Ertuğruloğlu: No Solution Possible While South Cyprus Retains Privileges

Ertuğruloğlu emphasized that the prospect of a federal solution no longer exists. He argued that as long as South Cyprus is recognized as the “Republic of Cyprus,” the Greek Cypriot side will never adopt a genuine approach toward a settlement, given that they are unwilling to share sovereignty while enjoying existing privileges.

He criticized the continued advocacy of federal solutions as “false hope” and “wishful thinking,” warning that framing discussions as one side being an equal sovereign (TRNC) and the other as a federation actually serves to absorb Turkish Cypriots under a unilateral Greek Cypriot state.

Stressing the role of international recognition, Ertuğruloğlu said, “As long as the world’s privileged treatment of South Cyprus continues, no model—including a two-state solution—can be accepted by the Greek Cypriots.” He underscored that the core obstacle to a comprehensive solution is the recognition of South Cyprus as the “Republic of Cyprus,” which Greek Cypriots are unwilling to share with Turkish Cypriots.

Addressing the election context, Ertuğruloğlu stressed that he would not engage in populism and is committed to presenting the facts. He noted that UN and EU frameworks cannot correct the error of recognizing South Cyprus as a solely Greek Cypriot state. According to Ertuğruloğlu, the real driver of the impasse is not the two-state policy, but rather those who continue to advocate federal negotiations.

Ertuğruloğlu also highlighted Turkey’s position on Cyprus, noting that both the Turkish President and the Turkish Parliament support the two-state approach, reinforcing the TRNC’s sovereignty.

In conclusion, he reaffirmed that efforts to challenge South Cyprus’s privileged status and to assert Turkish Cypriot sovereignty will continue despite the current political deadlock.