Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz alleged that Greek Cypriots are not sincere about reaching a settlement to the Cyprus problem, reiterating Ankara’s position that a two-state solution is the most realistic path forward. His remarks were made during a joint press conference in Ankara with Turkish Cypriot leader Unal Ustel following the signing of the 2026 economic protocol between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot administration.
Claims over intentions of Greek Cypriots
Yilmaz claimed that Greek Cypriots “never wanted and do not want” to share political power and prosperity on an equal basis with the Turkish Cypriot community, which he described as co-owners of the island.
“They see the Turkish Cypriot people as a minority and try to tie them to their so-called state,” he alleged, adding that their stance during meetings and responses to “positive appeals” demonstrate this approach.
According to Yilmaz, the most realistic way to reach what he described as a fair, lasting and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue would be through the coexistence of “two states” on the island.
“No one can find a solution by closing their eyes to the realities on the island,” he said, arguing that the existence of two states would not prevent cooperation. He added that any form of cooperation benefiting the whole island should be examined.
Call to international community
The Turkish vice president said the international community should recognise that proposals which, in his view, do not reflect the realities of the island and the will of both sides will not lead to a sustainable settlement.
He argued that peaceful coexistence after a permanent solution would depend on all sides recognising what he described as the “legitimate and inherent rights and sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people”.
Yilmaz also called for the lifting of what he described as the “unjust and inhumane isolation” imposed on the Turkish Cypriot side, stating that such isolation measures have largely lost their meaning in many areas in the modern world.
“In our national cause, the Cyprus issue, we continue and will continue our just struggle shoulder to shoulder with our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters with all our strength,” he said.
Security concerns and military presence
Yilmaz also referred to what he described as security risks on the island, claiming they had increased due to decisions taken by the Greek Cypriot administration, which he accused of acting as if it represents the entire island.
He added that any stance ignoring what he described as the “sovereign and equal state” of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is invalid from the perspective of Turkey.
The Turkish vice president said Turkish Cypriots should feel reassured, stating that regardless of Greek Cypriot military developments or attempts to involve third countries on the island, Turkey would ensure their security.
In this context, he said that six F-16 fighter jets and HISAR air defence systems were deployed in northern Cyprus on 9 March, adding that Turkish naval assets had also increased their presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Yilmaz further claimed that some countries have deployed military forces in the region citing security concerns of the Greek Cypriot administration. He said such military deployments should not become permanent, warning that this could disturb what he described as the delicate balance on the island.
He concluded that Turkey’s efforts aim to improve the living standards of Turkish Cypriots and ensure the future prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot administration.