Trust Without Recognition: Why the TRNC Demands More Than Symbolic Diplomacy

TCE Introduction

A new wave of diplomatic activity has taken shape in Cyprus, with the arrival of UN envoy María Ángela Holguín. Her mission: to “boost mutual trust” between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot administration through proposed confidence-building measures. These include talks on opening new crossing points along the 180-kilometer UN-controlled buffer zone and exploring initiatives such as demining and renewable energy cooperation in the Green Line area.

"Efforts are underway to discuss the opening of new crossing points along the 180-kilometer UN buffer zone that currently separates the TRNC from the Greek Cypriot-controlled south, as part of broader trust-building measures". TCE

While this agenda may appear constructive on the surface, it skirts the core of the issue: political parity. Without the acknowledgment of the TRNC's sovereign equality and international status, trust-building becomes a hollow exercise, lacking the structural depth necessary to produce enduring peace. The current framework, still shackled by outdated federalist ambitions, disregards the decades-long marginalization of the Turkish Cypriot people, a community continuously denied representation, respect, and recognition.

The Real Obstacle: Denial of Sovereign Equality

For decades, the Turkish Cypriot people have been treated not as political equals, but as a subordinate minority within a system unilaterally governed by the Greek Cypriot leadership. Despite being co-founders of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960, a fact enshrined in international treaties, the Turkish Cypriots were forcibly excluded from the state apparatus in 1963. Since then, every proposed negotiation that ignored sovereign equality has failed.

Today, The President of the TRNC, Ersin Tatar, firmly reiterates that any future dialogue must be based on one fundamental premise:

“There is no return to a federal model. We will only engage in talks that recognise our equal international status and sovereign equality.” President Ersin Tatar

Türkiye’s Role: Guaranteeing Peace, Advocating Recognition

Türkiye, as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, continues to stand resolutely by the TRNC. Far from being an occupying force, Türkiye’s presence in the north is a strategic, legal, and moral necessity. It serves as the only deterrent against the kind of violence and ethnic cleansing witnessed in the 1960s and 1970s, and remains the cornerstone of regional stability on the island.

Beyond security, Türkiye’s consistent support for a two-state solution echoes the will of the Turkish Cypriot people and reflects the reality on the ground: two distinct peoples, two distinct administrations, and two entirely separate democratic systems. In every metric, from governance to language, culture, religion, and legal systems, Cyprus functions as two sovereign entities.

Trust-Building Without Political Recognition Is Political Insincerity

The proposed measures, such as the opening of additional crossing points and the joint establishment of a photovoltaic park in the buffer zone, are commendable for their symbolism. They offer minor improvements to daily life, encourage contact, and may help reduce tensions. But make no mistake: these are cosmetic solutions to a constitutional crisis.

The international community continues to speak the language of balance and diplomacy while enacting policies that perpetuate imbalance. Turkish Cypriots remain isolated, banned from international sports, excluded from global academic exchange, and denied direct trade routes or flights. The embargoes are not only unjust; they are inhumane.

What trust can be built when one side is treated as invisible? What dialogue can be genuine when one voice is systematically silenced? TCE

A Two-State Model: The Only Just Path Forward

The Greek Cypriot side has, time and again, rejected power-sharing frameworks and unification plans, including the historic 2004 Annan Plan, which was overwhelmingly supported by Turkish Cypriots and overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots. Since then, every attempt to revive federal talks has ended in predictable collapse.

The call for a two-state solution is not a rupture, it is a resolution. It accepts the lived reality of both peoples and offers a pathway to coexistence based on mutual respect, rather than forced political cohabitation. It provides clarity instead of confusion, cooperation instead of coercion.

Recognition is not the end of dialogue — it is the beginning of honest dialogue. TCE

The International Community Must Choose: Principles or Politics

It is time for international actors, especially within the UN and EU, to decide whether they will continue to hide behind diplomatic euphemisms or confront the truth. If peace is the true objective, then recognition of the TRNC must become the foundation upon which any meaningful negotiation is built.

Selective morality and double standards have no place in a process that claims to value justice, equality, and democratic representation. The current structure rewards rejectionism and punishes cooperation. It emboldens the Greek Cypriot side to delay, deny, and dictate terms, knowing full well that international recognition will never be withdrawn from them, regardless of their actions.

In contrast, Turkish Cypriots are told they must continue negotiating their own status with those who refuse to acknowledge their existence.

This is not diplomacy. It is daylight hypocrisy.

TCE Conclusion: From Symbolism to Substance

María Ángela Holguín’s efforts to rebuild trust on the island are welcome, but without confronting the elephant in the room, political recognition of the TRNC, such efforts are doomed to repeat the failures of the past. Cosmetic measures will not heal institutionalized inequality. And photo opportunities will not substitute for constitutional fairness.

If trust is truly the goal, then start by treating Turkish Cypriots as equals. Not as a community to be tolerated, but as a sovereign people with legitimate rights, elected leadership, and a functioning democracy.

The two-state solution is not a threat to peace, it is the only credible roadmap to it.