Cyprus Federation "Dead," Says Turkish Cypriot Leader, Backing Ankara

The leader of Northern Cyprus has firmly rejected any return to a federal model for the island, declaring it "dead." Unal Ustel, the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), made the statement while supporting recent comments by Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He said a fair and permanent solution for Cyprus is only possible if based on "sovereign equality." This means recognizing two separate states with equal international status. The TRNC is only recognized by Türkiye. The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974. The internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus controls the south. The TRNC governs the north. For decades, United Nations-sponsored talks focused on reuniting the island as a federation of two regions. Ustel's remarks signal a major shift, closing the door on that established negotiation framework. He insists future discussions must begin with the reality of two existing states. This position is strongly opposed by the Greek Cypriot administration and the international community, which continues to support a federal solution.