President Erdoğan: “The Greek side seeks to make the Turkish Cypriots outcasts in their own homeland”

 

While addressing questions from journalists during his return from the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day celebrations in Lefkosa, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remarked, "The key to a solution in Cyprus is a two-state solution, and there will be no concessions on this matter."

President Erdoğan expressed Türkiye's shared enthusiasm and joy with the Turkish Cypriots, stating that the Cyprus Peace Operation, conducted 51 years ago under the legal rights and obligations arising from international agreements, decisively thwarted the Enosis agenda.

Recalling that the heroic Turkish Armed Forces, with the support of the Turkish Cypriots and the mujahideen, brought an end to the bloodshed and suffering that had prevailed since 1963 and ensured peace and stability on the island, President Erdoğan said, "Indeed, not a single drop of blood has been shed on the island for over half a century. This climate of peace will be maintained for many years to come through Türkiye’s unwavering support, allowing the Turkish Cypriot people to continue living freely in their homeland for generations to come."

President Erdoğan noted that he also held a meeting with President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as part of the visit, during which they reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering support for the TRNC.

"We will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots in their pursuit of a prosperous future"

President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s endorsement of a two-state solution in Cyprus, affirmed that Türkiye acknowledges the existence of two distinct peoples and two separate states on the island, and stated:

"Meanwhile, we remain dedicated to supporting our Turkish Cypriot sisters and brothers, ensuring they are able to live in prosperity. We provide the TRNC with the necessary support in all areas through economic and financial cooperation agreements. The Republic Complex, inaugurated in May, hosted the groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies for several facilities. Hopefully, the New Lefkosa State Hospital, whose foundation we have laid, is to rank among the Island's biggest healthcare investments. We have successfully completed a major part of the 21-kilometre project with the opening of the Lefkosa Northern Ring Road Interchange and the completion of a 4.5-kilometre section. Completed in under a year, this project will not only ease traffic congestion in Lefkosa but also expedite transit from Güzelyurt and Lefke to Ercan International Airport. The new Maraş Health Centre, which we have inaugurated today, is situated on a 1000-square-metre enclosed area and will enhance the accessibility of healthcare services to the local community. Today serves as further evidence that we will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots in their pursuit of a prosperous future, in our capacity as both the motherland and guarantor."

"Turkish Cypriots are a piece of our soul"

In response to the question, "In commemoration of the anniversary of the massacres perpetrated by Greek Cypriots against Turkish Cypriots in 1958, leaders from the New Cyprus and United Cyprus Parties—two political parties founded in the TRNC—visited the head of the Greek Administration in Southern Cyprus. They requested that a census be conducted under the supervision of the United Nations, that international observers be present for the elections in October, and that Türkiye be reported to international institutions. What is your take on this recent visit? The head of the Greek Cypriot Administration stated that he would extend an invitation to you to visit Southern Cyprus during the upcoming EU presidency. If such an invitation were to arise, would you contemplate attending?" President Erdoğan replied, "I have no intention of paying such a visit to the South. This is due to the fact that we do not recognise Southern Cyprus as a state for the same reasons that they do not recognise TRNC as a state. Therefore, a meeting with them is out of the question for me."

President Erdoğan emphasised that these initiatives are unorthodox and do not align with the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, adding:

"Turkish Cypriots are a piece of our soul. No one can break the bond of affection that unites us, nor can anyone label the heroic sons of Türkiye—who set foot on the island of Cyprus with the sole aim of bringing peace—as occupiers. Türkiye's legitimate presence on the island and its guarantorship are not even subjects of discussion among the Turkish Cypriot people. While the historical facts and our national memory are apparent, the Turkish Cypriot people will undoubtedly retaliate at the ballot box for the treachery that was committed.   To date, the Greek side has consistently demonstrated that it is not interested in a resolution. They are not interested in equality or justice; rather, they seek to make the Turkish Cypriots outcasts in their own homeland. And this is being openly facilitated by certain individuals who lack discernment. The key to a solution in Cyprus is a two-state solution, and there will be no concessions on this matter. Türkiye’s policy on Cyprus is unequivocal: we will not take part in any process that fails to guarantee the sovereign equality and security of the Turkish Cypriot people."

"President Ahmed al-Sharaa has taken a very positive step"

When asked, "At this juncture, a ceasefire has been reached in Syria — though it remains fragile. We are aware that Türkiye has significantly contributed to this process. President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria expressed his gratitude to Türkiye for its efforts. What happened during this process? What happened while Türkiye was leading the initiative in this process? And what are your expectations for the future?" President Erdoğan responded, "President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria adopted a firm stance on the matter. Thus far, no concessions have been made."

President Erdoğan noted that Israel is persistently attempting to provoke instability across the whole region and emphasised that Syria’s stance in the face of these efforts has enabled the process to proceed with caution.

