Tatar: “Tel Aviv and Athens Do Not Want to See Me Leading the Country”

Recalling years of unsuccessful federation talks, Tatar said that despite the willingness of former TRNC Presidents Mehmet Ali Talat and Mustafa Akıncı to make concessions to the Greek Cypriots, peace on the island could not be achieved. He emphasized that Greek Cypriots in the south seek control over the entire island.

“Federation means sitting at the table with the Greek Cypriots and removing the Turkish military. Our people must never allow this. Our survival depends entirely on Turkey’s presence here. It would be unwise to support federationists for short-term gains. Ultimately, I trust my people to make the right decision,” Tatar said, stressing that the Turkish Cypriot community must protect its state, warning that abandoning it would lead to its end.

Tatar criticized the Greek Cypriot media, which frequently claims that “Tatar will lose, Tufan Erhürman will win, and negotiations will resume,” saying these narratives are intended to portray him as being forced into talks by the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides. He stated that the opposing side was frustrated by his firm stance.

Highlighting TRNC’s progress, Tatar noted that he has represented the country internationally under its own flag and constitutional name in numerous meetings. He underlined that Turkey’s unconditional support has helped overcome international embargoes and isolation, while interest from the Turkish and Islamic world in the TRNC continues to grow.

Tatar also pointed to the improving standard of living in the TRNC and expressed optimism about the country’s future.

“Greek Cypriots Are Uncomfortable Without Arms”

Tatar remarked that many Israelis have settled in the south for security reasons and that Israel has armed the Greek Cypriot administration. He added that the south’s militarization exceeds the capacity of the economy, which relies on tourism and banking, saying: “Christodoulides has involved himself in major issues. This level of armament is unsustainable.”

Reiterating that a fair and lasting solution in Cyprus requires two sovereign and internationally recognized states, Tatar said, “Tel Aviv and Athens do not want me leading the country because I stand firm with Turkey against them and disrupt their plans. Why would they want me?”

He further highlighted the events in Gaza, emphasizing that the situation demonstrates two-state solutions as the most practical and rational approach for the survival of the Palestinian people.