President Ersin Tatar has said that they continue to strive for the rightful place of Turkish Cypriots in the international community, and every passing day, the world- was gaining a better understanding of the reality of the TRNC.
Tatar also emphasized that the United Kingdom, as a guarantor power, should treat the Turkish Cypriot people equally.
The president’s words came during the 6thTurkish Cypriot Cultural Festival held in London on Sunday where he addressed thousands of Turkish Cypriots residing in the UK.
As part of his visit to the UK, President Ersin Tatar attended the 6th Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival organized by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations in North London.
Speaking at the festival, which showcased Turkish Cypriot culture through product stands featuring crafts and food, as well as folk dance performances, President Tatar congratulated the organisers for hosting such a successful event.
Highlighting the importance of the festival for Turkish Cypriots living in the UK, Tatar stated that festivals play a significant role in fostering solidarity and unity as well as an important means for future generations to learn about their roots, identity, and culture.
Tatar also pointed out that there are successful Turkish Cypriots in various fields in the UK and emphasized the importance of preserving their identity and cultural connection with the TRNC.
He also called on families to send their children to Turkish schools and ensure they learn the Turkish language, history, culture, and traditions.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, President Tatar stated that the Turkish Cypriot side has put forward a new vision based on the acceptance of sovereign equality and equal international status.
“Your voice is crucial in our struggle against efforts to prevent our young people from participating in sports competitions under the TRNC flag and unfair and inhumane isolations on direct trade and direct flights,” he said.
Tatar also mentioned that the TRNC has made progress in various fields such as agriculture, education, trade, and tourism. He noted that there are students from 144 different countries studying at TRNC universities.
Furthermore, President Tatar highlighted the success of Turkish Cypriots living abroad, particularly in the UK, Australia, Türkiye, the United States, and Canada.
He also mentioned that they continue to strive for the rightful place of Turkish Cypriots in the international community, and every passing day, the world- was gaining a better understanding of the reality of the TRNC.
Drawing attention to the increasing support for a two-state solution in the UK, President Tatar emphasized that the UK’s former Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, supported a two-state solution.
He underlined that as a guarantor power, the UK should treat the Turkish Cypriot people equally.
Reminding that the European Union has not treated the Turkish Cypriot people fairly and that their promises to end isolations have not been kept, Tatar said that Ankara fully supported the TRNC’s vision for a two-state solution.
Referring to the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation next year, President Tatar pointed out that they continue to work diligently to reach an agreement based on the reality of the TRNC, the state they established as a result of the struggle on the island and to achieve more prosperous days under the umbrella of the state.
President Tatar emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot people are a sovereign nation and have legitimate rights stemming from history, highlighting that they are an equally sovereign people as the Greek Cypriots.
President Tatar also emphasized the importance of the TRNC for Türkiye due to its strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Touching upon the undersea electricity cable project with Türkiye, Tatar added that the project’s ultimate goal was to end the electricity problem in the country and that interconnectivity would allow the TRNC to expand its renewable energy production capacity.
As part of his visit in London, President Tatar will participate in a live interview and give a conference on Cyprus at Cambridge University.
He will also meet with the General Manager of Turkish Bank, Erhan Raif, and meet with business people.