Stating that Syria maintained control over the region with approximately 2,500 troops, and that this control had been consolidated through recent steps taken, President Erdoğan added:

"Thus, control over the South has been established. The Syrian people, across all segments of society, have learned from past sufferings and are resolutely unwilling to be drawn into such manipulations. They have reached a settlement between the Druze community and the rest of the population. President Ahmed al-Sharaa has taken a very positive step on this matter, in my opinion. During our phone conversation, we discussed this stance. He informed us about what he requested from us. We also told him that we would offer all kinds of support. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan is in close contact with the US Special Envoy and the Secretary of State. Likewise, İbrahim Kalın, Director of the National Intelligence Organisation (MİT), and Yaşar Güler, Minister of National Defence, are also holding meetings with their counterparts.

This lightly-armed force, numbering 2,500, was recently authorised to be deployed to Suwayda. Meetings were ongoing in Amman for two days. Tribal leaders, Jordanians and the US Special Envoy are in close contact with us. Suwayda has been encircled. There is a problem concerning whether the forces are allowed to enter. As you know, of the three factions of the Druze community, two are highly cooperative at present, whereas one operates in coordination with Israel. They persist in sowing discord and unrest. Therefore, intermittent conflicts persist within the area. Neither police nor military forces can enter; they are positioned around the city. At the very least, they managed to prevent external elements from entering. During the ongoing talks in Amman, all sides, with the exception of the aforementioned Druze faction, expressed their willingness to voluntarily comply with the ceasefire."

"The world must be clearly informed that Israel is attempting to undermine this stabilisation project"

Pointing out that, in fact, a highly constructive atmosphere currently prevails regarding the Syrian issue, President Erdoğan said, "At a time when even unlikely actors are uniting around the Syrian issue, the world must be clearly informed that Israel is attempting to undermine this stabilisation project."

Emphasising that Türkiye has been conveying this message, President Erdoğan said, "The American people appear to be acknowledging the need to take a more active role in this matter. The core problem is the conflict between the parties involved. Yet, the even greater strategic problem is Israel's attempt to use this conflict as a pretext to invade the region. As you are aware, Israel is opposed to stability in the region. It believes that a unified Syria would not be in its interest and continues to engage in such provocations."

"We are determined to build a terrorism-free future"

When asked, "The first significant step has been taken on the path toward a terrorism-free Türkiye. Weapons were burned. Will this progress continue? How will it proceed? Is the process toward achieving a terrorism-free Türkiye progressing smoothly? Is the PYD, the Syrian branch of the organisation, showing some reluctance to engage in the process? What do you think about this?" President Erdoğan stated that they continue to take steps to achieve the goal of a terrorism-free Türkiye.

Emphasising that they continue to move forward toward this ultimate goal and are being extremely cautious to prevent the process from being affected by provocations, President Erdoğan went on to say:

"We remain on high alert against all sabotage and actions that could hinder our goal of a terrorism-free Türkiye. As you know, the disarmament has begun. Our colleagues are following it up and establishing contacts. As far as I know, the negotiations on the Commission have also reached the final stage. You will soon see progress at the parliamentary level. We are determined to build a terrorism-free future. We are clear about what we will do to reach our goal, how we will achieve it, and where we will ultimately end up. The recent events in our region once again confirm that the step we took was the right one. İmralı has provided and continues to provide all kinds of support on this issue. This aspect is very important. The stance of the YPG may change at any moment, and in any way. It is also important to consider how this approach will be reflected in their offshoot, the SDF.

In my opinion, the stance of President al-Sharaa of Syria regarding recent developments has eliminated the possibility of them joining forces to a detrimental effect. We are determined; we will not abandon Ahmed al-Sharaa in Syria. We do not want Syria to disintegrate, and we see the recovery of Syria as favourable for our country as well. Because Syria's recovery will positively affect its relations with us. We observe that the voluntary return of Syrians in our country to their homeland has begun. There was a pessimistic attitude about whether they would return or not. They have now started to return voluntarily. We will provide comprehensive support to facilitate voluntary returns. We want Syria to normalise rapidly with the acceleration of these returns, and we want to secure our southern region."

"Our goal is to be fully self-sufficient in the field of defence"

Answering the question "Türkiye continues to make a difference in the world with its breakthroughs in the defence industry. Will there be new announcements regarding our domestic and national defence systems in the upcoming period?" President Erdoğan stated that upon coming to power, they made an intensive effort to compensate for what Türkiye had lost in the defence industry.

Noting that effective steps taken and efforts made have yielded fruitful results, President Erdoğan said, "The point we have reached is significant, but in our opinion, not enough. We are planning and swiftly taking steps that will further strengthen us. Our defence industry companies continue their infrastructure initiatives and investments for nanotechnological facilities. Our goal is to be fully self-sufficient in the field of defence."

