Türkiye rejects Cyprus talks without equal standing

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Türkiye does not foresee any new negotiation process on Cyprus without both sides on the island engaging in talks as equals.

“Frankly, we don’t see the possibility of starting a new negotiation process in Cyprus without establishing an equation where both sides sit at the table as equals and leave as equals,” Erdogan stated to reporters on his return from an official visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Responding to recent comments by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who labeled Turks as “occupiers,” Erdogan described the remarks as “impudent” and urged Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to reprimand Dendias.

‘We also have a sea’

Erdogan also cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions in Cyprus, criticizing any complicity in actions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as detrimental to both Greek Cypriots and Greece.

Additionally, Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s readiness to develop maritime infrastructure in Northern Cyprus if deemed necessary, stating, “We also have a sea.”