TRNC Authorities Consider Autonomous Status Within Turkey

The authorities of Northern Cyprus are considering the possibility of transitioning to autonomous status within the Turkish Republic. This was stated by TRNC Minister of Transport and Development, Erhan Arıklı, on Ulusal TV.

In his speech, the minister noted that the US and the European Union do not want to recognize the republic due to their own interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"They want to make Northern Cyprus part of the EU. If the Turks of Northern Cyprus disappear and Turkey leaves the island, the rich gas and oil deposits will come under the control of the EU and America. They are already trying to develop gas fields off the coast of Southern Cyprus, where there are billions of tons of gas and oil. Therefore, they will never recognize the TRNC and will do everything possible to ensure that the republic is not recognized," said Erhan Arıklı, as quoted by RIA Novosti.

The minister also noted that the TRNC authorities have already developed an alternative plan of action: Northern Cyprus could become an autonomous Turkish republic, dependent on Turkey in foreign policy, while remaining fully independent in internal affairs.

"The TRNC must exist, even if it is not recognized. If we run out of options for existence, we will find an alternative. The TRNC will then be like the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, dependent on Turkey in foreign policy and security issues. In internal affairs, we will remain fully independent. I hope we will raise this issue," said the minister.

Earlier, the President of the Republic's Assembly, Zorlu Töre, stated that at least two countries would recognize the TRNC in the near future.