Ersin Tatar: “We Continue With a Two-State Solution”

President Tatar was accompanied at the conference by Presidential Special Envoy Güneş Onar, Presidential Undersecretary Okan Donangil, and advisors Hüseyin Işıksal and Sülen Karabacak.

Tatar explained that during his New York trip, he held meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, as well as various inter-delegation discussions.

State-to-State Solution Remains the Red Line

Addressing his meetings with Guterres and Christodoulides, Tatar emphasized that “a state-to-state solution, Turkey’s guarantor role, and its continued military presence are our red lines. We continue with a two-state solution.”

He recalled that the two-state solution policy was first publicly outlined in Geneva in April 2021 and later recorded in official documents. On 18 July 2024, the Turkish Grand National Assembly adopted the policy as a national stance with unanimous approval. Tatar expects the same decision to be taken by the TRNC Assembly. He noted that the cooperation between the two states was formally acknowledged in these discussions.

Next Steps in the UN Process

Tatar stated that following the October 19 presidential election, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Maria Holguin will visit Cyprus, and an informal expanded 5+1 meeting will take place at the end of the year. He stressed that no negotiations have been initiated due to the lack of common ground, which is recorded in UN documents. “The UN has previously accepted our proposals. Extended meetings were held in New York and Geneva. The purpose of these meetings is for states to cooperate on different issues and contribute to both communities,” he said.

Greek Cypriot Obstruction on Border Crossings

Tatar criticized the Greek Cypriot side for not opening new border gates due to stubbornness and divergent agendas. He informed Guterres of difficulties caused by the Greek Cypriot side slowing crossings at Metehan by reducing police presence.

Tensions Between Communities

The TRNC President also highlighted concerns about the arrest of foreign investors and the submission of some contractors’ names to Interpol, which he said exacerbates tensions between the two communities. He added that certain parties welcomed measures by the Greek Cypriot side to halt the purchase of halloumi cheese from the TRNC.

Human Rights Issues and Aggressive Policies

Tatar recalled that post-Annan Plan, embargoes were expected to be eased or lifted, but the opposite occurred. He noted that the Greek Cypriot side has recently adopted an aggressive stance, preventing children from mixed marriages from acquiring citizenship and creating other challenges, violating basic human rights.

Significance of Erdoğan’s UN Speech

Referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s speech at the UN General Assembly, Tatar underscored its importance, highlighting calls for TRNC recognition, lifting of embargoes, the end of minority status for Turkish Cypriots, the closure of the federation option, and the affirmation that the only viable solution is a two-state policy.

Navtex and Territorial Warnings

Tatar confirmed that the Greek Cypriot side issued a Navtex in areas where Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots have rights, prompting appropriate warnings from TRNC authorities.

Responding to Christodoulides’ Remarks

On being asked about Christodoulides’ claim that Tatar appeared tense during their meeting, the TRNC President responded: “The Greek Cypriot leader wants to set the agenda because he sees himself as the legitimate government. He wants to start discussions from Crans Montana, but Secretary-General Guterres has not raised such a point. The Greek Cypriot side cannot decide unilaterally. Any process will proceed only if both sides agree. There has been a paradigm shift in Turkish policy, and the UN Secretary-General respects this. Any agreement in Cyprus will result from free discussions between both sides, with mutual approval. Solutions cannot be imposed on the Turkish side. Erdoğan’s statements are clear. While good relations between the two communities are desired, the Greek Cypriot side’s actions regarding border gates, arrests, halloumi, and issues affecting university students speak for themselves. I did not create tension — I spoke the facts. The tense statements came from Christodoulides.”