Politis

No Vote on Fiber Optic Cable Ends 19-Hour 'Parliament' Session

Published February 17, 2026, 14:21
No Vote on Fiber Optic Cable Ends 19-Hour 'Parliament' Session

The session of the 'parliament' in the occupied territories ended after 19 hours without a vote on the 'protocol' concerning the fiber optic cable. The session concluded following tension in the hall, when Republican Turkish Party (RTP) 'MP' Erkut Sahali raised a black flag on the podium. Sahali's move, deemed a violation of the internal regulations, provoked reactions from 'MPs' of the National Unity Party (NUP). Sahali defended his action, arguing that it represented a symbolic response to a 'government' he considers a 'black stain' on the land. Due to Sahali's refusal to remove the flag, 'Deputy Speaker' Fazilet Ozdenefe suspended the session. As a result, the discussion of the 'protocol' was not completed, and the issue was not put to a vote. The incident highlights the political tensions in the occupied territories and the inability to reach consensus on important issues, such as the approval of the 'protocol' for the fiber optic cable.