Tatar: “Guterres Said the Meeting Would Benefit Everyone; I Couldn’t Say No”

During his remarks about the upcoming informal meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulidis and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Tatar explained, “The Secretary-General indicated that a trilateral meeting, depending on certain developments, would be beneficial for all in an informal context without a fixed agenda. I couldn’t decline; I said yes.”

Tatar Attends Opening Ceremony of New Legislative Year

After the ceremonial opening of the 2024-2025 legislative year at the Republic Assembly, Tatar spoke to journalists as he left the Parliament. He wished success to the parliamentary staff and deputies in the new legislative year. Tatar expressed his hope that “all the work here would be beneficial for the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and that all laws serving the public interest would pass unanimously.”

He remarked that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus would continue to strengthen through all democratic efforts as an independent Turkish state, adding, “Our new policy, carried out with the Motherland Turkey, aims at the development and progress of this region through economic and financial cooperation protocols signed with Turkey… We must work together to protect these gains and strengthen the institutional structure of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

Tatar stated that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with its independent and sovereign institutions, is at a level that can serve as an example for many countries in the world. He acknowledged the challenges faced globally, noting the economic and social crises and ongoing conflicts in neighboring regions such as Gaza and Palestine.

“This Year is Significant; The Assembly Will Move to a New Building”

Tatar highlighted that this year is crucial, as the Republic Assembly will move to a new building in the Metehan region. He stated that the goal is to complete the move by the 41st anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and this will be finalized by the end of the year at the latest.

He also mentioned that the new Presidential complex would be completed by the same date and that a 400-dönüm National Park, known as Republic Park, would be opened to the public. Tatar noted that the Supreme Court building would also be constructed near the Assembly and the Presidency, with projects to be completed swiftly, conveying a message to the world.

Tatar's Assessment on Cyprus Issue

Regarding his New York contacts and recent developments, Tatar referred to his bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the message Erdoğan conveyed about Cyprus at the UN General Assembly. He stated that he listened to discussions about the Cyprus issue in the Republic Assembly but preferred not to go into detail.

Tatar pointed out that efforts for an agreement have been ongoing since 1968, but he does not see similar intentions from the other side. He reiterated, “The new process can only start with the confirmation of the Turkish Cypriot people's sovereign equality and equal international status.”

Regarding the informal trilateral meeting proposed by Guterres, Tatar remarked, “I couldn’t say no; I said yes.”

4+1 Proposal

President Tatar indicated that, in consultation with the Motherland Turkey, they have proposed a 4+1 meeting format involving both the Turkish and Greek sides, along with their respective motherlands. He expressed hope that “the Secretary-General will consider our proposal.”