Ankara files twin UN letters asserting “two equal states” in Cyprus

Letters Filed to UN

Türkiye’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has sent two formal letters to the UN Secretary-General, dated 7 and 13 August, arguing that Cyprus consists of “two state entities of equal status,” urging the launch of dialogue for a two-state settlement based on the sovereign equality and equal international status of Turkish Cypriots. The letters were circulated as official documents of both the General Assembly and the Security Council under symbols A/79/987–S/2025/507 and A/79/992–S/2025/515.

In language reported from the filings, Ankara says a federal solution is not possible, arguing that “the only realistic option is the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots” and that talks should begin for a two-state solution.

The 7 August transmission also rebuts allegations concerning operations at Ercan Airport, stating the facility operates “according to ICAO standards.” The letters further assert that Greek Cypriots “seized by force” the Republic of Cyprus decades ago and continue to violate  Turkish Cypriots’ human rights. The new correspondence follows a 3 July filing, in which Ankara said it is “ready to negotiate a settlement based on the cooperation of two States on the basis of sovereign equality and equal international status.”

Ercan Airport

On 7 and 13 August 2025, Türkiye, through its Permanent Mission to the United Nations, submitted two letters to UN Secretary‑General António Guterres, filed respectively as S/2025/507 and S/2025/515. Both letters emphasise that “there are two state entities of equal status” in Cyprus. One letter, responding to airspace disputes, even asserts that services at Ercan Airport operate “according to ICAO standards”, and categorically rejects federalism: “the only ‘realistic’ path is recognition of sovereign equality and a two‑state deal.” The second letter accuses Greek Cypriots of having “seized by force the Republic of Cyprus decades ago” and continuing to violate Turkish Cypriots’ human rights.

Equal International Status

The letter asserts that “Kıbrıs’ta federal çözümün olamayacağına dikkat çekilen mektupta; ‘tek gerçekçi seçeneğin Kıbrıslı Türklerin egemen eşitliğinin ve eşit uluslararası statüsünün tanınması’ ve ‘iki devletli çözüm için’ diyaloğun başlatılması olduğu savunuldu.” That is, it declares that a federal solution in Cyprus is not possible, and that the only realistic choice is the recognition of “the sovereign equality and equal international status of Turkish Cypriots” and to initiate dialogue on a two‑state solution

Immediately, we must undercut the tired notion of a bizonal, bicommunal federation long advanced by Greek Cypriots and their European backers. From a pro–Turkish Cypriot viewpoint, the time has come to assert the full legitimacy of the TRNC and demand genuine parity. As Türkiye’s President has declared, “A federal solution in Cyprus is not possible, this is what we believe” Let’s reinforce that stance with current evidence, quotations, and legal grounding.

Analysis and Expansion

1. The Federal Myth—Repeated Failures Undermine Its Credibility

• In July 2024, President Erdoğan, speaking in North Nicosia, reiterated:

  “A federal solution in Cyprus is not possible, this is what we believe.”

• The 2004 Annan Plan referendum revealed the imbalance: while 65 % of Turkish Cypriots supported it, it was resoundingly rejected by 76 % of Greek Cypriots. The UN acknowledged the injustice, urging lifting barriers isolating Turkish Cypriots, but failed to enforce parity.

• Negotiations collapsed most recently in 2017 (Crans‑Montana) and earlier at other high‑level talks, federal solutions have repeatedly failed.

These entrenched setbacks demonstrate that a renewed federal push is not only unrealistic, it perpetuates the marginalization of Turkish Cypriots.

2. Two-State Solution: Legally Defensible and Supported by Polls and Courts

• A widely accepted two‑state solution, legalizing the de facto division with recognition of the TRNC—aligns with the island’s realities. As defined, it proposes two separate sovereign states: Turkish Cypriot State in the north, Greek Cypriot State in the south.

• On international law: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated in 2010 that “international law contains no prohibition on declarations of independence.” The issue is political recognition, not legality.

• US federal court (2014) described the TRNC as a “democratic republic” and held it “is NOT vulnerable to a lawsuit in Washington.” The UK High Court (2017) affirmed:

  “The United Nations itself works with Northern Cyprus law enforcement agencies and facilitates co‑operation between the two parts of the island.”

These rulings validate the TRNC’s functional legitimacy and undermine arguments that it lacks legal substance.

• Polling data shows deep Turkish Cypriot support: in January 2020, 81.3 % favored the two‑state solution.

