Cyprus Times

Reactions in the Occupied Territories to President's Speech. Ustel Speaks of 'One-Sided Approach' and 'Distortion'

Published January 21, 2026, 14:13
Reactions in the Occupied Territories to President's Speech. Ustel Speaks of 'One-Sided Approach' and 'Distortion'

The 'Prime Minister' of the occupied territories, Unal Ustel, strongly criticized President Christodoulides' speech to the European Parliament, describing it as a 'one-sided approach' that distorts facts and ignores the Turkish Cypriot 'people'. He argued that Turkey saved the Turkish Cypriots from annihilation in 1974 and that this historical reality cannot be altered. Ustel emphasized that Turkish Cypriots have their own will, 'state' and 'institutions', and that the EU's acceptance of the Greek Cypriot side without considering the will of the Turkish Cypriots disrupts the balance on the island. He believes that a solution is only possible with the acceptance of two sovereign states and two peoples with equal international status. Furthermore, the 'Speaker of the Assembly' of the occupied territories, Ziya Ozgurkler, criticized President Christodoulides' reference to 'occupying Turkey', arguing that it distorts historical realities. He directed criticism at the EU, accusing it of not keeping the promises it made during the Annan Plan period. Ozgurkler advised EU leaders to abandon the 'barrel policy' (looking through the barrels at the dividing line in Nicosia) and visit the occupied territories to see the reality for themselves. He added that Turkish Cypriots are open to the world and that the EU should recognize this. Both officials reiterated the long-standing position of the Turkish Cypriot side for a two-state solution, rejecting any discussion of changing the status quo.