Nicosia: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar has emphasized his country’s unwavering commitment to a two-state policy, asserting that any future agreements on Cyprus will only be achievable through cooperation between two independent states. This statement was made during a joint press conference held on Wednesday with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, where Tatar dismissed any potential return to previous federation-based negotiations and highlighted the TRNC’s consistent progress.
According to Anadolu Agency, Tatar expressed his appreciation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his continued support in the TRNC’s efforts to ensure its future and prosperity. He also welcomed the introduction of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan. Tatar underscored the enduring restrictions faced by Turkish Cypriots, who have experienced isolation for 62 years due to policies enacted by the Greek Cypriot Administration.
Despite enduring what he described as inhumane restrictions
and violations of fundamental rights, Tatar stated that the Turkish Cypriots have remained steadfast in their struggle, advocating for unity as a pathway to progress and prosperity. He reiterated their commitment to diplomacy, noting ongoing discussions with the Greek Cypriot leadership.
Tatar also mentioned a proposal to open the Akincilar-Limnitis border gate and indicated that the date for a planned high-level meeting in Switzerland, which would involve Trkiye, the TRNC, the UK, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot Administration, has yet to be determined.
The island of Cyprus has been entangled in a protracted dispute between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, despite numerous diplomatic efforts by the UN to reach a comprehensive resolution. Ethnic tensions in the early 1960s led Turkish Cypriots to retreat into enclaves for safety. In 1974, a coup by Greek Cypriots aiming for annexation by Greece prompted Trkiye to intervene militarily as a guarantor power, protecting Turkish Cypriots from violence and pers
ecution, and leading to the establishment of the TRNC in 1983.
Cyprus has experienced intermittent peace processes in recent years, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Trkiye, Greece, and the UK. The Greek Cypriot Administration joined the European Union in 2004, the same year they single-handedly blocked a UN plan intended to resolve the longstanding conflict.