President Ersin Tatar on Tuesday reiterated the urgent need for a new political approach to resolve the Cyprus problem, emphasizing that over half a century of federal-based negotiations have failed.
He advocated for a two-state solution as the only realistic and sustainable model, underscoring the unfair isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots.
Tatar was speaking to the press following his return to the island after completing his contacts in the UK.
The president had met with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin on Monday as part of his contacts in the UK.
Speaking at Ercan Airport on Tuesday morning following week-long contacts in London and Manchester, President Ersin Tatar reiterated the urgent need for a new political approach to resolve the Cyprus problem, emphasizing that over half a century of federal-based negotiations have failed.
He advocated for a two-state solution as the only realistic and sustainable model, underscoring the unfair isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots.
“Since the collapse of negotiations in Crans-Montana in 2017, the Greek Cypriot side has refused to accept a solution based on equality. Our new political stance, supported by Türkiye, calls for the recognition of our sovereign equality and equal international status before any new negotiations can begin,” Tatar stated.
He also expressed his concerns about the Greek Cypriot actions targeting Turkish Cypriots related to property issues, describing these as violations of human rights. He reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), which is internationally recognized for resolving property disputes.
Touching upon his meeting with Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Tatar reiterated his stance against resuming negotiations from where they left off in Crans-Montana.
He emphasized that any new negotiation process must acknowledge the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Tatar concluded by expressing hope that the UN envoy would reflect these realities fairly in her report to the UN Secretary-General.
He also advocated for easing the isolation and embargoes against Turkish Cypriots, pointing out that despite international promises, direct flights, trade, and contacts have not commenced.
Pointing out that his contacts included delivering a significant speech at the internationally renowned think tank Chatham House, Tatar said. “I stressed that a two-state solution is the way forward. The federal solution has proven ineffective, and the isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots is unjust.”
At a reception hosted by the Parliamentary Union, Tatar briefed parliamentarians on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue.
He urged the UK, as a guarantor country, to show greater sensitivity to Turkish Cypriots’ rights and reassess its policies post-election.
Tatar pointed out the significance of the two sovereign military bases the UK retained upon withdrawing from Cyprus, especially in current times.
The president also attended the Cyprus Turkish Culture Festival in London, organized by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations in the UK.
Highlighting the large turnout, Tatar said, “This year, we celebrated our culture with around 30,000 attendees. Engaging with thousands of Turkish Cypriots was both significant and meaningful.”
Also mentioning his contacts in Manchester, Tatar said that he had met with Turkish Cypriot businesspeople and attended a reception held in his honour, where he discussed the Cyprus issue with participants from diverse communities, including those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Kashmir.
Reflecting on his attendance at a business opening in Blackburn, Tatar noted the strong ties Turkish Cypriots maintain with the TRNC while living across the UK.
He observed the widespread interest and support for the TRNC from various ethnic communities.