28th Eurasian Economic Summit: The Cyprus Misdiagnosis

Background

In a compelling address at the 28th Eurasian Economic Summit in İstanbul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, articulated a perspective that challenges prevailing international narratives.

Despite these developments, the international community, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), continued to recognize the Greek Cypriot administration as the legitimate government of Cyprus. Minister Ertuğruloğlu criticized this stance.

“The Cyprus issue is the recognition of the Greek Cypriot Administration as the Republic of Cyprus.” H.E. Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu - TRNC Foreign Minister

This assertion underscores a critical misdiagnosis perpetuated by global institutions, which continue to recognize the Greek Cypriot administration as the sole representative of Cyprus, thereby marginalizing the Turkish Cypriot community.

Historical Context & Misrepresentation

The Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 as a bi-communal state, intended to represent both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. However, in 1963, Greek Cypriots unilaterally amended the constitution, effectively excluding Turkish Cypriots from governance. This action led to intercommunal violence and the eventual division of the island.

Despite these developments, the international community, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), continued to recognize the Greek Cypriot administration as the legitimate government of Cyprus. Minister Ertuğruloğlu criticized this stance:

“The Cyprus problem was misdiagnosed and this mistake continues today.” H.E. Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu - TRNC Foreign Minister

This misdiagnosis has allowed the Greek Cypriot administration to act as the sole representative of Cyprus, ignoring the existence and rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

28th Eurasian Economic Summit

The 28th Eurasian Economic Summit opened on Wednesday in Istanbul, focusing on dialogue to address global challenges such as conflicts, climate change, economic inequality, and migration.

The Role of International Institutions

Minister Ertuğruloğlu highlighted the complicity of international institutions in perpetuating this misrepresentation. He noted that the UNSC's failure to acknowledge the reality on the ground has contributed to the ongoing impasse:

“The permanent member states of the UNSC have disregarded the status and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people.” H.E. Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu - TRNC Foreign Minister

Furthermore, the European Union's decision to admit the Greek Cypriot administration as a member state in 2004, despite the unresolved Cyprus issue, has exacerbated the situation. This move effectively rewarded unilateral actions and undermined efforts toward a fair and lasting solution.

The Two-State Solution

Given the historical context and the failure of numerous reunification efforts, including the Annan Plan in 2004, which was accepted by Turkish Cypriots but rejected by Greek Cypriots, the TRNC advocates for a two-state solution. This approach recognizes the existence of two sovereign entities on the island, each with its own governance structures and international relations.

Minister Ertuğruloğlu emphasized the necessity of this approach:

“As long as this mistake continues and the existence of the Turkish Cypriot state on the island is denied, it will not be possible to solve the Cyprus problem in any meaningful way.” H.E. Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu - TRNC Foreign Minister

This perspective aligns with the reality on the ground, where two distinct communities have coexisted separately for decades, each with its own institutions and societal structures.

International Isolation and Injustice

The international community's refusal to recognize the TRNC has led to significant challenges for Turkish Cypriots, including political isolation, economic embargoes, and limited access to international platforms. Minister Ertuğruloğlu lamented this marginalization:

“The only reason I have this opportunity to speak to you on this platform today is because this event is being held in Türkiye. Nowhere else do we have such an opportunity.” H.E. Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu - TRNC Foreign Minister

This exclusion not only hampers the TRNC's ability to engage in international discourse but also perpetuates a sense of injustice among its citizens.

Türkiye's Support and Regional Dynamics

Türkiye has consistently supported the TRNC's quest for recognition and equality. The strategic partnership between the two entities is evident in various sectors, including defense, economy, and diplomacy. This alliance underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the Cyprus issue.

Moreover, other regional actors, such as Azerbaijan, have expressed support for the TRNC. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for the TRNC, highlighting the robust ties between the two nations.

TCE Conclusion

The persistent misdiagnosis of the Cyprus issue by international institutions has led to decades of injustice and marginalization for the Turkish Cypriot community. Recognizing the TRNC as a sovereign entity is not only a matter of political accuracy but also a step toward rectifying historical wrongs.

A two-state solution, acknowledging the realities on the ground and the aspirations of both communities, offers a viable path forward. It is imperative for the international community to reevaluate its stance and engage with both entities on equal footing to foster a just and lasting resolution.