Tatar: "The Opening of the Haspolat Crossing Point Will Boost Bilateral Trade"

Highlighting the importance of KTTO's views, Tatar expressed his satisfaction with raising the issue of new crossing points at the United Nations meetings in New York. However, he criticized the Greek Cypriot side for tying the proposal to their demand for transit passage, which he firmly rejected.

"Transit Passage is Unacceptable"
“Transit passage is not a crossing point; it is a route that allows them to traverse our territory. This is not something we can accept,” Tatar stated, dismissing proposals for crossings at Erenköy and Kiracıköy due to military and other considerations.

He emphasized that the Haspolat crossing would benefit both sides and said, “The notion that the Greek Cypriot side should gain something in return for the opening of the Haspolat crossing point does not make sense to me. Its opening is mutually beneficial.”

Pile-Yiğitler Road as an Alternative
Tatar also mentioned the potential evaluation of the Pile-Yiğitler road to ease congestion at the Beyarmudu crossing. He noted that the Greek Cypriot side had completed and opened the Pile-Larnaca road, which had created significant traffic issues for residents traveling through the British Sovereign Base Area.

"The Haspolat Crossing Point Will Benefit Both Sides"
According to Tatar, the Haspolat crossing point, strategically located for both commercial vehicles and taxis, would alleviate congestion at the Metehan crossing. He underscored the economic and logistical advantages of opening this crossing and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the issue on the agenda.

Call for Sovereign Equality
Tatar reiterated his stance that formal negotiations could only resume with the recognition of the Turkish Cypriots’ sovereign equality and equal international status. He criticized the Greek Cypriot side’s persistence on outdated negotiation frameworks, stating, “The train for discussions like those in Crans-Montana has left the station. They need to respect this reality.”

He concluded by reiterating his call for direct trade, flights, and contacts, emphasizing that these demands were necessary for progress in negotiations and for improving relations on the island.