Erdoğan Sparks Tension with Cyprus Remarks: “We Own the North”
erdogan
Statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, asserting that Turks “own” Northern Cyprus, have provoked a sharp reaction from diplomats in Athens, just as fragile UN-backed efforts attempt to reignite peace negotiations on the divided island.
According to Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s longstanding position during a public address on Saturday:
“We, the Turkish nation and the Turkish Cypriots, are the owners of this land. Whoever doesn’t know this must learn it. Whoever hasn’t heard it must hear it.”
He further vowed that Turkey would maintain its presence in the north “for centuries.”
Cyprus Conflict Resurfaces Amid Global Parallels
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkey launched a military intervention following a coup backed by Athens, seizing roughly one-third of the island. While the international community recognizes the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey is alone in recognizing the breakaway state in Northern Cyprus.
The ongoing division has increasingly drawn comparisons to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Turkey’s military presence and unilateral claims mirror Moscow’s occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Greece Condemns Provocation During UN Reconciliation Push
Unnamed Greek diplomatic sources told Kathimerini that Erdoğan’s rhetoric jeopardizes current efforts by the United Nations to resolve the decades-old dispute.
“At a time when the UN Secretary-General is actively mediating, any effort to create a fait accompli in the occupied territories is extremely negative,” they said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar as his personal envoy to facilitate informal discussions between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders. A March meeting in Geneva aimed to revive stalled peace talks after years of impasse.
South and North Cyprus Leaders Make Symbolic Progress
Despite political friction, small signs of collaboration have emerged. On April 2, Nikos Christodoulides (Greek Cypriot leader) and Ersin Tatar (Turkish Cypriot leader) met to continue dialogue sparked in Geneva. The pair agreed to form a joint youth committee and discuss demining initiatives across the 180-kilometer UN buffer zone that divides the island.
Christodoulides later emphasized Cyprus’ official stance:
“The only solution is the reunification of the island.”
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.
