President Ersin Tatar, who delivered the fall semester’s first lecture at the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) on Monday, emphasized the importance of a sovereign state in northern Cyprus for the protection of the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.
President Tatar, who stated that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary, highlighted the achievements in infrastructure, transportation, education, and tourism, underlining the increased acceptability and recognition of the state.
President Tatar also urged those who say “There will be no war and no conflict in this age” to look at the events happening in Ukraine and Palestine.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Rector of EMU, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, pointed out that the Eastern Mediterranean University was the oldest state university in the TRNC hosting more than 16,000 students from over 100 countries and faculty members from 35 countries.
Erdal Özcenk, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, emphasized that educating young minds is the most important mission at the Eastern Mediterranean University, which is known for its commitment to knowledge and education.
Following the opening speeches, President Tatar, delivered the university’s first lecture, touching upon the Cyprus issue.
He said that while the Greek Cypriot side propagandizes worldwide because it is recognized, the Turkish Cypriot side struggles to make its voice heard through different channels and means.
Drawing attention to the fact that he tries to explain the Turkish Cypriot side’s position on the Cyprus issue to the world on every platform, Tatar reminded that the two-state solution model, which is the new national policy, is advocated together with Türkiye.
He emphasized the importance of a sovereign state in the island’s north for the protection of the rights of the Turkish Cypriots on land, at sea, and in the air, stating that a solution based on a federation seeks to patch Turkish Cypriots into the so-called Republic of Cyprus which is now solely controlled by Greek Cypriots.
President Tatar also expressed his view that the embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriots would be overcome over time, adding, “We will either abandon our state or become an appendage to the Greek Cypriots or we will strengthen our state.”
President Tatar described developments in agriculture and other sectors that have occurred with the arrival of water from Türkiye and stated that his greatest wish is the creation of employment and the strengthening of the economic structure.
Tatar, also pointed out that the TRNC was preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary on November 15, emphasizing that achievements have been made in infrastructure, transportation, education, and tourism, and the acceptability and recognition of the state have increased.
President Tatar also called on those who claim that “There will be no war and no conflict in this age” to look at what is happening in Ukraine and Palestine.