British High Commissioner to Cyprus “The truth is that a two-state solution will not be accepted”

The British High Commissioner to Cyprus Irfan Siddiq referred to the Turkish Cypriot side’s desire for recognition of the two states in Cyprus but said that this could not be possible just because the Turkish Cypriot side put forward this policy.

Siddiq made statements regarding the Cyprus negotiation process during an interview with journalist Ödül Aşık Ülker of Yenidüzen newspaper.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot leadership should be more transparent, Siddiq said, “What does the Turkish Cypriot side want? If their position is to have sovereign equality and equal international status, this is not possible. If this is the case, what will you offer to your people? The recognition of the TRNC? That is not possible either. You will not accomplish the acceptance of two- states in Cyprus. It is not going to happen just because it is being said or called for. There are international norms and international laws. Whenever I say this, several Turkish Cypriot officials get annoyed with me, but this is the truth. If this is what you believe, what will you do to show your people that there is no alternative? Will you show this by not being involved in the process? ”

“LEADERS MUST REALIZE THAT THEY HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THEIR PEOPLE”

Pointing out that the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus was an important development, Siddiq said that the leaders should try to find a solution, keeping in mind that they have a responsibility towards the people of Cyprus, who have suffered from a division on the island for a long time.

“As we wait, as time passes, as the realities on the ground, the demographic structure, and the economic structure changes, as the integration with Türkiye progresses, the situation becomes more and more difficult. The division between the two sides of the island increases even more. That is why we need to see the urgency of the situation now,” he said.

“I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT FUNDAMENTAL INTERESTS HAVE CHANGED”

Stating that most of the differences between the two sides are the result of the lack of trust that emerged in their previous failures, Siddiq said “If we look back at history, both sides have shown in the past that they were interested in reaching an agreement based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Therefore, I do not believe that the fundamental interests have changed.”