New coalition government approved in Northern Cyprus

By Muhammet Ikbal Arslan

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) - A new coalition government was approved in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on Thursday by the country's president.

The government, made up of the National Unity Party (UBP), Rebirth Party (YDP), and Democrat Party (DP), will be headed by Unal Ustel, the interior minister of the previous government and a lawmaker of the UBP from the northern province of Girne.

Speaking to reporters after submitting the Cabinet list to President Ersin Tatar, Ustel said Tatar gave his approval for the new coalition.

The new Cabinet is as follows:

- Prime Minister: Unal Ustel

- Economy and Energy Minister: Olgun Amcaoglu

- Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Minister: Fikri Ataoglu

- Foreign Minister: Tahsin Ertugruloglu

- Finance Minister: Sunat Atun

- Interior Minister: Ziya Ozturkler

- Public Works and Transportation Minister: Erhan Arikli

- Education Minister: Nazim Cavusoglu

- Agriculture and Natural Resources Minister: Dursun Oguz

- Health Minister: Izlem Gurcag

- Labor and Social Security Minister: Hasan Tacoy

Tatar had given Ustel the mandate of forming the new government on Monday.

The country's previous premier, Faiz Sucuoglu, had resigned along with his Cabinet on April 30. The president then met with the representatives of political parties represented in parliament last week.

Leading in snap elections held on Jan. 23, the UBP secured over 39.5% of the vote, with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) ranking second with over 32%.

The UBP currently has 24 of the parliament's 50 seats, whereas its coalition partners, the DP and YDP, have three and two seats, respectively.