Presidency: UK Has Obligation to Treat Both Sides Equally as a Guarantor Power

The statement warned that ignoring the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people and engaging solely with one side undermines efforts to build trust and foster meaningful cooperation.

President Ersin Tatar, through his Special Representative Güneş Onar, reached out to British authorities, expressing hope that the pragmatic Prime Minister would seize the opportunity to hear the Turkish Cypriot perspective firsthand during his visit.

The Presidency pointed out that this visit coincides with preparations for a broader informal meeting on the Cyprus issue, hosted by the UN Secretary-General and involving the UK. It stressed the importance of an equitable approach, noting:

"There are two sides in Cyprus, and any solution requires dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. Failing to engage with the Turkish Cypriots while giving preferential treatment to the Greek Cypriot side hampers efforts to build trust and creates further obstacles to meaningful collaboration."

The statement also criticized the UK's approach, stating that favoring one side reinforces the Greek Cypriot side's reluctance to share power and wealth on an equal footing with Turkish Cypriots.

Recalling the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, the Presidency noted that despite the Turkish Cypriot side's support for a UN-backed solution, they remain subject to unjust isolation. The statement referenced then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s call to end restrictions on the Turkish Cypriot people.

The Presidency concluded with an appeal to Prime Minister Starmer to meet with President Tatar during his visit, urging the UK to demonstrate its commitment to equality and a sustainable future for both communities in Cyprus through action, not just words.