Öztürkler: Christodoulides Will Eventually Realize That We Are the Counterpart

Speaking on Kanal T’s “Pulse of Politics” programme hosted by Pınar Gözek, Öztürkler said the parliamentary decision clearly reflected the Turkish Cypriot people’s will and their demand for sovereignty.

He noted that federation-based negotiations had produced no results for decades, adding that Parliament’s decision embodied the people’s vision and determination. “Our people will continue their rightful struggle with unity and determination,” he said, highlighting that the two-state model will serve as the primary reference in the new period.

Addressing public debate over whether Parliament should play a more direct role in Cyprus negotiations, Öztürkler said it was inappropriate to raise the issue during the election period. “As of today, there is no such item on Parliament’s agenda. If such a proposal arises in the future, it will be thoroughly examined by our legal experts,” he explained.

Öztürkler also referred to Christodoulides’s reported attempts to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Peace Summit in Egypt, noting Turkey’s significant regional influence. “Christodoulides will eventually realize that we are the legitimate interlocutors,” he added.

Commenting on the Greek Cypriot Administration’s ties with Israel, Öztürkler said regional diplomatic balances have a direct impact on the Cyprus issue. “The Greek Cypriot Administration’s contacts with Israel reflect an attempt to gain political leverage through regional alliances,” he explained.

Expressing support for President Ersin Tatar’s two-state vision, Öztürkler said, “Mr. Tatar’s two-state model represents the most realistic approach to safeguarding the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. We appreciate his efforts to make the TRNC’s voice heard on international platforms.”

He further underlined that the friendship groups established with Turkey and Azerbaijan not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also reinforced historical and cultural bonds, enhancing the Turkish Cypriot people’s international visibility and contributing to the broader regional acceptance of the two-state solution vision.