Kadirov stresses unity amid Northern Cyprus debate in Central Asia

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The TRNC controversy. Has Central Asia turned its back on Turkey?

Recent debates have centered around the joint declaration adopted at the inaugural Central Asia-European Union Summit on April 3-4 in Samarkand. The declaration affirmed the region’s commitment to United Nations Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550, which call for non-recognition and non-cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Alisher Kadirov, a member of the Legislative Chamber of the Uzbek Parliament and leader of the "National Revival" Democratic Party faction, has commented on the matter.

According to Kadirov, for the unity and solidarity of Turkic states, Central Asia must become an economically powerful region. Therefore, these countries must capitalize on development opportunities.

“Turkey, which consented to the occupation of Turkestan due to a lack of capability, must understand why Central Asia cannot weigh Northern Cyprus and Crimea separately,” said Kadirov.

Kadirov emphasized that the Turkic world has already been sufficiently tested and that mutual trust must now take root.

Legal Status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Since Turkey’s military intervention in 1974, following a coup advocating Cyprus's unification with Greece, the island has been ethnically divided. Approximately 37% of the territory remains under Turkish control. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was established in 1983 but is only recognized by Turkey. Ankara maintains a military presence of 40,000 troops in Northern Cyprus, while the southern part is under the control of the Republic of Cyprus, predominantly inhabited by Greek Cypriots.

The TRNC heavily relies on Turkey for economic, political, and military support. It is regarded as an occupying force by the Republic of Cyprus and the United Nations. The TRNC holds observer status in organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The TRNC has an estimated population of 294,906, residing within an area of 3,355 km². The majority of the population is ethnically Turkish, though enclaves of Greek Cypriots and Maronite Lebanese also reside there. Its capital is Lefkosa (Nicosia), divided between the Republic of Cyprus and the TRNC.

Northern Cyprus is separated from the rest of Cyprus by a buffer zone monitored by United Nations peacekeeping forces.

Previously, Jihad Yayji, Associate Professor at Istanbul Topkapi University's Department of Political Science and International Relations, criticized the signing of the joint declaration by four member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and Tajikistan with the EU as a blow to Turkish diplomacy. Meanwhile, Hulusi Akar, Turkey’s former defense minister and chair of the National Defense Commission of the Turkish Parliament, accused the EU of pressuring Central Asia. Ersin Tatar, the TRNC President, stated that agreements between OTS member states and the EU are normal, as every country establishes relations based on its interests.