Toros Responds to Hasipoğlu: UN Security Council Resolutions Are Binding

Toros emphasized that the Security Council resolutions, based on Article 25, are binding and have been unanimously accepted regarding all matters related to peace and security. He criticized Hasipoğlu for misleading the public, asserting that the recognition of two sovereign states in Cyprus is not possible, as the permanent members of the Security Council have rejected it for the past decade. Toros further stated that the idea of two states is unrealistic and disconnected from reality.

Toros also addressed Hasipoğlu’s remark that a federal solution is outdated, pointing out that the federal model has been successfully implemented in countries like Switzerland and the United States and should be considered a model for Cyprus.

Decentralized Federation: An Effective Solution for Divided Communities

On the issue of decentralized federation and confederation, Toros reminded that in the 1990s, Rauf Denktaş advocated for a confederation model, which was rejected at the Helsinki Summit. The Annan Plan in 2002 proposed a federal model. Toros emphasized that the only viable model for Cyprus is a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation based on political equality, noting that a decentralized federation with less centralized power could be an effective solution for communities that have been separated for years.

Other Key Issues for the Upcoming Summit

Toros also discussed the upcoming informal summit on January 20, highlighting its importance and expressing hopes for positive outcomes. He suggested that the summit should address more than just opening new crossing points, calling for discussions on the Yiğitler-Pile road, the EU-funded 36 MW bi-communal power plant, and the challenges faced by children of mixed marriages.

Toros framed the upcoming informal summit in March as a necessary negotiation initiative in light of regional developments, pointing out that it offers an opportunity to discuss many aspects of the Cyprus issue. He stressed the importance of addressing the Cyprus problem and regional developments through this summit.

Toros concluded by stating that Turkish Cypriots, who are excluded from the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, live in the northern part of the island outside the scope of international law, and their voices need to be heard.