Tatar: We Confirmed Our Participation in the Meeting in Geneva

After his meeting with DiCarlo, who is in Cyprus to discuss the Cyprus issue and preparations for the informal meeting, Tatar made a statement. He shared that the one-and-a-half-hour conversation was productive and touched on various topics, including the informal meeting scheduled for March in Geneva. Tatar emphasized that he believes the meeting will be beneficial if all parties are involved.

Tatar noted that he confirmed to DiCarlo that they are ready to participate in the meeting scheduled for March 17-18 in Geneva. He also mentioned that preparations will continue before the meeting and reiterated that there are two sides, two sovereign peoples, and two states on the island.

President Tatar emphasized that for constructive steps toward a solution, the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people must be recognized.

“The Turkish People Are the Fundamental Element”

Tatar stated that the Turkish Cypriot people are the fundamental element in Cyprus and have the inherent right to sovereignty. He said he conveyed these crucial rights of the Turkish Cypriot people during the meeting.

He also explained that the isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots are a violation of human rights and unjust punishment. Tatar strongly rejected any agreement that would push their lives into hardship.

Tatar emphasized that for a fair, lasting, and sustainable agreement, the sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriot people and the issues faced on the island for the past 60 years should be considered. He pointed out that while the Greek Cypriots have rejected every agreement, the Turkish Cypriot people live under embargoes, which is unacceptable.

Tatar stressed that the UN must take action on this matter, particularly in terms of direct flights, direct contact, and direct trade.

He also stated that the two equal sides on the island could cooperate on many issues, including energy, tourism, and crossings.

Tatar mentioned that new crossing points, which were discussed during the tripartite meeting in New York, could be opened, noting that Metehan is currently overwhelmed with a 65% share of crossings. He pointed out that Metehan can no longer handle more traffic and has become problematic for both sides.

Tatar proposed the opening of new crossing points at Haspolat and Akıncılar but mentioned that they did not receive a response. He also criticized the Greek Cypriot side for stepping outside the framework and requesting transit passage, which he said was unacceptable.

“We Confirmed Our Participation in the Meeting in Geneva”

Tatar stated that both sides can cooperate for their mutual benefit, but the Greek Cypriot side has not accepted this. He reiterated that the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) exists and will continue to exist despite efforts to deny it.

Tatar expressed support for finding an agreement through negotiations but emphasized that the outcome is contingent upon certain conditions. He raised the issue of Turkish-origin people not being able to travel south and asked for this grievance to be communicated to the other side.

In conclusion, President Ersin Tatar reiterated that they have confirmed their participation in the informal meeting planned for March 17-18 in Geneva, and he considered the meeting to be beneficial.