A partnership state between Turkish and Greek Cypriots was set up in 1960 according to agreements signed by the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders and the Turkish, Greek and British governments. However, in 1963, only three years later, the Turkish Cypriots were ousted by force from all organs of the new Republic by the Greek Cypriots, in contravention of the founding agreements and the constitution. The 1974 attempt by Greece to overrun Turkish Cypriots and to annex the island was resisted by Turkey in accordance with the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. Consequently, Turkish Cypriots set up their own Republic, while continuing the search for reconciliation. This has rendered the settlement process more difficult.
Turkey is committed to finding a negotiated solution to the problem.
She is of the opinion that efforts in this direction have the best chance of success if they are built on the realities in Cyprus. In this regard, the starting point for properly addressing the Cyprus issue is the recognition of the existence of two equal and sovereign parties in Cyprus. Working on this basis, the two sides can resolve issues of mutual concern and create a stable environment for a new partnership. Therefore, Turkey supports the proposal of Rauf Denkta , President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, on the establishment of the Cyprus Confederation according to the aforementioned principles. The proposal preserves the unity of the island with its confederal structure and presents a historic opportunity for a just and lasting settlement.