Serdar Denktaş declares Cyprus issue ends with TRNC’s declaration

Serdar Denktaş, leader of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said the Cyprus problem will be resolved once the TRNC is internationally recognised, arguing that without such recognition no genuine settlement with the Greek Cypriot side is possible. He expressed doubt that a 5+1 format of talks will produce results and warned that upcoming elections are prompting political parties to use the issue for vote‑seeking.

Denktaş called for the Turkish Cypriot community to unite behind a common vision and urged confidence‑building steps such as establishing a joint hospital or university in the buffer zone. He also suggested that, with Turkey’s backing, the UN Security Council should be approached with new economic and trade‑focused initiatives. The leader reiterated that the current status quo is unsustainable and rejected any acceptance of a minority status for Turkish Cypriots.