President Ersin Tatar emphasized that opening the Haspolat border crossing would ease congestion at the Metehan Border Gate and boost trade under the Green Line Regulation.

During a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC), headed by Turgay Deniz, Tatar discussed the benefits of new border crossings for the island.

Receiving the delegation on Thursday, President Ersin Tatar underlined that international support exists for initiatives that foster cooperation between the two communities on the island.

He noted that the Haspolat crossing, located in eastern Lefkoşa, is particularly suitable for commercial vehicles and taxis due to its geographical position.

“The opening of the Haspolat gate will benefit both sides,” said Tatar. “Linking this to unrealistic demands, such as transit passages, is unacceptable.

Transit passages do not represent border crossings but rather an attempt to use our territory for Greek Cypriot travel.”

Tatar expressed concerns over proposals for crossings at Erenköy and Kiracıköy, citing military and other constraints, and suggested that the Pile-Yiğitler road could be considered instead.

He highlighted that traffic between Pile and the British Sovereign Base Area of Dhekelia has caused significant congestion and proposed an alternative route to alleviate pressure on the Beyarmudu crossing.

Tatar reiterated the longstanding call for recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereign equality and international status as a precondition for formal negotiations.

He criticized the Greek Cypriot side for clinging to outdated demands for “zero troops, zero guarantees” and stressed the need for direct trade, flights, and contact.

Chamber President Turgay Deniz echoed the importance of the Haspolat crossing, noting that it has been on the agenda for years.

He welcomed the recent discussion of this issue at the United Nations in New York and expressed optimism that a decision on opening the gate could soon be reached, supported by both communities.

Deniz also highlighted that discussions with Greek Cypriot business counterparts indicated mutual support for the opening of Haspolat. He hoped for an agreement between the two leaders to bring this long-standing proposal to fruition.