Erdogan insists on a two-state solution to the Cyprus problem

Those who ignore the Turkish Cypriots should know that they will face a stronger Turkey, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters while travelling back to Turkey with him from north Cyprus on Saturday night.

As reported by Turkish Cypriot media, Erdogan said that the Turkish side will maintain a constructive stance regarding the cooperation decided in Geneva “between two states”.

“We continue to support with all our strength the vision of the two-state solution promoted by TRNC president Ersin Tatar. We will continue to do our duty and contribute to the areas of cooperation planned to be launched in various sectors between the two neighbouring states on the island, as decided at the informal meeting with extended participation held in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations on March 17-18,” he added.

Erdogan said the Turkish Cypriot “people” will sooner or later ensure the recording of sovereign equality and equal international status on the island, of which they are equal partners.

“Mother Turkey will always stand by the TRNC on this path and will continue its solidarity forever. Our sincere desire is a fair, permanent, viable and realistic solution. The developments taking place in our region also suggest that this reality must now be accepted,” he added.

He argued that it is time “for everyone to realise that there are two peoples and two states on the island. Our support as a mother country and guarantor country is unwavering”.

We have always done our duty to ensure peace and tranquility on the island of Cyprus, we will continue to do so from now on, he added.

Erdogan said “we will not allow any approach that disturbs the peace of the island, offends its sensitivities or seeks to create chaos. Those who resort to terrorism and ignore the Turkish Cypriots should know that they will face a stronger Turkey. Instead of rhetoric that increases tensions, the use of constructive and unifying language would be more beneficial for the future of the island.”

We will never allow the pain to be repeated, he said, and we will continue to be the greatest supporter of the just cause of the Turkish Cypriots.

Erdogan had visited the TRNC to attend the Teknofest event and to open a large new ‘presidential’ building.