President Ersin Tatar and his negotiating team briefed members of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) this week on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue.
During his visit, Tatar highlighted the crucial role of the chamber in the country’s development and economic growth, emphasizing the importance of consultation and collaboration.
Addressing members of the chamber at a meeting held earlier this week, President Ersin Tatar said that the Greek Cypriot side intended to drag the Turkish Cypriot side back into talks for a federal settlement, aiming to eliminate the Turkish Cypriots through policies such as zero troops, zero guarantees, and free settlement within the European Union.
He stated firmly, “Our sovereignty is not open to negotiation. We have no choice but to strengthen the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and pursue a two-state solution.”
Tatar also provided insights into his recent meetings with Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Representative, who is seeking common ground for negotiations.
Tatar emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot side is viewed as a minority by the Greek Cypriots.
“Our sovereignty comes from our inherent rights. We do not demand recognition to start negotiations, but we do require confirmation of our sovereignty. If the Greek Cypriot side wishes to commence negotiations, they must acknowledge our sovereignty,” Tatar asserted.
The president also stressed the importance of a mutually acceptable and freely negotiable agreement, in line with UN principles, that reflects the voluntary consent of both communities.
He conveyed to Holguin the Turkish Cypriot demands for direct flights, direct trade, direct contacts, and lifting sports embargoes, all of which were met with understanding but not accepted by the Greek Cypriot side.
Tatar criticized the unilateral admission of South Cyprus into the EU despite their rejection of the Annan Plan, highlighting the ongoing isolation and embargoes faced by Turkish Cypriots despite promises made.
Addressing opposition claims that negotiations should last only three months, President Ersin Tatar referred to the unsuccessful outcomes of the Annan Plan and Crans Montana talks.
He also noted that during his tenure, he has promoted constructive cooperation through bi-communal technical committees, particularly in the area of criminal justice and the extradition of offenders.
Responding to Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides’ remarks about new border crossings, Tatar mentioned ongoing efforts to open a commercial vehicle crossing in the Haspolat area to ease traffic in Metehan, thwarted by Greek Cypriot demands for inappropriate crossing points.
Regarding property issues, Tatar pointed out that Turkish Cypriots left behind 500,000 acres of land in South Cyprus, much of it along the coast, valued at billions.
He criticized recent actions by the Greek Cypriot side against foreign investors in the TRNC, bypassing the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) to pursue their arrests.
Tatar stressed that the IPC, which offers solutions through exchange, restitution, and compensation, should be the proper channel for such matters, and decried the ongoing efforts to undermine the commission’s effectiveness.
Tatar concluded with a strong stance, “We have no alternative but a two-state solution and strengthening the TRNC,” reiterating that the Greek Cypriot side aims to push the Turkish Cypriots into federation talks to eventually dissolve them within the EU framework while excluding Türkiye from the Eastern Mediterranean.
