Tatar: Colin Stewart’s Statements Not in Line With His Mandate

While expressing full institutional respect for Secretary‑General António Guterres and the UN mission, Tatar said Stewart’s term, ending on 9 August, would be remembered as one in which the official failed to build trust, damaged perceptions of impartiality, and did not show sufficient sensitivity to the legitimate humanitarian demands of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Tatar reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side’s commitment to a settlement vision based on the reality of two separate peoples, democracies, and states on the island, grounded in sovereign equality and equal international status. He criticised Stewart for portraying this as a proposal “not taken seriously,” arguing that such an approach was incompatible with UN impartiality.

On economic isolation, Tatar stressed that the Turkish Cypriot people live under an unjust embargo preventing them from exercising basic rights such as direct trade. He said this was not only causing economic hardship but also denying fundamental human rights, and urged the international community to end this “unlawful oppression” rather than watch passively.

He also accused Stewart of obstructing the Yiğitler–Pile road project by turning it into an effort to grant territory to the Greek Cypriot side, undermining trust in the UN mission. On crossing points, Tatar said the Turkish Cypriot side had constructively proposed opening the Haspolat crossing to vehicles and establishing the Akıncılar–Limya crossing for vehicle traffic, while rejecting Greek Cypriot demands for transit routes through TRNC territory on security and sovereignty grounds.

Tatar emphasised that Turkey’s role as guarantor was far more than a legal obligation, describing it as a deep-rooted relationship based on historical solidarity, joint struggle, and mutual trust. He rejected portrayals of this bond as “fear-based” and warned that such mischaracterisations harmed the settlement climate.

Reaffirming the Turkish Cypriot side’s constructive stance in political processes, Tatar said the community did not accept the current status quo as a choice and would continue to defend its sovereignty, security, and dignified future. He called on the UN to respect the will of both sides and to facilitate, not impose, a settlement framework based on equality.

Tatar concluded that Stewart’s tenure required thorough review and that the views expressed should serve as guidance for his successor, stressing that respecting the Turkish Cypriot people’s determination was essential for the credibility of the peace process.