Tatar: Our National Policy with Turkey Aims for a Turkish State in Northern Cyprus

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023-2024 Academic Year at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), President Tatar delivered the traditional first lecture.

Tatar noted that they had a duty to convey the Cyprus issue and the Cyprus cause both in the motherland and internationally and that they were facing a great injustice. He explained that the Greek Cypriot side could go anywhere and speak because they were recognized, whereas they were denied this right, highlighting the unfairness in the world. He expressed that they were trying to remedy this deficiency by sharing their voices, knowledge, and views through various channels and initiatives.

President Tatar stated that his most important duty as the President was to convey the Cyprus issue to the world. He added that the new policy they developed with Turkey was based on a two-state solution because they had learned by experience that the federation solution tried in 1960 would not be sustainable for a long time.

Indicating that the Greek Cypriots' intention was to unite the island with Greece, Tatar said, "The national policy we are pursuing with Turkey is to establish a Turkish state in the north of Cyprus." He emphasized the importance of this Turkish state regarding the Turkish Cypriots' sovereignty rights in their land and airspace, maintaining national sovereignty, and progressing with sovereignty.

President Tatar mentioned that there might be economic difficulties due to the isolation and embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people and expressed his belief that these challenges could be overcome over time. He cited EMU and tourism as examples and noted that significant achievements had been made in the country over the past 40 years.

Tatar emphasized that the country's infrastructure, ports, airports, accumulated capital, tourism, and developments in other sectors had increased the recognition and acceptability of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) worldwide over time.

He also underlined the importance of standing up for humanity, particularly in light of the events in Gaza, as they reflected the state of humanity.