Erdoğan: “Turkish Cypriots Cannot Afford Another 60 Lost Years”

Backing President Ersin Tatar’s vision of a two-state solution, Erdoğan stressed that Turkey stands firmly behind the policy shift away from decades of unsuccessful federal negotiations. He emphasized that the Cyprus Peace Operation of 1974 was a legitimate and necessary step under the guarantor system, in response to systemic violence and violations targeting the Turkish Cypriot people.

“Since 1571, Turkish Cypriots have been the island’s founding people,” Erdoğan declared. “Yet they were forced to live like exiles in their own homeland.” He recalled the trauma of events like Bloody Christmas and the Kumsal Massacre, arguing that those dark days should never be forgotten or repeated.

Erdoğan condemned what he described as decades of intransigence from the Greek Cypriot side, who, he said, continuously rejected constructive peace proposals and tried to reduce Turkish Cypriots to a minority within a so-called unitary state. “They always ran from the table but then claimed to want negotiations,” he added.

The president reiterated that the Turkish side has exhausted the federal model, which he said has been "consumed" after countless failed attempts. He insisted that future efforts must be based on sovereign equality and the recognition of two states on the island.

Erdoğan also called for practical steps: opening direct flights and trade with Northern Cyprus, expanding international visibility of the TRNC, and increasing cooperation in tourism, education, and technology. He praised the TRNC’s growing presence in international forums such as the Organization of Turkic States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Citing recent milestones like the construction of a new state hospital in Lefkoşa and the expansion of infrastructure projects, Erdoğan said the partnership between Turkey and the TRNC remains as strong as ever. He closed by quoting founding president Rauf Denktaş and vowed: “The Turkish Cypriot people will live freely in their homeland forever. We are building a TRNC that no one will dare to threaten again.”