Erdoğan seeks a two-state solution for Cyprus, eyes 'picnic' in 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.

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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.

Turkish Cyprus reopens part of resort abandoned in 1974 conflict

"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."