Denktaş: Greek Cypriot Side Cannot Ignore Turkish Cypriots

Speaking on Gündem Kıbrıs Web TV, Denktaş said that the Greek Cypriot side has long acted as though Turkish Cypriots did not exist and refused to engage with them, but that this approach must now stop. “The whole world is salivating over the hydrocarbons around us. This makes us a strong actor in the Eastern Mediterranean. We must remind everyone that we are equal co-owners of this island. The Presidency is an important institution in this respect,” he said.

Denktaş noted that the Cyprus issue has always been conducted in consultation with Turkey, stressing: “We must be able to explain to the world that we exist and that we are part of this issue. The problem has never been about Turkish Cypriots ‘taking over Greek Cypriot property,’ as they claim, but rather that our lives were at risk and circumstances forced us into this situation.” He added that constant dialogue and consultation were essential.

“If Turkey Blows from There, There Will Be a Tsunami Here”

Denktaş pointed out that a climate of fear was being created in South Cyprus, saying that the permission granted to the United States and other countries for military exercises and armament was aimed not at Turkish Cypriots but at countering Turkey’s power. “For a country of 85 million like Turkey, such actions are meaningless. If Turkey blew from there, there would be a tsunami here. They must not embark on such madness. There is no such concern in our country. We prefer diplomacy. We can engage in many joint initiatives and collaborations. Without forgetting the past, we should focus on the future and convey peaceful messages,” he said.

“2026 Will Be an Election Year”

Commenting on the political situation, Denktaş said that early elections were raised immediately after the presidential election, but that the government now seeks to divert attention from the issue. “It is natural that the government wants to keep early elections off the agenda, as it does not want the opposition to carry the momentum it gained in the presidential race into a general election. Therefore, the government will try to postpone it,” he said.

However, he noted that such a delay could not last long: “2026 will be an election year,” he stated. Emphasizing that the most important issue at present is the passage of the state budget, Denktaş added, “The budget must first be passed, and then the government should set a suitable date for early elections. If the budget is not passed, next year will be a lost year for the people. I am following this situation closely.”