Hasgüler: Federation or Two States an Illusion, Cyprus Solution Lies in Returning to the “Republic of Cyprus”

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s program Gündem, hosted by Ulaş Barış, Hasgüler said the framework provided by the island’s founding agreements must be revived, with Turkish Cypriots reclaiming their constitutional rights within the Republic.

Hasgüler began by addressing the widespread public distrust in politics, saying many voters lost faith in elections and political institutions following the last presidential race.

“Turkey’s Pressures Cost Erhürman and Akıncı the Election”

Referring to the 2020 presidential election, Hasgüler alleged that pressures from Turkey caused Tufan Erhürman and Mustafa Akıncı to lose the race. He claimed similar interference is taking place today to secure victory for incumbent President Ersin Tatar. “The upcoming election is critical as it must reflect the true will of the Turkish Cypriot community,” he stressed.

Hasgüler argued that Turkey’s guarantor role should be exercised strictly within the framework of the 1960 agreements establishing the Republic of Cyprus, but said this is currently not the case. He also noted that the European Court of Human Rights recognizes Northern Cyprus as a “subordinate administration,” which reflects the asymmetric relationship between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community.

“Federation or Two States Are Illusions”

“The only viable path forward is returning to the Republic of Cyprus,” Hasgüler declared, dismissing both federation and two-state solutions as illusions. He argued that elections should be held for the parliament, ministries, and vice presidency allocated to Turkish Cypriots under the original 1960 constitution.

Unclear Position on Bi-Zonality

On the issue of a bi-zonal structure, Hasgüler admitted he does not yet have a clear position, saying the matter should be debated in parliament and shaped through renewed intercommunal negotiations.

“As long as Turkish Cypriots fail to reclaim and exercise their rights within the Republic of Cyprus, they will continue to be treated as a subordinate administration,” Hasgüler warned. He further described upcoming elections in the north as, in essence, elections for the vice presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, calling on Turkish Cypriots to demand their constitutional rights.