Tatar: Crans-Montana Summit Marked the End of the Federation Model

Tatar criticized recent discussions sparked by a former Greek Cypriot leader's book, calling them a "nostalgic" attempt to rewrite history. "When I look at the comments from our side, I see that our people's rights are being ignored for political and ideological reasons. The same ineffective narratives of the past are still being repeated," he remarked.

Tatar emphasized that since 1963, Turkish Cypriots have suffered under isolation because their future has been left in the hands of the Greek Cypriot side. "A clear example of this was the 2004 Annan Plan referenda. While Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected the comprehensive solution plan, the promises made to us were never fulfilled. Instead, negotiations resumed as if nothing had happened, disregarding our will," he said.

Referring to the Crans-Montana negotiations in 2017, Tatar argued that key concessions were made to appease the Greek Cypriot side, including proposals to reduce Turkish Cypriot representation to a single vote, territorial adjustments, and the removal of Turkey's intervention rights. Despite these efforts, the talks collapsed, proving that the federation model was no longer viable. "Crans-Montana was the moment when the federation model was officially exhausted. Given this reality, why do some still insist on appeasing those who refuse to share governance and prosperity with us?" he questioned.

Tatar warned against reviving what he called a "failed final attempt" at negotiations, arguing that certain circles are trying to resurface outdated scenarios to serve external interests. "We need to scrutinize these desperation narratives being pushed onto our people and understand their true intentions," he said.

The TRNC president reaffirmed his commitment to a two-state solution based on sovereign equality and equal international status. He criticized those who oppose this vision, accusing them of trying to force the Turkish Cypriot side into a position that benefits the Greek Cypriots. "Insisting on the failed federation model only guarantees the continuation of the status quo. My vision is not a tactic or a strategy—it is the only formula that will secure the future and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people," he declared.

Tatar concluded by emphasizing his long-standing commitment to this vision, which has the full support of Turkey. "For more than four years, I have upheld this struggle to establish our fundamental human rights, which have been blocked by Greek Cypriot politics. Our solution vision is the key to a fair and lasting settlement based on real conditions on the ground. In my presidency, I will attend a second informal meeting hosted by the UN Secretary-General and will once again push for the recognition of our fundamental rights.

The Turkish Cypriot people are peaceful and open to cooperation that benefits both sides. We are forgiving when necessary, but we are not naive. We will no longer participate in processes that ignore our rights and hand over our sovereignty to the other side," he asserted.