Üstel: “Turkish Cypriot people cannot be forced to relinguish their rights”

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has reacted to remarks made by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias during the October 1 celebrations, stressing that the Turkish Cypriot people cannot be compelled to relinguish their rights through threats, militarization or rhetoric that distorts history.

In a written statement, Üstel emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot people’s sovereign equality and rights stemming from their own state are not open to debate.

Prime Minister further stated that the continued acceleration of militarization on the island, the deployment of foreign military element and the use of rhetoric against the Turkish Cypriot people are incompatible with calls for peace and reconciliation.

Stressing that Türkiye’s full and effective guarantee and the presence of Turkish troops on the island remain indispensable for the security of the Turkish Cypriot people. Üstel stated that the Turkish Cypriot side and Türkiye seek neither conflict nor confrontation, but cooperation, stability and peace.