WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) released a statement on October 27, strongly condemning President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement in which he openly proclaimed his desire for a two-state solution for Cyprus during a press conference held October 26. The AHI statement follows:

According to Reuters, President Erdogan stated, “At this stage, we believe starting talks on the basis of a federation will be a loss of time. Therefore, we believe a two-state solution must now be brought to the table with a realistic proposal.”

President Erdogan’s provocative statement is an unacceptable solution. It violates international law and defies the will of the two communities. They agreed in the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements to the concept of a bicommunal and bizonal federation set forth in UN Security Council resolutions, and the positions of the United States and European Union.

President Erdogan’s statement is not empty rhetoric. AHI points to the reopening of Varosha and his open support of Turkish-Cypriot hardliner Ersin Tatar. Tatar was “elected” as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community due to Turkish interference. President Erdogan has already taken tangible steps toward achieving his stated goal. The United States must reject and denounce President Erdogan’s statement in the most strident way!

Also, we call on the United States government to continue to reaffirm its commitment to a settlement of the Cyprus problem through negotiations based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. A just settlement must produce a nation-state with a single sovereignty and international personality, incorporating the norms of a constitutional democracy embracing key American principles, the EU acquis communautaire and EU Founding Treaty, UN resolutions on Cyprus, the pertinent decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and of other European Courts.

“We condemn in the strongest terms President Erdogan’s call for a two-state solution for Cyprus,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “Congress and the Administration must take immediate action to hold Turkey accountable, and furthermore, must call on Ankara to support reunification efforts in a constructive manner which would include the removal of troops, settlers, and rights of guarantees; and to cease its illegal activities in Cyprus’s EEZ. The Cypriots themselves should have ownership of the process and the Cypriot people should arrive at a solution that is for the Cypriot people.”

The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.

More information is available online: http://www.ahiworld.org.