Turkey supports Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar’s vision for a two-state solution and his proposals for cooperation, stated Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz following a meeting with Tatar at the new “presidential palace” in the occupied areas.
According to the Press and Information Office, the Turkish Cypriot press reported on Yilmaz’s visit to the occupied north yesterday, which took place during the closing of TEKNOFEST. Yilmaz described Tatar’s proposals for cooperation as “humanitarian, economic, and important” during his remarks at their meeting.
“We are, of course, open to all forms of cooperation for the shared future of everyone on the island, whether they are Turkish Cypriots or Greek Cypriots. If water is coming in, the whole island should benefit. If electricity is arriving, the whole island should benefit,” he said.
According to the Turkish Vice President, there are “two states” in Cyprus. One of them, he claimed, is adopting a cooperative approach based on this two-state model, while the Greek Cypriot side is adhering to ideas it no longer believes in—ideas that have been tried repeatedly in the past without leading to a solution.
Addressing Tatar, Yilmaz said: “Therefore, we must be realistic. This process has been ongoing for over 50 years. There is now an established state structure here, and the Turkish Cypriots support it wholeheartedly. We will continue to fully support the vision you have put forward.”
He also thanked Tatar for “the leadership he is demonstrating” during what he described as a critical period for the region and the world, adding that they will continue building the future together.
In his speech at the TEKNOFEST closing ceremony, Yilmaz further asserted that the two-state solution is the only realistic path forward for Cyprus. “The world must accept this. The two-state solution laid out by President Ersin Tatar is non-negotiable for us. We support it with all our strength,” he said.
Also read: Tensions rise after Erdoğan’s visit to occupied areas
Source: CNA
