Prime Minister Ünal Üstel issued a heartfelt message to mark the 40th anniversary of Republic Day.

In his message he commemorated the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the homeland and the leaders who fought for self-government and freedom.

He highlighted the ongoing challenge of finding a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus Problem and expressed disappointment with the Greek Cypriot Administration’s reluctance to accept political equality and a common wealth on the island.

“The Turkish Cypriot side has supported proposals for a solution, including the Annan Plan, but the Greek Cypriot Administration’s maximalist demands have hindered progress” said Üstel.

He stressed that a just and permanent solution cannot be reached with parameters that ignore the realities of two states and two peoples on the island.

Following the 2020 presidential elections, the Turkish Cypriot side presented a vision for a two-state solution, which gained support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Üstel asserted that the Turkish Cypriot People will not be held hostage to negotiations that only serve to isolate them from the world.

“The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has called for recognition at the United Nations General Assemblies and has become an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States” said Üstel and emphasized the need to further develop the state.

Prime Minister Üstel highlighted the commitment to both international recognition and national development, emphasizing the importance of making the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ready to engage with the world.