President Ersin Tatar reaffirmed the TRNC’s sovereignty, its struggles for independence, and its ongoing pursuit of international recognition.
In his televised address to the nation marking the start of Republic Day celebrations, Tatar emphasized the importance of Türkiye’s support in securing the freedom and rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.
He underscored that the TRNC was born from a fight for survival and self-determination, culminating in its declaration of independence in 1983 as a symbol of resilience and strength.
In a powerful address marking the 41st anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), President Ersin Tatar commemorated both the establishment of the TRNC in 1983 and the sacrifices of Turkish Cypriots, particularly honouring those lost in the 1967 massacre at Geçitkale and Boğaziçi.
He underscored the TRNC’s journey as a “state founded through epic struggles and marked by boundaries drawn in sacrifice.”
Tatar reflected on the resilience of Turkish Cypriots, tracing their fight for survival and sovereignty back to the 1963 “Bloody Christmas” attacks that pushed Turkish Cypriots out of the 1960 Republic of Cyprus.
President Tatar highlighted the violence that led to the destruction of 103 Turkish villages and the displacement of over 30,000 Turkish Cypriots, crediting their resilience and Türkiye’s support for their endurance.
He praised Türkiye’s 1974 intervention as a vital act of protection following a Greek coup, ensuring Turkish Cypriots’ safety.
Tatar also celebrated the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983 as a key achievement of independence and sovereignty, marking four decades of a free homeland for Turkish Cypriots.
The president took a firm stance against what he termed “the failed federation model,” asserting that Cyprus must move toward a solution based on “two sovereign, internationally recognized states.”
Tatar stressed that federation efforts collapsed with the 2017 Crans-Montana negotiations, which he said failed because the Greek Cypriot side rejected power-sharing and insisted on a “zero troops, zero guarantees” policy—a deal, he said, unacceptable to Turkish Cypriots. He argued that the federation concept no longer offers a viable path forward, stating, “The chapter of federation is closed.”
Tatar expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s consistent support, specifically mentioning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s calls for global recognition of the TRNC in United Nations speeches.
Türkiye’s backing, coupled with increasing visibility through the TRNC’s observer membership in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and affiliations with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), has boosted TRNC’s standing, Tatar said, adding that these diplomatic steps symbolize Turkish Cypriots’ integration within the international community.
Reflecting on his diplomatic engagements, Tatar highlighted meetings with the Greek Cypriot and UN leaders, where he reiterated the TRNC’s vision of two equal states.
He also cited recent dialogues with UN Special Envoy Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, advocating for Turkish Cypriots’ right to direct flights, trade, and international interaction as non-negotiable steps toward sovereignty.
“Our inherent rights are not open to negotiation,” Tatar declared, emphasizing that Turkish Cypriots deserve relief from decades of isolation.
Tatar also underscored the strategic significance of the TRNC in the Eastern Mediterranean, referencing maritime agreements with Türkiye as essential to the region’s stability. The “Blue Homeland” initiative, which strengthens the bond between the TRNC and Türkiye, safeguards Turkish Cypriots’ rights to natural resources and maritime territories, he said.
Addressing the future, Tatar voiced his commitment to developing the TRNC’s economy and sectors such as tourism, higher education, technology, agriculture, and light industry. He called on the international community to recognize the rights of Turkish Cypriots, describing the long-standing isolation imposed on TRNC residents as “inhumane.”
In his concluding remarks, Tatar extended his thanks to Türkiye and to allies within the Turkic world, particularly Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, for their support at high-level diplomatic summits.
“With Türkiye and the Turkic States’ Organization by our side, we aim to grow, strengthen, and confidently walk towards a bright future,” he said, urging the Turkish and Islamic world to actively support the Turkish Cypriots’ struggle in Cyprus.