Parliamentary Speaker Ziya Öztürkler met with Deputy Head of the Turkish Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Mustafa Canbey, and his delegation.

During the meeting, Öztürkler underscored the importance of the Turkish Cypriot people’s representation in Europe and reaffirmed that the presence of Turkish troops and Türkiye’s guarantor status remain a red line in the upcoming Geneva talks in March.

The Deputy Head of the Turkish Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Mustafa Canbey reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for the TRNC, emphasizing the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people and their right to sovereign equality.

He expressed hope for increased international recognition of the TRNC, noting that some countries have started sending positive signals in this regard.

Parliamentary Speaker Ziya Öztürkler for his part highlighted the work of the PACE Turkish Delegation, particularly contributions by UBP Secretary-General Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu and CTP MP Armağan Candan. He also stressed the importance of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), recognized under international law, as the proper legal channel for property disputes.

He criticized the Greek Cypriot Administration for politically motivated arrests of businesspeople investing in the TRNC, calling for an end to such actions.

Addressing regional security, Öztürkler condemned recent arms agreements between South Cyprus, the U.S., and Egypt, warning that these moves escalate tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. He urged the Greek Cypriot Administration to abandon policies that fuel instability.

Referring to recent statements by the Greek Cypriot Parliament Speaker, Öztürkler reaffirmed that Türkiye’s role as a guarantor and the presence of Turkish forces in Cyprus are non-negotiable issues in the Geneva discussions scheduled for March 16-17.