21.10.2025 16:31
President's Chief Advisor Oktay Saral commented on MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's statement that "the 82nd province should be the TRNC" during a statement he made in Elazığ. Saral noted that Bahçeli's words serve as a "warning" regarding the Cyprus issue, stating, "Cyprus cannot be subjected to any kind of tricks."
President's Chief Advisor Oktay Saral came to Elazığ for an event organized by the National Turkish Student Union. Meeting with members of the press, Saral made evaluations regarding the agenda.
"MR. BAHÇELİ'S WORDS..."
Commenting on MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's statement, "The TRNC parliament must decide to join Turkey. The issue is one of survival, honor, and dignity. After 81 Düzce, there should be 82 TRNC. The 82nd being TRNC is now a matter of life and death," Saral stated, "Mr. Bahçeli actually said this to shake himself awake, to warn, 'be careful, you might take a wrong step.' It has been very correct. It has been very accurate. It means, 'Get your mind together, Cyprus cannot become a federal state through some tricks and your words; it cannot be used for someone else's ambitions.'
Here is Oktay Saral's statement;
"There has been a change in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. A president has been elected who desires a federal state and who respects the opinions of the voters regarding this declaration, speaking about them before the elections. These are political statements made to the citizens during the election period. The elected President published a thank-you message, especially to our President. They know that Cyprus cannot stand without Turkey. In foreign policy, they said, 'Turkey is our protector. Turkey is our elder. We will take steps together with Turkey.' This is the truth, this is common sense, this is wisdom.
Mr. Bahçeli actually said this to shake himself awake, to warn, 'be careful, you might take a wrong step.' It has been very correct. It has been very accurate. It means, 'Get your mind together, Cyprus cannot become a federal state through some tricks and your words; it cannot be used for someone else's ambitions.' The fate of Cyprus is the fate of Turkey. Do not see Cyprus as a tiny island. Cyprus is a very different, very deep topic that can be discussed in detail. It is truly a state that is at the level of our lifeblood, our heart. It is an inseparable part of us. I thank Devlet Bahçeli. He has spoken beautifully. His speech was correct and timely. But this is a subliminal message regarding the current administration of Cyprus to not take any steps away from Turkey in order to find itself, to come to itself, to be itself. Such a thing has happened. Our President has already congratulated him in accordance with the presidential office.
"TURKEY IS THE PROTECTOR AND ELDER OF THE TRNC"
Nothing will change in Cyprus. Turkey has a very great state mentality. Turkey's state mentality will take the necessary measures and do what is needed. Nothing will happen. I am saying clearly and openly that no one can take a decision to become a federal state and do such a thing. Turkey is the protector and elder of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It will not step outside of its words. Of course, it will make its own decisions in its internal affairs and will support and subsidize many projects of Cyprus, especially regarding water, in our budget. Therefore, such a thing is not possible.
"IF THE OPPOSITION IS SMART, I SWEAR THEY WILL CHALLENGE US A LOT"
Criticizing the opposition, Saral said, "The language of the opposition is very poisonous. There will be no winner in this. Go to other countries and see, it is impossible to have such a thing, such an opposition exists only in Turkey. Unfortunately, we want to learn this with regret. There is an opposition that has gone off the rails. There is no common sense, no wisdom, no reason at all. What was Kılıçdaroğlu saying? 'Recep.' These are very shameful things, completely incorrect. The opposition must always maintain its dignity. If the opposition is smart, I swear they will challenge us a lot. They will be on our necks and may even become the government.