Ankara: President Ersin Tatar reiterated Tuesday that formal negotiations on the Cyprus issue can only begin once the reaffirmation of Turkish Cypriots' "sovereign equality" is recognized. His remarks came at a press briefing in Geneva following an informal meeting of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders along with representatives from the three guarantor states - Trkiye, Greece, and the UK - under the auspices of the UN. According to Anadolu Agency, Tatar emphasized that "the new and formal negotiations can be started following the reaffirmation of our sovereign equality and equal international status." He noted that he participated in the informal meeting with "a positive and constructive attitude" for a sustainable future for the island of Cyprus, expressing hope for a new page based on mutual interest, leaving behind conflict and seeking coexistence as good neighbors. Tatar outlined two options for the island: continuing the current situation or building a shared future. He proposed establishin g a Cyprus Cooperation Council to address the needs and demands of both communities and foster a sustainable future based on peaceful coexistence. However, this proposal was rejected by Greek Cypriot administration leader Nikos Christodoulides. On the appointment of a UN personal envoy, Tatar expressed satisfaction with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's decision to appoint an envoy to facilitate progress and prepare conditions for the next meeting in the same format at the end of July. Guterres stated that Tatar and Christodoulides agreed on initiatives to build trust, including opening four crossing points, demining, creating a technical committee on youth, and addressing environmental and climate change issues. He noted that discussions occurred in a "constructive atmosphere," with both sides committed to dialog.