Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Numan Kurtulmuş, commented on the references made to the Cyprus issue in the final communiqué of the Central Asian Countries-European Union Summit.
“This is an issue that disturbs us. However, there are ways and means to compensate for it” Kurtulmuş said.
The Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Numan Kurtulmuş, who is on an official visit to Kyrgyzstan, answered questions during a live broadcast on TV 100.
Drawing attention to the references made to the Cyprus issue in the final communiqué of the Central Asian Countries-European Union Summit, Kurtulmuş said, “This was indeed an unexpected approach for Türkiye, and we experienced great disappointment. During our official meetings here today, we had the opportunity to raise this issue and discuss it with my counterpart, the Speaker of Parliament, as well as with the President and the Prime Minister. We expressed that, based on our brotherly relations, we are seriously disturbed by this issue and that necessary steps should be taken to correct it.”
When asked “When you say compensation, what exactly needs to be done, what are your expectations?” Kurtulmuş said, “For instance, a representative office could be opened. President Tatar could visit and meet with officials here. Certain steps could be taken that affirm the acknowledgment of the Turkish political identity and presence in North Cyprus.”
When asked, “How did they respond when you conveyed your concerns?”, Kurtulmuş replied, “We observed that they approached the matter extremely positively. Let me also add that I believe they will make amends in the near future. Last week, our counterparts, the Speakers of the Parliaments of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, visited us. We discussed this issue with them as well, albeit not in front of the media, because the bonds of brotherhood require discretion. They, too, understood our sensitivities regarding this matter, and God willing, we hope that the necessary measures will be taken. However, one thing to be careful about is that some circles are trying to create the perception: ‘You are developing close relations with the Turkic world, but look, they have betrayed you,’ and are trying to drive a wedge between Türkiye and the Turkic world, and especially between the Turkic world and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. We must not allow this under any circumstances.”
Speaker Kurtulmuş, revisiting the references made to the Cyprus issue in the final communiqué of the Central Asian Countries-European Union Summit, stressed, “This is a matter that deeply disturbs us, and indeed, it is an issue that causes great discomfort among our people as well. However, there are ways and means to remedy this. It is also our responsibility, as Türkiye, to continually offer advice and make demands on these friendly and brotherly countries regarding this matter.”