President Ersin Tatar has strongly defended the vision of a solution based on the cooperation of two states with sovereign equality and equal international status, stating that certain circles unfairly criticize this approach.
He emphasized that this vision is not a mere tactic or strategy but the only formula that will ensure the Turkish Cypriot people secure their rightful future and safeguard their will.
In a written statement addressing the ongoing debates on the Cyprus issue, President Tatar expressed his dismay at recent discussions sparked by the promotion of a book by a former Greek Cypriot leader.
He noted that these discussions have taken on a nostalgic tone, involving former TRNC presidents and politicians.
Tatar observed that some Turkish Cypriot commentators have disregarded the rights of the people due to political and ideological reasons, continuing to rely on outdated and ineffective narratives from the past.
Tatar further highlighted that the Greek Cypriot side’s unwillingness to reach a solution has been concealed, while damaging processes have been pursued to appease the Greek Cypriots at the expense of the Turkish Cypriot people.
He recalled that in the post-Annan Plan period, even the election of the Turkish Cypriot leader was influenced by Greek Cypriot voters in an attempt to shape the outcome.
Referring to the Crans-Montana negotiations, Tatar pointed out that three major concessions were made in an attempt to satisfy the Greek Cypriot side: reducing the Turkish Cypriot people’s political will to a single vote, offering territorial concessions, and proposing the elimination of Türkiye’s right to intervene.
Despite these significant compromises, he noted, the federal model collapsed dramatically in 2017, marking the official end of its viability.
Tatar questioned why efforts continue to satisfy a side that refuses to share governance and prosperity with the Turkish Cypriots.
He warned that attempts to revive the “last chance” narrative are aimed at pressuring the Turkish Cypriot side into retreating from its position while allowing the Greek Cypriots to maintain their privileged status.
Reaffirming his commitment to his vision, President Tatar stated, “The vision I put forward is not a tactic or a strategy; it is the only formula that will secure the future of the Turkish Cypriot people and uphold their sovereign will.”
He reiterated that his approach is based on sovereign equality and equal international status, advocating for a solution involving the cooperation of two states.
Tatar emphasized that this position, fully backed by Türkiye, has been maintained unwaveringly for over four years.
He described it as a struggle for the fundamental human rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, which have been obstructed due to Greek Cypriot policies. According to Tatar, the solution vision he presents is the key to a just and lasting resolution that reflects the realities on the ground.
The President announced that he would participate in a second informal meeting hosted by the UN Secretary-General during his tenure, reaffirming his commitment to securing the fundamental rights of the Turkish Cypriots.
He assured the public that he would continue to advocate for a realistic and fair negotiation process, stating, “The Turkish Cypriot people are a peaceful people.”
Tatar concluded by reaffirming that the Turkish Cypriot people are open to cooperation for the benefit of both sides but will no longer partake in processes that exclude their rights or surrender their political will to the other side.