Üstel Criticizes Christodoulides for Manipulation Claims

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel shared his views on Christodoulides's recent remarks concerning Cyprus, stating, "We continue to watch with astonishment as Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Christodoulides attempts to disregard the Turkish Cypriots and create personal public opinion with statements that do not align with reality.

Christodoulides's claim that the UN Secretary-General Guterres issued an invitation for a 'trilateral meeting on August 13th' is a clear example of these perception management efforts.

We find President Ersin Tatar's response to the Greek Cypriot Leader's remarks—stating there is 'no meeting invitation' and 'no ground for talks under current conditions'—to be entirely appropriate and justified.

It must be remembered that the initiation of a negotiation process in Cyprus requires the consent of both parties, not just one. We have repeatedly emphasized that no agreement in Cyprus can be reached without recognizing the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Since 2020, President Tatar has pursued a Cyprus Solution Vision with our support, which has become Turkey’s National Cyprus Solution Vision, as accepted by not only its government but also its parliament.

Given these circumstances, we find it difficult to understand the internal opposition that seeks to criticize President Tatar by engaging in manipulations rather than accusing the Greek Cypriot Leader of such actions.

We want to make it clear that our government remains committed to supporting President Ersin Tatar and the vision of a two-state solution, which includes the recognition of our sovereign equality and international equal status, as part of Turkey's National Vision for a Solution to the Cyprus Problem.

If Christodoulides thinks he can achieve something through creating false perceptions, he is mistaken. If the Greek Cypriot Leader genuinely desires a permanent and viable agreement in Cyprus, he should act according to the island's realities and respond positively to the demands of the Turkish side to pave the way for the negotiation process."