No solution for Cyprus after 50 years of negotiations says Turkish minister

A solution to the Cyprus problem cannot be found after half a century of negotiations, thus cementing a two-state solution, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Tuesday.

“It is not a matter of founding the state, but a recognition of the state which has already been founded,” he said during an event marking the 39^th anniversary of the ‘TRNC’.

Akar highlighted there can never be a solution in Cyprus if Turkey’s existence on the island is not respected. At the same time, he accused Greece of sabotaging peace efforts due to its “inexplicable love” for military equipment, which upsets the peace and stability between the two countries. “Cyprus is our national issue.”

Referring to the dispute that arose over the ‘TRNC’s’ observer status at the Organisation of Turkic States, Akar said “we will continue to do everything we need to do, for the matter of guarantees and alliances.

“On the other hand, we continue to keep our relations with Greece and stretch out our hands in peace. We are in favour of peace and negotiations. We are in favour of resolving the problems between Turkey and Greece with peaceful means but on the other hand, everyone should know that we will not allow our rights or those of our Cypriot brothers to be trampled on.”

Turkey seeking out peace does not mean weakness, and Turkey seeking to protect its rights does not constitute a threat, he said.

The minister added that Turkey stood by the side “of our Cypriot brothers and will continue to do so.

Turkey and the north have showed at every opportunity they are in favour of peace but this has always been rejected, Akar noted.