President Ersin Tatar has reiterated that official talks for a regarding the Cyprus issue could only begin as and when the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot side was recognized.
Tatar’s words came during a speech he delivered at the TRNC Coast Guard titled “The History of Cyprus and two equal separate sovereign states”.
Addressing members of the TRNC Coast Guard, President Ersin Tatar pointed out that the Greek Cypriot Administration was admitted to the European Union in violation of international agreements.
He also highlighted the fact that it was the Greek Cypriot side, which insisted on “zero troops and zero guarantees” which had abandoned the last round of negotiations held in Crans Montana in 2017
Stressing that it would not be possible to exist on the island if the political sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot side was not recognized, he said that giving up sovereignty was dangerous in terms of national interests.
Noting that the Turkish Cypriot side had participated in talks for a federal solution for decades despite the Greek Cypriot side’s unwillingness, Tatar also added that the conditions for a settlement changed following the South’s unilateral accession to the EU.
Providing information about the history of Cyprus and the Cyprus issue, he stressed that sovereignty and independence could not be compromised once a state was established.
“Peoples who have larger populations than us do not have a state. Having a state should not be taken for granted. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is a great value with its institutions and organizations,” President Tatar stressed.
Stressing that despite the volatile situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish Armed Forces along with the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces, the Coast Guard and the Turkish intelligence have made the TRNC a secure island, he said, adding that this was why foreigners opted to come to the country to study, live, holiday and invest.
Pointing out that proposals to share the island’s resources with the Greek Cypriot side were rejected, Tatar said, “We offered them to become part of projects such as the water and electricity transfer projects from Türkiye, which are cheaper and more sustainable, but all were rejected. The two communities can live side by side by sharing water, electricity, and natural resources.”
Noting that significant investments had been made since the establishment of the TRNC, Tatar said that these investments in industry, education, communication, and tourism had changed the perception in favour of the Turkish Cypriot side.
He also expressed the importance of the call made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, regarding the recognition of the TRNC and the lifting of imposed embargoes.
Stating that the official negotiations could only commence as and when the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot side is accepted, President Tatar reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side’s readiness to engage in talks for peace and stability on the island, emphasizing their commitment to seeking a fair, comprehensive, and lasting solution.
Tatar also stressed the importance of respecting the will of the Turkish Cypriot people and achieving a solution based on the principle of equality.