Erdogan reiterates call for two state solution

It is becoming clearer by the day that the two-state model is the only solution to the Cyprus problem, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters on board the plane during his departure from the north, Erdogan said we cannot get anywhere without the ratification of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots, which are their acquired rights.

He also reiterated that it is not possible to start a new negotiation process without establishing an equation where both parties sit and leave the table as equals.

Erdogan also commented on statements by Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias in Cyprus.

After referring once again to attempts by populists in Greece to undermine relations with his country, he called on Prime Minister Mitsotakis to put his minister in his place.

Dendias was on the island on Monday and comments he made turned into a spat between him and his Turkish counterpart.

In the end Greek ministry had sarcastically apologised for not thanking the Turks for invading the island.