Akansoy on OIC Declaration: ‘Deadlock Is Not a Solution’

Referring to the Istanbul Declaration adopted at the conclusion of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ 51st Session, Akansoy welcomed the reference to negotiations, saying the message is clear: “Deadlock is not a solution.”

Akansoy noted that the section of the declaration addressing Cyprus supports the legitimate aspirations of Muslim Turkish Cypriots and underscores the importance of strengthening communication with them in order to end their unjust isolation. However, he criticised the OIC’s stance on isolation as lacking concrete impact, pointing out that the call was limited to enhancing communication and did not propose mechanisms for direct economic or institutional engagement.

Highlighting that the declaration made no reference to President Ersin Tatar’s separatist policies or non-solution stance, Akansoy interpreted this omission as significant. He stressed that the emphasis on negotiations in the declaration should be understood as a rejection of the notion that “no solution is a solution.”

Given the ongoing instability in the region, Akansoy argued that the OIC’s reaffirmation of the need for a mutually acceptable resolution holds important implications not only for Cyprus but for broader regional peace as well.