Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has praised the recent speech by Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered during the July 20th Peace and Freedom Day celebrations, highlighting its significant impact on bolstering the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
In a statement issued on Sunday, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel emphasized the enthusiastic 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day celebrations and the vital role of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s messages in reinforcing their resolve.
“The messages from [Turkish] President Erdoğan have strengthened us and inspired us in our struggle to sustain and elevate the TRNC,” said Üstel.
He further mentioned that the celebration felt like reliving the events of July 20, 1974, attributing this feeling to the presence of distinguished guests from Türkiye, including President Erdoğan himself.
Prime Minister Üstel underscored the importance of Erdoğan’s speech in outlining the future policies regarding the Cyprus issue.
“President Erdoğan reiterated the core policies regarding Cyprus, making it clear that the Turkish Cypriot side will not negotiate on a federation. The Greek side, which solely bears the responsibility for the collapse of the 1960 Republic, must abandon its dream of establishing a similar state under its sovereignty,” Üstel stated.
He highlighted the Turkish President’s assertion that “One cannot bathe in the same water twice, and ignoring the realities on the island will lead nowhere. We believe that a federal solution in Cyprus is impossible,” which Üstel said would continue to guide their efforts towards a new peace agreement based on the island’s realities.
Üstel also stressed the necessity of strengthening the TRNC to reach an agreement with the Greek Cypriot side, affirming their commitment to advancing the TRNC in every aspect by following the path paved by Türkiye and President Erdoğan.
He noted the significance of the presence of Azerbaijani friends and the support of Azerbaijani President Aliyev, which reinforced their determination to progress.
In his detailed remarks, Üstel highlighted the economic and social messages from President Erdoğan’s speech, particularly addressing the property issues in the TRNC.
He noted the importance of the reference he made to the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) as the sole solution to the problems caused by Greek Cypriot attacks on the real estate sector, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to strengthen the commission.
The Prime Minister also lauded President Erdoğan’s initiative to ease the educational prospects for TRNC students in Türkiye, recognizing its potential benefits and the demonstration of Türkiye’s unwavering support, which he added provided a robust impetus to their mission of sustaining and elevating the TRNC.