TRNC President Ersin Tatar has urged the UK, as a guarantor power, to be more “sensitive” regarding the removal of restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriot community.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency following his meetings in London, Tatar emphasized that changing circumstances necessitate a review of the UK’s policies towards the island.

Tatar also mentioned his upcoming meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York.

He stressed that any negotiations would require the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot people’s sovereignty, with demands for “direct flights, direct trade, and direct contact” being central. “Without these in place, we will not sit at the negotiation table,” Tatar said.

Evaluating his contacts in London to the Turkish State Anadolu News Agency, President Ersin Tatar said that he had attended a reception at the UK Parliament, where he highlighted the unjust isolation and embargoes faced by Turkish Cypriots.

He reaffirmed his belief that a resolution to the Cyprus issue could only be found through negotiations based on the TRNC’s sovereign equality, with Türkiye’s support.

Tatar underscored that the TRNC will not accept any imposed restrictions and reminded that the UK, as a guarantor state, has responsibilities towards the Turkish Cypriot community.

“The UK must listen to the voice of the Turkish Cypriots and reconsider its policies in light of the changing conditions,” he stated.

Referring to the Labour Party’s victory in the UK’s general elections on July 4, Tatar recalled how, during Labour’s previous tenure in 2004, the Greek Cypriot Administration was admitted into the European Union.

He cited former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw’s regret over this decision, which Straw described as his “biggest mistake.”

Tatar noted that while he does not expect immediate changes in the UK’s Cyprus policy under the new government, the Foreign Office remains highly conservative, with strong ties to Southern Cyprus.

Regarding the UK’s and the US’s use of military bases in Southern Cyprus to provide weapons and intelligence support to Israel, Tatar expressed concern, stating that such activity could make the island a target.

He added, “The use of sovereign bases in Cyprus to support Middle Eastern conflicts is not in Cyprus’ best interest.”

Pointing out that he will be travelling to New York on September 22 to attend meetings within the framework of the UN General Assembly, Tatar said that he will be informing the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres whom he will meet that the Turkish Cypriot side will not sit at the negotiation table without the fulfilment of demands for “direct flights, direct trade, and direct contact,” which are essential for confirming the Turkish Cypriot people’s right to sovereignty.

Earlier, Tatar gave similar messages in the various meetings he held in London as well as the interviews he gave to media organisations.