A Presidential People’s Council briefing and consultation meeting was held under the leadership of President Ersin Tatar on Thursday.
In his speech during the meeting, President Tatar provided updates on the Cyprus issue, the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the informal tripartite dinner held in New York, and recent developments in the region.
Reminding that, upon the invitation of the UN Secretary-General, he had an informal, agenda-free dinner in New York with the Greek Cypriot Administration leader, the President said, “In New York, I had the opportunity to convey my thoughts, views, and the policies we currently represent to the opposing side.”
Reiterating that they were ready to engage in formal negotiations only if sovereign equality and equal international status are recognized, Tatar stressed, “Our principles are clear. We will not shy away from communication and dialogue. We attended the agenda-free dinner because we utilize every opportunity to explain our stance.”
Underlining the importance of unity and acting together, he touched upon his meetings with veterans and organizations in Türkiye, as well as his visit to Australia as President, where he worked to strengthen relations.
Referring to Turkish Cypriots living abroad, President Tatar said, “Our population count is clear, and we must support each one of them. We should encourage them to return to their homeland. It is gratifying to see people returning due to sectoral developments.”
President Tatar also discussed the initiatives within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), noting that countries interested in recognizing the TRNC were facing pressure and threats.
During the meeting, association and civil society organization leaders stressed that a solution based on a federal framework was not feasible and that there can be no retreat from a solution based on the existence of two separate sovereign states.
In their speeches, the leaders of the associations and organizations also expressed their full support and confidence in President Ersin Tatar.
The Public Council meetings will continue in the coming days according to the scheduled timetable.