Erdogan’s two-state statements ‘made for domestic audience’

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s statements on a two-state solution are a sign of weakness, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday.

His remarks come after Erdogan’s visit to the north as Cyprus mourned 50 years since the invasion.

Erdogan reiterated the only way forward is a two-state solution, prompting Christodoulides to say he expected nothing else from Turkey’s president. 

Christodoulides added that no matter what Erdogan says, Turkey continues to illegally occupy 37 per cent of an EU member state’s territory.

He suggested Erdogan’s statements were made for his own audience and internal politics, while Cyprus’ government will continue to do everything possible to create conditions that will lead to the island’s reunification.

The only basis for a solution is that of the already agreed framework, Christodoulides stressed.

He added that Turkey is trying to equate its responsibilities with Cyprus’ and noted that in 2024 such rhetoric and such public threats are a sign of weakness.

Invited to say what he meant by bold decisions that he might have to take, he said that they reflect his readiness in actions rather than words, to do everything possible to reunify the island.

“Such actions are a duty to honour all those who sacrificed their lives as Cyprus now marks 50 years since the invasion,” Christodoulides added.

He specified at the moment a four-party meeting is out of the question. Nonetheless, Turkey’s cooperation is necessary.

Positive messages have been sent out to Turkish Cypriots and Turkey and it is up to them to have specific developments, Christodoulides said.

Commenting on new Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), the president said he has many thoughts and ideas on both the substance of the negotiations and on CBMs and depending on the developments, he will take the next step.

Asked if he believes that there will be developments in September, following the UN General Assembly, he said that he cannot rule out anything in relation to the time frame. He said he was waiting for the UN Secretary General to announce his next steps