Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stressed that since 1974, the Turkish Cypriot people, with the unwavering support of their motherland Türkiye, had not only gained freedom but had also established their democracy, built their own institutions, and become a strong community that protects its future.
Speaking at a reception organized by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations in the UK, Prime Minister Üstel stated, “Economic independence is as sacred to us as political independence.”
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel attended and spoke at a reception organized by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations in the UK.
In his speech, the Premier stressed that despite all the suffering, embargoes, and injustices the Turkish Cypriot people faced since 1960, they stood firm, established their own state, and became self-governing.
“Our struggle for existence is written in golden letters in history” he said.
Noting that after 1974, with the unwavering support of motherland Türkiye, the Turkish Cypriot people did not just gain freedom but also built their democracy, institutions, and a strong community that protects its future, Üstel added, “However, economic independence is as sacred to us as political independence.”
Acknowledging the great sacrifices made by the Turkish Cypriot people to build an honorable future, he pointed out that despite having established a state, they were delayed for years by federation illusions.
“We wasted 50 years hoping for a solution. But that era is now behind us. We fully support the two-state solution vision firmly put forward by our President Ersin Tatar, in complete harmony with Türkiye. This vision is no longer just ours but the unified will of the Turkish nation,” Üstel said.
Noting that disturbed by this development, the Greek Cypriot administration had launched a chain of economic sabotage against the TRNC, particularly targeting construction, tourism, and foreign investment sectors, the Premier described the pressure exercised under the pretext of property issues as outright economic terrorism.
“But be assured; we will not step back. Because we are the Turkish Cypriot people. We will not give up, we will not surrender, we will not kneel,” he stressed.
Addressing businesspeople, Üstel said, “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is both a homeland and an opportunity for you. New investment possibilities await you in many sectors—from tourism to education, agriculture to housing, and industry.”
He expressed the desire to strengthen economic ties with Turkish Cypriot businesspeople in the UK and invited them to engage in joint projects, reciprocal investments, and strategic partnerships in their homeland.
“Yes, we have challenges. If there are bureaucratic obstacles, we will overcome them together. If there is isolation, we will break it together. Because this state is ours, these lands are ours. We know the demands that have waited for years. But now, there is stability in the TRNC. Today, we are the longest-standing government in TRNC history. With this stability, we fulfill every promise we make” Üstel said”.
“We are preparing new incentive packages for investments coming from abroad. We offer tax advantages, procedural facilitation, and digital services solutions. We are introducing special arrangements for businesspeople on issues such as military service, citizenship, and public services. We are launching brand-new projects for high-quality tourism and education investments in the TRNC” he added.
Stating that with the new military service law, they aimed to grant paid military exemption rights to dual-national young people living abroad, Üstel said, “With the new law, we will increase the required stay in the country from 90 days to 120 days. We will reduce the fees for paid military service. We will clarify the status of young people undergoing medical specialty or doctoral education, eliminating legal uncertainties. We will grant amnesty to young people who are draft evaders or deserters. Additionally, we will provide a one-time exceptional application right for those who were unable to use their paid military service right within the designated period in previous years. I believe this law will come into effect and ensure equal opportunities for our youth.”
Addressing Turkish Cypriot businesspeople in the UK, Prime Minister Üstel said, “The promises made after the Annan Plan were not fulfilled. Direct flights, direct trade, and direct political contacts did not begin. While the Greek Cypriots were rewarded, we were punished. It is time to shout this out loud. Be the voice of the TRNC. Direct trade is our right. Direct flights are our right. The pressures based on property must end now.”
Calling for a joint effort to build TRNC’s new century,
Üstel said, “Because you are not just businesspeople. You are the face of the TRNC’s foreign policy. You are the heartfelt ambassadors of this nation. We will work together, we will rise together.”
brt
