President Ersin Tatar concluded a series of important meetings during his visit to London on Wednesday, delivering clear and firm messages to both the United Kingdom and the international community.
Speaking at various platforms, including the UK Parliament’s Thames Pavilion, Tatar reminded the UK government of its responsibilities as one of Cyprus’s guarantor powers, urging them to reassess the unequal treatment of Turkish Cypriots.
He also called on the international community to lift the longstanding embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots.
During his appearances on GB News, hosted by Martin Daubney, and other TV and radio programs, Tatar highlighted the continued imposition of unfair embargoes and isolation on Turkish Cypriots.
He explained how Greek Cypriots are leveraging their position within the EU to tighten these restrictions, obstructing direct flights, trade, and contact with the TRNC.
“They are trying to impose a solution on us through these means. We will never accept a forced solution,” he asserted.
Addressing the UK government, Tatar reiterated that, as a guarantor power, it has obligations towards both Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
“I call for an end to this injustice and ask the UK to respect the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people,” Tatar said, emphasizing that one of the greatest injustices is the ban on direct flights.
He urged the UK to revise its policy on this issue, stating that easing the isolation would contribute to peace on the island.
Tatar also reiterated that negotiations based on a federal solution had been exhausted and that the future vision for Cyprus should be a two-state solution.
The president called for cooperation between the two communities in areas such as energy, water, and natural resources, describing it as a “win-win” scenario for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
Speaking to Times Radio, Tatar underscored the TRNC’s firm stance, with Türkiye’s support, on the need for international recognition.
He appealed for the lifting of embargoes to enable direct flights and trade, particularly so that Turkish Cypriot youth could participate in international sporting events.
“Ending the embargoes will help develop our economy and, in turn, encourage Greek Cypriots to be more willing to seek a solution,” Tatar said, addressing the international community.
Tatar’s speech at the Thames Pavilion in the UK Parliament drew significant interest, with attendance from members of the Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat parties, as well as Lords, ambassadors from various countries, and representatives of civil society organizations. brt
