Devlet Bahceli rejects federal solution for Cyprus

On October 20, 2026, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a government partner of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, issued a series of statements rejecting any federal solution to the Cyprus issue. Addressing his parliamentary group in Ankara, Bahceli dismissed the concept of a United Cyprus Federation as an unattainable dream, asserting that Cyprus has been Turkish for centuries and will remain so permanently. He described the island as a strategic center for Turkey's 'Blue Homeland' security doctrine.

Bahceli also addressed reports in the Greek Cypriot press regarding potential UN administration of the fenced area of Varosha and the possibility of EU oversight for the city's port. He further criticized the Republic of Cyprus for allegedly acting as an 'outpost' for Israel in the region. Consequently, he called on Turkish Cypriots to remain vigilant against these developments. Ankara continues to monitor communication between representatives of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-occupied north, maintaining its firm stance against political compromise on the island's status.