Tatar tells Lute of 'sovereign equality' approach to CyProb

The new Turkish Cypriot leader told Turkish Cypriot reporters on Tuesday that during his meeting with the UN Secretary General’s special envoy Jane Holl Lute he was firm on his position regarding the need for a different approach to the Cyprus Problem.

Tatar said he requested that Lute assists in setting up an informal conference on the Cyprus Problem that would see the participation of the two sides, the guarantor powers, and the UN, and stood in favour of the launching of a new initiative to resolve the decades-long issue.

But Tatar said he stood firm on his position that the new process would require a new basis, stating that circumstances have changed, both locally and abroad, something that he said Lute recognised.

Tatar also referred to his idea of a two-state solution, but also to the idea of sovereign equality that Tatar and the Turkish government has been throwing around in the recent period. Tatar said he had referred to this direction as a “win-win” situation.

The new Turkish Cypriot leader said the issue of Varosha did not come up during his meeting with Lute.

He added that Lute will be meeting with the Turkish government upon her return from the US.

Lute is scheduled to meet with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades at 7pm.

Lute will depart from Cyprus on Wednesday, when she will fly to Athens for consultations with the Greek government.

As regards the UK, the third guarantor power, the Cyprus News Agency reported on Monday that Lute is already holding telemeetings with the UK government, and it remains unclear whether she will be travelling to London for tête-à-têtes.