Tatar emphasised that the primary issue Mr. Akıncı should be addressing is the stance of the Greek Cypriots, whom Akıncı accused in 2017 of rejecting the idea of federation, rather than directing criticism towards them. Following these events, Ankara withdrew its support for a federal solution to the Cyprus issue.
Regarding Akıncı’s comments on the TRNC’s relationship with Turkey over the past three years, President Tatar expressed disappointment and disbelief at the suggestion that their policies aimed to turn the TRNC into a Turkish province. Tatar clarified, stating, “Contrary to Akıncı’s assertions, our objective, in collaboration with Turkey, is to secure recognition for the TRNC as a sovereign state, to attain parity with the Greek Cypriot side, to assert our rightful place in the international community, and to break free from embargoes and isolation”.
President Tatar went on to criticise the actions of the Greek Cypriot administration and its supporters, who seek to undermine the TRNC’s sovereignty and coerce it into accepting subjugation under the so-called Republic of Cyprus, which they have hijacked and transformed into a de facto Greek state. Tatar concluded, “This is the real issue that Mr. Akıncı should be addressing. It is the Greek Cypriots, whom he accused in 2017 of rejecting federation, who should be the focus of his concern, not us“.
