Tatar: "TRNC Is the Key to Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean"

During his official visit to the United Kingdom, Tatar shared the current conditions in the TRNC, the ongoing struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people, and their expectations. He also urged the UK to reconsider its policy on the Cyprus issue.

Returning home this morning, Tatar spoke at a press conference at Ercan Airport, stressing that the Presidency and the government closely monitor all challenges faced by Turkish Cypriots in the UK and continue working to strengthen ties with the TRNC.

Meetings with UK Officials

Tatar discussed TRNC’s position and tensions caused by the Greek Cypriot side, including arrests, with British officials. He held talks with UK Europe Minister Stephen Doughty, reviewing the informal 5+1 Cyprus talks held in Geneva on March 17-18 and plans for a similar meeting in July. Doughty took note of concerns related to the Greek Cypriot side.

Referencing the contacts between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and UN Special Envoy María Angela Holguín Cuéllar, Tatar mentioned that Holguín will meet Doughty to discuss details of the planned July 5+1 informal Cyprus meeting.

Tatar highlighted that over 300,000 people of Turkish Cypriot origin live in the UK, while nearly 30,000 British citizens reside in the TRNC. He expressed expectations for new developments in UK-TRNC relations post-Brexit, although he noted that progress has so far been limited, a point he raised with UK officials.

He thanked British MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith for supporting a written parliamentary appeal by 50 MPs for direct flights to the TRNC, calling these efforts important for influencing public opinion despite no concrete results yet.

Tatar also held a candid discussion with former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who previously served as Foreign Secretary and closely followed the Cyprus issue, highlighting TRNC as a balance factor in the Eastern Mediterranean’s strategic and geopolitical developments. He presented Johnson with the second edition of his book advocating a two-state solution.

Engagements with Turkish Cypriots and Community Events

At the eighth annual Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival, organized by the UK Turkish Cypriot Associations Council, Tatar engaged with youth, citizens, and British MPs. Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu also attended.

Referring to Üstel’s statements on military service and preparations for young people returning to the TRNC, Tatar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to closely address all issues faced by Turkish Cypriots in the UK and strengthen bilateral ties.

Tatar, who spent many years living in the UK, said he has never seen such strong connections formed previously with the diaspora community. “This sensitivity and awareness please our people in the UK and contribute to deepening and strengthening our bonds,” he added.

He also noted his meeting with members of the UK Parliament’s APPG-TRNC friendship group and interactions with numerous MPs of Pakistani origin at an event organized by the British Museum Heritage Centre in Manchester. There, he shared information about the TRNC’s current situation and the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Tatar attended the opening of a store by businessman Ziya Emir in Manchester, further highlighting his outreach efforts.

Support for Turkish Language and Culture Schools

Thanks to initiatives by his wife, Sibel Tatar, and support from the Cyprus Foundations Administration, efforts are underway to strengthen Turkish language and culture schools in the UK.

Tatar praised the value of these diplomatic contacts in London, the center of diplomacy, as vital for making the voice and presence of the Turkish Cypriot people heard. He also conveyed to British officials that the guarantor country UK has treated Turkish Cypriots unfairly, a situation that continues today.

Resolute Commitment Amid Challenges

Addressing the tensions caused by Greek Cypriot arrests, Tatar said the atmosphere has worsened but affirmed that the Turkish Cypriot people will never abandon their struggle.

He stressed expectations from the UK—referred to as a guarantor country—for concrete steps regarding the “3D” principles: direct flights, direct trade, and direct contacts.

“Our ultimate goal is to sustain and promote the TRNC. We pursue this with great determination and resolve,” Tatar said.

He concluded: “Neither Cyprus nor the Eastern Mediterranean is what it once was. Turkey, the guarantor homeland, is the largest and strongest country in the region. Considering developments in the Blue Homeland, the TRNC is the key to stability in this vital and strategic Eastern Mediterranean region. I shared these views with all UK officials and urged the UK to reconsider its Cyprus policy.”