Discussing potential changes in Crimea's status warrants reconsideration of Turkish Cyprus' recognition: Insight from the TRNC Speaker
In a statement released by the Turkish Cyprus Parliament in Nicosia, Ziya Ozturkler, the Parliament Speaker of the TRNC, called for the international community to re-evaluate the legitimacy and right to recognition of the TRNC. This appeal comes in relation to the ongoing discussions about the status of Crimea.
Ozturkler highlighted that unlike the situation in Crimea, the TRNC's struggle for recognition is peaceful. He emphasised that the TRNC is pursuing a struggle for recognition through peaceful diplomacy.
The TRNC, established in 1983, is recognised only by Turkey and has been seeking broader international recognition for over four decades. Ozturkler reiterated that the TRNC has a political structure shaped by the will of the people, as previously stated. He stressed the right of peoples to self-determination should apply equally to all, including Turkish Cypriots.
Ozturkler saw opportunities for the international community to question itself and evaluate issues from the TRNC's perspective. He noted that the situation voiced by President Trump raises questions about the systematic suppression of the TRNC's legitimate demands in the international arena.
U.S. President Donald Trump's remark about Crimea's return to Ukraine being difficult, according to Ozturkler, reveals inconsistencies in international law. He stated that if Crimea is being discussed, the recognition of the TRNC should also be considered.
Ozturkler called for defending the principle of "equality against double standards." He emphasised the need for consistent application of international principles in regards to self-determination rights. He also called for the re-evaluation of the legitimacy and right to recognition of the TRNC in relation to the Crimea issue.
In his statement, Ozturkler saw Trump's statement about Crimea as an opportunity for the international community to question itself. He emphasised that the TRNC's struggle for recognition is peaceful and that the right of the Turkish Cypriot people to self-determination should be recognised.
