Ankara: Trkiye believes the most realistic solution to the Cyprus issue lies in the coexistence of the two states on the island, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday. "The main reason the Cyprus issue remains unresolved is the Greek Cypriot side's refusal to recognize Turkish Cypriots' equal international status," Erdogan stated at a joint news conference with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' President Tufan Erhurman, who is on his first visit to Trkiye after being elected.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan expressed his pleasure in hosting President Erhurman and noted that the presidential elections held in the TRNC on Oct. 19 took place peacefully. He congratulated the TRNC on its upcoming 42nd anniversary and reaffirmed Trkiye's persistence in its struggle for a just, lasting, and realistic solution in Cyprus in close coordination with President Erhurman.
The president emphasized that the meeting was comprehensive and productive, focusing on possible joint steps for the future within the larger context of the Cyprus issue. Erdogan reiterated Trkiye's clear stance on the Cyprus cause, highlighting the Greek Cypriot side's refusal to share political power or economic prosperity with the Turks on the island.
Erdogan criticized the Greek Cypriot side for seeking to reduce the Turkish Cypriots to a minority within the partnership state, a notion he stated has no remaining validity. He also highlighted past mistakes by the UN Security Council and the EU in handling the Cyprus issue.
Erdogan assured continued sincere efforts towards a solution in which two nations on the island can live side by side in peace, prosperity, and security. He noted that past errors have led to complacency on the Greek Cypriot side, causing ongoing injustice for Turkish Cypriots. Erdogan stressed that promises to address this injustice have not been fulfilled.
The Turkish president recalled the country's stance in 2017 after the Greek Cypriot side's walkout, emphasizing that outdated approaches cannot solve today's problems. He expressed hope for a future where the Greek Cypriot side shows courage and willingness to find a solution.
Erdogan outlined ongoing efforts to improve Turkish Cypriots' welfare and minimize the impact of decades-long isolation. He promised continued political and diplomatic efforts to ensure the TRNC is properly represented internationally.
Erdogan thanked Erhurman for his visit and expressed hope for the meetings' success. He congratulated the TRNC on its 42nd anniversary and paid tribute to martyrs, veterans, and leaders of the Cyprus cause. He also thanked Erhurman for his condolence message regarding the recent military cargo plane crash in Georgia.
For his part, Erhurman stated that no formula excluding Trkiye and Turkish Cypriots can succeed in the region. He emphasized the unique relationship between TRNC and Trkiye, noting TRNC presidents traditionally make their first official visit to Trkiye.
Erhurman highlighted the unresolved Cyprus issue's impact on regional stability and peace, emphasizing Turkish Cypriots' commitment to fair negotiations. He defended the TRNC's right to engage with the international community and stressed that Turkish Cypriots' view of two equal founding partners' status on the island is non-negotiable.