Steadfast Stance on Cyprus Policy Ahead of UN Secretary-General Meeting
In a recent departure statement at the Tympou airport, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, affirmed his unwavering position regarding Cyprus’s policy as he set off for the United States. Tatar is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, a meeting he personally requested to discuss the ongoing Cyprus issue.
According to reports from the occupied territories, Tatar has consistently maintained that without the recognition of sovereign equality and equal international status, there will be no commencement of official negotiations. This stance has been a cornerstone of his policy over the past three years, highlighting the absence of common ground between the parties involved.
The Turkish Cypriot leader addressed speculations about potential pressure on the Secretary-General to appoint an envoy, clarifying that his position remains unchanged: negotiations will not resume from where they were left at Crans Montana. Tatar also mentioned the temporary duties of Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, who is halfway through her six-month term and has already engaged in discussions with leaders on two occasions, with a third meeting anticipated.
Tatar sought to correct any misinterpretations in the Turkish Cypriot press regarding proposals from the Secretary-General and his acceptance leading to renewed negotiations, stating that such reports “do not correspond to reality.”
He highlighted Turkey’s support for their policy, emphasizing the need for the UN and Secretary-General to address the isolation and embargoes deemed unacceptable by the Turkish Cypriot side. Tatar also reiterated his opposition to resolution 186 from 1964, which recognizes the legal Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Turkish Cypriot leader reflected on the six-decade-long Cyprus problem, noting the numerous attempts at a federal solution through negotiations. Despite external pressures for a resolution, Tatar declared that with Turkey’s backing, the Turkish Cypriot people’s stance would be made clear to the world.
Before his meeting with Guterres, Tatar shared insights during an exclusive interview with the newspaper Kıbrıs, reiterating his positions on the Cyprus issue and the upcoming discussions with the UN Secretary-General.
