No Apology from Oktay Saral as Controversy Deepens

Instead of expressing regret, Saral issued a second statement in which he defended his remarks, further fuelling tensions.

Facing backlash over his original post—widely interpreted as a personal insult to the TRNC Prime Minister and an affront to the dignity of the TRNC—Saral attempted to reframe his comments, claiming he was not making generalisations about the Turkish Cypriot people. However, the tone of his follow-up statement remained combative, repeating divisive language such as “those who discriminate against our veiled girls,” “those who adopt a Greek Cypriot mentality,” and “those opposed to Muslims.”

Notably absent from Saral’s second statement was any direct correction or apology to Prime Minister Üstel. The omission has been met with disappointment and growing frustration in the TRNC, where both government officials and civil society figures had expected a more conciliatory response to what has been widely viewed as a public insult.

Political observers warn that Saral’s rhetoric risks straining the delicate diplomatic relationship between Turkey and the TRNC. In official circles, there is concern that the advisor’s remarks—delivered without the nuance usually expected in such matters—could undermine the spirit of mutual respect that underpins the Ankara-Lefkoşa partnership.

Sources close to the TRNC government indicate that Prime Minister Üstel is expected to raise the matter directly during his upcoming meetings with Turkish officials in Ankara. Meanwhile, among the Turkish Cypriot public, Saral’s latest statement has done little to ease tensions. Many have labelled it an “apology-free explanation” that falls far short of the accountability and respect they had hoped for.

Rather than de-escalating the situation, Saral’s stance has intensified public unease and widened the rift in public opinion over Ankara’s tone and approach towards the TRNC.