Alpha News

Ankara on Cyprus: "Crucial is the willingness for a meeting based on sovereign equality"

Published February 15, 2026, 12:20

The Turkish presidency stated that the key to any discussion on the Cyprus issue is the willingness of the Greek Cypriot side to accept a solution based on the sovereign equality of the two communities. Sources from the presidency stated that Ankara would not react to a solution beyond the "two states" if it is decided by both sides, but they doubt that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for such an agreement. They recalled that in previous settlement plans, such as the Annan Plan, Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus had shown a positive attitude, while the Greek Cypriot side had rejected them. Furthermore, they criticized the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU before the resolution of the Cyprus issue, arguing that the Greek Cypriot side uses its position in the EU to block Turkey's European path. Finally, they noted that there is a new leader in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus who may be open to different approaches, but they do not expect genuine willingness from the Greek Cypriot side.