Erdogan calls for two-state solution to Cyprus conflict

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the settlement of the Cyprus problem is possible only by recognising the existence of two states on the divided island.

Erdogan made the remarks while speaking in Lefkosia, Caliber.Az reports.

"We do not believe in solving the Cyprus problem on a federal basis. Continuing negotiations from where we left off in Switzerland many years ago will not benefit anyone," he said.

Erdogan said that in order to resolve the issue, the parties to the conflict in Cyprus must sit at the negotiating table and have the same rights in all matters. He said a stable solution is only possible on the basis of the recognition of the two states.

"One of the examples of our efforts in the issue of recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was the participation of its president Ersin Tatar at the summit of the Organisation of Turkic States in Shusha. I would like to once again thank my dear brother, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, for his decisive leadership," he added.