21.10.2025 12:21
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli drew attention with his statement at the party's group meeting, saying, "The parliament of the TRNC should decide to join Turkey; after Düzce, there should be 82 TRNC." So, can the TRNC join Turkey? What would be the pros and cons of such a step in the international public opinion, and how do experts approach this issue? Details are in our news...
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MHP General Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, in his speech at the party's group meeting, called for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to join Turkey. "The proposals for federation have no validity. The TRNC parliament must decide on joining Turkey. This issue is a matter of survival, honor, and dignity. After 81 Düzce, there should be 82 TRNC," said Bahçeli, whose words brought the question "Can Cyprus join Turkey?" back to the agenda.
IS IT LEGALLY POSSIBLE?
From an international law perspective, the TRNC's accession to Turkey is considered a highly controversial step. The TRNC, which declared its independence in 1983, is recognized only by Turkey. The United Nations (UN) and the European Union define the northern part of the island as "the occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus." Therefore, if the TRNC were to connect to Turkey, this step would be considered contrary to UN resolutions and would not gain international recognition.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN POLITICALLY?
Bahçeli's statement is interpreted as a discourse that strengthens Turkey's "two-state solution" thesis advocated in recent years. The governments of Ankara and Nicosia now seek a solution based on "two sovereign states" rather than a federation in Cyprus.
WHAT COULD BE THE INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS?
According to experts, if the TRNC were to join Turkey;
- The United Nations and the European Union could impose strict sanctions.
- Turkey-EU relations could reach a breaking point.
- Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean could rise again.
CONCLUSION: A POLITICAL MESSAGE
The MHP leader's statement "Let the TRNC be the 82nd province" is seen as a symbolic call. Experts indicate that such a step seems unlikely in the short term due to international recognition and diplomatic consequences. However, Bahçeli's words once again highlighted Turkey's determination regarding the Cyprus issue.
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