Üstel: Turkish Cypriot People Broke Taboos and Disrupted Prejudices

Üstel emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot people have broken taboos and disrupted outdated notions, continuing their journey to ensure the TRNC’s rightful place in the international community, just like any other state.

In his message, Üstel also highlighted the 41st anniversary of the Republic, noting that it symbolizes the Turkish Cypriot people's struggle for existence, sovereignty, and freedom.

He commemorated Dr. Fazıl Küçük, the national leader who ignited the flame of freedom and started the national struggle, and the founding president Rauf Raif Denktaş, who brought the people together with the Republic, the highest virtue defined by Atatürk as "virtue," with respect and gratitude.

"During this process, we remember with gratitude all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, allowing us to live under our own flag, in security, freely, and with dignity," Üstel said.

He continued: "Since 1963, when the Republic of Cyprus was usurped and all our rights were erased, despite all the embargoes imposed by those who disregarded the will of the Turkish Cypriot people to govern themselves, with the great support of our motherland, Turkey, our state and republic continue to develop, grow stronger, and become more rooted."

Üstel criticized those who failed to offer a positive response to the sincere solution efforts of the Turkish Cypriot people over the past 50 years, and who persist in unrealistic demands, ignoring the realities of the island.

The Greek Cypriot Administration, which has always sabotaged efforts for a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution, still refuses to accept political equality and share the island's wealth with Turkish Cypriots, Üstel remarked.

He noted that Turkish Cypriots were trapped in endless federal negotiations due to this stance but have now disrupted the old patterns with the two-state solution vision developed jointly with Turkey since 2020.

"We have broken the prejudices with our two-state solution vision," Üstel stated, mentioning that the Turkish Grand National Assembly has fully supported this vision and that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly called for the recognition of the TRNC at the United Nations General Assembly.

Furthermore, Üstel pointed out that the TRNC became an observer member of the Turkic States Organization, strengthening ties with the Turkic world to unprecedented levels.

"Now, the Turkish Cypriot people have broken taboos. The Turkish Cypriot people are continuing their journey towards the world to take their rightful place in the international community, just like any other state," Üstel affirmed.

He concluded by noting that while the TRNC continues its journey towards global recognition, efforts are also underway to address infrastructure deficiencies, economic and structural issues, and to implement long-delayed reforms in sectors such as transportation, energy, health, education, and agriculture.

"Thanks to the great support of Turkey and the decisive steps taken by our government, we are overcoming these challenges. We are working tirelessly to improve the purchasing power and welfare of our people," Üstel stated, emphasizing that failure is not an option for them.

"We will succeed. By implementing the greatest reforms and projects in our republic's history, we will elevate our state and people to the highest living standards in the shortest time possible," he concluded.

On the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the Republic, Üstel wished the Turkish Cypriot people a happy holiday, expressing pride in their state and republic. "Long live the Republic!"