Prime Minister Ünal Üstel: “Only Sustainable Solution in Cyprus is Cooperation-Based Two-State Model on Sovereign Equality”

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel reacted to the New Year message of Greek Cypriot Administration leader Nikos Hristodulidis, stating that the Greek Cypriot leadership continues to pursue an approach that ignores the realities on the island and has repeatedly failed in the past.

Üstel stressed that the only realistic and sustainable solution in Cyprus is a cooperation-based model between two separate states coexisting side by side on the basis of sovereign equality.

In his written statement, Prime Minister Üstel said:

“The stare the Cyprus problem has reached today along with the deep divergence between the parties clearly demonstrated a serious disconnect between the rhetoric of the Greek Cypriot administration and the genuine basis for negotiations

In any initiative developed within the framework of the international community and the EU Council Presidency, the equal rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people cannot be ignored. Any international initiative must serve not only to strengthen the position of the Greek Cypriot administration, but also to establish a solution framework based on equality between the two peoples.

The intransigent stance previously displayed by the Greek Cypriot side remains unchanged today. Throughout 2025, the Greek Cypriot administration has persisted in disregarding the equal status and guarantorship rights of the Turkish Cypriot side through its diplomatic efforts. Excluding the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people from negotiations will not change the realities on the ground” he added.

Prime Minister Üstel further noted that the external relations strengthened by the Greek Cypriot Administration through military and diplomatic alliances serve tension rather than peace on the island. These unilateral initiatives in the field of defense undermine regional balance and weaken hopes for a solution.

“The equal rights, security, and guarantees of the Turkish Cypriot people are indispensable priorities at the negotiating table. As the TRNC, we will continue to openly and resolutely defend fair and sustainable solutions regarding property, security, guarantees, and equal international status” he stressed.

Expressing his hope that the new year will strength dialogue based on mutual respect lead to concrete and realistic political steps and foster a trust-based future between the two peoples, Prime Minister Üstel concluded, “I wish for a 2026 in which both peoples live in peace, prosperity, and stability