Turkey's president says Cyprus reunification deal should be based on 2-state partnership
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Turkey's new president says his country will only approve of a deal to reunify Cyprus if it enshrines breakaway Turkish Cypriots as equal partners in a federation with the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government.
Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup by supporters of uniting the island with Greece. A Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence is recognized only by Turkey, which maintains 35,000 troops there.
Peace talks resumed earlier this year. Greek Cypriots oppose a deal putting the breakaway administration on an equal footing with the government because they say it would legitimize something created through the force of arms.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the remark Monday during a visit to the Turkish Cypriot north, his first trip abroad following his election last month.