Beirut: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Unal Ustel said Monday that a lasting settlement on Cyprus would only be possible through recognition of the realities on the island, calling on the UN to recognize the TRNC.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ustel made these remarks in a written statement released by the National Unity Party (UBP), which he chairs, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres prepared to visit Cyprus from July 27-29 to meet the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders. Ustel emphasized that a new process on Cyprus could only commence with the acknowledgment of the island's political realities.

Ustel expressed hope that Guterres' visit would provide an opportunity to reassess the injustices faced by the Turkish Cypriot people over the years. He criticized the unfulfilled promises made to Turkish Cypriots following the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, noting that their isolation had intensified and systematic economic pressure on the TRNC had increased.

He attributed the main responsibility for this situation to the EU and the UN, accusing them of failing to honor their commitments. Ustel further urged the UN to abandon the federation-based approach, which he claimed had been ineffective for over six decades.

"The reality on the island is clear. There are two peoples, two democracies and two separate states in Cyprus," Ustel asserted. He reiterated that a lasting settlement could only be achieved by accepting these realities.