Ankara – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Thursday that a two-state solution is the most realistic approach to resolving the Cyprus issue, advocating for peaceful coexistence on the ethnically divided island.
During a press conference in Ankara with Tufan Erhurman, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to finding a solution that allows both communities on the island to live side-by-side in peace, prosperity, and security.
Erdogan criticized the Greek Cypriot side’s stance, asserting that they seek to reduce Turkish Cypriots to a minority status within a partnership state, an arrangement he believes is no longer viable. He stated, “The primary reason for the unresolved Cyprus issue is the Greek Cypriot side’s refusal to acknowledge the equal international status of Turkish Cypriots.”
The Turkish President also pointed to what he considers historical missteps by the United Nations Security Council and the European Union’s decision to admit the Greek Cypriot administration as a member despite their rejection of the 2004 Annan Plan for reunification, as factors that have complicated the crisis.
Erhurman praised Ankara’s efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, calling Turkey one of the most important actors in this regard. He affirmed that the Turkish Cypriot people are equal founding partners on the island, a status he deemed non-negotiable. He added that, based on this status, the Turkish Cypriot people possess sovereign rights over the entire island of Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following a Turkish intervention triggered by a Greek-backed military coup. A UN-backed plan to reunify the island was rejected by Greek Cypriots in 2004.
