The Speaker of the TRNC Parliament, Zorlu Töre, emphasized that there is no need to pursue further adventures with the Greek Cypriots, drawing a parallel between the situation in Cyprus and the hypothetical formation of a federation between Türkiye and Greece in the Aegean.
“If Türkiye and Greece were to establish an Aegean federation, then Turks and Greeks in Cyprus could also form a federation. If they can’t, it means we cannot either,” Töre stated.
Speaking on BRT, Töre reiterated the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Speaking on BRT ahead of the opening of the new legislative year, the Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre said that according to parliamentary regulations, the election of a new Speaker and Bureau must take place within 10 days, and the political parties would soon set the election date.
Töre called for greater participation from parliamentarians in the new legislative year, stating, “The chamber should not appear empty. It should be fuller. More laws should be sent to committees, passed, and brought to the republic’s parliament so that the laws our people expect can be enacted more swiftly.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Töre pointed out that during his 31 months as Speaker, 107 bills and proposals were passed.
He emphasized his efforts to elevate the status of the TRNC Parliament, including fostering collaborations, attending numerous meetings, and hosting receptions.
Turning to international cooperation, Töre expressed the significance of relationships with Turkic republics.
He specifically mentioned the friendship group formed by Azerbaijan’s National Assembly with the TRNC and their participation in the July 20th celebrations.
Töre also noted the speech given by an Azerbaijani MP in the TRNC Parliament on July 19, calling it a significant development.
The parliamentary speaker also voiced support for President Ersin Tatar’s two-state solution policy during his visit to New York, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the TRNC.
He reiterated that the Greek Cypriot mindset had not changed and stated, “We must protect the independent Turkish state of the TRNC.”
Töre dismissed the pursuit of federal negotiations after the declaration of independence, saying, “In my opinion, seeking federal negotiations was never the right approach after declaring independence. We must embrace the TRNC. We have continued to explore federal talks while protecting the TRNC, but this does not mean we are discarding the republic.”
He criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership for their unchanged goal of turning Cyprus into a Greek island.
“Our objective should be to maintain an independent Turkish state in North Cyprus,” Töre said.
He further emphasized, “I have never supported a federation. If Türkiye and Greece don’t form an Aegean federation, why should we expect a federation in Cyprus?”
Töre underlined the importance of continuing on the current path, stating, “There is no need for delusions. We must move forward under our own national roof and proceed with confidence towards the future.”brt
