Erdoğan: Cyprus Solution Depends on Two-State Coexistence

Erdoğan recalled that he hosted Tufan Erhürman in Ankara on 13 November for his first official foreign visit following Erhürman’s election as President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and continued:

“We discussed the joint steps that can be taken toward a just, lasting and reality-based solution in Cyprus, our national cause. It is significant that President Erhürman has repeatedly underlined in his recent messages to the Greek Cypriot side that the Turkish Cypriot people will not compromise on sovereign equality.

We consider the repeated revival of proposals that have been tried countless times in the past and failed to produce results as a waste of time. As we have repeatedly stressed, the solution to the Cyprus issue lies in the coexistence of two states. If the Greek Cypriot side demonstrates the same courage, will and constructive attitude that the Turkish Cypriot people have shown from the very beginning, a lasting, just and realistic solution based on sovereign equality and equal international status can be found on the island. Otherwise, no settlement can be built on the basis of injustice.”

Erdoğan marked the 42nd anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, extending his congratulations and commemorating with respect all Turkish soldiers and Turkish Cypriot fighters who lost their lives for the security and wellbeing of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The president also noted that on 14 November, he inaugurated the “International Human Rights Conference and Echoes Exhibition” at the Atatürk Cultural Center, organized by the Şule Yüksel Şenler Foundation and the Dr. Beti Şabaz Center.