New york: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar emphasized that formal negotiations on the Cyprus issue will not proceed unless the sovereign equality and international status of Turkish Cypriots are recognized. Tatar made these remarks during a news conference at the UN headquarters in New York, following an informal meeting on Cyprus.
According to Anadolu Agency, Tatar highlighted that over the past four years, the TRNC has solidified its stance that formal negotiations for resolving the Cyprus issue will not resume without recognition of their sovereign equality and equal international status. He expressed his belief that these aspects are inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Tatar attended the meeting with a positive agenda but voiced disappointment over recent incidents on the island since the previous informal meeting in Geneva. He pointed out the anxiety and pressure felt by Turkish Cypriots due to actions by the Greek Cypriot leadership, which he claimed have led to fears of arrest or detention when crossing to South Cyprus or traveling abroad.
Tatar reiterated the existence of "two states and two democracies" on the island, reflecting the will of both Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities. He insisted that any new formal negotiation process must be based on ground realities, treating both sides equally and with dignity.
The Turkish Cypriot leader also mentioned the unsuccessful attempt to announce the opening of four crossing points, attributing the failure to the Greek Cypriots' insistence on using the buffer zone for military purposes, which the Turkish side could not accept.
Tatar acknowledged the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres but noted that the Greek Cypriot stance prevented a resolution to this issue. On the topic of mine clearance, Tatar expressed the aim for a mine-free island, criticizing the Greek Cypriot side for wanting selective areas cleared.
Looking ahead, Tatar announced plans to meet with the Greek Cypriot leader during the UN General Assembly in September, with another informal meeting scheduled for the end of the year.
The Cyprus issue has persisted for decades, with the island divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriots despite numerous UN diplomatic efforts. Historical tensions date back to ethnic conflicts in the 1960s and the 1974 Greek Cypriot coup, which led to Turkey's military intervention and the establishment of the TRNC in 1983. Despite various peace initiatives, including a failed 2017 effort in Switzerland, a comprehensive settlement remains elusive. The Greek Cypriot Administration's EU entry in 2004 further complicated the situation, as they blocked a UN plan to resolve the dispute.
*Serife Cetin in New York contributed to this story*