Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed his support for a two-state deal on Cyprus, which envisions the establishment of separate Greek and Turkish Cypriot states. The proposal is rejected by the majority Greek Cypriots in the island’s internationally recognized southern part.
Erdogan stated that it’s time for the international community to acknowledge the “facts on the ground,” referring to the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which created a partitioned island. He urged recognition of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north by the international community.
The deal has been stalled since 2017 due to disagreements over Turkey’s permanent troop presence and military intervention rights. Greek Cypriots have rejected the proposal, arguing that it would undermine their EU aspirations and create a “occupation” on European territory.
A meeting between Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and international officials has proposed confidence-building measures, including cultural exchanges and an advisory committee. However, progress is limited, and a wider meeting is planned for September after the Turkish Cypriot leadership election in October.
The issue remains contentious, with Turkey insisting on a two-state solution as the only viable option, while Greek Cypriots seek reunification under a federation framework.
Source: https://www.wral.com/story/turkeys-president-says-his-support-for-a-two-state-deal-on-ethnically-split-cyprus-is-absolute/22091532