Tatar: Yiğitler-Pile Road Must Be Completed Without Delay

Tatar shared his views on the recent meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, held in the buffer zone under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Cyprus, Colin Stewart. He criticized Christodoulides for deviating from agreements made during an informal dinner hosted by the UN in New York on October 15, 2024.

Tatar accused the Greek Cypriot leader of presenting disconnected ideas as a package deal to block the opening of new crossing points. Highlighting the importance of the Yiğitler-Pile road, Tatar noted that it would ease daily life for residents of Pile and reduce congestion at the Beyarmudu crossing point.

Tatar stated that while significant progress had been made on the road, obstacles had arisen due to conditions imposed by the United Nations. He pointed out that while the Greek Cypriot side has constructed roads and buildings in the buffer zone without obstruction, the UN has created difficulties for the completion of the Yiğitler-Pile road, which serves a humanitarian purpose.

He further elaborated that 8.5 kilometers of the road have been paved, and the remaining section has been stabilized. However, complications caused by the UN near the "10 Houses" area have delayed progress. Stressing the urgency of the project, Tatar called for its immediate completion.

Addressing crossing point issues, Tatar proposed solutions during his meeting with Christodoulides, including opening new crossing points at Haspolat and Akıncılar to alleviate the heavy traffic at Metehan, which accounts for 65% of vehicle crossings. He emphasized that these initiatives would not only ease traffic but also boost economic and social interactions between the two sides, in line with the UN Secretary-General's vision.

Tatar dismissed the Greek Cypriot demands for transit corridors connecting areas such as Erenköy and Kiracıköy, calling them strategic moves aimed at gaining territorial advantage. He urged Christodoulides to focus on mutually beneficial initiatives like the opening of Haspolat and Akıncılar crossing points.

Concluding his remarks, Tatar underlined his determination to bring up the Yiğitler-Pile road issue in future discussions, holding the UN accountable for its responsibilities. He criticized the UN for allowing Greek Cypriot developments in the buffer zone while obstructing a project vital for the Turkish Cypriot community.