Turkey Ready for Negotiations on Cyprus Issue: Erdogan

Turkey is ready to engage in negotiations regarding the Cyprus issue. This was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan arrived today in the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to participate in the 50th anniversary events of the 'Cyprus Peace Operation.' Turkey refers to the events of July 20, 1974, as a 'peace operation' and emphasizes that it exercised its right as a guarantor state to protect Turkish Cypriots.

'In the context of ongoing conflicts in the region, extremely irresponsible steps are being taken that endanger the security of the entire island (of Cyprus). We believe that the decision to establish a federal governance framework in Cyprus is unacceptable. To find a solution, the rights of Turkish Cypriots must be recognized,' stated the Turkish leader.

In his view, deeper dialogue between Ankara and Athens would be effective in addressing the Cyprus issue.