Turkish-Cypriot leadership rejects EU and government proposals on Cyprus

On September 21, 2026, the Turkish-Cypriot administration issued a statement rejecting proposals for a rotating presidency and demanding international recognition of their sovereign equality. The administration explicitly dismissed discussions in the European Parliament regarding the allocation of two seats to Turkish Cypriots, arguing these approaches ignore the equal status of the so-called TRNC.

Simultaneously, the administration condemned statements made by Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis regarding the abolition of security guarantees and the withdrawal of Turkish troops. The Turkish-Cypriot side maintained that the Turkish military presence remains essential for the safety of their people, citing ongoing military cooperation programs by the Republic of Cyprus as a primary concern. The statement reaffirmed that they would not accept any outcome that forces the Turkish army to leave the island.

These reactions occur shortly before the United Nations General Assembly. The Turkish-Cypriot side continues to assert that a lasting agreement can only be reached if the international community recognizes the existence of two separate, independent, and sovereign states on the island. They maintain that any policy ignoring this premise is destined to fail, viewing their alliance with Turkey as the sole basis for their political position.