Erdogan demands the world recognize a state that only Turkey recognizes

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during a visit to Northern Cyprus, demanded international recognition of two separate states on the island, rejecting a federal solution. Fidan set a precondition for recognition of the sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriots as a condition for any political progress. The island of Cyprus has been de facto divided since the Turkish invasion in 1974, and only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, declared in 1983. The remarks were made ahead of the 43rd anniversary of the republic's establishment.