Prime Minister Üsel Celebrates Historic Assembly’s First Session
A Historic Milestone for Turkish Cyprus: Prime Minister Ünal Üsel’s Address on the New Republican Assembly Building
Prime Minister Ünal Üsel recently marked a pivotal moment in Turkish Cypriot history with the inauguration of the new Republican Assembly building. This facility, encompassing the Presidential and Republican Assembly buildings, stands as a tangible representation of sovereignty, self-assurance, and a commitment to safeguard the future of the Turkish Cypriot people.
In his address commemorating the inaugural session in the new assembly building, Üsel emphasized that this event signifies a significant turning point in the struggle for self-determination and self-governance. He expressed, "I greet this historical and special day of our Assembly, which has held its first session today," underscoring the importance of this milestone.
Üsel reflected on the profound implications of this new era, stating, "Today, we will mark the future of the Turkish Cypriot people,” emphasizing that this brand new parliamentary establishment embodies the aspirations and will of the populace.
Tracing the history of Turkish Cypriot political institutions, Üsel noted that the Turkish Cypriot Assembly, formed within the framework of the Republic of Cyprus established in 1960, was the first democratic parliamentary body, representing the voices of the electorate. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically in 1963, when the Greek Cypriot administration violated the constitution and marginalized Turkish Cypriots. In response, measures were taken to ensure Turkish Cypriot representation, leading to the creation of a General Committee by 1967.
He recalled how, following the establishment of the Turkish Cypriot Administration on December 27, 1967, the headquarters for the Turkish Cypriot government relocated to Sarayönü, paving the way for the democratic representation that followed. The momentous declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on November 15, 1983, was particularly significant, as it was made from the former parliamentary building known as the “Old Assembly.”
With the new assembly building, Prime Minister Üsel expressed optimism for a future filled with promise and opportunity for the Turkish Cypriot community. This inauguration represents not just a physical space, but a beacon of hope and continuity of their heritage and will.
As Turkish Cyprus steps into this new chapter, the establishment of the Republican Campus stands as a symbol of resilience and determination, reaffirming the community’s quest for recognition and respect on the international stage.
