Fidan says two-state solution is more realistic path for Cyprus settlement

Ankara, Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday night that he believes the Greek Cypriot side will not agree to power-sharing in a Cyprus settlement, describing a two-state solution as a more realistic path.

Speaking to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, Fidan said Turkey would continue supporting dialogue involving Turkish Cypriots while seeking to strengthen its presence on the island as an investor.

Power-sharing and recognition

Fidan said Turkey had consistently seen that the Greek Cypriot side would not agree to equal power-sharing, authority-sharing, prosperity-sharing or state-sharing with Turkish Cypriots.

He said the Greek Cypriot side already has a state, European Union membership, representation at the United Nations and associated advantages.

Fidan also said the Greek Cypriot side uses rights stemming from its recognition as a state to obstruct benefits which Turkish Cypriots may receive from the international community, including in trade and transportation.

Dialogue and confidence-building measures

Fidan said that when proposals for talks or confidence-building measures are made, the Greek Cypriot side first considers who made the proposal and listens if it comes from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

He said Turkey supports all forms of dialogue that include Turkish Cypriots, adding that younger generations should be informed about why Turkish Cypriots established a state and about what he described as unjust isolation.

Investment and joint projects

Fidan said Turkey would continue in the coming years to bolster its presence on the island as an investor. He cited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying that certain interests need not wait for a permanent solution.

He said both sides of the island need water, energy, electricity and tourists, and that joint projects and collaborative efforts could be undertaken as confidence-building measures.

Fidan said these ideas had been expressed to the UN secretary-general and added that obstacles created by the Greek Cypriot administration in relation to the TRNC must be overcome.