In a significant reaffirmation of support for a two-state solution to the longstanding Cyprus conflict, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the Turkish-occupied northern region of Cyprus on Saturday. His remarks came during the TEKNOFEST exhibition and coincided with the inauguration of a new government complex in the divided capital of Nicosia, which includes a presidential palace and parliament building constructed by Turkey.
During his address, Erdogan emphasized that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized solely by Turkey, “will exist forever with the support of guarantor Turkey.” He asserted that any future dialogue with the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus is contingent upon the equal treatment of Turkish Cypriots.
Erdogan stated, “If the unjust isolation of Turkish Cypriots does not end, and if a fair, lasting, and viable solution that reflects the island’s realities is not found, there can be no negotiations, trade, or port access for the Greek Cypriot administration.” He accused the Greek Cypriot leadership of an “arrogant mindset” that refuses to acknowledge Turkish Cypriots as equals, adding, “No one can make Turkish Cypriots pay the price for the lack of a solution.”
“The two-state solution is the joint vision of Turkey and northern Cyprus,” Erdogan asserted. “Any new negotiation process must be between two sovereign states.”
The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's military intervention in response to a coup supported by Greece. Turkey continues to maintain a military presence in the region, with over 35,000 troops stationed in northern Cyprus.
