‘TRNC should follow Kosovo’s process for recognition’

THE TRNC should seek international recognition just like Kosovo, an MP has said.

National Unity Party (UBP) Gazimağusa deputy Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu issued a written statement on Monday that said: “It is time for the Turkish Cypriot people to demand that the path for recognition be opened, and understand that no agreement can be made with the Greek Cypriots.”

Stating that Kosovo’s process of becoming an independent state can shed light on the steps to be taken by the Turkish Cypriot side, Mr Hasipoğlu continued: “As it was stated in the UN reports, the final phase of the [Cyprus settlement] negotiation process was held in Crans-Montana in 2017, and now the Turkish Cypriots have the right to demand recognition of their independence like Kosovo.

“Kosovo used be a province of Serbia. However, they found themselves at the negotiating table after the injustices and death of hundreds of people. Just like us, they held negotiations for a federation under the auspices of the UN.

“These negotiations lasted only two years, and after two years they realised that they could not establish a joint state with the Serbs and requested the UN to end the federation negotiations.

“Following this request, they fought for their independence demand in the international arena, and in the end, the International Court of Justice recognised their demand [and] Kosovo became an independent state.”

Mr Hasipoğlu said that Kosovo has now been recognised by over 100 countries, despite the fact it is not recognised by the UN.

“We have been negotiating for a federation for almost 40 years,” he added.

“Certain UN parameters have been established over the years. However, in the current situation, both sides have a different understanding of what a ‘federation’ and ‘UN parameters’ mean.