

Talat argued that Turkish officials had not been properly briefed on the Cyprus issue in recent years. “Turkey has countless internal challenges; it cannot be expected to master every detail of the Cyprus problem. But Turkey’s role as a guarantor over the entire island must continue,” he said.

“The two-state proposal, which some claim secures guarantorship, would in fact abolish it over the whole island,” Talat warned.

Referring to Labour and Social Security Minister Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu’s comments, he said, “Mr. Hasipoğlu openly admitted that with two states, the guarantee system should be replaced by a security agreement. Does this mean Turkey will abandon its guarantorship?”

“We Aim for a Timetabled, Constructive Process”

Highlighting Tufan Erhürman’s vision, Talat said, “We don’t want to waste time. The UN report already states that talks should not be open-ended. Negotiations should follow a set timetable. We are talking about sitting at the table after proper preparation.”

He added that this approach was not against Turkey’s interests: “On the contrary, it will help rebuild trust and cooperation. I believe a very constructive dialogue will be established with Turkey.”

Talat concluded, “Turkey is not the side walking away from the table. And following this roadmap does not mean ‘returning to federation.’ As the CTP, we are already explaining the federation model to all segments of society and reminding them of its principles.”