Lefkosa: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that any future negotiations regarding Cyprus must occur between two sovereign states, rather than two communities. This statement was made during the inauguration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Presidential Complex and Republic Assembly in Lefkosa.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized the importance of recognizing the realities on the island, stating that Turkey will not engage with or trade with the Greek Cypriot Administration until a suitable solution is reached. He expressed a firm stance on the matter, highlighting the historical and cultural resilience of the Turkish Cypriot people and their right to a hopeful future.

Erdogan also addressed the challenges faced by the Turkish Cypriots, acknowledging the presence of adversarial forces attempting to thwart their progress. He remarked on the intense opposition, noting that some would even expel Turks from Anatolia if possible. Despite these challenges, Erdogan assured that Turkey stands in strong support of the Turkish Cypriots and warned that any attempts to obstruct their development would be met with Ankara’s solidarity.

The Cyprus issue has persisted for decades, with ethnic tensions escalating in the early 1960s, leading to Turkish Cypriots retreating to enclaves for safety. In 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at annexing the island to Greece provoked Turkey’s military intervention to protect Turkish Cypriots. This intervention eventually led to the establishment of the TRNC in 1983.

Diplomatic efforts, including a 2017 initiative in Switzerland, have so far failed to resolve the dispute. The Greek Cypriot administration’s entry into the EU in 2004 further complicated the situation, as Greek Cypriots blocked a UN plan aimed at settling the conflict.