Ustel: Connecting to Interconnected System to Bring Electricity by Cable
The Prime Minister of Northern Cyprus, Ünal Üstel, has stated that the government’s energy vision is clear and unequivocal. Speaking at a press conference titled “1 year on the way to serve the public”, Üstel emphasized the importance of protecting and strengthening local power plants and ensuring that electricity is brought to the country by cable and connected to the interconnected system. The coalition government of the National Unity Party (UBP), the Democrat Party (DP) and the Rebirth Party (YDP) has prioritized the diversification of energy, the increase of solar power plants, and the transition to green energy. The government aims to provide the people with quality, cost-effective, and uninterrupted energy as soon as possible while simultaneously keeping alive, developing, and strengthening the Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority (Kıb-Tek).
Üstel also highlighted the government’s efforts to support agriculture and animal industries by providing grants and reducing animal diseases. In education, the government has opened 4 new schools and signed protocols for 5 more to be built. They plan to introduce 9 new schools to education in the last quarter of the next year. The government has also implemented the Law on Education of Individuals with Special Needs, started full-time education in special education and business training schools, and held the “Vocational Education and Domestic Products Fair”.
The Prime Minister also underscored the government’s efforts to pass laws to pave the way for development in the fields of technology, energy, economy, and industry. They passed the State Law, updated the technopark law and regulations, prepared the Export Action Plan, passed the Industrial Zones Law, and started the preparations for the Industrial Strategy Document. The government implemented the Fuel Automation System to regulate the fuel sector and has plans to ensure the energy supply security of the country.
Üstel also stated that the government resolutely pursues its vision of reaching an agreement based on the sovereign equality of the two states and their equal international status. The Turkish Cypriot state was accepted as an observer member to the Organization of Turkish States in November 2022, and all institutions have started to participate in the sub-committees of the organization as observer members.
Finally, Üstel emphasized the importance of relations with Turkey and stated that they are vital, not just financial. He believes that the world will gradually recognize and respect the existing realities of Northern Cyprus as a state with institutions, democracy, and parliament.
