President Ersin Tatar on Sunday reiterated the necessity of a two-state solution in Cyprus.
Speaking at the festival’s opening marking the 80th anniversary of the Turkish Cypriot presence in Australia, Tatar reiterated the TRNC’s stance on resolving the Cyprus issue by establishing two sovereign states.
He highlighted the need for initiating direct flights, trade, and contact with the TRNC to break the existing isolation. He called upon the international community to support these measures, which he added were vital for the TRNC’s integration and economic development.
Addressing those taking part President Tatar expressed his pride in the cultural and traditional preservation efforts by the Turkish Cypriots in Australia.
“I am here to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Turkish Cypriots in Australia and to remind you that your homeland, the TRNC, has not forgotten you. It is a joy to be here with you on this significant anniversary,” he stated.
President Tatar underscored the importance of the Turkish Cypriot diaspora in Australia, acknowledging their contributions and expressing his desire to foster closer ties.
“I know your hearts are with your homeland, the TRNC. Although the state may not have always shown the desired level of interest, I am here to bridge that gap. You are in our hearts and a valuable asset to our country. Wherever we are, we must stand united and demonstrate our presence to the world,” he declared.
He also stressed the importance of younger generations learning Turkish and taking pride in their historical heritage, culture, and identity.
On the subject of the Cyprus issue, Tatar affirmed that a sustainable solution must be based on the inherent rights of sovereign equality and equal international status.
Tatar reminded that UN Security Council Resolution 186 adopted in March 1964 aimed at stopping the attacks of Greek Cypriots against Turkish Cypriots resulted in the recognition of the Greek Cypriots as the legitimate government of the entire island, a status he added that continues to this day.
He noted the significant role of Türkiye in safeguarding peace on the island since 1974.
Tatar also cited former Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Rolandis, who mentioned that the Greek Cypriot side had rejected at least 15 settlement plans over the past half-century.
“Despite the Greek Cypriots rejecting the Annan Plan for a federal solution, they were unilaterally accepted into the EU, in violation of the 1960 Constitution and EU membership criteria. The international community’s promises to lift the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots were never fulfilled. Our people cannot travel directly to their country, engage in direct trade, or participate in international sports under their flag. This is a severe violation of individual and collective human rights,” Tatar stated.
Referring to the failure of the last federal solution attempt in Crans-Montana in July 2017, Tatar said, “The primary reason for the failure to achieve a solution based on equality for over 50 years is the inequality itself. The internationally recognized Greek Cypriot side does not want to share the administration and resources of the island with the Turkish Cypriots.”
Elected on a mandate for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality, Tatar reiterated that federal negotiations have been tried, failed, and exhausted.
He noted that the UN Secretary-General has appointed a Personal Envoy to explore the possibility of common ground for six months.
“I conveyed to the Personal Envoy that the Greek Cypriot side’s policy must end. For 60 years, Turkish Cypriots have been isolated and prevented from exercising their inherent rights. This pressure must cease,” Tatar asserted.
President Tatar concluded by reaffirming the TRNC’s commitment to a solution based on two sovereign states living side by side in a cooperative relationship.
He called for the international community to take the first steps towards lifting the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, enabling direct flights, trade, and contact.
Later on Monday, Tatar visited the prestigious Maarif Schools in Sydney.
He was greeted with great enthusiasm by the students, who performed traditional folk dances and a choir featuring Turkish Cypriot songs.
Addressing the students, President Tatar emphasized the significance of the Turkish language, noting that attending Maarif Schools, which offer high-standard education in 53 countries while incorporating Turkish language and culture, is a distinct privilege.
He highlighted that Turkish is a major language spoken by over 300 million people across a vast region.