Hakan Fidan To Attend Informal Talks In Geneva In Support of TRNC

In a recent article titled "Turkish foreign minister to take part in informal meeting on Cyprus issue in Geneva," published by Anadolu Agency, it was reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will participate in an informal meeting on Cyprus alongside representatives from both sides of the divided island and guarantor powers at the UN Office in Geneva.

"The meeting, hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, aims to discuss views on the Cyprus issue for the upcoming period, though it is not intended to be a continuation of past negotiation processes or the beginning of a new one."

While the article objectively covers the upcoming Geneva meeting, it implicitly highlights the pressing need to abandon failed approaches and embrace a realistic, contemporary solution for Cyprus. It underscores the strategic significance of Türkiye's presence, signaling Ankara’s unwavering support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and reinforcing the legitimacy of Turkish Cypriot demands for sovereignty.

Breaking from Failed Models

For nearly half a century, international efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue have been mired in the pursuit of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Yet these frameworks have consistently proven unsuccessful due to fundamental asymmetries and the failure of the Greek Cypriot leadership to acknowledge Turkish Cypriots' political equality and sovereign rights. Such negotiations have repeatedly collapsed, notably at Crans-Montana in 2017, where entrenched positions and refusal to acknowledge equal sovereignty doomed talks from the outset.

Continuing to cling to the federation model perpetuates the status quo, ignoring the political realities and aspirations of the Turkish Cypriot people. Turkish Cypriots have repeatedly articulated their right to self-determination, a foundational principle enshrined in international law, yet consistently overlooked by the international community. The persistent international denial of this right entrenches divisions rather than resolving them.

A Pragmatic Path Forward: The Two-State Solution

The call by Turkish Cypriot leadership, notably articulated by the President, for recognition of a sovereign, independent TRNC represents not a provocative break but rather a pragmatic acknowledgment of the realities on the ground. Since 1974, the island has functioned as two distinct administrative and political entities, each developing its own democratic structures, economic institutions, and cultural identities. Pretending otherwise perpetuates tensions and injustices rather than resolving them.

The President of the TRNC has consistently advocated for creativity and realism in approaching negotiations, seeking solutions that benefit both sides and enhance regional stability. The two-state solution is precisely such an innovative, realistic approach, recognizing the distinct identities, aspirations, and governance structures already present.

This solution empowers Turkish Cypriots to govern themselves fully, without interference or domination, while allowing constructive cooperation on shared matters such as environmental policy, trade, tourism, and security. Recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereignty, far from deepening divisions, would create clarity, stability, and mutual respect, transforming Cyprus into an island of genuine coexistence rather than perpetual conflict.

Türkiye’s Crucial Role and Confidence for Turkish Cypriots

Türkiye's active presence at the Geneva talks reinforces the confidence and negotiating strength of the TRNC, underscoring that Turkish Cypriots are not alone in their pursuit of sovereignty and equal rights. Türkiye’s involvement is grounded in historical bonds, international legal agreements, and its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, security, and equality of Turkish Cypriots.

This backing serves as an essential counterbalance to historical international isolation and political marginalization faced by the TRNC. Türkiye’s diplomatic and geopolitical influence ensures that Turkish Cypriot voices cannot be easily dismissed or overshadowed at international platforms. In Geneva, Türkiye’s assertive diplomacy and strategic guidance provide Turkish Cypriots with a powerful platform to present their case compellingly, secure in the knowledge that their position is robustly supported.

Countering Opposition and Misconceptions

Critics of the two-state model frequently claim that formal recognition of the TRNC would entrench the island’s division, violating long-standing UN resolutions that advocate for reunification. However, such criticism ignores decades of ineffective negotiations that have consistently failed precisely because they neglect the reality of a politically and culturally divided island.

International insistence on outdated frameworks risks perpetuating injustices rather than resolving them. The United Nations' responsibility must be to facilitate a just solution rooted in realism and fairness, not to impose frameworks repeatedly rejected by the island’s inhabitants.

Moreover, diplomatic resistance to recognizing Turkish Cypriot sovereignty is neither inevitable nor insurmountable. Through sustained diplomatic efforts and strategic advocacy by Türkiye and Turkish Cypriot representatives, international opinion can—and must—shift. Recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereignty is achievable through constructive engagement, emphasizing equal human rights, democratic principles, and international stability.

Reassessing International Engagement with the TRNC

The persistent exclusion of the TRNC from global diplomatic forums and international trade represents an ongoing injustice against Turkish Cypriots. This exclusion is unjustified and detrimental to regional stability, preventing both communities from fully benefiting from cooperative economic and social opportunities.

The international community, especially organizations like the European Union, must reconsider their outdated isolation policies. Economic and cultural embargoes perpetuated against Turkish Cypriots hinder regional stability and cooperation, unjustly penalizing an entire population simply because of unresolved political disputes. Engagement with the TRNC, rather than isolation, fosters conditions conducive to peaceful coexistence and economic prosperity across the island.

Strengthening Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean

Recognition of the TRNC and a two-state model would significantly enhance stability throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Clearly defined sovereignties foster clarity and mutual respect, reducing tensions inherent in disputed territorial waters and energy exploration rights. Additionally, bilateral economic agreements between sovereign states would enhance prosperity, benefiting both Turkish and Greek Cypriots, as well as regional neighbors.

Türkiye’s ongoing economic and infrastructural support, including significant projects like water supply and energy pipelines to Northern Cyprus, underscores the feasibility and desirability of sovereign recognition. These initiatives illustrate Türkiye's commitment to stability, prosperity, and sustainable development, providing a concrete demonstration of the benefits achievable under a two-state solution.

TCE Conclusion: Seizing the Moment in Geneva

The informal meeting in Geneva represents a critical juncture. It provides a genuine opportunity for Turkish Cypriots and their allies, particularly Türkiye, to articulate a compelling case for sovereignty, equality, and self-determination. The international community must seize this moment to abandon failed paradigms and endorse a pragmatic, equitable solution rooted firmly in political reality and democratic values.

Turkish Cypriots deserve international acknowledgment of their legitimate aspirations. Recognizing the TRNC's sovereignty through a two-state solution is not merely a political gesture; it is a long-overdue act of justice. This is the moment to ensure both communities in Cyprus can finally coexist with dignity, mutual respect, and lasting peace.

References

• "Turkish foreign minister to take part in informal meeting on Cyprus issue in Geneva," Anadolu Agency.

• "Turkish Cypriot leader says 'new model' needed to solve Cyprus issue," Anadolu Agency.

• "Türkiye, TRNC return to table in Geneva with two-state solution," Daily Sabah.

• "UN-sponsored Cyprus talks collapse in Crans-Montana," BBC News.

• "Cyprus Issue and Two-State Solution: A Fresh Perspective," Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• "Türkiye’s Geopolitical Role in Eastern Mediterranean Stability," Insight Türkiye.

• "Cyprus: From Deadlock to Realism," Foreign Policy Review.