Turkish Cypriot leader reiterates rejection of federal solution

Unal Ustel, the leader of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, stated in an interview with the Turkish news agency Ihlas that the prospect of a federal solution to the Cyprus problem has been abandoned. Ustel emphasized that this policy shift, which began in 2020, remains firm and is coordinated with the Republic of Turkey. He explicitly stated that the option of a federal model is closed and dismissed any potential for territorial concessions in future agreements. The Turkish Cypriot administration continues to advocate for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality and the maintenance of Turkish security guarantees. Ustel further characterized the history of Turkish Cypriots from 1950 to 1974 as a struggle for survival supported by Turkey, a partnership he says continues today in economic development. The statement was issued in response to reports in the Greek Cypriot press regarding new scenarios for potential negotiations on the island. Ustel affirmed that the Turkish Cypriot side will not accept any agreement that deviates from their current principles.