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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated Thursday that the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) poses a major obstacle between the European Union and Türkiye, blocking Ankara at every opportunity on international platforms.
"Greek Cyprus constitutes a major obstacle between the EU and Türkiye. And unfortunately, the E.U.'s internal operating system allows Greek Cypriots to take such actions," Fidan said in an interview on TRT World's "One on One" program.
FM Fidan noted that the Greek Cypriot Administration will soon assume the E.U. presidency, adding that, "They block us wherever they find the opportunity."
Fidan emphasized that a two-state solution is the only realistic solution for Cyprus.
"Türkiye took a positive stance in the Annan Plan and the Crans-Montana process. Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of the U.N. plan. But Greek Cypriots rejected it," Fidan said.
The minister said Greek Cypriot officials will never say "yes" to an agreement for equal sharing of power, wealth and authority for Cyprus.
"They know this, we know this, the Europeans know this. This is a fact. So the alternative to this is a two-state solution. We can do this," he added.
The minister said that after a two-state solution, the parties could establish any kind of cooperation or political union if they choose.
"What we urgently need to do is seize this moment and use every historical opportunity to make Cyprus a paradise," Fidan said.
"Stop isolating Turkish Cypriots, we can start quality cooperation. While freezing the political problem, we can all benefit from economic development, regional development, the use of energy resources, tourism, industry and everything," he noted.
Despite Greek Cypriot obstruction, Fidan said EU-Türkiye cooperation has become more important given the current threats facing Europe.
"Given the current threats facing Europe, I think cooperation and relations between the European Union and Türkiye have become much more meaningful and important than ever," he stated.
"We inherited the Cyprus problem, but we do not want to leave it to future generations. We do not have to stick to the old mentality. We can be more creative because time is flowing, and generations, future generations, expect a solution from us," he added.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan said parties are currently "very close" to an agreement.
"Of course, we would welcome any ceasefire, any peace that would come out of this war because this war has been going on for 4 years. And just like the war in Gaza, it is causing great destruction and loss of human life," Fidan stated.
The minister noted that a large-scale conventional war in the heart of Europe in 2025 is something Europeans never imagined they would witness in their lifetimes.
FM Fidan said Türkiye has been working intensively from the beginning and making great efforts to contribute to a ceasefire. He expressed appreciation for U.S. President Donald Trump and his team's mediation efforts, saying such a process is only possible with active U.S. participation.
"Right now, what is happening is that all relevant actors are involved in a peace plan, a peace package plan, and they are no longer discussing limited ceasefire agreements much," he added.
Fidan warned that the war escalating toward the Black Sea threatens Türkiye and other coastal countries.
"In recent weeks, Turkish ships have become targets of both sides, and Türkiye has been seriously affected by this situation," Fidan said. "Now drones are flying not only in the territories of the warring parties but also toward our territory. This creates more problems for coastal countries."
The minister recalled that Türkiye facilitated the Black Sea Grain Initiative while the war continued, helping 30 million tons of grain reach world markets, especially Africa.
"The shortest way to end all these problems is to achieve a ceasefire. Therefore, we fully support this. I hope a ceasefire is achieved. Otherwise, as we have warned from the beginning, tensions are escalating," Fidan said.
On Türkiye's potential participation in an International Stability Force for Gaza, Fidan said Israel strongly opposes Turkish involvement.
"Türkiye has been the voice of humanity and international conscience against the crimes Israel has committed in Palestine and its massacre of tens of thousands of Palestinians," he added.
"Israel is not used to receiving this level of criticism and condemnation from the international community because the international community has given them a blank check to do whatever they want, whatever they deem necessary for their security. Even if this means mass murder... This has been the case for decades, and Israel has been exempted from the international system, but I think this period is now over," Fidan noted.
The foreign minister said Ankara is ready to participate in the stability force and is in talks with other partners.
"If someone else can come and do the same thing in favor of humanity and humanitarian values in Gaza, we have no problem. But if our help is very much needed, we are ready to contribute," he maintained.
Fidan warned that without proper intervention, the situation in Gaza could spread, adding that, "Allah forbid, we could see the same situation in the West Bank."
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