Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Unal Ustel has formally stated that any path toward a lasting settlement on the island must be grounded in the recognition of existing political realities. During his remarks on Monday, Ustel urged the United Nations to formally recognize the TRNC as a necessary step for progress.
Addressing the potential for a breakthrough, Ustel suggested that if UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres intends to secure a legacy by resolving the long-standing Cyprus issue, the UN General Assembly should convene to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. These comments were released in a statement by the National Unity Party (UBP), which Ustel chairs, as Guterres prepares for a visit to the island scheduled from July 27-29 to meet with both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders.
Ustel expressed hope that the upcoming visit would provide a sincere opportunity to re-evaluate the injustices he claims the Turkish Cypriot people have endured for decades. He argued that promises made following the 2004 Annan Plan referendum remain unfulfilled, noting that the community has faced intensified isolation and increasing systematic economic pressure. According to Ustel, the primary responsibility for this stagnation lies with the EU and the UN for their failure to uphold past commitments.
Calling for a departure from what he described as a failed, six-decade-long focus on a federation-based approach, Ustel emphasized that the current situation on the ground is unambiguous. He reiterated that a sustainable peace can only be achieved by accepting that there are currently two distinct peoples, two separate democracies, and two separate states on the island.
