Turkish Cypriot leadership reiterates rejection of federation model

Turkish Cypriot officials Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Unal Ustel have reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution based on sovereign equality. During recent statements, Ertugruloglu asserted that the Cyprus problem is effectively solved and that the current status quo represents a de facto reality. He ruled out any future negotiations for a federation, stating that such a model is no longer on the table. Ustel, speaking to the Ihlas news agency, emphasized that the pursuit of a federal solution ended in 2020. Both officials stated that their policy is developed in close coordination with Turkey, which they described as their motherland. They rejected the possibility of territorial concessions and confirmed their intent to maintain Turkish security guarantees. The comments were delivered in the context of a Mediterranean Peace and Diplomacy Forum held at Bahcesehir University in the northern part of the island, with participants from several countries including Iraq, Azerbaijan, Syria, Kosovo, and Bulgaria.