PM Üstel to Begin Work on Voting Rights for Turkish Cypriots Abroad

Prime Minister Üstel attended a meeting in London, sponsored by Euromed, London Gazette, Alton and Co, Best Motors, and UKAY Ltd, where he met with the Turkish Cypriot community. The event began with the Prime Minister entering the hall, where the Turkish flag was waving, to applause and warmly greeting the citizens. In his speech to the participants, Üstel emphasized the history, struggle, and unbreakable ties of the Turkish Cypriot people with their motherland, Turkey.

Euromed Director Mr. Hasan Gazi, in his opening speech at the meeting, addressed an important issue regarding the voting rights of Turkish Cypriots, especially in the UK. Gazi requested support from the government for Turkish Cypriots living abroad to be able to vote. He pointed out that the restriction of voting rights for TRNC citizens in the UK makes it difficult for Turkish Cypriots to make their voices heard on national issues. Hasan Gazi emphasized that this situation could weaken the ties of the diaspora with Cyprus and that citizens living abroad should be able to exercise not only their social and cultural rights but also their political rights.

Gazi also highlighted the valuable efforts of Turkish Cypriots living abroad, especially the youth, in preserving their identity and culture. He said, "You are the voice, strength, and representatives of the Turkish Cypriot people not only here but all over the world. However, for your rights to be fully defended, it is important to grant voting rights to Turkish Cypriots living abroad." Hasan Gazi's statements received strong support among Turkish Cypriots who were expecting accelerated efforts on this issue. Additionally, Gazi noted that Prime Minister Ünal Üstel emphasized the strong ties with the diaspora and the need to work together to further strengthen the power of the diaspora. "Our Prime Minister has always been attentive to listening to the community and considering our demands. Today's meeting is a concrete indication of this support," he said.

ÜSTEL: WE WILL TAKE STEPS FOR TURKISH CYPRIOTS TO VOTE

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel expressed his sensitivity to Hasan Gazi's demands and stated that the government would start serious work to enable TRNC citizens living abroad to vote.

Prime Minister Üstel emphasized that legal regulations would be made soon and that they would take all necessary steps to ensure the democratic rights of Turkish Cypriots living abroad.

In his speech, Prime Minister Üstel also highlighted the importance of Turkish Cypriots preserving their national identity and building bridges in the societies they live in. He stated that in a society with different cultures like the UK, Turkish Cypriots should maintain their identity while also integrating with the society they live in. Üstel said, "You are not only carrying Cyprus here but also the history, struggle, and culture of the Turkish Cypriot people. While maintaining your presence here, you are also making the voice of Cyprus heard all over the world."

The Prime Minister also emphasized the significant contributions of the Republic of Turkey to the Turkish Cypriot people in every field. He stated that Turkey defends the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people on international platforms and that the support provided in education, health, infrastructure, and military fields are the cornerstones of the independence struggle. Üstel stressed that these strong ties with Turkey shape the existence and future of the Turkish Cypriot people.

During the meeting, a young Turkish Cypriot asked Prime Minister Ünal Üstel an important question. The young citizen pointed out that Turkish Cypriots living abroad are required to do military service and asked why these citizens cannot vote. Prime Minister Üstel responded by stating that they would accelerate efforts to remove the obstacles to voting for TRNC citizens living abroad. Üstel said, "We will take steps on this issue as soon as possible. We will balance the military obligations and voting rights of Turkish Cypriots living abroad." Üstel stated that these regulations would allow TRNC citizens living abroad to preserve their identities more strongly and participate more effectively in national issues.

In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Üstel once again emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among the Turkish Cypriot people. He said that the Turkish Cypriot people should form a strong voice together with all diaspora members worldwide. Üstel said, "Although the Turkish Cypriot people have written a history full of challenges, they are a people who have grown within this unity. The most valuable thing for us is to move towards a stronger future by uniting every individual, every root, and every voice of this people."

Finally, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel reiterated that the strong ties with Turkey are the foundation of the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people. He stated that the Turkish Cypriot identity is not just about a geography but a sense of belonging, a history, and a vision for the future, and that a common strength should be formed to protect this vision, pass it on to future generations, and introduce it to the world. Üstel concluded his speech by saying, "Let's be stronger together. Let's work together to defend the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people more loudly."

Throughout the meeting, Prime Minister Üstel's messages, discussions on the rights of Turkish Cypriots, and the voting rights of citizens living abroad resonated strongly among the participants. During this process, the demands of Hasan Gazi and other participants reinforced the belief that an important step would be taken for Turkish Cypriots living abroad.