Turkish President Erdogan Rejects UN-Backed Plan for Reuniting Cyprus
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected a UN-backed plan for reunifying Cyprus, reaffirming his support for a two-state deal that Greek Cypriots have dismissed. Erdogan’s comments further complicate UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ efforts to restart negotiations between the two sides.
The Annan Plan proposed a United Republic of Cyprus, a federation of two states, and was approved by Turkish Cypriots in the north but rejected by Greek Cypriots in the south in a 2004 referendum. Erdogan ruled out resuming talks based on this plan, stating that a federal solution is not possible in Cyprus.
His stance was supported by Ersin Tatar, the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, who accused Greek Cypriots of a dominant and imposing attitude that has caused negotiation processes to fail.
On the other side, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides criticized Turkey for violating human rights, calling on them to work towards regional stability and security. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with Turkish troops in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south.
The anniversary of the Turkish invasion is viewed differently on both sides, with celebrations in the north but solemn remembrance in the south of the conflict that left thousands dead and displaced many. Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, but the division remains a major issue, especially with Erdogan’s rejection of reunification efforts.
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