The ministry strongly supports the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) regarding the resolution.
Contrary to established UN practice, the ministry highlighted that the consent of the Turkish Cypriots was not sought during the mandate extension of the Peacekeeping Force. The ministry emphasized that UNFICYP's ability to continue activities in the TRNC is due to the goodwill of TRNC authorities, emphasizing the need for a legal basis for the continuation of these activities.
Over the years, the statement accuses UNFICYP of turning a blind eye to numerous violations of the buffer zone by the Greek Cypriot side. The ministry specifically cited an incident on August 18, 2023, where UNFICYP allegedly made an unfair attempt to prevent the construction of the Yiğitler-Pile road, described as a humanitarian project. The ministry expressed regret over the UN Security Council's latest resolution, referring to a press statement divorced from the realities on the ground. Completing the Yiğitler-Pile road is seen as a crucial step toward restoring Turkish Cypriots' confidence in UNFICYP and reducing tensions on the ground.
The Ministry expressed its deep disappointment with the resolution, which it said referred to outdated settlement models while omitting the two-state vision proposed by TRNC President Tatar. The Ministry stressed the need for a fair and constructive approach, especially as a Personal Envoy has been appointed to explore common ground between the two sides.
The Ministry called on the UN Security Council to recognize that a just, lasting and viable settlement in Cyprus can only be achieved on the basis of the realities on the ground. It urged reaffirmation of the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, including their sovereign equality and equal international status. It also reiterated its call on the UN Security Council and the international community to recognize the TRNC. (ILKHA)