Tatar stressed that the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots and their rights, as outlined in international agreements, are not up for negotiation. “We won’t enter the official negotiation process without direct trade, direct flights, and direct contact”, Tatar said.
During his appearance on NTV, Tatar addressed questions during his visit to Istanbul.
He noted that efforts for a federal solution in Cyprus have been ongoing for 50 years, and suggested that the Greek Cypriot side aims to keep the process open to eventually transfer control of the island to Greek Cypriot authority.
Tatar stressed that the sovereignty and rights of the Turkish Cypriots, as established by international agreements, are non-negotiable. “If we’re going to start a new process, we’re doing it with a new understanding. We will only come to the table if our sovereign rights are recognised. This is not up for negotiation” , he said.
He added that progress on easing restrictions, like allowing direct flights and trade with the TRNC, would be important for moving forward with negotiations. However, he noted that recent actions by the Greek side seem to be moving in the opposite direction.
Highlighting the increased significance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in recent years, Tatar also emphasised that Turkey’s historical rights are important. “We will continue to advocate for the two-state solution in Cyprus together with Turkey”, he said.
Tatar plans to raise the issue of isolation again with the UN Secretary-General in New York in September, stating, “Every time I go, I make it clear that implementing embargoes in this day and age is unacceptable”.
He also recalled that promises made to the Turkish Cypriots have not been fulfilled, and pointed out that the Greek Cypriot administration has been admitted to the European Union. “They want to force us to be defeated at the table, but we won’t fall for this game”, he added.
Tatar affirmed that Turkey consistently supports the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and noted that despite isolation, there is growing potential in tourism and agriculture. He also mentioned that TRNC’s brand value is increasing.
Regarding an appointment for a trilateral meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Tatar said, “The Greek Cypriot leader is trying to speak on my behalf because he’s in a difficult position”. He maintained that it would be wrong to hold a trilateral meeting without addressing their conditions and emphasised that negotiations can only proceed if direct trade, flights, and other barriers are removed and the Turkish Cypriot people’s existence is acknowledged.
Tatar concluded, “We’ve reached a good point and are in constant dialogue with Turkey. As long as we maintain our principled stance, diplomacy will continue to work”.
