President Ersin Tatar on Monday said that there was no change in the Turkish Cypriot side’s policy regarding a solution to the Cyprus Problem.

Tatar was speaking at a press conference at Ercan Airport before he departed for New York where he will be attending an informal dinner with the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodulides, hosted by the United Nations Secretary-General tomorrow evening.

Addressing reporters on Monday, President Ersin Tatar stated that the informal dinner was without a set agenda, allowing for an exchange of views in a social setting.

Tatar said that despite widespread speculations from various parties, including the main opposition, there was no change in the Turkish Cypriot side’s policy based on a two-state solution with the recognition of sovereign equality and equal international status.

He said that after 50 years of efforts towards a federation-based agreement, this approach is no longer viable.

“If there is to be an agreement and a negotiation framework, it must unequivocally recognize our sovereign rights,” he added.

President Ersin Tatar emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots were co-founders of the Republic of Cyprus, highlighting the European Union’s decision to admit the Greek Cypriot side into the EU despite their rejection of the Annan Plan.

He noted that the Greek Cypriot side, as an EU member, stands against the Turkish Cypriots as a European state.

Tatar criticized the ongoing embargoes, isolation, and restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriots, which he believes have been used to increase tensions between the communities. He indicated that these issues would also be addressed during his informal dinner with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides in New York.

He clarified, “We do not seek anyone else’s rights; we are only fighting for our own, striving for equality and the lifting of certain restrictions to continue our presence in this country.”

Tatar firmly rejected the possibility of reopening discussions on a federation-based solution, stating, “We will never allow the Turkish Cypriots to become refugees again. We cannot compromise on the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots.”

He warned that any compromise on statehood and sovereignty could pose serious risks to the future of Turkish Cypriots, drawing attention to the situations in Gaza and Lebanon as cautionary examples.

Tatar stressed that during the New York meeting, he would advocate for the rights and national cause of the Turkish Cypriot people with a sense of responsibility and experience.