Erdoğan seeks a two-state solution for Cyprus, eyes 'picnic' in Varosha
President Erdoğan and the newly-elected Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar on Oct. 26 voiced their support for a two-state solution on the divided island of Cyprus. "We believe a two-state solution must now be brought to the table with a realistic proposal," Erdoğan said. Erdoğan also said that he would visit Turkish Cyprus on Nov. 15 and expressed his desire to have a picnic at Varosha.
Duvar English - Reuters
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Oct. 26 it was time for a realistic proposal about a two-state solution on the divided island of Cyprus to be discussed, and added that the parameters of the current talks were not sustainable.
Cyprus was split after a Turkish invasion in 1974 triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup. The European Union admitted the island into the bloc in 2004, represented by the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government in the south.
Its north is a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state only recognised by Ankara.
The latest attempt at reunification between the two Cypriot sides collapsed in disarray in mid-2017. Both sides blamed each other for the collapse, and Ankara accuses the EU of violating laws by only admitting Greek Cypriots.
Speaking at a news conference along with Ersin Tatar, the Turkey-backed nationalist politician who won the Turkish Cypriot leadership election last week, Erdoğan said the approach of Greek Cypriots had blocked previous attempts to find a solution.
"It must be understood that no result can be achieved under the current parameters following a negotiation process that has lasted more than half a century," Erdoğan said.
"At this stage, we believe starting talks on the basis of a federation will be a loss of time. Therefore, we believe a two-state solution must now be brought to the table with a realistic proposal."
Turkey has said before a two-state mechanism is needed to solve the Cyprus issue, but has accused the Greek Cypriot government of not engaging in talks.
Tatar said a Turkish proposal to hold an informal meeting between Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Greece and the United Nations was "the last chance" for an agreement.
Erdoğan desires to have a 'picnic' at Varosha
Earlier this month, Northern Cyprus partially reopened the beach town of Varosha, a fenced-off resort area abandoned in no-man's land since 1974, a move criticised by the United States, Greece and Greek Cypriots.
Erdoğan, who said he would visit Northern Cyprus on Nov. 15, said he wanted to have a picnic in Varosha.
"I believe it would be beneficial to have a picnic there all together," he said. "We are watching from our screens here, but we want to experience it in person. God willing, we will do that too."