President Ersin Tatar attended an informal dinner in New York hosted by the UN Secretary-General, meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides to discuss the Cyprus issue.
In an exclusive interview with BRT, Tatar highlighted the TRNC’s firm stance on a two-state solution, emphasizing their ongoing policy with the support of Türkiye.
Tatar said that during the informal dinner, he reiterated the TRNC’s position on a two-state solution, saying, “We have a stance, a policy, and a new approach, which we are managing with Türkiye’s backing.”
He stressed the necessity of affirming sovereignty and political equality as prerequisites for formal negotiations.
Tatar also said that during the discussions he had raised the issue of recent arrests in South Cyprus, mentioning that the UN Secretary-General had suggested to Christodoulides that he declare a pardon for those arrested, a point Tatar found noteworthy.
Reflecting on the dinner, Tatar denied accusations that he had previously rejected trilateral meetings, clarifying that the TRNC is open to cooperation between the two states.
He emphasized that they have consistently pursued their new policy, advocating for a two-state framework and resisting any approach that does not recognize their sovereignty. Tatar noted that any formal negotiations must respect the equality of both parties.
Tatar also discussed the challenges of direct trade and flights with South Cyprus, pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side did not accept these proposals.
The president underscored that while the TRNC is committed to dialogue, the conditions of any negotiations are crucial.
He mentioned a possible 4+1 meeting, likely in early 2025, where representatives from the two sides and guarantor powers, including Türkiye, could come together for informal talks.
Commenting on the broader regional dynamics, Tatar noted that Greek-Turkish rapprochement could have economic benefits for Greece and could influence South Cyprus’ approach to negotiations.
Tatar criticized the Greek Cypriot authorities, accusing them of using the title “Republic of Cyprus” to misrepresent themselves as the sole representatives of the entire island. He warned that their intentions could undermine the TRNC’s existence and lead to assimilation, adding that political equality is essential to counter such efforts.
In his remarks, Tatar welcomed the potential opening of the Haspolat checkpoint, which could facilitate smoother trade and reduce pressure on existing border crossings like the Metahan checkpoint.
Tatar shared that the UN Secretary-General acknowledged the differing positions of both sides and emphasized the need for rapprochement.
He also highlighted the importance of the 4+1 meeting, hoping that it would contribute to progress in the negotiation process.
Addressing the issue of recent arrests in Southern Cyprus related to real estate transactions, Tatar revealed that he raised this matter during the dinner and observed the UN Secretary-General’s concern. Tatar questioned the sincerity of Christodoulides’ responses and stressed that the suggestion of an amnesty indicated the UN’s discomfort with the situation.
President Tatar concluded by reaffirming the TRNC’s dedication to its policy, emphasizing that any humanitarian gestures should not be seen as a shift in their stance but rather as a commitment to the values of justice and equality.