TRNC authorities consider autonomous status within Turkey

The TRNC authorities are contemplating a shift to autonomous status within Turkey, as conveyed by the TRNC Minister of Transport and Development, Erhan Arıklı, on Ulusal TV. He highlighted that the US and the EU's reluctance to recognize the republic stems from their interests in the Eastern Mediterranean's resources.

Arıklı suggested that the non-recognition strategy is to ensure EU and American control over the region's gas and oil reserves. He revealed an alternative plan where Northern Cyprus would become an autonomous republic aligned with Turkey in foreign policy but maintaining internal independence. This model would resemble the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan.

The minister expressed hope for this proposal's consideration, while Zorlu Töre, President of the Republic's Assembly, anticipated recognition from at least two countries soon.