Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar met with United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Colin Stewart ahead of 5+1 talks.
The meeting at the Presidency lasted approximately one hour.
Speaking after the meeting, Stewart stated that both Cypriot leaders appeared willing to make progress during the anticipated 5+1 meeting scheduled to take place in New York later this month.
He noted that he will be going to New York after completing meetings with leaders for a briefing to the UN Security Council and that he plans to complete farewell visits on the island before his retirement in August.
– Tatar: “We remain committed to dialogue and a constructive stance”
Speaking to the press following the meeting, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot side remains committed to dialogue, maintaining contact, and upholding a constructive stance.
Referring to the upcoming expanded 5+1 talks in New York on July 16–17, Tatar acknowledged the limited progress since the previous meeting in Geneva. He noted that he had expressed his disappointment in a letter sent to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Tatar underscored the importance of the “3Ds” framework — direct flights, direct trade, and direct contact — as a means to pave the way for formal negotiations. He added that dialogue with the Greek Cypriot side continues through 12 bicommunal technical committees.
Responding to criticism about his accomplishments during his term, Tatar stated, “A lot has been achieved in four and a half years. A new vision has been presented. We have conveyed the rationale for a two-state solution and stressed the importance of the Turkish Cypriot people’s sovereignty on the international stage.”
Recalling a recent meeting with UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty, Tatar said, “We are continuously engaged in international dialogue.”
Tatar also confirmed his upcoming visit to Azerbaijan to attend the Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), highlighting the importance of the TRNC’s participation in international platforms such as the summit in Khankendi, which he described as a matter of political status.
Stating that the TRNC must enhance cooperation with all Turkic states to sustain its economic potential in the Eastern Mediterranean, Tatar added that he will call for the easing of embargoes and sanctions imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people.
Source: TAK
