Turkey’s Erdogan insists on Cyprus two-state solution

AFP | North Nicosia

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Cyprus Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday reaffirmed his country’s support for a two-state solution in Cyprus, urging the international community to accept the Mediterranean island’s existing division.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a Turkish invasion followed a coup in Nicosia backed by Greece’s then-military junta. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, declared in 1983, is recognised only by Ankara.

“We fully support the vision based on a two-state solution,” Erdogan said during a visit to northern Cyprus marking 51 years since Turkish troops invaded the island.

“It is time for the international community to make peace with the realities on the ground,” Erdogan said.