Northern Cyprus PM Üstel: First law of new term to be paid military service

Northern Cyprus Prime Minister and National Unity Party (UBP) leader Ünal Üstel said the first law parliament would pass if his party forms the government will be a paid military service regulation. Speaking at the UBP's "Big Meeting" candidate introduction event, Üstel said the party has dozens of support programmes and projects for young people, and questioned opposition projects for youth.

Üstel said the paid military service model used in Turkey will also be applied in the TRNC, and no requirement to work or study abroad will be imposed. He said military service currently forces young people to work or study abroad, affecting their families as well, and that young people should not be blocked from their plans for education, work and family. He argued that this also affects marriage age, saying young people struggle to marry before 30.

Üstel said the opposition would claim the regulation cannot be implemented, and said "Only we can do this." He said the CTP could not achieve it even in 20 years.