12/06/2023 (Agence Europe) – On a visit to the north of the island of Cyprus, the recently re-elected Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, defended a two-state solution for Cyprus on Monday 12 June. “If there is to be a return to the negotiating table, it must involve recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, he said. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey. According to Mr Erdoğan, “the just demands of the Turkish Cypriots are clear and unambiguous. Turkish Cypriots have never been and will never be a minority”. The Turkish President explained that there were “two distinct peoples” living in Cyprus, adding that the northern part lived “in harmony with the Turkish motherland”. Negotiations to resolve the Cyprus question currently appear to be at an impasse. (CG)