In the April 26 presidential elections, Turkish Cypriots delivered a strong message in favor of a solution for the long-divided island, handing victory to leftist candidate Mustafa Akinci, who beat outgoing President Dervis Eroglu, a rightist nationalist concordant with Turkey’s traditional policies. The outcome reflects a strong popular will for reunification, but raises the spectre of trouble in relations with Turkey.

In his victory speech, Akinci said the relationship between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) should no longer be of that between a “motherland” and a “baby motherland” — as the TRNC is often described in Turkey — but an equal “relationship between brothers.”

“We’ll be neither confrontational nor submissive,” Akinci asserted April 27, drawing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ire. Akinci was speaking live on CNN Turk television when the station interrupted the interview and switched to a press conference for Erdogan ahead of his departure to Kuwait. Asked about Akinci’s call for a “relationship between brothers,” Erdogan retorted in strong language.

“Mr. President’s ears should hear what comes out of his mouth. Working together even as brothers has its prerequisites. This country has paid a price for Northern Cyprus. We’ve sacrificed martyrs and we are continuing to pay a price. We spend about $1 billion for them annually,” Erdogan said. “Who is waging the battle for Northern Cyprus in the international arena? Can Mr. Akinci wage this battle on his own? [Turkey] will continue to see [the TRNC] just like a mother sees her baby.”