President Ersin Tatar made important statements in Istanbul before heading to the Geneva Summit.
The President reiterated that he would once again put forward the two-state solution proposal in Geneva but stressed that significant changes should not be expected within a two-day process.
Tatar stated that the summit was an important opportunity to once again demonstrate the determination of the Turkish Cypriot side to the international community, stressing that the federation option is no longer on the table.
Before the Geneva Summit, President Ersin Tatar answered journalist Yeşim Eryılmaz’s questions on Ulusal Channel in Istanbul.
Highlighting that the Geneva Summit was a historic meeting for him, the President reaffirmed that he would bring up the two-state solution proposal once again.
Noting that major changes should not be expected within a two-day timeframe, Tatar pointed to the significance of the new political stance he introduced during a similar meeting four years ago.
“Federation talks are futile. This process only satisfies the Greek Cypriot side. We have said that we must change the rules of the game and have adopted a new political approach” he stated.
Tatar, recalling the hardships endured by the Turkish Cypriot people in the past and their achievements, once again stressed his commitment to the two-state solution model.
Stating that assessments conducted within the United Nations had confirmed the absence of common ground on the Cyprus issue, he noted that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also acknowledged this reality.
“Things have changed now; the federation option is off the table. We are moving forward with our two-state solution model based on sovereign equality” Tatar stressed.
Highlighting the importance of Türkiye’s support for national policies, President Tatar described the strongest achievement in recent years as the solid ties established between Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
“With Türkiye’s investments and support, we have gained significant strength during this challenging period. With this foundation, we are heading to Geneva, and we will continue to defend our rights with determination,” he said, reaffirming that at this historic summit, the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to advocate for their rights and sovereignty.
Tatar stressed that the summit was a crucial opportunity to once again demonstrate the determination of the Turkish Cypriot side to the international community.
President Tatar also addressed the seating arrangement prepared for the Geneva Summit, stating, “To ensure a balanced structure in the discussions, I wanted Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to be seated next to me. Greece also needed to be at the table, and this was arranged. The United Kingdom, as a guarantor country with two sovereign bases on the island, requested to participate. We have made it clear to the British that they must remain impartial.”
Criticizing the Greek Cypriot side’s federation plan, Tatar argued that this model aims to gradually assimilate the Turkish Cypriot people and push Türkiye out of the island.
Stressing that the two-state policy had now taken root, he said, “The Republic of Türkiye fully supports us on this matter.”
Regarding border crossings, President Tatar highlighted the significance of increasing the number of crossings for both sides.
“The opening of new border crossings can facilitate both commercial and social relations. This is a positive step for peace and stability,” the President said.
Touching upon the integration of Cyprus into Türkiye’s electricity grid, Tatar said, “The island has great potential for solar energy. Connecting solar-generated electricity to Türkiye via cable will not only meet our own needs but also allow us to export surplus energy to Türkiye and Europe. Likewise, we will be able to import electricity when needed.”
President Tatar also stressed that this project would provide both economic and environmental benefits, noting that both sides of Cyprus would profit from the process.