TRNC, April 13, 2026: The Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ünal Üstel has strongly condemned what he described as the “revival of EOKA mentality” in South Cyprus, along with the burning of the flags of Türkiye and the TRNC during recent incidents.
In a statement issued by the Prime Ministry, Üstel warned that recent developments within the Greek Cypriot administration reflect attempts to revive a “dangerous mentality” that threatens peace, stability, and coexistence on the island.
He stated that portraying the actions of the EOKA organisation as “heroism” distorts historical realities and contributes to the incitement of hatred and hostility between communities. He further criticized what he described as the endorsement of such narratives by certain political and religious figures, both locally and internationally.
Üstel specifically referred to remarks attributed to Greek Cypriot leadership, including Nikos Christodoulides and Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, stating that such rhetoric does not support peace efforts but instead deepens divisions and fuels tensions on the island.
He warned that hate speech risks influencing younger generations and undermines long-term prospects for a peaceful and stable Cyprus.
The Prime Minister also condemned the burning of the flags of Türkiye and the TRNC by Greek Cypriot youth during Easter-related events, calling the act a “serious provocation” that reflects hostility toward the Turkish Cypriot community.
Üstel reaffirmed that the TRNC emains committed to peace and stability but stressed that actions undermining mutual respect and coexistence would not be tolerated.
