Panel in London discusses Cyprus, 2-state solution

By Zuhal Demirci

LONDON (AA) - The future of Cyprus and a two-state solution were discussed at an event Tuesday in London.

Cimen Keskin, the London representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Türkiye's Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertas and Huseyin Isiksal, the special adviser to the president of the TRNC on International Relations and Diplomacy, were among the attendees at a panel held at SOAS University of London.

During her speech, Keskin said Turkish Cypriot people believe negotiations that would bring results on the island can only be between equals.

"Therefore, the Turkish Cypriot people are asking for the acknowledgement of their inherent rights, mainly the sovereign equality and equal international status of our state prior to the start of a possible new process," she noted.

Otherwise, it will be a "waste of time," she said, adding their expectation from the international community is to acknowledge the realities on the ground.

"This is one island, two peoples, two states. This is the only way forward," she stressed.

Ertas said that Turkish Cypriots' demands for sovereign equality and equal international status are essentially their acquired rights.

He noted that Turkish Cypriots have legitimate security concerns and legitimate demands for basic human rights.

Ertas said that protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people is a top priority for the foreign policy of Türkiye as the motherland.

"We continue to work at every opportunity to ensure that the two-state solution is adopted by the international community," he added.

Isiksal said they are asking for the affirmation of Turkish Cypriots' stolen rights in 1964 and to live without fear and persecution.

"There are hundreds of reports that very clearly indicate that Turkish Cypriots were under the genocide practice," he said.

He further noted that the Turkish Cypriot people are also asking for freedom of trade, freedom of movement and freedom to join sporting competitions.

"These rights are not political. None of them are political. These are the rights of humans. If you're a human, these rights should be given to you," he added.