3. UN Talks and Obstacles: The Union Is Stalled Without Sovereign Equality

• In July 2025, UN-mediated talks faltered again. Turkish Cypriot Leader Ersin Tatar said:

  “Unless our sovereign equality and equal international status is reaffirmed, we will not resume formal negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem.”

• Tatar also blamed Greek Cypriots for blocking border crossings and pursuing damaging legal actions over property in the north.

• Yet, trust-building efforts continue: landmine removal, environmental projects, youth and solar energy committees have advanced.

The persistence of bilateral initiatives underscores that cooperation is possible—but only when framed on equal terms, not under Greek‑dominated federal pretenses.

4. TRNC President: A Voice for Rights and Recognition

• In June 2025, The President (TRNC) underscored a critical judgment:

  “It is not possible to reach a solution by ignoring the Turkish Cypriot side and placing our people under a blockade.” 

• He added:

  “The Turkish Cypriot people, who are self‑reliant and standing on their own feet, is what is most unsettling for the Greek Cypriot leadership.”

These statements reinforce the strength and resolve of Turkish Cypriots and the imperative for recognition of their equal rights and status.

The International and Embargo Context

• There remains a “double standard”: Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly supported the Annan Plan—but were denied EU membership benefits, while Greek Cypriots joined the EU alone.

• The EU continues to reject any two‑state solution: it “will ‘never, ever’ accept a two‑state solution in Cyprus” 

• UN General Assembly reaffirmed:

  “There is no single authority in Cyprus capable of representing both Turkish Cypriot …” 

These layers of exclusion illustrate the systemic denial of Turkish Cypriot equality, reinforcing the need to pivot toward a two‑state paradigm.

Justifying Two-State Solution: Words from the Leadership

President Ersin Tatar, often referred to simply as The President, has reiterated this position in personal engagements. On 5 August 2025, during a farewell visit from outgoing UN envoy Colin Stewart, Tatar stated:

“There are two separate, sovereign, equal states.”Reuters

Additionally, Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared earlier this year (8 January 2025):

“Cyprus must continue on the path of a two‑state solution”… other reconciliation efforts would be “a waste of time.”

These statements underscore a consistent and principled demand for sovereign equality—grounded in democratic legitimacy, freedom of self-determination, and justice.

Context from Contemporary Reactions

The Greek Cypriot side and their international backers remain firmly opposed. Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Christodoulides said on 5 March 2025:

“Our goal is one: to resume talks … on the basis of the agreed (U.N.) framework. We are not discussing anything else.”

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, on 6 March 2025, expressed bleak prospects for the Geneva UN meeting:

“There is no likelihood of establishing a partnership with the Greek Cypriots … why insist on a proven failure of a formula?”

These quotes reveal a stark ideological division: reunification under a federal model—or recognition of two sovereign states.

UN and International Law: Support for Turkish Cypriot Legitimacy

Though the UN has historically backed a bicommunal, bizonal federation (BBF) as the only solution—per Security Council Resolutions 649 (1990), 939 (1994), and reaffirmed in Resolution 2646 (2022)—these frameworks have failed to deliver results or incorporate Turkish Cypriot agency.

Critically, international jurisprudence provides openings for recognizing entities like the TRNC. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2010 that “general international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence.” Similarly, U.S. courts have described the TRNC as a “Democratic Republic” with de facto governance structures; the UK’s High Court affirmed that the UN engages with Northern Cypriot law enforcement as a practical necessity.

These findings underscore that international law does not automatically delegitimize TRNC sovereignty.

Legal and Moral Imperatives: Why Two States Are Just

1. Democratic Reality: Turkish Cypriots have, through elections and civic consensus, consistently endorsed separate governance structures. The President’s views reflect this democratic will.

2. Legal Plausibility: International Court and domestic courts validate that TRNC’s institutions must be acknowledged for practical engagements.

3. Unfaltering Federation Failure: Since 2017, UN talks on BBF have failed, despite incremental trust-building such as environmental and youth initiatives.

4. Equal Sovereignty Means Equal Rights: Turkish Cypriots have continuously been treated as second-class within federal frameworks, denied representation and forced into archaism.

5. Moral Justice: After decades of isolation and delegitimization, Turkish Cypriots deserve recognition—peacefully, equitably, and with dignity.

TCE Conclusion: A Justice-Driven Vision for Cyprus

It is time to confront historically entrenched asymmetries. The UN letters are not provocations, they are logical, humane, and legally sound demands for recognition and equality. Turkish Cypriots do not seek dominance, they seek justice.