Tatar: Ortaylı’s Remarks About Annan Plan Supporters Were Unnecessary and Misguided

In a statement shared on social media, Tatar responded to Ortaylı’s controversial comments made during a recent event held at the Presidential Palace in North Nicosia, organised at the invitation of Eurasian Strategic Research Institution President Murat Doğanay.

Tatar noted that he had attended the event and said Ortaylı's hour-long speech largely praised the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and commended the Turkish Cypriot people. “The historian stressed the importance of the TRNC and described the Turkish Cypriots as one of the purest branches of the Turkish nation, of Turkmen origin,” Tatar stated.

However, the President expressed disapproval over Ortaylı’s remarks concerning those who supported the Annan Plan, saying: “I find his comments unnecessary, excessive, and wrong. During the Annan Plan period, the Turkish Cypriot people acted in accordance with policies coordinated with Turkey.”

“A New Reality Exists”

Tatar reiterated that since taking office, he has consistently advocated for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality and equal international status, with the firm backing of Turkey. “We are now in a completely different political context and reality. Our people support and embrace this new policy,” he said.

“Unity and Solidarity Are Crucial”

Emphasising the importance of cautious rhetoric during times when national unity is vital, Tatar noted that Ortaylı’s past positive assessments of the Turkish Cypriot people should not be overlooked. He also encouraged the public to watch the full speech before drawing conclusions.

“Statements made at this time should reinforce our unity, not undermine it,” Tatar concluded.