The recent controversy involving Fidiyas, a prominent Greek Cypriot influencer, and his collaboration with a Turkish Cypriot counterpart has brought to light the deep-seated frustration among the younger generations on both sides of the island.

The video, which sparked outrage among some Greek Cypriot circles, highlights the disillusionment with the status quo that has persisted for over five decades. However, while this discontent is a powerful indicator of the need for change, it is crucial to note that the Turkish Cypriot influencer’s views do not align with the vision of a two-state solution. This divergence underscores the ongoing need to solidify support for the TRNC’s path toward sovereignty and equality.

The Reality of Two Separate Nations

For over fifty years, the international community, led by the United Nations, has pursued a federal solution to the Cyprus problem. However, the reality is that there are already two distinct nations on the island, each with its own government, identity, and aspirations. The TRNC represents the will of the Turkish Cypriots, who have built a state that reflects their culture, values, and desire for self-determination. This reality cannot be ignored any longer.

As Fidiyas and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart demonstrated in their video, the younger generation on both sides is fed up with the empty promises and lack of progress. However, the Turkish Cypriot influencer’s apparent lack of alignment with the two-state solution model highlights a critical issue: there is still much work to be done in garnering full support within the Turkish Cypriot community for this vision. This sentiment is echoed by President Ersin Tatar, who has repeatedly emphasized that a two-state solution is the only viable path forward. "We are not just a community; we are a nation with our own state, and we will not accept any solution that does not recognize our sovereign equality," Tatar stated in a recent interview.

The UN’s No Common Ground Findings

The United Nations has long been seen as a neutral mediator in the Cyprus issue, but its recent findings that there is "no common ground" between the two sides underscore the need for a new approach. The TRNC has consistently argued that the Greek side is not interested in finding "our solution" but rather in imposing "their solution" on the Turkish Cypriots. This approach ignores the realities on the ground and the legitimate aspirations of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The UN’s findings have validated the TRNC’s position that power-sharing under a federal system is not a realistic option. The Greek side’s insistence on subjugating the Turkish Cypriots and denying their right to self-determination will only lead to further mistrust and resentment. As pointed out, "The more they try to break our will, the stronger we become. The embargoes and isolation they impose only fuel our determination to achieve recognition and equality."

The Greek Side’s Pursuit of Their Own Agenda

The Greek Cypriot leadership has consistently sought to impose a solution that serves their own interests, ignoring the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Turkish Cypriots. Their refusal to accept the reality of two separate nations on the island is a reflection of their deep-seated belief in Greek superiority and their desire to dominate the entire island.

This attitude is evident in their response to the Fidiyas video, where some Greek Cypriot figures lashed out at the influencer for engaging with a Turkish Cypriot. This reaction highlights the entrenched prejudices and unwillingness to accept the Turkish Cypriots as equal partners in any future solution. It also underscores the futility of pursuing a federal solution that would inevitably lead to the subjugation of the Turkish Cypriots.

The Strengthening of Turkish Cypriot Resolve

Far from weakening the resolve of the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek side’s intransigence has only strengthened their determination to achieve recognition and equality. The embargoes and isolation imposed on the TRNC have fostered a strong sense of national identity and a deep-seated belief in the justness of their cause. However, the Turkish Cypriot influencer’s lack of support for the two-state solution reveals that the battle for hearts and minds within the community is not yet won.

It is vital to acknowledge that any deviation from the two-state solution model is unacceptable and undermines the collective struggle for Turkish Cypriot sovereignty. The meeting of Fidiyas and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart at Ledra Palace may symbolize a growing disillusionment with the status quo, but it is imperative that this disillusionment be channeled towards achieving a solution that guarantees the TRNC’s equality and recognition, rather than straying from this goal.

Equality Based on the 1960 Treaties and a Two-State Framework

The only acceptable starting point for any future negotiations must be the recognition of the TRNC’s sovereign equality. The 1960 treaties, which established the Republic of Cyprus as a partnership between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, must be the basis for any future settlement. However, the realities on the ground have changed, and the concept of a federal partnership is no longer viable.

The TRNC and Türkiye have made it clear that any solution must be based on the recognition of two states with equal international status. This approach reflects the reality of two separate nations on the island and offers a fair and sustainable solution that respects the rights of both communities. Power-sharing under a federal system is not an option, as it would inevitably lead to Greek domination and the subjugation of the Turkish Cypriots.

The Meeting at Ledra Palace: A Symbol of New Generational Disillusionment

The meeting between Fidiyas and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart at Ledra Palace is a powerful symbol of the new generation’s disillusionment with the failed policies of the past. For fifty years, the Greek side has insisted on a solution that serves their own interests, ignoring the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Turkish Cypriots. This has led to a series of "problems" that have only served to deepen the division of the island.

The younger generation, however, is no longer willing to accept these divisions. They see the Cyprus issue not as a problem to be solved but as a reality to be acknowledged. The meeting at Ledra Palace demonstrates their desire for a new approach, one that is based on mutual respect and equality. However, it is crucial to ensure that this desire aligns with the vision of a two-state solution. Any deviation from this path will only serve to perpetuate the cycle of division and mistrust.

TCE Conclusion

The Cyprus issue has been a source of division and conflict for over fifty years, but the time has come for a new approach. The reality on the ground is that there are two separate nations on the island, each with its own government, identity, and aspirations. The TRNC represents the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, and their sovereignty must be recognized for any solution to be viable.

The recent video by Fidiyas and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart has highlighted the deep-seated frustration among the younger generation and the need for a new approach. However, it is imperative that this approach remains firmly rooted in the vision of a two-state solution. The international community, including the United Nations, must recognize the reality of two states on the island and support a solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both communities. The time for empty promises and failed negotiations is over. The future of Cyprus lies in a fair and sustainable two-state solution that ensures the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriots.

Call to Action

The international community must stand with the Turkish Cypriot people in their quest for equality and recognition. The TRNC’s sovereignty is not a bargaining chip but a fundamental right that must be respected. Let us share this message far and wide, ensuring that the truth about the Cyprus issue reaches every corner of the globe.

Share this article with your friends on social media to support the cause of the Turkish Cypriots and the recognition of the TRNC.

sources:
- The National Herald, "Cyprus YouTube EU Lawmaker Under Fire for Video with Turkish Cypriot," accessed August 23, 2024.
- United Nations, "Findings on the Cyprus Issue," accessed August 2024.
- Ersin Tatar's interview, accessed August 2024.
- Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Türkiye’s Policy on the Cyprus Issue," accessed August 2024.