Turkish Cypriot Leader Criticizes EU’s Stance on Cyprus Issue
In a striking critique of the European Union’s recent position on the Cyprus problem, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has voiced his discontent following the outcomes of the European Council summit. Tatar accused the EU of being biased towards the Greek Cypriot side and called for the Union to reassess its approach to the longstanding issue.
According to Tatar, the European Council’s support for a bicommunal bizonal federal solution represents a “surrender to the Greek Cypriot side,” highlighting what he perceives as the EU’s inability to maintain neutrality. He pointed to historical grievances, suggesting that the Cyprus problem was exacerbated by the Greek Cypriot leadership’s past ambitions to unite the island with Greece, and criticized the EU for admitting Cyprus into the bloc despite these tensions.
The Turkish Cypriot leader underscored the failure of past negotiations, such as those in Crans Montana in 2017, as evidence that a federal solution is not viable without the consent of both parties. He emphasized that any new negotiation process must begin with the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot side’s sovereign equality and international status.
Tatar also addressed the appointment of United Nations Envoy Maria Angela Holguin, insisting that her tenure be limited to six months and arguing that her role indicates a shift away from a federal solution as a basis for compromise. He further criticized attempts to link Turkey-EU relations with progress on the Cyprus problem, dismissing it as an effort to bolster the Greek Cypriot position.
He concluded his remarks by urging the European Union to lift what he described as “inhumane isolation” imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people, a measure he claims was promised by the EU two decades ago.
These comments starkly contrast with those of Greek Cypriot official Nikos Christodoulides, who expressed satisfaction with the European Council’s conclusions and underscored their significance amid UN efforts to restart dialogue on the Cyprus issue. Christodoulides also highlighted that Turkey’s relations with Europe are intertwined with developments in resolving the Cyprus problem.
