Tatar Before New York Visit: "We Will Not Sit at the Table Without Recognition of Our Equal Status"

Speaking at Ercan Airport before his departure, Tatar highlighted that the TRNC, together with Turkey, continues to advocate for its recognition on all platforms and that they will seize every opportunity to present the TRNC’s case.

He recalled that Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Representative, had spent six months until July gauging the positions of both sides, getting a closer understanding of the two-state structure in Cyprus. Tatar also pointed out that the harsh embargo against Turkish Cypriots has persisted since 1964 and stressed that the policies pursued with Turkey over the past four years are gaining traction, which will be discussed again with the UN Secretary-General in New York.

"We Face Dangers and Intrigues"

Tatar also responded to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ call for restarting Cyprus negotiations from where they left off in Crans Montana, expressing concern that this would jeopardize Turkey’s effective guarantees, the Turkish Cypriot community's veto rights, as well as their sovereign rights. He warned that such a process would be filled with risks and conspiracies that do not align with Turkish Cypriot interests, particularly regarding EU primary law.

He further criticized opposition leader Tufan Erhürman, who is set to attend Socialist International meetings in New York alongside the Greek Cypriot AKEL party, accusing him of undermining the state’s position for personal gains.

"Two Separate States Can Cooperate"

Reiterating his stance, Tatar said that the two states in Cyprus could cooperate on various matters, including electricity and water, but stressed that they would not sit at the negotiation table without the recognition of the Turkish Cypriots' equal status and sovereignty.

Tatar noted that the Turkish Cypriots expect the UN to acknowledge their rights regarding direct trade, flights, and international contact, a message he had conveyed to Holguin. He described the new political stance of the Turkish Cypriots as a natural extension of national policy.

"We Will Explain to Guterres Why We Cannot Agree to a Tripartite Meeting"

Tatar added that they would convey the Turkish Cypriot national policy and the latest developments in Cyprus to all relevant stakeholders during their meetings in New York. He also stated that they would explain to UN Secretary-General Guterres the reasons why they could not agree to a tripartite meeting at this stage.

Tatar reiterated that they would continue to advocate for the TRNC’s recognition through platforms such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TÜRKPA), and the Organization of Turkic States (TDT).

Tatar is expected to return to the TRNC on Sunday, September 29, at 8:00 PM, and will brief the public on his engagements in New York.

He was seen off at Ercan Airport by Speaker of the Parliament Zorlu Töre and Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Ataoğlu.