President Ersin Tatar on Wednesday highlighted the importance of the message delivered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the General Assembly regarding the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

President Tatar also stressed that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready to engage in discussions on any issue that would benefit both sides and promote cooperation between two states on the basis of equality.

Tatar was speaking to reporters following his meeting with leaders of three of the political parties with seats in the Republic’s Assembly during which he briefed them on his recent contacts in New York.

Speaking to the press after the meeting held at the Presidency on Wednesday, President Tatar said that he had gone to New York to defend the Turkish Cypriot side’s policies and share them with his counterparts.

He said that he had conveyed to his counterparts and interlocutors that official negotiations on the Cyprus issue could not begin without securing the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people.

President Tatar also underscored the significance of the message delivered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the General Assembly, particularly regarding the recognition of the TRNC.

He criticized the fact that the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides was allowed to speak at the UN General Assembly while the UN, which acknowledged the Turkish Cypriot side’s equality, did not grant them a speaking opportunity.

He emphasized that this was a significant injustice and highlighted the importance of President Erdoğan advocating for the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Tatar also mentioned that Türkiye supports the TRNC in all areas and that they received support in Azerbaijan as well.

He pointed out that Türkiye is the largest country in the region, a powerful and influential nation, and a key player in energy, diplomacy, and various global matters.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Tatar stated that there can be no solution in Cyprus without recognizing the independence, sovereignty, and rights of the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriot people.

He stated that he conveyed all of this to the relevant parties, including the UN Secretary-General.

Tatar mentioned that they have never shied away from diplomatic negotiations and have engaged in various discussions with their counterparts on an equal footing through 12 technical committees.

He also noted that they have expressed their willingness to hold discussions on issues such as electricity through cables, irregular migration, and the clearance of mines.

Responding to claims that he was avoiding talks, Tatar said that he could never approve of such statements and that the UN Secretary-General would not initiate a process that was bound to fail.

He emphasized that their proposed joint efforts with two states could lead to these initiatives and that they have conveyed their unwillingness to engage in talks for a federal settlement. However, he mentioned that they were ready for cooperation between the two states for the sake of regional stability.

Tatar also mentioned that they proposed opening a crossing point in Haspolat for commercial vehicles, which would greatly ease congestion at the Metehan crossing point and they were ready to discuss all issues on the basis of equality.

Regarding the appointment of a UN Special Representative who would report to the Security Council, Tatar expressed his opposition, but said that the appointment of such a representative could be considered.

He considered his New York contacts as successful and emphasized that they were not in a disruptive position.

Tatar also criticized the isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people, adding that the Turkish Cypriots were an honourable people who would continue to fight for an honourable solution.

He emphasized that they would not kneel or submit to the authority of the Greek Cypriots.

Tatar argued that for a permanent solution, peace, security, and regional stability in Cyprus, the reality of the TRNC must be recognized, or else permanent peace cannot be achieved. He asserted that the TRNC cannot be degraded, and they will not get anywhere by submitting to humiliation.