President Ersin Tatar on Sunday attended a promotion of his biography “A cry for Justice” at an event held in Girne on Sunday.

Addressing the event, Tatar reiterated his two-state policy and said that when he became the leader of the Turkish Cypriots they worked to make their position known around the world.

Speaking at the event, President Tatar pointed out that the author put a lot of effort into preparing the book, thanking Jennifer Vardy who inspired the writing of the book, and lawyer Erdem Erginel, who stood by him throughout this process.

He said that the events prior to 1960 were also included in the book, explaining how Turkish Cypriots were excluded from the so-called Republic of Cyprus and how the Greek Cypriots acted as if they were the sole owners of the island.

Reiterating his two-state policy, Tatar underlined the importance of the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus for the security of the Turkish Cypriot people as well as the stability of the region.

Highlighting the importance of the principle of reciprocity, the president expressed his disappointment of not being invited to the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II as well as the coronation of King Charles III despite the fact that Turkish Cypriots were members of the British Commonwealth.

He added that it was not fair that the Greek Cypriot leader attended the ceremonies on behalf of the whole island.

Tatar said that the Turkish Cypriot people were just as sovereign and equal as their Greek Cypriot counterparts with their seperate language, religion and history.

The president pointed out that official negotiations could only resume as and when the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriots were recognised.

“Among the consequences of not being officially recognised is the absence of direct flights to and from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” Tatar said.

For her part, Vardy said she was honoured to be able to write a book about Tatar, and the history, culture, and geography of the ‘TRNC’, which shaped his principles and thoughts.

“If this book helps even an iota towards the realisation of the president’s goal of international recognition and the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot people, I will believe that I have rendered a service to this country where I have settled and enjoyed the privileges it offers,” Vardy said.