In his address, Erdoğan highlighted the significance of “motherland Turkey“, stating that “Cyprus is not only the legacy of our martyrs but also of the Ottomans“, and vowed to continue protecting this heritage.
He criticised south Cyprus, saying that “the Greek Cypriot leader attended an EOKA commemoration event, Turkish Cypriots are arrested when they cross to the south, and mosques are being set on fire“.
“I told the Greek Prime Minister, ‘I suppose you will not provoke us from the south,’ and he responded, ‘I do not intend to do such a thing‘”.
Erdoğan referred to recent “irrational statements made by the Greek Defence Minister” and recalled his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis abroad, stating, “We will be in Northern Cyprus on the 20th, and I heard you will be in the south. I trust you will not provoke us from there. He assured me he does not plan to do such a thing“.
“We do not believe that a federal solution in Cyprus is possible”
“You cannot step into the same river twice. Ignoring the realities on the island will lead nowhere“, Erdoğan said, adding, “We do not believe that a federal solution in Cyprus is possible“.
“We will not leave any hand extended towards a solution in Cyprus hanging”
Erdoğan emphasised, “There is no benefit in saying let’s continue the negotiations from where we left off years ago in Switzerland. We are ready to establish lasting peace in Cyprus. We will not leave any hand extended towards a solution hanging. Throughout history, we have shown our intention on this matter multiple times. Most recently, we demonstrated it in Bürgenstock“.
Praising the two-state solution proposed by Ersin Tatar in Geneva in April 2021, Erdoğan stated, “The Turkish Cypriot side should sit at the negotiation table as equals with the Greek side. If you want a solution, we say recognize the acquired rights of the Turkish Cypriots.”
“I sincerely hope to see the day when the leaders of the guarantor countries of the island visit Cyprus together”.
Erdoğan said, “I sincerely hope to see the day when the leaders of the guarantor countries of the island visit Cyprus together“, adding, “I personally told this to Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis. Strengthening the dialogue between Greece and Turkey will also contribute positively to resolving the Cyprus issue“.
“IPC is the sole address for resolving property issues on the island.”
Erdoğan stressed that the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) has been , “Recognised as an effective domestic legal remedy in the international arena, IPC is the sole address for resolving property issues on the island. Those who resort to other means, thinking they can achieve their goals by pressuring the Turkish Cypriots, are gravely mistaken. We will not allow faits accomplis, nor will the Turkish Cypriots bow to threats“.
Erdoğan concluded, “We are resolutely continuing our efforts towards the recognition of the TRNC and the implementation of a two-state solution”.
