President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ersin Tatar evaluated the latest developments ahead of the upcoming Geneva summit during a live broadcast on BRT.
Tatar emphasized that the TRNC delegation would participate constructively, aiming to assert the historical rights and legal status of the Turkish Cypriot people.
He noted that the 5+1 format of the negotiations would include leaders from both sides, with the participation of TĂĽrkiye and Greece at the level of Foreign Ministers, while the UK would be represented at a lower level.
Speaking on BRT’s Manşet+ program, President Tatar highlighted that his diplomatic engagements in Ankara before the summit reinforce the crucial role of Türkiye’s guarantor status. He recalled that during a meeting on July 1, 2024, with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, he had reiterated the TRNC’s stance on sovereign equality. Referring to statements by Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelau about maintaining past “gains” from the Crans Montana talks, Tatar firmly stated that those negotiations had ended, and any new process must acknowledge the existence of two equal peoples on the island.
Tatar criticized the UK’s increasing alignment with the Greek Cypriot administration and Israel, arguing that it no longer acts as a neutral guarantor. He also rejected the European Union’s involvement in the talks.
Stressing that the TRNC has adopted a new political stance over the past four years, he underlined that this position is now well-established. He reiterated that the Turkish Cypriots have inherent rights and that Türkiye, as the region’s strongest guarantor power, remains steadfast in its support.
Regarding the isolation and embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots, Tatar stated that any meaningful negotiations should include provisions for direct trade, direct contact, and direct flights.
He also dismissed Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides’ reported proposal for “zero troops, zero guarantees,” asserting that such an approach is unacceptable. Instead, he called for a solution based on two states and practical cooperation in areas such as energy, water resources, and economic activities, emphasizing that a pragmatic approach could transform Cyprus into a global trade and tourism hub.
Asserting that the TRNC’s recognition will gain momentum over time, President Tatar reiterated that the ultimate goal is the formal recognition of the TRNC as a sovereign state.
He noted that ahead of Geneva, he would continue consultations with TĂĽrkiye, including President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
The TRNC delegation, he affirmed, will confidently present its well-founded position, advocating for a fair and lasting solution that reflects the realities on the island.
He concluded by emphasizing that Cyprus cannot return to a unitary state and that the only viable path forward is through a mutually respectful two-state arrangement.