The solution of institutional cooperation between two equal sovereign states, based on the realities in Cyprus and being in the interest of the region, is the only solution and this is a new policy, “right, an honorable policy that gives us security, trust”, Ersin Tatar said.
Cyprus
President Tatar argued that the main reason for the non-resolution of the Cyprus problem is the mentality of the Greek Cypriot side that sees Cyprus as a Greek island and considers that the Turkish Cypriots have no place on the island, saying that since the first British Governor in Cyprus, the Greek Cypriots had requested the Union and “this is how the Cyprus issue began”.
According to the Turkish Cypriots, he added, the Turkish Cypriots are a minority and cannot take part in the administration. “We certainly can’t accept that,” he said.
Reiterating his position that a federal solution is not feasible, Ersin Tatar says he was elected with the political position for a solution of two equal sovereign states, a position that, as he said, is supported by the largest and most powerful country in the region, which is Turkey.
For the first time in the informal five-party meeting in Geneva, Tatar said, the Turkish Cypriot side put on the table with the 6-point proposal, the position for a solution based on institutional cooperation and the existence of two equal, independent, and sovereign states.
The 6-point proposal, he continued, aims for the UNSG to take the initiative and pass a new resolution from the UN that will ensure that the Turkish Cypriots have equal international status and sovereignty with the Greek Cypriots and then what kind of institutional cooperation can be established between the two sides, and start formal negotiations supported by Turkey, Greece and Britain and the EU can participate as an observer.
“If the two states reach an agreement in any framework, they will recognize each other at the same time, Turkey, Greece and England will support it. Any agreement made will go to simultaneous referendums,” he said.
The Greek Cypriot side, he said, was intransigent and negative towards this proposal, as always, and is trying to impose the ‘one state – a sovereignty in order to be able to turn the Turkish Cypriots into a minority in the CST.
The SG, he said, did not open formal negotiations as long as there is no common ground.
On developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Tatar said that the geopolitical situation has turned into a struggle for hydrocarbon resources in the region. “The main reason is the efforts of various actors and world powers to dominate the eastern Mediterranean, with the liquidation of the TRNC, which is the mainstay of Turkish sovereignty in the region and the removal of the motherland of Turkey from the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.
He also spoke of tension due to the negative attitude of the “Greek Cypriot duo” who are being equipped. “No one should expect us to be spectators,” he said. TRNC and Turkey, he added, will continue to fight in every way to protect their rights, interests, and strategic benefits and defend the “Blue Homeland”, “which includes our rights in the air, sea and land.
“400 applications for a declassified area in Varosha”
The Varosha initiative, Tatar said, was one of the critical turning points on the Cyprus issue, saying that the first phase was made with the opening of areas belonging to the state on October 8, 2020 and the second on July 20, 2021 with the declassification of a military zone of an area of 3.5%. “Owners are given the opportunity to take back their properties by applying to the real estate commission, in accordance with international law and human rights. And that’s a turning point,” he said.
President Tatar said that to date more than 400 Greek Cypriots have contacted the real estate committee, claiming that the Greek Cypriot leadership uses every way and method to block these applications and does not hesitate to threaten its own citizens.
He also said that close to 40 people have appealed to the real estate committee for the area that was made out of the military regime (3.5%) and if there was no pressure from the Greek Cypriots, he added, this number would be increased.
Technical Committees
Tatar said that the Technical Committees are a means to create a climate of trust, for cooperation and an agreement between the parties, but also for the improvement of the everyday life of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.
He noted that his special representative and the Greek Cypriot negotiator as coordinators of the Technical Committees since last year have one meeting per week on these issues. He also noted the cooperation on the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the cooperation will continue on the basis of mutual profit (win-win) and there will be a contribution to all 12 Committees.
