Tatar: “Two-State Solution Is Our National Policy”

According to a statement from the Ersin Tatar Election Office, Tatar met with retired MPs to share his vision for the elections.

“Five Years of Work Established National Policy”

During his speech, President Tatar said that over the past five years, they have worked to establish national policy. “We promised our people. We worked day and night to elevate our relations with Turkey. From the United Kingdom to Australia, we met with Turkish Cypriots abroad. Almost every day, our compatriots abroad call to say they want to vote. This era is beyond residency; wherever we are in the world, we are all connected to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

“I am a student of Rauf Denktaş”

Tatar, explaining his determination in the national cause, said he drew inspiration from the late founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş: “I entered politics through the National Unity Party, but I was inspired by Denktaş. He told me, ‘Tatar, defend sovereignty; without sovereignty, it is like writing on ice.’ I learned the importance of sovereignty and statehood from them. This is the path of truth, and I have never changed it.”

“Federation Dreams Are Over, Greek Cypriots Will Never Accept”

Tatar said the Greek Cypriot side has never accepted a federation or regarded Turkish Cypriots as equal partners: “The 1960 agreement was an international agreement, but all our rights were taken from us. We faced massacres and were forced to live in tents. Today, the Greek side continues a policy of delay and manipulation under the guise of federation. As seen in the Anlam Plan, the Greek side will never give up its claims of ownership.”

“Two-State Policy Is Also Turkey’s Official Policy”

Emphasizing that Turkey also firmly supports the two-state solution, Tatar said, “President Erdoğan has repeatedly stressed that Turkish Cypriots cannot wait another sixty years. This policy has also been formalized through Turkey’s parliamentary decision. The two-state policy is now our national policy.”

“Turkey’s Presence Is Vital”

Tatar highlighted changing global balances in the region, saying Turkey’s presence on the island is indispensable. “Cyprus is no longer the Cyprus of the past, and the Eastern Mediterranean is no longer as it was. Southern Cyprus has become a logistical hub for the U.S. and European countries. Under these conditions, Turkey’s guarantorship and military presence are of vital importance for the Turkish Cypriot people.”

“Cooperation Between Two States Brings Benefits in All Areas”

The President added that a two-state solution would provide benefits not only politically but also in economic, tourism, and energy sectors. “Through cooperation between the two states, significant gains can be achieved in tourism, energy, natural resources, and transport. Connecting to Europe through Turkey is far more beneficial than through Greece. However, they do not want this because it would force the Greek side to recognize the Turkish Cypriot people, which would pave the way for international recognition.”

“Continuity of Stability Is Essential”

Tatar stressed that the elections are not merely a race for candidacy but also a confirmation of national policy. “The continuation of the national policy pursued over the past five years is essential for the future and stability of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. We will continue on our path with Turkey’s support without compromising our sovereignty.”