Committee approves two- state solution proposal, extraordinary assembly session expected

The two-state solution proposal passed the parliamentary committee with the votes of National Unity Party (UBP)members, paving the way for an extraordinary session of the Assembly early next week.

The Legal, Political Affairs, Foreign Relations and Defense Committee met today under the chairmanship of UBP MP Yasemin Öztürk and concluded its third round of discussions on the “Proposed Resolution on a Two-State Solution to the Cyprus Problem.” The proposal was submitted by MPs from the National Unity Party Group, Democrat Party MPs, Rebirth Party Chairman Erhan Arıklı, and Nicosia Independent MP Hasan Tosunoğlu.

Following the meeting, Committee Chair Öztürk announced that the Parliament would convene an extraordinary session on Monday or Tuesday to debate the proposal, after consultations with the government. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chair and CTP MP Ongun Talat, and committee members UBP MPs Hasan Küçük and Hasan Taçoy, and CTP MP Ürün Solyalı.

Opposition Reactions

CTP MP Ongun Talat criticized the proposal, arguing that it contradicts the Constitutional Declaration of Independence and lacks seriousness, especially as it was introduced just five days before the presidential election.

Talat said the proponents of the two-state policy failed to answer critical questions during committee discussions and highlighted contradictions regarding EU citizenship. He warned that adopting a two-state framework would undermine Turkish Cypriots’ ability to defend their rights across the island, while also creating ambiguity over Turkey’s guarantor role.

Communal Democracy Party (TDP) Chairman Zeki Çeler also condemned the move, describing it as undemocratic. He criticized statements in the proposal that rule out any return to federal solution efforts and require that President Ersin Tatar’s positions be the basis for any future talks.

Çeler warned that if the resolution is approved, Tatar’s stance could become binding even under a new president, such as Tufan Erhürman, should he win the upcoming election. “In the event of an Erhürman victory, they will try to undermine the will of the people by citing Parliament’s decision, saying ‘you cannot negotiate,’” he said.

He concluded, “It is the people who will choose between a two-state or federal solution. The 28 members of Parliament should respect that decision—no one’s hand should interfere with the people’s ballot box.”