CHP Leader Özel Visits Speaker of TRNC Assembly Zorlu Töre: “Different Developments May Occur in Cyprus”

CHP Leader Özgür Özel: “We Must Ensure That the TRNC Does Not Face Isolation”

Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP) Leader Özgür Özel highlighted the potential for new developments in Cyprus, stating, “There may be very different developments in the upcoming period. However, it is crucial to ensure that nothing allows the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to become isolated or face difficult situations. We must be very attentive in this regard.”

CHP Leader Özgür Özel, who was in Northern Cyprus to mark the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, visited Speaker of the TRNC Assembly Zorlu Töre. During the meeting held at the TRNC Assembly Acceptance Hall, Özel expressed his gratitude: “Thank you very much, Mr. Töre, for both your reception and the kind words you used about past politicians who contributed to the Cyprus Peace Operation. We share your sentiments. We do not view Cyprus merely as a younger homeland but as a brotherly and sovereign state. We support and embrace Northern Cyprus as a whole.”

“We Are Here with the Guiding Leaders of the Past”

Özel emphasized the importance of defending the TRNC’s rights: “Everyone in Turkey may have different political views, but we believe that Cyprus should be fully supported and kept out of domestic political debates. The rights and interests of the TRNC and Turkish Cypriots must be defended with great care. We expressed this during our recent visit to the President. There may be very different developments ahead, but we must ensure that the TRNC does not face isolation or difficult situations. We must remain vigilant on this issue. With the sensitivity and attention shown by the past leaders, such as Turan Güneş, who was a symbol of the Peace Operation and the then 19-year-old Ayşe Hanım, we continue to be guided by their example in our current roles. We are here today with the same dedication as those 50 years ago.”

Özel concluded his remarks:

“With the Love, Courage, and Determination of 50 Years Ago…”

“We are very pleased to be here today with our party’s Vice President for Foreign Relations, İlhan Bey, our Secretary-General Selin Sayek Böke, our Shadow Cabinet of National Defense, retired Rear Admiral Yankı Bağcıoğlu, and Istanbul MP and Foreign Affairs Committee Spokesperson Namık Tan. When I came, I had informed the Secretary-General about the kind of delegation Cyprus would receive us with. I had said that the Speaker, the female deputies, and the strong delegation would welcome us with high representation of women. It has indeed turned out that way, just like last time. We greet with respect all MPs elected from all political parties through your person. We also remember with mercy all the MPs who served in this Assembly but are no longer with us. With the love, courage, and determination of 50 years ago, we salute all the citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus through you once again.”

CHP Leader Özgür Özel’s social media post about the visit:

“We visited Speaker of the TRNC Assembly Mr. Zorlu Töre. It is crucial to ensure that the TRNC does not face isolation or difficult situations. We must remain very attentive in this regard.”