President Ersin Tatar evaluated his recent meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, highlighting serious concerns over restrictions on crossings and escalating property-related arrests in South Cyprus.
Speaking to the Turkish News Agency Cyprus (TAK), Tatar underlined that easing crossings is a humanitarian issue and essential for daily life, but said the Greek Cypriot side is instead pursuing policies aimed at reducing contact.
President Ersin Tatar on Tuesday stressed the urgent need to open new vehicular checkpoints, especially in areas like Haspolat and Akıncılar, to ease pressure at existing points like Metehan.
He criticized the Greek Cypriot administration for opposing such proposals while pushing for a pedestrian crossing near Lokmacı or a corridor-style access near Akıncılar—suggestions he called unacceptable as they ignore the existence of the TRNC.
“The Greek Cypriot side benefits from fewer people crossing because every crossing acknowledges the authority of this side,” he said.
Turning to recent arrests in South Cyprus based on property claims, Tatar denounced them as politically motivated and legally groundless.
Citing the recognition of the Immovable Property Commission by international law, he warned, “Playing with the nerves of Turkish Cypriots serves no one.”
He emphasized that such actions only deepen mistrust and vowed to continue legal resistance through Türkiye and potentially European courts.
Tatar also commented on the Pile issue, reiterating that any resettlement initiatives disregarding military realities would not be accepted, and restated the indispensability of Türkiye’s guarantees and military presence.
On a positive note, he endorsed intercommunal youth dialogue, while firmly rejecting the frequent use of the term “reunification,” calling it politically loaded and dismissive of current realities.
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