Cyprus president rules out two-state solution as UN chief, EU envoy prepare visits

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Cyprus president rules out two-state solution as UN chief, EU envoy prepare visits
Erdoğan reaffirms Turkeys support for Turkish Cypriots on 1974 invasion anniversary
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President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus declared on Monday that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus are non-negotiable, rejecting any proposals for a two-state solution or disguised confederations. Speaking at a memorial event at the Presidential Palace marking 52 years since the 1974 coup and Turkish invasion, Christodoulides asserted that he would never sign an unworkable settlement or become "the president of partition."
Christodoulides also highlighted the upcoming visits of UN Secretary-General António Guterres from July 27 to 29 and EU Special Envoy Raffaele Fitto as signs of renewed international momentum on the Cyprus issue. He emphasized that progress in EU-Turkey relations is directly linked to substantive progress on the Cyprus issue.
Meanwhile, Turkish officials marked the 52nd anniversary of what they call the "Cyprus Peace Operation." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commemorated the anniversary by honoring martyrs and veterans and vowing that Turkey would never leave Turkish Cypriots alone in their "just struggle." Turkish naval vessels were opened to public visits in Kyrenia as part of the commemorations.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz attended a ceremony in Lefkosa, where he stated that Turkey brought peace to the entire island, including Greek Cypriots. He also emphasized that no Cyprus initiative can succeed without recognizing Turkish Cypriot sovereign equality.
The foreign ministry of Cyprus condemned Yilmaz's visit to the north of the island, reaffirming their commitment to the liberation and reunification of Cyprus based on the agreed United Nations framework.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman also stressed the need for results in the next enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem, stating that Turkish Cypriots are equal owners of the island and have never been a minority.
Turkey launched its invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 1974, following a Greek-backed coup that overthrew Greek Cypriot President Makarios III. The invasion resulted in the occupation of roughly 37% of the island and the deaths of around 3,000 people, mostly civilians. The conflict also led to the displacement of many Cypriots and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983, which is recognized only by Turkey.
The anniversary events included a military parade in north Nicosia and the opening of Turkish naval vessels to public visits in Kyrenia.
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