Erdogan Asserts Two-State Solution as Only Viable Path for Cyprus

Erdogan stated, “It is becoming increasingly clear that the two-state model is the only solution to the Cyprus problem. Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people have made every sacrifice on the road to a solution. While the party that accepted the Annan Plan was ‘Northern Cyprus,’ the Greek Cypriots have been rewarded again and again, which clearly undermines progress towards a resolution.”

He continued to argue that without validating the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots, negotiations would be futile. “We cannot make progress without a setup where both sides sit at the table as equals,” he asserted.

In response to comments by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias during his Cyprus visit, Erdogan accused populist figures in Greece of trying to disrupt relations between Turkey and Greece. “We want to develop our relationship through a good neighborly approach, but that does not mean we will remain silent in the face of such provocations,” he added.

Erdogan also referred to Turkey’s military presence on the island, claiming it has established peace and was backed by international law. He recounted a conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the recent NATO meeting and expressed his disappointment regarding Dendias’s comments, urging Mitsotakis to address his minister’s remarks, which he labeled “rude and immoral.”

Additionally, Erdogan highlighted the ongoing construction of the so-called “presidential palace” and the “parliament building” in Northern Cyprus, linking these developments to Greece’s military enhancements. “They are building military bases while we are constructing political foundations. We will continue our work here,” he remarked.

The Turkish president revealed plans for potential naval bases in Northern Cyprus and updates on natural gas exploration efforts in the region, including the acquisition of a new drilling vessel to bolster the Sakarya Gas Field project.

Erdogan also reiterated warnings against the Republic of Cyprus’ collaboration with Israel amid the Gaza conflict, asserting that actions perceived as provocative would not benefit either Greece or the Greek Cypriots.

These remarks come in the context of heightened tensions in the region, especially following threats from Hamas leader Hassan Nasrallah regarding Cyprus possibly becoming a target if the conflict escalates to Lebanon.

The situation continues to draw international attention, with Turkey standing firm on its position regarding Cyprus and the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean.