Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Ankara’s stance on a two-state solution for Cyprus during a joint press conference with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in the occupied part of Nicosia on Wednesday, January 8.
Fidan emphasised, “There is no alternative to a two-state solution for Cyprus,” asserting that Turkey would not accept any arrangement that places Turkish Cypriots in a minority position.
Fidan suggested that dialogue between Turkey, Greece, and both Cypriot communities could pave the way for a resolution, urging, “Let Greece, Turkey, the TRNC, and Greek Cypriots focus on building an environment of peace and stability in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.”
The two-state proposal remains a central point in the long-standing Cyprus dispute, which began in 1974 after Turkey’s invasion. Turkey has advocated for a solution where Turkish Cypriots are guaranteed equality in any power-sharing agreement. However, Greek Cypriots opposed this, fearing it would formalise the island’s partition and cement Turkey’s military presence on the island.
Minister of Foreign Affairs @HakanFidan met with Ünal Üstel, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, in Lefkosa. pic.twitter.com/QCpLJhCLWy
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) January 8, 2025
The United Nations and European Union reject a two-state solution, calling instead for a federal agreement between Turkish and Greek Cypriot zones.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to host informal talks in March to explore potential solutions. However, prior negotiations have stalled, primarily due to disagreements over Turkey’s military presence in the north.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed readiness to resume talks but ruled out any two-state discussions.
Tatar, the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, stated that future meetings will include both sides, along with representatives from Greece, Turkey, and the UK, to chart the next steps for Cyprus’ future.
A peace agreement could not only resolve regional tensions but also unlock potential energy resources in Cyprus’ offshore economic zone, which Turkey disputes.
Source: Ekathimerini.
