Ankara's position on the Cyprus issue has always been extremely clear: the path to a just and lasting peace on the island passes through the recognition of two states. The resolution of contradictions is only possible by taking into account the realities of Cyprus.
Modern.az reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated this at a joint press conference held after 90-minute talks with President Tufan Erhürman of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in Ankara.
According to the Turkish leader, Ankara's political and diplomatic efforts to ensure the rights and interests of the TRNC in the international arena will continue.
“As a guarantor country of Cyprus, Turkey will not abandon the Turkish Cypriots in the face of difficulties and problems,” he assured, characterizing the goal of the Greek Cypriot community as “turning Turkish Cypriots into a national minority on the island.”
The Turkish President also called not to forget the European Union's mistaken decision to admit the island's Greek community into the EU and emphasized that the promises made to Turkish Cypriots have still not been fulfilled.
The TRNC leader, in turn, stated that the resolution of problems in the Eastern Mediterranean would only be possible through negotiations.
He also drew attention to the active increase in arms purchases by the Greek Cypriot administration. “At a time when weapons are being accumulated in the south of the island, the importance of Turkey's position regarding the resolution of problems in Cyprus remains particularly crucial,” said the sixth President of the TRNC. T. Erhürman noted that the unresolved contradictions concerning Cyprus negatively affect peace in the region.
“A position based on disrespect towards Turkey and Turkish Cypriots in the region cannot contribute to the long-term resolution of problems in the region,” he emphasized.
