Newsroom
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has publicly rejected a proposal from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, which was made during an informal dinner in New York. The proposal involved creating three separate negotiating tables to address different aspects of the Cyprus issue, but Tatar dismissed the idea, arguing that it would lead to full-scale negotiations, something he believes should only happen under certain conditions.
According to reports from Kibris, Tatar explained that Christodoulides had suggested discussing governance issues in a 2+1 format, security concerns in a 4+1 format, and the issue of guarantees in a 5+1 format. Tatar rejected this, stating that these topics require comprehensive negotiations, which should only occur when there is a solid foundation for discussions. He added that while the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the dinner, he did not comment on the proposal.
Tatar also emphasized that there is still no common ground between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides. He reiterated his stance that any future talks should take place in a 4+1 format, which includes both sides of the island, Turkey, Greece, and the UN. He argued that without Turkey's presence at the table, there could be no balance in the negotiations.
The Turkish Cypriot leader criticized the Greek Cypriots for wanting the UK, as a guarantor power, to be included in the talks. While he agreed that the UK could participate as an observer, Tatar stressed that the primary focus should be on the motherland, Turkey.
Tatar also expressed dissatisfaction with the UN’s approach, claiming that the organization continues to support a federal solution, which his side opposes. He referenced past promises made to the Turkish Cypriot community, specifically during the 2004 Annan Plan, which he claims were not fulfilled. Despite this, Tatar praised Secretary-General Guterres, calling him fair and knowledgeable about the situation in Cyprus, especially after the failed Crans Montana talks in 2017.
In addition to the political discussions, Tatar touched on the topic of opening new crossing points between the north and south of Cyprus. He noted progress made during the meeting in New York and reiterated his support for opening a commercial crossing point in Mia Milia, which he said would benefit both communities. He also mentioned that studies are ongoing regarding the possibility of opening another crossing in the Lurugina area.
[With information from CNA]
