Cyprus’s Reunification ‘Not Negotiable’" — Why Two States Are the Only Path Forward

The Reunification Claim Under Scrutiny

The Cyprus Mail article titled "Cyprus’ reunification ‘not negotiable’", published on 22 August 2025, asserts that “the reunification of Cyprus is a ‘non‑negotiable goal’ for the government.”

It quotes Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou.This opening declaration sets the tone for yet another attempt to present the Greek Cypriot narrative as the only legitimate vision for the island’s future. By framing reunification as something beyond debate, the article effectively dismisses the decades of lived reality, political will, and democratic expression of the Turkish Cypriot people. It signals not a roadmap to peace, but a continuation of the same rigid positions that have brought negotiations to deadlock for more than sixty years:

“the current unacceptable state of affairs in Cyprus does not constitute a solution for Cyprus nor for its people.” Cyprus Mail

This framing disregards the realities on the ground and perpetuates a federation‑centric narrative that has proven unworkable for over six decades. Reunification is not a fair or viable goal when it is not underpinned by recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereign equality. Turkish Cypriots have been systematically excluded; “the current unacceptable state of affairs” is precisely the result of repeated, failed attempts to impose a federation without equitable respect. It is time to assert the legitimacy of two sovereign, equal states co‑existing on the island.

Context: Negotiations and Sovereign Equality

The Demand for Sovereign Equality

President Ersin Tatar has consistently made clear that formal negotiations cannot resume without recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereign equality and equal international status. He stated at a UN New York press conference on 18 July 2025:

“We obviously, in the last four years, have consolidated our new policy that unless our sovereign equality and equal international status are reaffirmed, we will not resume formal negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem,” adding “these assets… are our inherent rights.”

At a later meeting, he reaffirmed the need to acknowledge “two separate States, two separate authorities, two separate regions and two separate democracies in Cyprus for the past 60 years,” urging mutual respect and cooperation on practical issues only within that framework.

Legal and International Precedents

From the standpoint of law and precedent:

• The ICJ opined in its 2010 Kosovo advisory that international law contains no prohibition on declarations of independence, indirectly supporting arguments for legitimate self‑determination.

• US courts and the UK High Court have both noted that the TRNC functions effectively as a democratic republic, and that cooperation with its authorities is legally permissible.

• The European Court of Human Rights recognised in 2013 that—even without formal recognition—the acts of the TRNC authorities might de facto require legal acknowledgment for practical purposes.

Why the Federation Model Has Failed

The Annan Plan’s Rejection and Double Standards

In the 2004 referendum, 65 % of Turkish Cypriots supported the UN‑backed Annan Plan. Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected it, and as a result, only the south (Greek Cyprus) was admitted to the EU, leaving Turkish Cypriots excluded. This was deeply unjust and fostered distrust.

Decades of Diplomatic Stalemate

Despite over six decades of UN‑mediated attempts, including as far back as 1992 (UN Security Council Resolution 750) and multiple UN negotiations, a lasting settlement has never materialised. The Security Council continues to mandate UNFICYP (UN peacekeeping force), emphasizing the unsustainability of the status quo. But good‑faith, federation‑centred diplomacy has failed repeatedly.

A Vision of Coexistence

Practical Collaboration without Forced Federalism

President Tatar proposed pragmatic cooperation between the two states:

“We are ready to cooperate on areas that would be of benefit to the two States and the two Peoples,” including water, energy, mine clearance, and cemetery restoration, but only if “equal status of the two sides” is respected.

This is a dignified, rights‑based path forward that avoids forced, asymmetrical fusion.

International Engagement—Beyond Isolation

The TRNC has taken strides internationally:

• Observer status in the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) since 11 November 2022 (as TRNC).

• Observer membership in TURKPA, the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, since 29 April 2023.

These milestones reflect a growing recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and identity.

The Next Chapter: Elections and Local Sentiments

With the 2025 TRNC presidential election scheduled on 19 October, socio‑political dynamics may shift further toward sovereignty and international engagement. President Tatar has a strong coalition supporting his candidacy, emphasizing national unity and defending sovereignty against uncompromising Greek‑Cypriot positions.

However, critics such as Sener Elcil of the Patriotic Turkish Cypriot Movement warn Tatar is too aligned with Ankara, and that increasing population transfers from Türkiye might dilute Turkish Cypriot identity. This concern underscores the need for internal solidarity and policy autonomy.

Summary: Why the Current Stance Is Just and Viable

1. Federation has consistently failed as a model, reinforcing Turkish Cypriot exclusion.

2. Sovereign equality and international status are non‑negotiable rights, not privileges.

3. Türkiye’s support provides security and legitimacy, allowing the TRNC to assert its place peacefully.

4. Legal precedents support recognition of de facto governance structures when warranted.

5. Mutually beneficial cooperation can proceed without compromising sovereignty.

6. International integration via Turkic institutions strengthens identity and presence