ISLAMABAD: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ambassador Dilsad Senol on Friday night hosted a reception on 41st anniversary of the republic and reflected on their journey towards freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination.

“Established in 1983, the TRNC has remained steadfast in preserving peace and stability on the island, supported by Turkiye,” said Dilsad Senol expressing gratitude to Pakistan for unwavering support.

Members of the diplomatic corps, senators, parliamentarians, and friends of the embassy congratulated ambassador Dilsad Senol, for the notable progress in democracy, economy, education, and tourism, her country had made, emerging as a leading actor in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“As a member of organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Organization of Turkic States, the TRNC continued to assert its presence on the international stage,” the envoy said.

Participants were informed that the unresolved Cyprus issue cast a shadow over these achievements. Decades of United Nations-mediated negotiations for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation had failed, largely due to the Greek Cypriot side’s reluctance to share power and resources.

This stalemate, compounded by international isolations imposed on Turkish Cypriots, has perpetuated inequality and frustration, Dilsad Senol said.

“The Greek Cypriot administration continues to obstruct our international engagement in sports, education, and humanitarian fields, while promoting anti-Turkish sentiments,” she said adding that recent provocations, including military installations in the buffer zone and airspace violations, further complicated prospects for peace.

In response, the TRNC had presented a new vision for resolving the Cyprus issue, emphasising the recognition of two sovereign states.

This approach aligned with calls from Turkiye, whose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the international community at the 79th UN General Assembly to acknowledge the TRNC’s sovereignty and end the unjust isolations.

“As Turkish Cypriots celebrate their Republic Day, they reiterate their call for justice. It is time for the world to recognize the reality of two states on the island and to lift the inhumane isolations against the Turkish Cypriot people,” Ambassador Senol declared, extending gratitude to Turkiye and Pakistan for their unwavering support.

The anniversary served not only as a reminder of past struggles but also as a platform to highlight the Turkish Cypriot people’s resolve to secure a future grounded in equality and recognition.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024