Northern Cyprus FM Ertuğruloğlu Reaffirms Two‑State Solution Amid UN Envoy Talks

Northern Cyprus Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu told a Mediterranean peace forum that the Cyprus issue is “the Turkish nation’s cause” and that only an “equal, sovereign two‑state solution” remains viable. He rejected any federal model, stating the de‑facto situation is final and that “there is no step back from the two‑state solution.” Ertuğruloğlu also emphasized Turkey’s military presence as the “red line” guaranteeing security for the Turkish Cypriot community.

In parallel, United Nations Personal Representative Maria Angela Holguin’s planned Brussels meetings were postponed to 13 July, prompting Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Hristodulidis to assure that the delay does not freeze the process. He confirmed that diplomatic contacts continue in New York, the UN and the EU, and that a broader conference is being prepared around the NATO summit. Both sides cited the broader geopolitical context, with the Turkish side warning against reliance on the EU and the Greek side urging continued UN mediation.