President Ersin Tatar has reviewed his term in office with a detailed press conference held at Lefkoşa’s Grand Pasha Hotel.
Nearly five years after taking office as the fifth President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Tatar outlined the goals he set on day one, the challenges faced, and the achievements realized.
Reaffirming his commitment to the sovereignty, prosperity, and international recognition of the TRNC, he declared that the two-state solution remains the only path forward.
Speaking on Thursday, President Ersin Tatar reviewed his nearly five years in office, outlining key achievements and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the two-state vision for Cyprus. He said his initial goals—to strengthen the TRNC, improve public welfare, deepen relations with Türkiye, and advocate for sovereign equality—had seen meaningful progress. The two-state solution, he emphasized, is the only framework that can bring lasting peace and security to both sides of the island.
Tatar described the ongoing isolation of Turkish Cypriots as a violation of international law and a “silent crime” against humanity.
He accused the Greek Cypriot leadership of consistently rejecting cooperation and ignoring the political equality of Turkish Cypriots, while targeting businesspeople and property holders with harassment at border crossings. He questioned what promises to the Turkish Cypriot people had ever been fulfilled by the international community.
Security, Tatar said, remains a non-negotiable issue. He rejected the Greek Cypriot proposal of “zero troops, zero guarantees” as a strategic attempt to weaken the Turkish Cypriot side. Türkiye’s active and effective guarantee, its right to intervene, and its military presence on the island are essential, he stressed, especially in light of recent regional tensions.
The President also reflected on the 2021 Geneva summit with the UN Secretary-General and guarantor states, calling it a turning point that confirmed the lack of common ground for renewed negotiations.
He noted that despite several proposals for cooperation—such as the Cyprus Cooperation Council—all were rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. While partial progress was made in areas like mine clearance and renewable energy, he expressed disappointment over the lack of movement on opening new border crossings.
Highlighting diplomatic advances, Tatar pointed to the TRNC’s observer membership in the Organization of Turkic States as a milestone.
Concluding his remarks, Tatar reaffirmed that the existence of two sovereign states is both a political necessity and a historical reality. “We will build the future of the TRNC not with outdated illusions, but with realism and the will of our people,” he said. “And we will not deviate from this path—no matter the cost.”
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