Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has called on the international community to formally recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and establish diplomatic, political, and economic ties. Yılmaz emphasized the need for a just, lasting, and stable solution to the Cyprus issue, one grounded in truth.
During a recent meeting with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Yılmaz stated that the customary alliance model is no longer viable. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to protecting the legitimate rights of Turkish Cypriots as their guarantor nation.
“Although the basic human rights of Turkish Cypriots, such as in sports, education, and transportation, have been violated for decades through unfair embargoes and isolation, we support the Turkish Cypriots with everything they need,” Yılmaz declared.”We will continue to provide support in this area.”
Yılmaz expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the TRNC, highlighting the growth and improved living conditions of Turkish Cypriots. he commended the ongoing construction of the Presidential and Republican Senate campuses,expressing confidence in the project’s timely completion.
The Turkish Vice president reiterated Turkey’s commitment to working collaboratively with the TRNC government on projects outlined in the 2024 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement. He emphasized Turkey’s ongoing efforts to empower the TRNC to become self-sufficient.
“We have full confidence that the relationship between the TRNC and Turkey will continue to progress,” Yılmaz stated. He pointed to President Ersin Tatar’s invitation as a guest of honor to the 11th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT) as a meaningful development, signifying the strengthening ties between the TRNC and Turkic states.
Yılmaz underscored Turkey’s full support for President Tatar’s vision of a two-state solution based on sovereign equality and equal international standing. He reiterated the call for international recognition of the TRNC, stating, “The international community shoudl now recognize the TRNC and establish diplomatic, political, and economic relations.”
“We affirm at every possibility that a solution to the Cyprus issue can only be built on the truth about the Island,” Yılmaz concluded.
Turkey has declared its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of Turkish Cypriots and finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue. In a recent statement, Turkish officials emphasized their dedication to a fair and lasting resolution, rejecting the idea of a power-sharing alliance as a viable option.
“Türkiye, as the nation’s contry and the guarantor state, will continue to defend the rightful cause of the Turkish cypriots,” the statement affirmed.
The statement highlighted the Turkish government’s belief that past attempts at an alliance model have failed due to the inconsistent stance of the Greek Cypriot side. this approach, they argue, is no longer a feasible path towards a lasting peace.
Turkey remains committed to finding a just and enduring solution to the Cyprus issue, one that respects the rights and interests of all parties involved. The Turkish government’s statement underscores their determination to safeguard the well-being and future of Turkish Cypriots.
## Ankara Calls for International Recognition of Northern Cyprus, Citing Inequality
**World Today News Exclusive Interview:** Professor Demet İmamoğlu, a leading expert on Cypriot affairs and international relations at ankara University, shares her insights on Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz’s recent call for the international recognition of the Turkish Republic of northern Cyprus (TRNC).
**World Today News:** Professor İmamoğlu, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has made a strong statement calling for full international recognition of the TRNC.Could you help our readers understand the importance of this statement and the implications?
**Professor İmamoğlu:** This statement represents a meaningful shift in Turkey’s approach too the Cyprus issue. Traditionally, Turkey has focused on a negotiated settlement within the framework of the United Nations. However, Vice president Yılmaz’s remarks suggest a move towards a more assertive policy, emphasizing the TRNC’s right to self-determination and international legitimacy.
**World Today News:** Yılmaz also mentioned the “customary alliance model” being outdated. What did he imply by this?
**Professor İmamoğlu:** Here,the Vice President likely refers to the long-standing power dynamic between Turkey and Greece,which has heavily influenced the Cyprus negotiations. He seems to be suggesting that relying solely on customary alliances is no longer sufficient to achieve a just solution for Turkish Cypriots. Turkey seeks a more active and globalized approach to secure their recognition and rights.
**World Today News:** Yılmaz highlighted the TRNC’s isolation and the violation of its people’s basic human rights, citing examples like restrictions in sports, education, and transportation. What are the practical consequences of this isolation?
**Professor İmamoğlu:** The lack of international recognition severely hampers the TRNC’s economic development and social progress. Access to international markets, participation in global organizations, and even simple things like visa-free travel are denied. This creates significant hardships for Turkish Cypriots and fuels a sense of injustice.
**World Today News:** How might the international community react to this new Turkish stance?
**Professor İmamoğlu:** The response will likely be mixed. Some countries, possibly those with strong ties to Turkey, might be more open to considering recognition or at least enhancing their engagement with the TRNC. Though, others, particularly those
aligned with Greece or cyprus, could view this as a provocative move and further entrench their positions against the TRNC’s statehood.
**World Today news:** Where do you see this situation developing in the near future?
**Professor İmamoğlu:** It’s difficult to predict with certainty, but I believe Vice President Yılmaz’s statement signals a potential turning point in the long-stalled Cyprus negotiations. Turkey seems determined to actively pursue international recognition for the TRNC. Whether this ultimately leads to a breakthrough or further exacerbates tensions remains to be seen. It will depend on the willingness of all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and seek a enduring solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Greek and Turkish cypriots.
