Tatar: As Long as the Greek Cypriot Leader Attacks Us, He Will Be Met with a Similar Response

Tatar strongly condemned recent actions aimed at creating a climate of fear by portraying individuals who invest or acquire property in the TRNC as criminals. “This is not only a violation of individual rights but also a dangerous approach that undermines trust between the two communities and jeopardizes prospects for future reconciliation,” he said.

He noted that these measures were damaging the cooperative atmosphere acknowledged by UN Secretary-General António Guterres after the Geneva meeting and hampering ongoing efforts for mutual cooperation.

Following a 90-minute meeting with UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín, Tatar told the press he had always supported dialogue. “I have never avoided contact or dialogue. In the past two months alone, I met with the Greek Cypriot leader twice,” he said. However, he stressed that the latest developments necessitated a diplomatic response.

Tatar reiterated that as long as the Greek Cypriot leadership maintains what he called a policy of intimidation based on property claims, there can be no meaningful dialogue. “This is not just about legal rights—it’s about basic freedom and dignity. The era of tolerating this hostile approach is over,” he added.

He also explained his decision to reject a proposed trilateral meeting by UN envoy Holguín, a suggestion made at the request of Christodoulides. “This decision is based not on emotion but on principle, prioritizing the safety and rights of our people,” he stated.

Tatar expressed his respect for Guterres and appreciation for Holguín’s constructive stance during their meetings, but emphasized that as long as Christodoulides uses legal mechanisms to pressure Turkish Cypriots, he cannot be considered a credible partner in dialogue. “His policy of increasing tensions serves only to create deadlock, not solutions,” he warned.

Tatar criticized international silence regarding Greek Cypriot rhetoric and actions. “It is unacceptable that some quarters remain silent or even lend implicit support to a mindset that targets our people and treats them as criminals,” he said. “This is not diplomacy—it is submission disguised as policy. I reject it unequivocally.”

The President reaffirmed that his priority is the safety, rights, and dignity of the Turkish Cypriot people. He said he had conveyed all his concerns to Holguín, asking her to relay them directly to Guterres.

Tatar added that Holguín is scheduled to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday before travelling to Athens and returning to the island before the July summit, during which time they will remain in contact.

“Property Regulations Anchored in International Law”

In response to reporters’ questions, Tatar noted that current property regulations have been developed and endorsed over the years by officials from all political backgrounds. He said it is unfair to blame either the President or the government for Greek Cypriot actions, as “we are all in the same boat.”

Tatar emphasized the legitimacy of the Immovable Property Commission and its recognition by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). “Our state has paid more than £600 million to applicants so far,” he noted.

“We Must Speak With One Voice”

Tatar also highlighted that Turkish Cypriots hold more than 500,000 dönüms of land in the south, much of which they gave up in exchange under the principle of equivalence. He stressed that all UN-backed solution plans included property arrangements and that the international community had effectively approved these frameworks.

“It is unacceptable for us to endure such a process at this stage,” Tatar said. “I call on everyone to speak with one voice to make the injustices we face known to the world.”