New york: The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will attend the informal expanded 5+1 talks on Cyprus, scheduled for July 16-17 in New York, President Ersin Tatar announced.
According to Anadolu Agency, President Tatar confirmed the TRNC's readiness for the meeting, following consultations with Trkiye. The announcement was made during a news conference after his discussions with Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, and Colin Stewart, head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus mission. Tatar reiterated the TRNC's commitment to dialogue and a constructive approach.
Tatar highlighted past disagreements with Greek Cypriot Administration Leader Nikos Hristodulidis during the 5+1 meeting in Geneva from March 6 to 17. He emphasized the need for the Greek Cypriot Administration to cease the unjust detention of TRNC property owners. Despite the reappointment of Cuellar to advance six issues from the Geneva talks, Tatar noted that satisfactory progress has not been achieved.
He stressed the ongoing dialogue with the Greek Cypriot side through various committees, stating that the conditions for official negotiations are clear. Tatar outlined the policy of "sovereign equality and equal international status" as crucial, suggesting that progress in direct flights, trade, and contact - termed as the 3D framework - could lead to official negotiations.
Additionally, Tatar mentioned his upcoming visit to Azerbaijan to attend an Economic Cooperation Organization meeting in Khankendi. He aims to strengthen relations with ECO member states to bolster the TRNC's presence and economic potential in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Cyprus issue has persisted for decades, with ethnic tensions beginning in the early 1960s. A Greek Cypriot coup in 1974 prompted Trkiye's military intervention to protect Turkish Cypriots, leading to the establishment of the TRNC in 1983. Despite efforts by the UN and other guarantor countries, a comprehensive settlement has remained elusive. The Greek Cypriot administration entered the EU in 2004, blocking a UN plan to resolve the dispute.