The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has declared a resolute stance ahead of the upcoming informal United Nations meeting on the Cyprus issue. Emphasizing that future negotiations can only proceed if their sovereign equality and equal international status are acknowledged, the TRNC is sending a clear message: the time for unequal treatment is over. This firm position underscores the Turkish Cypriot commitment to a fair and lasting solution, grounded in the realities of the island.

A Clear Message from the TRNC Leadership

President Ersin Tatar has been unequivocal in outlining the TRNC's position. In a recent statement, he asserted:

"We will not engage in any formal negotiations unless our sovereign equality and equal international status are recognized. Decades of negotiations ignoring these fundamental rights have led nowhere."¹

This stance is a response to repeated negotiation processes that have failed to yield results due to the Greek Cypriot side's reluctance to share power and resources equitably.

Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu reinforced this message:

"The Turkish Cypriot people have been unjustly isolated and denied their rights for too long. We seek a sustainable solution based on cooperation between two equal sovereign states."²

Core Demands: Recognition and Equality

The TRNC's demands center on two main principles:

1. Sovereign Equality: Recognition of the TRNC as an equal sovereign entity, not a subordinate community.
   
2. Equal International Status: The ability to participate in international organizations and agreements on an equal footing.

These demands aim to rectify the imbalance that has persisted in negotiations, where the Greek Cypriot Administration is treated as the sole legitimate government of the island, despite representing only the Greek Cypriot community.

 Challenges with the Current Negotiation Framework

The Turkish Cypriot leadership argues that the existing negotiation framework is flawed:

- Ineffective Past Negotiations: Multiple rounds of talks over decades have failed to resolve the issue, largely due to the Greek Cypriot side's intransigence.

- Unilateral Advantages: The Greek Cypriot Administration benefits from international recognition and EU membership, providing little incentive to compromise.

- Lack of Enforcement: International agreements and UN resolutions calling for equitable solutions have not been effectively enforced.

President Tatar highlighted these issues:

"Continuing negotiations under the same parameters expecting different results is futile. We need a new approach that acknowledges the realities on the ground."¹

Greek Cypriot Administration's Position

The Greek Cypriot Administration maintains that it is the sole legitimate government of Cyprus and rejects any solution that would imply recognition of the TRNC as a separate sovereign state.

Greek Leader Nikos Christodoulides stated:

"Our goal is the reunification of Cyprus as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Any form of two-state solution is unacceptable."³

This position effectively dismisses the Turkish Cypriot demands and perpetuates the status quo.

 International Bias and the Role of the UN

The TRNC has expressed concerns about international bias, particularly within the United Nations and the European Union:

- Unequal Treatment: The Greek Cypriot Administration is often treated as the default representative of the island, marginalizing the Turkish Cypriot voice.

- Lack of Impartiality: The TRNC questions the neutrality of international mediators who fail to address the asymmetry in representation.

Foreign Minister Ertuğruloğlu commented:

"We expect the UN to act as an impartial facilitator. Recognizing our sovereign equality is a prerequisite for any meaningful negotiation."²

Support from Türkiye

Türkiye fully backs the TRNC's position. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan affirmed:

"A fair and lasting solution in Cyprus is only possible by accepting the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people. We stand with our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters in their rightful cause."⁴

Türkiye's support adds weight to the TRNC's demands and emphasizes the regional importance of resolving the issue equitably.

The Importance of a Two-State Solution

The TRNC proposes a cooperative relationship between two equal states on the island. This approach aims to:

- Reflect Current Realities: Acknowledge the existence of two separate administrations that have functioned independently for decades.

- Promote Stability: Establish clear boundaries and governance structures to prevent future conflicts.

- Enhance Cooperation: Open avenues for collaboration in areas such as trade, tourism, and resource sharing.

President Tatar explained:

"A two-state solution is not about division but about cooperation between equals. It's time to think pragmatically for the future of all Cypriots."¹

Calls for International Support

The TRNC urges the international community to:

- Acknowledge Sovereign Equality: Recognize the TRNC's status to enable fair negotiations.

- Encourage Balanced Dialogue: Facilitate discussions that respect the rights and perspectives of both sides.

- Avoid Bias: Act impartially, without favoring one community over the other.

Professor Hasan Ünal, an international relations expert, stated:

"For a lasting solution, global powers must abandon double standards and engage with both parties equally. Ignoring the Turkish Cypriot side only prolongs the conflict."⁵

TCE Conclusion: A Turning Point for Cyprus

The upcoming UN meeting is a critical juncture. The TRNC's firm stance underscores a shift from protracted negotiations without results to a demand for recognition and equality as the basis for any future talks.

The success of this approach depends on the willingness of the Greek Cypriot Administration and the international community to engage sincerely with the TRNC's proposals.

As Foreign Minister Ertuğruloğlu aptly put it:

"We are ready to negotiate, but not under conditions that negate our existence and rights. It's time for a new chapter based on reality, equality, and mutual respect."²

The path to peace in Cyprus requires bold decisions and an honest appraisal of the island's political landscape. Recognizing the TRNC's sovereign equality could pave the way for a sustainable solution that benefits all Cypriots.

 References

1. Tatar, E. (2023). Statement Ahead of UN Informal Meeting. TRNC Presidential Office.

2. Ertuğruloğlu, T. (2023). Interview with Anadolu Agency.

3. Christodoulides, N. (2023). Press Conference on Cyprus Issue. Government of the Republic of Cyprus.

4. Erdoğan, R. T. (2023). Speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

5. Ünal, H. (2023). Cyprus: The Need for a New Approach. International Relations Journal.