Turkish VP Yılmaz: Presidential Complex to be Completed by November-December

Yılmaz emphasized that since the Peace Operation, the Turkish side in Cyprus has always been in favor of a solution and has never been the party to abandon the negotiation table. He pointed out that the Greek side does not see the Turkish side as an equal counterpart and desires to govern the entire island as a sovereign entity.

Despite unfair embargoes, Yılmaz noted that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has made significant progress in infrastructure, economy, universities, and tourism. He reaffirmed that the construction of the new Assembly and Presidential buildings would be completed by the end of the year.

Yılmaz stated, "We continue to provide all kinds of support for the TRNC to be an equal, sovereign member of the international community and to enhance the welfare of Turkish Cypriots and develop the economy." He also mentioned efforts to gain recognition for the TRNC, highlighting strong relations with Turkish states and especially Azerbaijan, and noted TRNC's observer status in COMCEC platforms.

When asked about Israel's use of Southern Cyprus as a military logistics base, Yılmaz responded:

"The island does not need new tensions or military build-ups. For over 50 years, there has been peace and security, which should serve as a foundation for the Greek Cypriot side to come together with the TRNC as two separate states and work towards a mutually beneficial future. If we do not resolve our issues internally as the region's peoples and states, we will remain vulnerable to external interventions and imperialistic influences, as history has shown."

Yılmaz also remarked that external forces historically used regional conflicts as tools, which was not in the interest of Greeks, Greek Cypriots, or Armenians. He advocated for regional collaboration, stressing Turkey's commitment to peace while remaining prepared to respond to any military threat with a strong defense.