ISTANBUL
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday met with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar.
The meeting was held in Lefkosa, Northern Cyprus' capital, where Fidan had earlier met with his counterpart Tahsin Ertugruloglu upon his arrival.
In a joint news conference with Tatar, Fidan expressed his desire for Türkiye, Greece, the TRNC, and the Greek Cypriot administration to work together to build a better future in the region.
Ignoring the existing reality, bringing the status quo of 50 years ago to the table with a solution formula that they themselves do not accept even today, and trying to produce a solution to the Cyprus problem from here is really wasting time in vain,” he said.
Fidan highlighted the marginalization and international isolation policies against the TRNC, saying the measures in place could not impede its historical progress.
Stating that the isolation that the Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to for the last 50 years has “almost turned into a silent crime against humanity,” he added.
“Unfortunately, there are silent partners in this crime against humanity that is taking place in front of the eyes of the world, and many of them are doing this either knowingly or unknowingly. As Türkiye, we are doing our utmost to ensure that the TRNC is minimally affected by this isolation.”
Fidan said that Türkiye, with all its institutions, will continue to increase cooperation with the TRNC, especially in agriculture, economy, transportation, energy and telecommunications.
Importance of a two-state solution
Emphasizing that everyone sees the importance and registration of a two-state solution on the island and that there is no other option other than this, Fidan said that other ways have been tried but have not been successful.
He said that the two states on the island, which trust each other and respect each other's sovereignty, borders and security, can bring much more positive effects, economic development, peace, stability, and the potential to bring a tremendous contribution to the region and beyond with various cooperation models to be developed.
“However, there are many people who ignore this and do not even dare to express it, because everyone has their own domestic political concerns … The politicians in the Greek Cypriot side have their own areas of discussion. Everyone continues on their political path without breaking their own routine, by being in as safe a space as possible, and without taking risks. So, does this bring a solution to the island? It does not,” Fidan added.
'Türkiye is the voice of conscience in this geography'
Tatar, for his part, said that the federation-based solution formula, which had failed in the 56-year negotiation process in Cyprus, was imposed on them, and emphasized that they would not accept this exhausted model that has become the status quo and that they would say "No to the status quo."
Stating that the inclusion of the TRNC as an “observer member” in the Organization of Turkic States was an important turning point for the future of the country, Tatar thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his efforts and support in the process.
Noting that Türkiye, with its diplomacy, has built bridges even between hostile parties that cannot communicate with each other, Tatar said: “The leadership of Türkiye, which is the voice of conscience in this geography, in the face of wars, crises and human tragedies makes us proud. We are proud of all the staff of your ministry, especially you, who have shown the importance of diplomacy instead of violence to the international system.”
Decades-long Cyprus problem
Cyprus has been mired in a decades-long dispute between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots despite a series of diplomatic efforts by the UN to achieve a comprehensive settlement.
It has seen an on-and-off peace process in recent years, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Türkiye, Greece, and the UK.
As part of his visit, Fidan also met with TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel.
