CHP Leader Özgür Özel: “The Membership Formula for Both Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to the EU…”

“ALL PROBLEMS MUST BE SOLVED TOGETHER”

The Chairman of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, after meeting with the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, pointed to a membership formula for both Turkey and the TRNC to join the European Union. Özel stated, “We must keep on the table a formula in which Turkey becomes a full member of the European Union and Northern Cyprus also achieves full membership, and all problems must be solved together.”

Özgür Özel, visiting the TRNC on the occasion of its 41st anniversary, met with President Ersin Tatar. Speaking after their meeting at the TRNC Presidential Office, Özel said, “Before taking office last year, we had promised at our congress that our first visit would be to Cyprus. Our first visit was indeed to Cyprus exactly one year ago. Naturally, on July 20th, we were together for the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. During the United Nations meetings, we also met at the representation office of the TRNC in Türkevi. This is our fourth meeting in a year. This reflects our historical ties with Cyprus and aligns with our current sentiments regarding Cyprus.” He added:

“WE ARE AT A NEW STAGE OF THE PROCESS”

“We embrace the TRNC as a whole, with its government and opposition, with the hope of always seeing Cyprus united. As the head of state and as the president, we also aim to start all our visits with you. On this occasion, I would like to once again extend my congratulations on your Republic Day. I thought during the flight this morning, it’s the 41st year, and it’s fitting to say ‘41 kere maşallah’ (a Turkish phrase for wishing longevity and success). The Vice President used that expression on the podium, and I would like to share that sentiment. We are at a new stage of an extremely critical process that the whole world is closely watching and one that we are all well-versed in. The meeting you mentioned, which will occur in a 4+1 format, is important.”

“CHALLENGES MUST BE OVERCOME”

“I find it highly significant that you mentioned the late Prime Minister of Turkey, Bülent Ecevit, while commemorating the Cyprus Peace Operation. Ecevit, widely known as ‘Karaoğlan’ in Cyprus, established a connection with Cyprus that is like a legacy he left us. We cannot support any formula that would compromise the gains of Turkish Cypriots. This is the official stance of our party. Of course, there are many difficulties today, as you mentioned, including the lack of direct flights and trade, lack of recognition, embargoes, and the hardships faced by our students and athletes. These challenges must be addressed. Any process and mutual communication are valuable in this context. Perhaps it is necessary to remind not only the TRNC but also all its international counterparts that in every negotiation, the TRNC acted in line with the ethics of negotiation. Yet, we have faced a Greek Cypriot Administration that withdrew from the table or failed to fulfill its commitments, as seen during the Annan Plan and recent negotiations. If a negotiation takes place again, and there is still no solution at the end, this time Northern Cyprus must gain something instead of losing. This must be an indispensable condition. If no outcome is achieved, guarantees must be provided from the outset that restrictions on direct flights, travel, and trade will be lifted.”

DEMAND FOR A “PERMANENT SOLUTION”

“Of course, we need to be solution-oriented. However, we are faced with the inequity of Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration being EU members, which emerged after the Annan Plan and has disrupted all balances to our detriment. That is why, as the Republican People’s Party, I said to the Greek ambassador during my visit: ‘Instead of struggling endlessly with tightly knotted problems, maybe we should approach them from a different perspective.’ We believe the formula where Turkey and Northern Cyprus simultaneously achieve full EU membership must remain on the table. With this, borders, trade, and flight restrictions would cease to matter. Until that day comes, no one should expect us to relinquish our acquired rights. We endured great suffering, shed much blood, and sacrificed many lives for this cause. We will not abandon these gains. Thus, we, as CHP, envision a process where both Turkey and the TRNC achieve full EU membership, with the TRNC’s status secured through EU membership guarantees. We see this as the path to a permanent solution.”

“THE MOST FAIR SOLUTION…”

“The most equitable solution to all problems lies in upholding the rule of law, freedom of travel, and visa-free movement embraced by the EU. These values would address the challenges faced by Cyprus, Turkey, and their youth, entrepreneurs, students, and athletes. The CHP envisions such a future within the next ten years. Until then, we will continue to stand by the will of everyone in the TRNC, respecting the sovereignty of those living in Northern Cyprus. On this Republic Day, marking the 41st anniversary of an independent state established with applause and pride, I once again say ‘41 kere maşallah.’ Moving forward, we will maintain solidarity and cooperation with the TRNC, its citizens, and its government. Through you, I extend my respect to all of them.”