"We have taken steps with the UK and Germany regarding the purchase of jets"

"A fully independent Türkiye cannot be realised with slogans. It can be realised with such visionary steps and effort," emphasised President Erdoğan, adding that it is imperative to act with the awareness that 'better is always possible and we can do it'.

President Erdoğan said, "As you know, we developed KAAN and walked on the runway with a backup pilot. We developed AKINCI, ALTAY, HÜRJET, ATAK, and TCG ANADOLU, and are currently working on many more. There are things done by Baykar. There are things done outside of Baykar. Türkiye is currently a country that is making a name for itself in the world with its unmanned aerial vehicles. This is a crucial step for us. On the other hand, when we look at armoured carriers, we are in a very good position. The requests are coming one after another."

 Noting that Türkiye also holds a very significant position in frigates and that orders are constantly coming in, President Erdoğan said:

"We cannot keep up with the orders right now. We received significant orders from numerous countries, reaching as far as Pakistan. As is known, we developed TCG ANADOLU, our multi-purpose amphibious assault ship. We have recently talked with the Spanish to make a second, upgraded version of it. They say that they are definitely up for it. We plan to complete this new aircraft carrier within 2-3 years and proceed from there. We discussed this issue with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain. He says, 'We are in.' Hopefully, we will achieve this with the Spanish. Thus, we will have completed the upper segment of our ship. We are currently taking steps with the UK and Germany regarding the purchase of jets. The British and the Germans find it favourable. Hopefully, we will acquire our jets as soon as possible. In my meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom and Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, I observed that they have a positive view on the issue, and hopefully, we will take these steps as well."

Asked whether there would be new developments in the EU negotiations and visa liberalisation if the "Terrorism-free Türkiye" process continues on track, President Erdoğan said, "Not even a day should be wasted to revitalise and progress Türkiye's accession negotiations. These developments need to occur immediately, without waiting for any additional steps. We tell all our European Union interlocutors that we strongly maintain our goal of full membership. When the Union tackles this issue in a strategic and visionary manner, it does not have any obstacles to take immediate action."

Pointing out that the political barriers against Türkiye should be removed urgently, President Erdoğan continued:

"We expect EU countries to maintain relations in a fair and equitable manner. We expect them to understand that it is not possible to advance relations with such an ambivalent attitude that we have faced far too often. Considering what is happening in and around Europe and the dissent within the EU, the Union's need for a dynamic and solution-oriented member such as Türkiye will be apparent.

As I have said before, Türkiye is the last exit before the bridge for the EU. The world is changing, Europe has already changed. Breaking free from outdated and dogmatic political mindsets could be a move for the European Union that embraces a new era and propels the Union toward the future. Türkiye is ready for full membership."

"We will continue to stand by Gaza"

In response to a question about Israel's continued attacks in Gaza, President Erdoğan said, "The people of Gaza have not surrendered so far, and I believe that they will not surrender. Israel, on the other hand, is attacking everywhere like a ravenous beast, and Allah willing, it will fall victim to its own greed. We have never dropped Gaza from our agenda and we will never do so. We will continue to stand by Gaza."

Emphasising that they are constantly monitoring the steps the United States takes on this issue, President Erdoğan said, "US Secretary of State and our Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan are in constant contact. The international community, which has always backed Israel, is no longer in a position to conceal anything. Everyone agrees on what needs to be done. They are in a spiral of despair. They are pushing very seriously for a ceasefire."

Stating that there are currently three issues in the ceasefire talks, President Erdoğan said:

"First, where will the Israeli troops withdraw after the ceasefire, in which withdrawal zones? Second, there is currently no full agreement between Hamas and Israel on how the food aid will be distributed. Third, if a 60-day ceasefire is attained, Israel has to commit to the fact that the ceasefire will continue after the hostages are handed over. This is the demand of Hamas. And Israel doesn't want to do that. The US, Egypt and Qatar are trying to find a middle ground with our support. We aim to avoid any scenario where a ceasefire remains in effect for 60 days after the handover of hostages, only to see a return to the current situation once it ends.

If there is no commitment as to the permanence of the ceasefire, i.e. no coercive system, then Hamas' acceptance of it will only be a choice. The choice of whether to die today or in 60 days... Therefore, there is a serious negotiation process going on at this point."

When asked about a proposal being voiced to lease the Zangezur Corridor to the United States, President Erdoğan said, "The Zangezur Corridor will benefit not only Azerbaijan, Armenia and Türkiye but also other countries in the region. We view this line as a matter of paramount importance also with regard to its geo-economic dimension. Indeed, this line will also connect geographies beyond our region and boost trade. Our main expectation is that this line will become a symbol of consensus, not a source of disagreement. In this way, the region will be an area of prosperity where cooperation prevails."

Emphasising that they believe the countries of the region could resolve this issue by consensus, President Erdoğan said, "President İlham Aliyev of Azerbaijan attaches great importance to Zangezur. He wants to prepare the line as soon as possible and utilise it both for Azerbaijan and the region. I believe we will solve it together."