President Ersin Tatar Announces Candidacy for Re-Election

President Ersin Tatar has announced his candidacy for re-election, stating, "I have been working for four years. My work speaks for itself. Although there are those who do not like me, I know I have significant support from the public. Considering my visits and experiences with Turkey, the EU, and the UN over the past four years, and what I have done and will do, it is natural for me to run again. I will officially announce my candidacy soon."

Tatar mentioned that they have proposed opening the Limya crossing in the Akıncılar region alongside the Haspolat Gate, noting that the opening of these gates is also advantageous for the Greek Cypriot side. He pointed out that half of the crossings are made by Greek Cypriots and that some tourists visiting the Greek side also cross to the Turkish side. President Tatar stated that the European Union is also in favor of opening new gates and that the United Nations supports improving relations between the two sides.

President Tatar highlighted that after the opening of Maraş, 2.5 million people visited the area, adding, "The opening of Maraş has contributed economically and politically to both Famagusta and the TRNC. We did this with Turkey's support. Some infrastructure development work is ongoing there, but the Immovable Property Commission is an institution. Applications made here will be evaluated."

Tatar mentioned that UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo will visit on February 10 and will bring up the issue of the gates again. He added that there will be another meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader on February 7 or 8 to reassess the gates issue.

Tatar stated, "3.5% of Maraş has been converted to civilian use. Hopefully, with the applications from some hotels, these will be reintegrated into the economy. I support this. The Foundations Administration has some demands because the land belongs to them. I know there are ongoing studies on some files. Resolving this will take time."

President Tatar emphasized that there is no problem with the direction of Northern Cyprus, noting that every state and people have their own internal discussions and criticisms. He stated that there are developments in every sector today, pointing out that the completion of ring roads, infrastructure investments, water projects, and newly opened facilities all indicate that the country is developing.