Tatar Highlights Key Cyprus Talks

Tatar - Guterres
[President Ersin Tatar – UNSG Antonio Guterres – file photo]
President Ersin Tatar made a statement at Ercan Airport following his return from New York, where he participated in a key diplomatic meeting. He explained that, during a dinner hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, both sides agreed to an informal tripartite meeting to discuss the Cyprus issue. Tatar stressed that this dinner was significant for international diplomacy, BRTK reported.

He recalled that earlier discussions with Guterres had proposed a meeting in a 4+1 format and that the UN Secretary-General, after consulting various countries, suggested an expanded informal meeting in the coming months. Tatar highlighted the importance of both sides presenting their positions, stating that for the past four years, he has been advocating for the recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereign equality and international status as the basis for any future negotiations. He noted that previous attempts at federation-based agreements, such as in Crans-Montana in 2017, had failed.

Tatar reiterated that Southern Cyprus’ stance had caused the collapse of talks in 2017, and therefore, there was no point in continuing negotiations without addressing the core issues of sovereignty. He also noted that UN Secretary-General Guterres had confirmed there was no common ground between the two sides, which was an important diplomatic acknowledgment of the Turkish Cypriot position.

Tatar further emphasised that the long-standing UN Security Council resolutions were outdated and unrealistic in the current global context. He pointed to recent global events, such as the situation in Gaza, as evidence of how the world has changed.

While supporting informal cooperation on practical matters that could benefit both communities, such as trade and border crossing points, Tatar warned against starting formal negotiations, which could lead to unintended consequences. He mentioned his discussions with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, suggesting a future meeting in Cyprus to further consult on these issues.

Tatar also called for easing the isolation and embargoes on North Cyprus, advocating for direct trade and flights as a means to support the Turkish Cypriot economy, but acknowledged that the Greek Cypriot side opposed these suggestions.

In conclusion, Tatar found the meeting useful and stressed the importance of dialogue, but reiterated that official talks would not resume without the right conditions, including recognition of Turkish Cypriot sovereignty.

BRTK

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