Tatar: Crossing Points Remain Closed Due to the Other Side’s Mentality

He made the remarks during an appearance on Sabah Postası, a programme on Kıbrıs Postası TV hosted by Gökhan Altıner.

Tatar underlined that his administration does not endorse federation-based negotiations and reaffirmed his commitment to defending the sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. He said political discourse on the Cyprus issue often shifts during election periods, with promises of resolving the matter through a federation. “Everyone must be honest with the people and tell them the truth,” he stated.

Rejecting claims about citizenship and passports, Tatar said he has consistently raised the issue in meetings, particularly the unfair treatment of children based on parental origins. “This is unacceptable discrimination, and the intentions behind it are bad,” he added, recalling exchanges with Greek and European officials.

Highlighting his international activities, Tatar pointed to Northern Cyprus’s participation in platforms such as the Organisation of Turkic States, the Economic Cooperation Organisation, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. He stressed that these achievements were made possible through Turkey’s full support.

Reiterating his stance, Tatar said, “My position is clear and firm: I stand for a two-state solution. Our sovereignty cannot be negotiated. The security and future of the Turkish Cypriot people rest with Turkey’s guarantees.”

He argued that federation-based solutions are outdated, citing that no agreement can be reached without the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey. He emphasised that Northern Cyprus must continue to develop economically in sectors such as tourism, higher education, agriculture, and technology, with Turkey’s backing.

Addressing the work of the technical committees, Tatar said they are focused on practical cooperation rather than federation, covering issues such as the economy, environment, disaster management, and youth dialogue. He underlined that young people were actively engaging in shaping the island’s future.

Commenting on the upcoming elections, Tatar said polls remain inconclusive and that the final 40 days would be decisive. “There is no clear frontrunner yet, and the real campaign is only just beginning,” he noted.

He concluded by reaffirming the two-state policy put forward in April 2021 and announced that he would be holding international contacts in New York on September 27, after which he would brief the public.