İsmet Korukoğlu, the new Ankara Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), regarding the US lifting the arms embargo against the Greek Cypriot administration,
"We see that the United States has recently abandoned its policy of balance and displayed a more benevolent attitude towards the Greek Cypriot side and Greece. The USA is working on the island in favor of the Greeks," Korukoğlu said.
After taking office in Turkey, Korukoğlu evaluated the TRNC-Turkey relations to AA correspondent. Noting that he had worked in 4 different countries before, Korukoğlu said, "Working in Turkey is not a duty abroad for me. We are in the motherland, we are in our own home."
Noting that Turkey has a deep-rooted civilizational history of 700 years, Korukoğlu said that he had made various visits and contacts in Turkey and that they wanted to benefit from the knowledge and experience in Turkey.
Korukoğlu stated that the TRNC has 6 consulate generals in Turkey apart from the Ankara embassy, "Turkey is both the motherland and our bridge to the world. As the only country that recognizes the TRNC, Ankara, Turkey is the country that connects us with the world. This is how we see it," Korukoğlu added.
“CLOSED MARAŞ IS A PART OF LAND SURVEYED BY TRNC”
Referring to the calls made by Turkey for the recognition of the TRNC, Korukoğlu thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his calls for the recognition of the TRNC.
Korukoğlu stated that there are two separate states on the island of Cyprus.
"We have negotiated on different models for island before, but we have all seen that these did not work, did not work, and remained inconclusive. We have understood that negotiations cannot be conducted with old paradigms, old parameters, which are irreversible. First of all, the sovereign equality and equal international status of the TRNC must be recognized. The TRNC needs to take its rightful place in the international community. This is the best solution that can be found in Cyprus, Korukoğlu stated.
Referring to the Maraş opening, Korukoğlu said, "Closed Maraş is a territory under the sovereignty of the TRNC, and the TRNC government makes the decisions regarding the closed Maraş."
Korukoğlu said that more than 7,000 Greek Cypriots have applied to the immovable property commission in the TRNC to date. Referring to the US lifting the arms embargo against the Greek Cypriot administration, Korukoğlu said following words:
"The Greek Cypriot side is increasing its armament budget day by day. They receive attack helicopters from different countries. They are announcing that they will buy missile systems. They are establishing close to 300 heavy weapon positions along the border on the island. It is not nice for the US to lift the arms embargo against the Greek Cypriot administration. It is obvious that this will increase the tension, it will also cause an arms race. Of course, the TRNC, together with Turkey, is evaluating what to do in return. Minister Çavuşoğlu had a correct explanation for this a short time ago. In order to protect our rights and interests, to protect our security, we will do it together with our motherland Turkey."
“THE U.S. LEFT THE BALANCE POLICY IN LAST PERIOD”
Korukoğlu emphasized that the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean was caused by the Greek Cypriot administration's unilateral unofficial agreements with the countries of the region regarding maritime jurisdiction areas.
Noting that they took equal steps with Turkey in response to the unilateral illegal steps taken by the Greek Cypriot administration, Korukoğlu said that they will continue to take these steps.
Korukoğlu stated that their aim is to create an environment of cooperation with the Greek Cypriot administration that will benefit everyone.
"We see that the United States has recently abandoned its policy of balance and displayed a more benevolent attitude towards the Greek Cypriot side and Greece. The USA is working on the island in favor of the Greeks," Korukoğlu said.
Evaluating Turkey's statements that it will increase its support for the TRNC, Korukoğlu said that they always receive support from Turkey and that these statements of Turkey are welcomed by the Turkish Cypriots and their government.
Korukoğlu noted that there are some initiatives for the TRNC to become an observer member of the Organization of Turkish States, and it is important for them that these steps result in a positive outcome.