Date Added: 05 June 2024

A significant conference focusing on the future of Cyprus and the potential for a two-state solution was held in London.

The conference titled “Cyprus 2054: The Path to a Two-State Solution,” drew attention to the evolving political landscape and the possibilities of resolving the longstanding division of the island.

The conference took place at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, gathering key stakeholders and experts to discuss the future of Cyprus. Çimen Keskin, the TRNC’s representative in London, highlighted the Turkish Cypriot side’s firm belief that productive negotiations can only occur between two equal states.

Keskin stated, “Therefore, the Turkish Cypriot people demand the recognition of their inherent rights, including sovereign equality and the equal international status of our state, before any potential new process begins. We believe that negotiations between equals have a chance of success.”

Türkiye’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş, emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots’ demands for sovereign equality and equal international status are essentially their acquired rights.

Ertaş pointed out the legitimate demands of the Turkish Cypriots for both the restoration of their fundamental human rights and the assurance of their security concerns.

Ambassador Ertaş remarked, “As the motherland, protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriots is a priority in our foreign and national security policies. We continue to work on all occasions for the international community to adopt the two-state solution.”

Professor Dr. Hüseyin Işıksal, Special Advisor on International Relations and Diplomacy to the TRNC President, noted in his speech that there are hundreds of reports clearly showing that Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to acts tantamount to genocide.

Expressing the fundamental human rights being sought, Işıksal said, “What do we want? We want freedom of trade, freedom of movement, and the freedom to participate in sports competitions. These rights are not political. None of them are political. These are the natural rights of individuals. If you are human, these rights should be granted to you.”