President Tatar: "We Will Attend Geneva Talks to Advocate for the Rights of the Turkish Cypriot People"

Speaking ahead of the Geneva summit, scheduled for March 17-18, Tatar reiterated his constructive approach to the informal meeting. He highlighted that the United Nations Secretary-General’s acknowledgment of a lack of common ground in the past four years is a significant achievement for the Turkish Cypriot side.

3D Demands and the Negotiation Process

Tatar noted that his "3D" proposal—direct trade, direct contacts, and direct flights—has not been accepted by the Greek Cypriot side. “Even in sports, they refuse to recognize us. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day, it will happen,” he said.

The President also stated that the 5+1 talks in Geneva would include the leaders of both communities, along with the foreign ministers of Turkey and Greece, while the United Kingdom would participate at a lower level. He reaffirmed that a resolution without Turkey’s guarantorship is not possible and that he would hold consultations in Ankara before the talks.

Crans-Montana is a Closed Chapter

Referring to Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelau’s remarks about maintaining the gains from the 2017 Crans-Montana talks, Tatar stated, “Crans-Montana is over for us. They want to protect their so-called gains, but the Turkish Cypriots are one of the two equal peoples of Cyprus. Turkey is our motherland and guarantor, and it remains the strongest country in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

He underscored that recent developments in the region have changed Cyprus’ status and pointed out that the UN’s recognition of a lack of common ground over the past four years is a major success.

Questioning the UK’s Neutrality

Tatar expressed doubts about the UK’s neutrality as a guarantor, citing its deepening ties with Israel and the Greek Cypriot administration. “We do not see them as an impartial guarantor. While Turkey and Greece will be represented at the level of foreign ministers, the UK will participate at a lower level, which was arranged with our approval,” he noted.

He also rejected the presence of the European Union at the negotiating table, emphasizing that the Turkish Cypriot side would maintain a constructive approach while presenting its new political stance.

A New Perspective on the Cyprus Issue

Tatar stressed that the Turkish Cypriots have a different and established position, highlighting that the past four years have brought significant changes. “We have paid the price, but our position is legally and technically sound. As President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, the Turkish Cypriots are a fundamental element,” he stated.

He reiterated that bi-zonality and the right to self-governance are acquired rights that grant the Turkish Cypriots an established status. “The Turkish Cypriots are not alone. Turkey, the strongest country in the region, stands behind us,” he asserted.

Turkey’s Rights in Cyprus

Tatar emphasized Turkey’s historical and legal rights in Cyprus, stating, “Just as the Greek Cypriots sign agreements as a sovereign state, we, as Turkish Cypriots, can also make agreements with our motherland. Based on our inherent rights, we can enter into military defense agreements with Turkey.”

He made it clear that the Turkish Cypriot side would use the Geneva meeting as an opportunity to reaffirm its stance, asserting that any attempt to revive the Crans-Montana process would be futile.

Towards a Two-State Solution

Addressing divisions within the Turkish Cypriot side, Tatar warned against weakening their own position by suggesting that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides’ hand has been strengthened. He reiterated that Turkish Cypriots have endured 50 years of embargoes and isolation.

“If our 3D demands are met, we are ready for formal negotiations,” he said, noting that Greek Cypriots continue to insist on their gains from the Annan Plan and the 2017 talks. “We are going to Geneva not to maintain the status quo but to discuss the future with a new approach.”

He stressed that the eventual recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is inevitable and underscored the importance of Turkey’s continuous support.

Regional Cooperation and Economic Prospects

Tatar reiterated his call for practical cooperation between the two sides, proposing the opening of new border crossings and collaboration on infrastructure projects, including water supply and electricity. “If an earthquake hits Paphos, we should be the first to respond, and vice versa. Cooperation between two states can make the island more secure,” he said.

He argued that Cyprus, strategically located at the center of global trade, could become a major economic and tourism hub if a fair and lasting solution is achieved. “With the right approach, Cyprus can surpass Dubai and Singapore in development,” he added.

Turkey’s Role in Any Resolution

Tatar reiterated that any fair and lasting settlement must align with the realities on the ground. “Turkey is a key actor in the region. The Cyprus issue cannot be resolved without considering Turkey,” he said, highlighting Turkey’s strengthening geopolitical position.

Concluding his remarks, Tatar dismissed the viability of a united Cyprus and called for a two-state solution. “The Greek Cypriots continue to treat the issue as one of ‘occupation,’ but the realities are different. We will continue to make our case,” he affirmed.