Ankara insists Cyprus a separate issue
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the current situation as a “great opportunity” for finding solutions to the differences with Greece, but he was quick to separate the Greek-Turkish issue from the Cyprus problem, where Ankara insists on the logic of a two-state solution.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 14th Ambassadors’ Conference in Ankara, he noted that “we wish to advance our relations with all countries in our region on a positive agenda.”
He underlined in this regard that “we believe that the current positive atmosphere offers a great opportunity to find solutions to the differences with our neighbor Greece.”
“In this light we are sincere. We hope that the Greek side will show the same sincerity,” he said, while noting that “on the other hand, our stance on Cyprus, our national cause, is clear.”
“Our main policy is the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of Turkish Cypriots. We will continue to protect our rights and interests in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean,” he stressed.
