TRNC Assembly Speaker Ziya Öztürkler has condemned the Greek Cypriot administration's decision to formally complain to the United Nations about Turkey's scientific research activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, describing it as an 'unacceptable' stance that ignores regional realities and dismisses the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.
In a written statement, Öztürkler said the Greek Cypriot side had written to the UN claiming that Turkey's research vessel 'Akdeniz Araştırma 1' was operating without its permission, and had called on the international body to intervene and halt the activities.
Öztürkler labelled this approach a 'clear double standard,' pointing out that the Greek Cypriot administration simultaneously pursues military agreements with Israel and France, seeks to permanently station Greek warplanes and warships on the island, and has sent commandos to participate in military parades in Thessaloniki.
'There is an important reality the Greek Cypriot administration seems to forget,' Öztürkler said. 'This island is home not only to Greek Cypriots, but also to a sovereign state — the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus — and a Turkish Cypriot people who will never relinquish their rights.'
Öztürkler praised Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler for his resolute stance on the security and sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people, and welcomed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call at the Organization of Turkic States Summit to strengthen ties with the TRNC as a sign of unwavering support.
Concluding his statement, Öztürkler said: 'We are determined to defend the TRNC's sovereignty, security and our shared rights in the Eastern Mediterranean together with Turkey. The Greek Cypriot side must stop its threats, complaints and armament policies and accept the realities on this island. The Turkish Cypriot people are not alone, and they never will be.'
