Tatar: "Federal Solution in Cyprus is Not Possible"

President Ersin Tatar, during his visit to Ankara, appeared as a guest on the "Kızılelma" program broadcasted on Bengü Türk. He attended the 8th Ordinary Congress of the AK Party in Ankara, highlighting the significance of the event. Tatar stated, "Being present at the congress is a great honor for us. We witnessed once again the importance of the historic ties between the TRNC and the Republic of Turkey. It was an immense pride for us to be addressed as honorary guests, and I would like to express my gratitude, on behalf of myself and the people of the TRNC, to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AK Party organizations."

President Tatar pointed out the meaningful speech delivered by President Erdoğan at the congress, mentioning the important messages conveyed. "As a Cypriot Turk, I know how crucial the support of the People's Alliance is for the Cyprus cause," said Tatar.

He emphasized that a federal solution for Cyprus is no longer possible. He stated that the Greek Cypriot side exploits its internationally recognized state status and refuses to accept an equal partnership with the Turkish Cypriots. "Therefore, a new political approach is necessary. This approach is the two-state solution," Tatar explained. "The idea of a federal partnership is flawed, as it would allow the majority to oppress the minority and sever ties with Turkey, within the framework of the European Union."

Tatar warned that the end of Turkey's guarantorship and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island within a federal framework would mark the beginning of the end for the Turkish Cypriots. "In a two-state solution, if an agreement is to be made, it will be between two states: a Turkish state in the north and a Greek state in the south. The cooperation between these two states can lead to a solution. The People's Alliance has given us full support in this regard," Tatar stated.

He also pointed out that after 60 years, the UN Security Council's decision for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation has failed, as evidenced by the repeated unsuccessful attempts such as the Annan Plan and Crans Montana. "After all these efforts, I will not allow any pressure based on the UN decision. The two-state solution is the most viable option," he affirmed.

Tatar underlined that the two-state solution is also the right choice for the Greek Cypriots. "For the development and stability of a country, economic growth and stability are crucial. The presence of the Turkish military guarantees peace, security, and stability on the island, both for Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots," he said.

The President expressed his gratitude to President Erdoğan and MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli for their support of the two-state solution. He noted that the unwavering support from Turkey for the Cyprus cause and the Turkish Cypriots' struggle is of great importance.

Tatar also praised the leadership of President Erdoğan, who was re-elected as the party leader with 100% of the votes at the congress. He stated that Turkey, under Erdoğan’s leadership, is setting a strong example for the future with its defense industry and other national policies.

Regarding the upcoming UN meeting in March, Tatar stated, "We are not going to negotiate. For negotiations to happen, there must be a common ground and framework." He welcomed the UN’s statement that there is no common ground for negotiations, calling it an important success. Tatar stressed that for official negotiations to begin, the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots must be recognized.

At the March meeting, the Turkish Cypriot side, along with Turkey, will declare that Cyprus’s future consists of two states. Tatar emphasized, "We will present our vision for Cyprus’s future. We will go to say that a two-state agreement is the only possible solution."

He also noted that since 1974, peace has prevailed in Cyprus, and conflicts have ended. "For us, it is crucial that the Turkish military’s presence and guarantees continue," he added.

Tatar highlighted the role of Turkish embassies in promoting the two-state solution globally and mentioned the ongoing efforts of the Turkish Cypriot diaspora to advocate for this solution. He described the fight to make this policy accepted internationally as a significant struggle.

Finally, President Tatar reiterated the strategic importance of the island of Cyprus to Turkey, emphasizing that control of the airspace and its security are crucial national issues for Turkey.