Two-State - Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus

LISTEN: President Tatar speaks to the BBC on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Türkiye’s Peace Operation

19 July, 2024

President Tatar speaks to the BBC World Service’s ‘Newsday’ programme about how the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus plans on commemorating Türkiye’s peace operation in 1974 that prevented a genocide of the Turkish Cypriot People. He explains why Türkiye was acting legally in its role as a Guarantor Power to protect both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and why its role on the island remains critical, alongside the UK’s.

“The longer the division of Cyprus continues, the more concrete it gets”

18 July, 2024

Europe section, the Economist

Cyprus has been divided for 50 years. Whilst not recognised, the separation of Northern Cyprus and South Cyprus effectively is the status quo and presents a vision for how a two state solution might work practically.

With confidence-building measures building, such as the proliferation of border crossings, a two state solution in this instance is a far easier task than in Israel and Palestine. It could even be a blueprint for success.

Northern Cyprus celebrates 50th anniversary of peace

16 July, 2024

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will mark the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation with a weekend of celebrations.

Over the course of the weekend, Turkish Cypriots will hold several events to celebrate the arrival of Turkish peacekeepers on Cyprus in 1974. Their arrival ended Greek Cypriot attempts to cleanse the island of Turkish Cypriots and to enforce an illegal Enosis with Greece.

There will be three main events marking the anniversary of this vital peacekeeping operation.
On the evening of Friday 19th July, Turkish Cypriots will gather for a torch lit rally on the beach at Girne, where Turkish forces first landed, to demonstrate their respect and gratitude for the surviving veterans who saved them from genocide.

Saturday morning, 20th July, will see the start of the main celebrations with a military parade through Lefkosa, the capital of the TRNC, followed by speeches from the President of the TRNC – Ersin Tatar, and the Turkish President – Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to the people of Northern Cyprus and commemorating those who died to prevent genocide.

In the afternoon, there will be a spectacular air display over Girne Harbour by the Turkish Stars and Solo Turk. The day will end with an invite-only reception at the Presidential Palace.

Our new Labour government can unlock Europe’s last frozen conflict

12 July, 2024

Çetin Ramadan, Comment Central

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has the chance to do something radical with his foreign policy. He can finally end Europe’s last frozen conflict and recognise a country that is pivotal to regional stability and home to thousands of Brits.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is critical to the UK’s security. Without recognising it, Britain is giving up our crucial position in the region to Russia and Iran. Keir Starmer and David Lammy can stop this.

Lord Balfe – ‘We can at least end the ostracization and isolation of the TRNC.’

11 May, 2024

Lord Balfe, politics.co.uk

After 50 years of failed negotiations in Cyprus, Lord Balfe calls on the United Kingdom to put things right.

There are several steps the British government could take to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots which could in turn end the impasse on the island.

Former celebrity hotspot in Cyprus blossoms after being closed off for 50 years

13 April, 2024

Georgie English, The Sun

The ghost town of Maraş was reopened in 2020 by TRNC President Tatar. Known for its past as an A-list celebrity hotspot, the town is now being eyed as the Dubai of the eastern Mediterranean.

After decades of abandonment, the TRNC has bold and ambitious plans to bring the seaside town back to its former glory. Over a million tourists have already visited the town – proving its incredible potential.

Two States in Cyprus can prevent the island from becoming the new Gaza

4 April, 2024

Nick Squires, The Telegraph

Both Sides in Cyprus must remain level-headed and respectful of one another to prevent a costly mistake that could turn the island into the new Gaza. Speaking to The Telegraph’s Nick Squires, who was visiting the TRNC, President Ersin Tatar outlined why he believes efforts to reunify the island are a ‘waste of time’, and explained how recognition from more countries can and will come slowly but surely.

The British Residents’ Society also gave their opinions on the continued stalemate in negotiations on the future of the island, with one commenting “you can’t keep flogging a dead horse.”

Maraş is booming with tourism. It now has the potential to become the next Dubai

28 March, 2024

Nick Squires, The Telegraph

When Maraş was reopened by President Tatar in 2021, it was brimming with potential. In just three years, the town has seen an exponential tourism boom – attracting over half a million visitors in just two years. The town has the potential to become the new Dubai of the eastern Mediterranean that benefits the economies of both the North and South of the island.

Baroness Mobarik – ‘Britain has no reason to continue ignoring the TRNC.’

6 March, 2024

Baroness Mobarik, Comment Central

Baroness Mobarik visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in February 2024. During her time there she saw the wealth of tourism and business opportunities the country offers the UK. She heard plans for Maraş to be restored as a world-leading tourist destination, and listened to the entrepreneurial spirit of Turkish Cypriot small business owners and the Chamber of Commerce (KTTO).

She says that the UK should seize the opportunities that the TRNC offers and recognise the two State solution on Cyprus to preserve peace and economically benefit both North and South.

Sammy Wilson MP – ‘The UK supports two states in Israel / Palestine, why not in Cyprus?’

20 February, 2024

The Rt. Hon. Sammy Wilson MP, Politics.co.uk

Sammy Wilson MP visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in January 2024. Following that visit, he returned to the UK with a full understanding of the injustice Turkish Cypriots face on a daily basis – from a lack of direct flights and trade, to banning from international sporting tournaments.

Turkish Cypriots are Commonwealth citizens and the UK has an obligation to defend their interests. Currently, this is not the case, and the way to win them equality on the world stage would be through recognition of a two State solution in Cyprus.

Tag: Two-State