Tatar: "Christodoulides' Request is Unacceptable"

President Ersin Tatar met with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. During the meeting, Tatar expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the helicopter crash in Muğla and the explosion at the ammunition depot in Balıkesir. He also shared his sorrow over the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan. Regarding Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodulidis’ comments about crossing points, Tatar responded by asking what the leader's actual proposal was.

Christodulidis had requested a transit passage from Erenköy and Kiracı Köy to the Greek Cypriot side, but Tatar firmly rejected the request, emphasizing that it was not a border crossing, involved costs, and was therefore unacceptable.

Tatar emphasized the ongoing support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the Turkish Cypriot people. He highlighted the significant contribution of water from Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which has enhanced agricultural potential. Furthermore, Tatar pointed out that investments in tourism, higher education, services, and industry have increased the region's potential.

Addressing the economic challenges posed by the pandemic and the February 6 earthquake, Tatar acknowledged the global rise in costs due to the Ukraine-Russia war. However, he praised Turkey’s management of the situation, noting that the difficulties are being overcome.

On the political front, Tatar emphasized Turkey’s full support for the new Cyprus policy. He also referred to recent UN statements following an informal dinner hosted by the UN in New York, calling them a diplomatic achievement.

Tatar concluded by stressing the importance of strong ties between Turkey and Northern Cyprus, especially as the Turkish Cypriot flag now flies at meetings of the Turkic Council. He also expressed the strategic importance of Turkey's involvement in Syria.