Tatar meets UK Minister ahead of informal Cyprus talks, calls for equal treatment

President Ersin Tatar is continuing his official visit to the United Kingdom, where he is engaging in a range of diplomatic and community-based activities.

As part of his London programme, he met with the UK Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty, in the British Parliament for a high-level discussion ahead of the informal multilateral meeting on Cyprus planned for July.

The meeting took place ahead of the informal multilateral Cyprus meeting planned for July and focused on recent developments surrounding the Cyprus issue.

President Tatar described the discussions as productive, highlighting that he was able to directly convey the Turkish Cypriot side’s concerns and expectations to the British government.

Tatar reiterated his commitment to dialogue but stressed that any meaningful engagement must be grounded in mutual respect.

He underlined that despite the Greek Cypriot administration’s claim to be the island’s sole legal authority, the Turkish Cypriot people have their functioning state, democracy, and institutions that deserve recognition. He emphasised that a fair and lasting solution must be based on sovereign equality and equal international status for the two sides.

During the meeting, Tatar also addressed recent pressure tactics by the Greek Cypriot leadership, particularly those targeting Turkish Cypriots through legal actions and property-related measures.

Referring to his March meeting in Geneva, he said these pressures have escalated upon his return, directly harming the TRNC economy and derailing the six confidence-building initiatives agreed under the UN framework.

He reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), which is recognised by the European Court of Human Rights, and called on Greek Cypriot authorities to halt practices that fuel further tension.

Tatar criticised the presentation of South-to-South corridors as viable crossing points, arguing they fail to serve the needs of both communities.

He repeated his proposal to open new crossings at Haspolat and Akıncılar to ease congestion at Metehan, where over eight million crossings were recorded last year. While both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot stakeholders support the initiative, he said the Greek Cypriot side continues to resist progress.

Highlighting the ongoing isolation faced by Turkish Cypriots, Tatar pointed to the unfulfilled promises of the international community following the 2004 Annan Plan.

While Turkish Cypriots had voted in favour of reunification, Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected it. Tatar called on the UK to help address flight restrictions and trade barriers, stating that the UK bears both a legal and moral responsibility to promote fairness and equality.

In addition to his diplomatic meetings, President Tatar is to attend the 8th Cyprus Turkish Cultural Festival, organised by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations in Britain.

Accompanied by First Lady Sibel Tatar, he will also be meeting with British MPs and engaging with media outlets to further highlight the Turkish Cypriot position on the international stage.