Erdoğan’s Emphasis on Support for a Two-State Solution in Cyprus
The President of Turkey, in a joint press conference with the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Ankara, once again underlined his firm support for a two-state solution in Cyprus.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking at the meeting with Tufan Erhürman, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, stated: “We believe that the most realistic solution to the Cyprus issue is the existence of two independent states on this island.”
He added: “The Greek Cypriot side sees the solution as reducing the status of the Turkish Cypriots to that of a minority within a partnership state, a model that no longer has any validity today.”
Erdoğan, referring to the messages of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus addressed to the Greek side, said: “These messages, which emphasize the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriots, are entirely correct and appropriate.”
He identified the main reason for the unresolved Cyprus issue as “the rejection of the equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots by the Greek side” and stressed: “We remain committed to our position that a solution is possible in which the two peoples can live side by side on the island in peace, prosperity, and security.”
Tufan Erhürman, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, described Turkey as a key actor in the resolution of the Cyprus issue during the joint press conference and expressed appreciation for Ankara’s efforts in this regard.
He said: “Turkey, today as in the past, is one of the most important actors in all efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.”
Erhürman further emphasized: “The view of the Turkish Cypriots regarding equal status on the island is not open to discussion, negotiation, or bargaining.”
