Turkey insists on two‑state solution for Cyprus future talks
President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has stressed that the future of Cyprus should be deliberated solely between two sovereign states, according to a report by the Anadolu agency. This stance represents a departure from the previous perspective that recognised the sovereignty of the communities residing on the island.
What do you need to know?
- Erdogan on sovereignty: President Erdogan declared that any discussions regarding Cyprus must occur between two sovereign states, not between the communities inhabiting the island.
- Division of the island: Cyprus is split into the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey.
- Historical background: The conflict in Cyprus dates back to the 1960s, when the island was a British colony. Subsequent events led to Turkey's military intervention in 1974.
What are the positions of the parties in conflict?
During his visit to Nicosia, the capital of the Turkish-controlled part of Cyprus, President Erdogan reiterated that Turkey will not engage with the Greek-Cypriot administration until a resolution that reflects the island's realities is achieved.
“Until a solution that reflects the realities of the island is reached, we will not engage with or trade with the Greek Cypriot Administration,” Erdogan stated. Turkish Cypriots and Ankara advocate for a two-state solution, which opposes the Greek Cypriots' aspiration for reunification of the island as a federation.
“The Turkish Cypriot people, who have bravely preserved their language, religion, and culture on the island for over 500 years, truly deserve to look to the future with hope and confidence more than anyone else,” the Turkish leader added. He also noted, “We are aware that there are those whose hatred and vengeance are so intense that they would expel the Turks not only from the island but even from Anatolia if they could.”
Why is Cyprus divided?
The division of Cyprus finds its roots in the 1960s, when the island was a British colony. Today, Cyprus is split into the EU-member Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only internationally recognised by Ankara.
Over 30,000 Turkish soldiers are stationed in the north. Both Turkish Cypriots and Ankara support a two-state solution, which is in opposition to the Greek Cypriots, who advocate for reunification as a federation.
Conflict from the past
Until 1960, Cyprus was a British colony. Greeks and Turks on the island shared power until 1963, when a tax dispute escalated into a broader conflict over the island's governance. Violence erupted, and within six months, UN peacekeeping forces were deployed to Cyprus, where they remain today to monitor the buffer zone dividing the island into northern and southern parts.
In 1974, Turkey conducted a military intervention, citing the right to protect the Turkish population. Despite the restoration of constitutional order, Turkey has never withdrawn its troops from the northern part of the island.
