Sanaa: Turkish Cypriots are an integral and equal part of Cyprus and have never been a minority, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhurman said Monday. "This people are an essential element and equal owner of the island. They are not a minority, have never been one, and never will be," Erhurman stated at a ceremony in the capital Lefkosa marking the 52nd anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation and July 20, Peace and Freedom Day.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erhurman emphasized that Turkish Cypriots remain committed to finding a resolution but are not interested in negotiations just for the sake of dialogue. He mentioned that the UN-led process is conducted "in consultation and full coordination" with Trkiye. Erhurman firmly rejected the notion of Turkish Cypriots and their children bearing the consequences of the lack of a solution, which he attributed to factors beyond their control.

Erhurman further stressed that Turkish Cypriots would not give up their rights, equality, or security on the island, while continuing to support efforts for lasting peace and stability.

Cyprus has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, despite numerous diplomatic efforts by the UN to reach a comprehensive settlement. Ethnic tensions beginning in the early 1960s forced Turkish Cypriots to retreat into enclaves for protection. In 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at annexing the island to Greece prompted Trkiye's military intervention as a guarantor power to protect Turkish Cypriots from persecution and violence, leading to the founding of the TRNC in 1983.

The island has experienced a sporadic peace process in recent years, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the guidance of guarantor countries Trkiye, Greece, and the UK. The Greek Cypriot Administration joined the EU in 2004, the same year Greek Cypriots unilaterally blocked a UN proposal to resolve the enduring conflict.