Hasipoğlu Questions CHP's Involvement in TRNC Presidential Elections

Speaking on Turkey’s Ulusal Kanal, Hasipoğlu questioned whether the CHP intended to interfere in the TRNC presidential elections, stating: “The statement that ‘CTP’s candidate is leading in the presidential elections’ is both unfortunate and untimely. They claim not to interfere in Cypriot politics, yet they make declarations about the elections 11 months in advance. This contradiction is unacceptable.”

Hasipoğlu stressed that the Turkish Cypriot people are fully capable of deciding whom to vote for and when, criticizing the CHP’s comments as inappropriate. While acknowledging no issue with the ideological bond between the CHP and CTP, he emphasized that Cyprus is regarded as a national cause in Turkey, citing the unanimous resolution passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) on the anniversary of the 1974 Peace Operation. The resolution supported a two-state solution and the recognition of the TRNC as the path to lasting peace and stability in the Mediterranean.

Recalling the CHP’s endorsement of this resolution, Hasipoğlu stated: “You can support the CTP as a sister party, but you must act with awareness of its vision and mission. In Turkey, Cyprus is a national cause, and the consensus is clear—there will be no negotiations without recognition of our sovereign equality and equal international status. Supporting a party advocating federation while backing a two-state solution resolution highlights a contradiction.”

Hasipoğlu also criticized the CTP’s stance on federation as the sole solution, arguing that this approach undermines the Turkish Cypriot position: “Claiming that federation is the only alternative serves the interests of Southern Cyprus. It suggests that Turkish Cypriots have no options other than agreeing with the Greek Cypriots’ terms. Just as Turkey and Southern Cyprus present a unified stance on their policies, we too must act with one voice.”