21.07.2025 13:50
President Erdoğan clarified the claims regarding a potential visit to Southern Cyprus, stating, "I have no intention of visiting the South. Because just as they do not recognize the TRNC as a state, we do not recognize Southern Cyprus as a state either. Therefore, in my book, there is no place for such a meeting with them."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan went to Cyprus to attend the ceremonies held on the occasion of the 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day and the 51st anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. After his visit to the TRNC, Erdoğan answered questions from journalists on the plane.
"WE DO NOT SEE SOUTH CYPRUS AS A STATE"
In response to the question, "The Leader of the Greek Administration said he would invite you to the South during the EU presidency. Would you consider attending such an invitation if it comes?" Erdoğan stated, "I have no intention of making such a visit to the South. Because just as they do not recognize the TRNC as a state, we do not recognize South Cyprus as a state either. Therefore, there is no place for such a meeting with them in my book. These are marginal initiatives that do not reflect the will of the Turkish Cypriot people. The Turkish Cypriots are a part of us. No one can undermine this bond between us; Turkey's heroic sons, who have gone to the island of Cyprus solely for peace, cannot be called 'occupiers,'" he said.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SYRIA
Regarding the situation in Syria, Erdoğan made the following remarks: "Syrian President Ahmed Shara has shown a firm stance there. So far, there has been no compromise. Israel is constantly trying to set the entire region on fire. In the face of this effort, the process has been cautiously continued with Syria's stance. It is said that Syria is controlling the region with about 2,500 soldiers. With the latest steps taken, they have secured control. Thus, a dominance has been established in the South. The Syrian people, in all their segments, are definitely not considering falling for these games, learning lessons from the pains they have experienced in the past. They have managed to establish reconciliation between the Druze and other groups. In my opinion, Syrian President Ahmed Shara has taken a very positive step here. We discussed this stance during our phone conversation. We learned what his requests from us are and what they are not. We also told them that we would provide all kinds of support.
"ONE OF THE THREE BRANCHES OF THE DRUZE IS MOVING WITH ISRAEL"
Our Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is in constant communication with the U.S. Special Representative and Secretary of State. Similarly, our MIT President İbrahim Kalın and our Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler are also in talks with their counterparts. Recently, the movement of this 2,500-strong lightly armed force to Sweida was allowed. Meetings had been ongoing in Amman for the last two days. Tribal leaders, Jordanians, and the U.S. Special Representative are in constant contact with us. Sweida is surrounded. There is a problem regarding whether the troops can enter or not. Currently, two of the three branches of the Druze are extremely harmonious, while one branch is moving with Israel. They do not give up on causing discord. Therefore, conflicts can continue inside from time to time. The police cannot enter, the military cannot enter; they are around the city. At least they have prevented outside elements from coming in. In the ongoing negotiations in Amman, except for that one Druze faction we mentioned, the parties voluntarily agreed to adhere to the ceasefire. In fact, a very constructive atmosphere has emerged regarding the Syrian issue. While all the actors who cannot come together are gathering on the Syrian issue, it is necessary to convey to the world that Israel is disrupting this stability project. We believe we are conveying this. The Americans especially understand that they need to take more ownership of this issue. The fundamental problem is the conflict between the parties. But the larger strategic problem is Israel's attempt to occupy the region under the pretext of this conflict. As you know, Israel does not want stability in the region. It thinks that a unified Syria would not be good for it and continues such provocations."