Ataoğlu: Cyprus Issue Can Be Resolved by Recognizing the Will of Two Equal Peoples on the Island

Ataoğlu, who also serves as Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment and is the leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized that the Cyprus issue cannot be resolved through the Greek Cypriot side presenting its claims on international platforms, but only through recognition of the will of the two equal peoples on the island. He added, “A solution cannot be produced by ignoring the Turkish Cypriot people.”

In a written statement, Ataoğlu commented on the draft report prepared in the European Parliament, which addresses Turkey’s obligations arising from Cyprus in a unilateral manner.

He described the draft as “a political text disconnected from reality that ignores the Turkish Cypriot people,” stating that the language in the report is entirely devoid of impartiality and contains clear political bias.

“THIS LANGUAGE PRODUCES DEADLOCK, NOT A SOLUTION”

Stressing that a two-state solution is no longer a choice but the reality on the ground, Ataoğlu said that labeling the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as “illegal” and imposing demands on Turkey is unacceptable.

He added:
“This language produces deadlock, not a solution. We do not recognize any approach that imposes demands. The motherland, Turkey, stands with the Turkish Cypriot people today as it did yesterday and will continue to do so. Turkey’s guarantorship is not just a legal status; it is the guarantee of peace, security, and balance across the island.”

“THE TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE ARE NOT, AND WILL NEVER BE, WITHOUT PROTECTION”

Emphasizing that Turkey’s guarantorship is a non-negotiable red line, Ataoğlu stated:
“It should be remembered that without Turkey’s determined stance, the fate of the Turkish Cypriot people would have been far worse. What is happening in front of the world today, particularly the situation in Palestine, clearly shows the consequences of unilateral mentalities. The Turkish Cypriot people are not without protection, and they never will be.

The Turkish Cypriot people will never relinquish their sovereign equality, their equal international status, or Turkey’s guarantorship. A just, lasting, and sustainable solution is only possible based on these realities.”