Erdogan asserts unwavering support for Cyprus' two-state solution

In Nicosia, Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots held celebrations to mark the 51st anniversary of Turkey's military intervention that divided the island. During the celebrations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized his government's absolute support for a two-state solution tailored to the needs of Turkish Cypriots. This proposal aims to formalize the partition of Cyprus into two separate states, a notion that is heavily contested by Greek Cypriots who view it as a move to solidify Turkish influence over the island and its resources, particularly concerning offshore hydrocarbon reserves. Erdogan's comments came shortly after a meeting at the U.N. with officials from Cyprus and the guarantor powers, where little progress was made towards renewing formal peace negotiations that have been stalled for eight years. Tensions remain high as negotiations previously failed in 2017, largely due to disagreements over Turkish troop presence and power-sharing arrangements. Erdogan stressed the need for the international community to acknowledge the realities on the ground and establish diplomatic relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which declares independence since 1983 but remains unrecognized by all except Turkey. With a leadership election on the horizon and ongoing debates about the future of Cyprus, both Turkish and Greek Cypriots face uncertain prospects for peace amid rising nationalistic sentiments and unresolved historical grievances.