Nicosia, Cyprus. The north’s ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel said an informal EU council summit reflected a “biased and unfair” approach to the Cyprus problem. He criticised the bloc’s position on regional developments and security cooperation.
Criticism of EU stance
In a statement on Sunday, Ustel said the European Union had maintained the same stance “for years”. He linked his criticism to recent initiatives by President Nikos Christodoulides, including efforts related to Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union.
Claims about regional policy and security
Ustel said the aim of the republic was “to involve Europe in its maximalist policies in the Eastern Mediterranean, to institutionalise the search for military protection and to create a political bloc against Turkey” as well as the north.
He rejected claims that tensions in the region are being driven by Turkey or the north, saying “it is not Turkey or the Turkish Cypriot people who are escalating tensions”.
Defence agreements and military presence
Ustel argued that the republic has been “rapidly rearming in recent years”, concluding defence agreements and “turning the island into a hub of foreign military presence”.
Two-state position and response to pressure
He said a lasting solution depends on “the acceptance of today’s realities”, reiterating support for a two-state model with backing from Turkey.
“We will continue to formulate this policy at every step and reinforce it with concrete measures,” he said, adding that “no one should believe that the Turkish Cypriot people will give in to pressure”.
Framing of the dispute
Ustel described the issue as “a struggle for sovereignty, security and a dignified future”, and said the EU “must understand these realities”.
How do you assess the EU’s role in the Cyprus problem following Ustel’s remarks?
