Erdoğan: “Proposals for federalism are out of question”

President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the party’s parliamentary group meeting.

President Erdoğan said:

“The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which voted for the Annan Plan in 2004, was punished, whereas the Greek Cypriots, who voted against the Plan, were awarded by being granted a full membership to the European Union. And unfortunately, no result has been obtained from the negotiation tables sat at afterwards. We already accept that nothing can be achieved through old methods. Proposals for federalism are out of the question for us and the Turkish Cypriots. We as the homeland and a guarantor country explicitly laid bare once again our stance on the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation. We observed with great enthusiasm the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day of the Turkish Cypriot people with the participation of a large delegation from our country. Thus, we have once again declared to the entire world the importance we attach to the Cyprus cause and the independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Our goal is to increase the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. We are determined to follow up the steps we have taken within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Organization of Turkic States. In the similar vein, we maintain our support and investments in order for the Turkish Cypriot people to stand on their own feet.”