President Ersin Tatar on Sunday said that a federal solution in Cyprus was no longer possible and that the time had come to advocate with the support of Turkey for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality.

He also underlined the importance of Turkish Cypriots continuing their existence on the basis of equality and not as a minority.

The president was speaking during a visit paid to the Cyprus Turkish Culture Society in Istanbul of which he had served as its chairman many years ago.

Tatar who was briefed on the society’s activities by the head of the Society’s Istanbul branch Zehra Bilge Eray, said that the association had played an important role in shaping public opinion on Cyprus prior to 1974.

“The society worked around the clock during the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation,” he recalled.

Regarding a settlement in Cyprus, Tatar said that it was no longer possible to reach a federal agreement on the island and that they were currently working with the full support of Turkey for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality.

“We too want a solution in Cyprus. We want a solution based on two states which cooperates that will be just, lasting and comprehensive as well as beneficial for the region,” he said.

Underlining the importance of Turkey’s support for the Turkish Cypriot people, Tatar said that Turkish Cypriots had paid a heavy price for their freedom and independence.

He added that there were two sovereign peoples on the island, the principle which emanated from international treaties.

“We want our sovereignty to be recognized and the United Nations (UN) needs to take steps on this issue,” the president said.

He reminded that thousands of Turkish Cypriots had been forced out of their homes and villages as a result of the attacks unleashed by Greek Cypriots in 1963.

“Our people survived on the charity and donations of others for 11 years until Turkey’s arrival in Cyprus in 1974. Today we have our own state in the north and today a new page has been opened in Cyprus,” President Ersin Tatar said.

Also touching upon the issue of Maraş, the president said that the fenced-off town was slowly being reopened, phase by phase.