Tatar asserts Turkish Cypriot rights in Cyprus talks

Returning from his diplomatic visit to the US, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar addressed the media at Ercan Airport, emphasizing the lack of common ground between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides in Cyprus.

According to a report on the Turkish newspaper Yenisafak, Tatar stated that during his discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he made it clear that the Greek Cypriot side's notion of a forthcoming negotiation process is unfounded.

Tatar underscored the TRNC's sovereignty and rejected any attempts to coerce them into negotiations while embargoes and isolations persist. He outlined his firm policy of advocating for the sovereign equality and equal international status of the TRNC in all discussions.

Furthermore, Tatar highlighted his meetings with various US officials, including representatives from the State Department, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations. He reiterated to his American counterparts that any progress in Cyprus negotiations hinges on recognizing the acquired rights of Turkish Cypriots and acknowledging the TRNC's international status.

In addressing Guterres's respect for the Turkish Cypriot position, Tatar emphasized that coercion will not facilitate the negotiation process. He made it clear that any potential agreement in Cyprus must involve the recognition of the TRNC.

Tatar concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending Turkish Cypriot rights and upholding the policy of "sovereign equality and equal international status" advocated by the TRNC.

[With information sourced from Yenisafak]