Dursun Oğuz: Presidential Election Will Be a Choice Between Federation and Two Sovereign Equal States

Speaking on BRT’s program hosted by Aziz Karaaziz, Oğuz commented on the role of the presidency, noting that domestic issues are primarily the responsibility of the executive branch. “The president represents the state and can offer opinions or warnings in certain matters, but solving citizens’ problems is the responsibility of the government,” he explained.

Oğuz emphasized that President Ersin Tatar’s policies over the past five years have been implemented in coordination with Turkey. Responding to criticisms that the past five years were wasted or that Tatar avoided negotiations, he pointed out that Tatar has refused to sit at a table where the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people is not recognized, recalling that previous federation talks often ended without agreement.

He also highlighted the inconsistency between Turkey’s call for recognition of the TRNC at the United Nations and the continued insistence on federation talks. “The idea that Turkish Cypriots could advance their rights through federation negotiations has never materialized,” he said.

Oğuz stressed that over the past five years, policies promoting two sovereign equal states, strong relations with Turkish states, and joint action with Turkey have been clearly articulated. He warned that the direction of federation talks remains uncertain, and reaffirmed the vital importance of Turkey’s active and effective guarantor role for the security of Turkish Cypriots.

Pointing to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Oğuz underlined the critical need for an independent and sovereign state to safeguard the Turkish Cypriot future. He criticized federation proponents for offering no concrete proposals and being dependent on external actors. “If your demands depend on someone else’s initiative, how can they truly protect Turkish Cypriot rights?” he asked.

Oğuz also stressed that advocating for two sovereign equal states respects the rights of Greek Cypriots without infringing upon them. He added that since federation talks have yielded no results, the TRNC must continue pursuing recognition and concrete policies. “Supporting federation now is effectively the same as not seeking TRNC recognition,” he said.

Finally, Oğuz noted that the United Nations and its past resolutions no longer carry the same weight or credibility on the international stage.