Tatar on Times Radio: "Embargoes Must Be Lifted"

During his interview with Dominic O'Connell on Times Radio, Tatar noted that the approximately one million Turkish Cypriots living in the TRNC, the UK, Australia, and Turkey are being unjustly punished by these embargoes, which he stressed must be lifted.

According to a statement from the TRNC Presidency, Tatar, who is currently visiting the UK, reiterated that negotiations for a federal solution between the two sides have been exhausted and that decades of talks have failed to produce a comprehensive settlement for Cyprus.

Tatar argued that a two-state solution, based on the realities on the ground, would be viable, realistic, and sustainable. He urged the international community to adopt a fresh perspective on Cyprus and reconsider the isolation policies against the Turkish Cypriot people, who continue to be unfairly marginalized.

"My People Have Worked Tirelessly for a Solution"

Tatar highlighted the tireless efforts of the Turkish Cypriot people to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, stating that no agreement has been reached due to the Greek Cypriot side's refusal to share governance and resources.

Referring to the 2004 Annan Plan for a comprehensive solution, which was put to simultaneous referendums on both sides of the island, Tatar reminded that while the Turkish Cypriots accepted the plan, the Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected it. He noted that despite promises made at the time to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, including pledges for direct flights and trade, none of those promises were fulfilled. Tatar condemned the continued existence of such injustice in the 21st century.

"We, as the Turkish Cypriots, with the support of Turkey, are pursuing a firm policy that our state should be recognized. I call for an end to the embargoes and demand the initiation of direct flights and trade so that my people, especially our youth, can participate in major international sports tournaments," Tatar said.

Tatar reiterated that Turkish Cypriots in the TRNC, the UK, Australia, and Turkey are being subjected to unfair practices under these embargoes, which he described as inhumane and urgently called for their removal.

Recognition of TRNC and International Ramifications

In response to a question about the international implications of the TRNC's recognition, Tatar said, "The Cyprus Peace Operation was Turkey's right to intervene as stated in the founding agreements of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey had to intervene because the Greek Cypriots overthrew Makarios to unite Cyprus with Greece, a clear violation of the Republic's constitution. This gave Turkey the right to intervene to protect the Turkish Cypriots. The next step would have been the elimination of Turkish Cypriots and the union of Cyprus with Greece."

He added that any future agreement must be based on two states and the confirmation of the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. "The Turkish Cypriots have effectively managed their state affairs for the past 60 years, as have the Greek Cypriots. We can find a two-state solution where we collaborate on areas like energy, water, electricity, infrastructure, and the environment," Tatar said.

"Turkey Is Our Homeland and the Largest Power in the Region"

Tatar explained that the Turkish Cypriots seek independence and have no policy to become part of Turkey. "Turkey is our homeland, one of the guarantor powers, and the largest power in the region. The Turkish Cypriot people want their independent state, but we also want cooperative relations that will benefit both the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. If we can reach a solution, Turkey will open its ports and airspace to the Greek Cypriots, benefiting both sides. This can be a win-win situation," he explained.

Tatar emphasized that the Greek Cypriots, being a recognized state and a member of the EU, have no incentive to share wealth and power with the Turkish Cypriots. He called on the international community to lift the embargoes so that the Turkish Cypriot economy can grow through direct flights and trade, which could, in turn, motivate the Greek Cypriots to seek a solution.

Two-State Solution as a Bridge Between Turkey and the EU

Tatar expressed support for a two-state solution that would act as a bridge between Turkey and the EU, suggesting that cooperation between two states in Cyprus could improve relations between Turkey and Greece, both NATO allies, and lead to a more prosperous island.

When asked about the potential role of natural gas discoveries around Cyprus in facilitating a solution, Tatar said, "It could indeed facilitate a solution because there is wealth there. If discovered, we can transport it to Europe via Turkey, which is just 40 miles from Cyprus and already connected to Europe. Laying a cable from Cyprus to Greece, about 1,000 miles away, is not feasible. This is an economically viable proposal that could help convince people of a solution."

Tatar also accused the Greek Cypriots of escalating their isolation policies against Turkish Cypriots in sectors like tourism, construction, and higher education.