The Turkish president has dampened hopes of an early resumption of talks to overcome half a century of ethnic divisions in Cyprus by reiterating his support for a two-state agreement that Greek Cypriots reject as futile.
Ahead of a military parade marking the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion that split the island along ethnic lines, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ruled out a peace deal based on a United Nations-approved federation plan.
Although Erdogan had previously rejected the federation plan, Greece and the Greek Cypriots had hoped that he would soften his stance.
For Turkish Cypriots in the northern third of the island, the anniversary is a festive occasion, as they see the invasion as a rescue from the domination of the Greek-speaking majority.
The invasion was preceded by a coup aimed at annexation to Greece and supported by the junta then in power in Athens.
In the south, the wail of air raid sirens at dawn heralded a solemn day of commemoration of the disaster that, in the memory of Greek Cypriots, left thousands of people dead or missing and a quarter of the Greek Cypriot population homeless.
Erdogan's comments could further complicate UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.
His personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, has spent the last six months scouting both sides.
“We will continue to fight resolutely for the recognition of the TRNC (breakaway Turkish Cypriot state) and the implementation of a two-state solution,” Erdogan told the crowds of Turkish Cypriots who lined the parade route in scorching heat in the northern part of the divided capital Nicosia.
“We are convinced that a federal solution in Cyprus is not possible. … The Turkish Cypriot side is on an equal footing with the Greek side and is willing to sit down at the table and negotiate. If you want a solution, you have to recognize the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.”
Turkish Cypriot politician Ersin Tatar reiterated that Turkish Cypriots reject the “dominance” of the Greek Cypriot majority and seek an “equal national status” for their breakaway state, which they unilaterally proclaimed in 1983 and which is recognized only by Turkey.
He added that there is currently “no common basis” for a return to peace talks.
Referring to a resolution recently passed in Ankara's parliament calling for a two-state solution, Tatar said it “will help us and our cause incredibly.”
The island's Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides called on Turkey and Turkish Cypriots to resume reunification talks if Ankara is serious about regional security and stability and moving closer to the European Union.
After numerous failed rounds of peace negotiations, many Cypriots on both sides still have a spark of hope for a peace agreement, albeit disillusioned.
Greek Cypriot commemorations include the unveiling of monuments to fallen heroes, religious services and a gathering late Saturday at the presidential palace, where Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered a speech for the first time.
Earlier, Erdogan presided over the “Golden Jubilee” events, which included a visit to Turkey’s first amphibious assault ship, which will carry the country’s powerful Bayraktar drones, and an air show.
The European Union, which Cyprus joined in 2004, called on both sides to show “sincere commitment” to a peace agreement in line with UN resolutions.
“Too much time has been lost,” said an EU spokesman.
“A forced partition can never be a solution. The hope for a better future, a united Cyprus, still exists.”