The international community must recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as soon as possible and establish diplomatic, political and economic relations with it. This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Cyprus, TRT Haber reported, quoted by BTA.
Erdogan's visit took place yesterday on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the Turkish military intervention on the island in 1974. For Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, this date is marked as Peace and Freedom Day. During his visit, Erdogan met with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and participated in various ceremonies related to the anniversary.
“The Turkish Cypriots do not have 60 more years to lose. We fully support the solution of the Cyprus issue through the creation of two separate states“, the Turkish president said.
For his part, Ersin Tatar stressed that the Turkish military operation had brought “peace and tranquility“ after “the darkest days“ for the Turkish Cypriots. He expressed gratitude for Turkey's continued support, stressing that the Turkish Cypriots “are not alone“.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkey carried out a military intervention in response to a coup organized by Greek nationalists. In 1983 The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Ankara, was unilaterally declared in the northern part of the island. The division of the island has been a long-standing source of tension between Greece and Turkey, both NATO members.
While the Republic of Cyprus and Greece insist on a solution to the conflict through a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots insist on a solution based on the model of two separate sovereign states.