Çeler: Turkish Cypriot Leadership Must Pursue Active Diplomacy

In his written statement, Çeler highlighted the importance of dialogue and being at the negotiation table, referring to the recent dinner involving UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President Ersin Tatar, and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides.

Çeler recalled that before President Tatar's trip to the US, they had stressed the importance of engaging in dialogue, even if only for social purposes. He welcomed the dinner as a positive step, adding that "Turkish Cypriots need to be the main actor, not avoid the table but rather set it."

"Turkish Cypriot Leadership Must Engage in Active Diplomacy"

Çeler pointed out that Guterres confirmed the lack of common ground but urged the leaders to continue their efforts. He noted that the Turkish Cypriot side had been passive since the last presidential election but said that this meeting, while not a breakthrough in solving the Cyprus problem, offered opportunities for Turkish Cypriots to contribute more actively to the process.

He urged Turkish Cypriot leadership to pursue active diplomacy, focusing on areas such as reopening more crossing points, addressing citizenship issues for Turkish Cypriots with only one Cypriot parent, and expanding Green Line trade. He emphasized the need for practical steps like activating technical committees and initiating joint projects.

Çeler concluded by stating that TDP would soon present its concrete proposals on these issues to the public.