Tensions surrounding the Cyprus issue and recent diplomatic developments involving the Organization of Turkic States were brought to the forefront in the Republic’s Assembly.

Lawmakers voiced concern over the implications of recent agreements between Turkic republics and the European Union, while Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu and Public Works and Transportation Minister Erhan Arıklı reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the two-state policy and criticized the European Union’s role in undermining Turkish Cypriot sovereignty.

Recent developments in the Cyprus issue were brought to the floor of the TRNC Assembly, with Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu confirming that an unsettling incident had occurred regarding the Organization of Turkic States (TDT).

He reassured that despite the diplomatic disappointment, the TRNC remains committed to its sovereign two-state policy.

“We will not give up on our stance just because morale has been shaken,” he said, stressing that the real criticism should be directed at the European Union and the United Nations for enabling Greek-Greek Cypriot pressure.

Also speaking during the session, the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP(Tufan Erhürman argued that recent agreements between the EU and Turkic states indicate de facto recognition of the so-called Republic of Cyprus’s territorial integrity, referencing UN Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550.

Erhürman also recalled statements by President Tatar and YDP leader Erhan Arıklı on international challenges faced by the TRNC and raised concerns over the diplomatic setbacks at TDT platforms.

Responding to these concerns, Ertuğruloğlu accused the EU of trying to drive a wedge between the Turkic states and both Türkiye and the TRNC, suggesting that economic interests had led friendly states to make a mistake. However, he insisted that this does not justify abandoning the TRNC’s legitimate struggle.

“There is no single resolution that labels Türkiye as an occupying force,” he added, emphasizing the TRNC’s rightful claim to statehood and its non-obstruction of a solution.

Public Works and Transportation Minister Erhan Arıklı also criticized the Turkic states for opening embassies in South Cyprus, calling it regrettable.

However, he urged caution, suggesting that these decisions may stem from internal pressures and EU coercion, particularly pointing to pressure exerted on Kyrgyzstan.

Arıklı called for restraint in criticizing the Turkic republics and instead directed blame toward the EU, stating that “the biggest injustice to the Turkish Cypriots has come from the European Union.”

He concluded by expressing hope for future recognition of the TRNC, stating, “Recognition will come when conditions are ripe—let us allow the conditions to ripen.”