The two-state solution for Cyprus now appears to be the sole narrative supported by Ankara. Focusing on the “reality on the ground,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking from the Turkish-occupied north, attempted to breathe new life into a proposal rejected by the Greek side.
“The reality of 50 years requires change”
In a joint statement with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, from occupied Nicosia, Hakan Fidan made it clear that the old status quo cannot form the basis of a solution.
“A solution on the island cannot be produced based on the status quo from 50 years ago,” Fidan said. “There is no other option but the two-state solution.”
The Turkish minister noted that policies such as the international isolation of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC) cannot prevent what he called a “historic journey.”
Legitimising partition
Fidan emphasised the reality of partition that has prevailed on the island over the past decades.
“For the last 50 years, a reality has emerged on the island. It allowed two separate communities in Cyprus to reach the present day, governing themselves separately in two distinct regions. This reality must now be legitimised, and Cyprus must move forward with a two-state solution. Everyone can see that there is no other solution but to acknowledge Turkey’s presence on the island within the framework of a two-state solution,” he said.
He also called on the international community to support this scenario, while addressing the Greek Cypriot side, urging courage:
“We call on the international community to take a stance on this matter and support it. My main appeal is to the citizens and political leadership in the Greek Cypriot section of Cyprus. I urge them to be brave on this issue.”
Collaboration amid regional positivity
Fidan expressed optimism about the potential for cooperation between the two sides, pointing to the positive atmosphere developing between Greece and Turkey.
“The positive atmosphere between Greece and Turkey could resonate on the island, enabling us to build a better future. Let’s create a peaceful future in the Aegean and the Mediterranean,” he said.
A “natural evolution”
The Turkish minister sought to frame the two-state solution as a natural evolution of the current reality.
“I am optimistic about a two-state solution. Every peace agreement to date has altered the reality on the ground. Our task is to document the reality on the ground,” he stated.
He added that the daily lives of Cypriots would remain unchanged with this solution:
“When Cyprus reaches a two-state solution, how will it differ from today? The borders will remain the same, and daily life will continue as it is. I believe that if this issue is properly explained, Greece, the international community, and the Greek Cypriot community will become accustomed to this idea.”
Unwavering aspirations
In conclusion, Fidan underlined that exclusionary policies cannot hinder the TRNC’s ambitions.
“Policies such as marginalisation and international isolation cannot stop the historic journey of the TRNC,” he declared, signalling the firm stance of Turkish foreign policy, which remains steadfast in its goal of partition and international legitimisation.
Hurriyet:
“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 emphasised 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 Turkish Cyprus as an ‘observer member’ in the Organisation of Turkic States was an important turning point for the future of the country, Tatar thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his efforts and support in the process.”
Also read: The MFA condemns Fidan’s illegal visit to the occupied areas
Source: Maria Zacharaki/hurriyetdailynews.com
