President Tatar met with Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General in Antalya

Introduction

In a significant development, President Ersin Tatar met with Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. This meeting followed the informal gathering on Cyprus convened by the UN Secretary-General in Geneva last month. President Tatar reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side's position that any new formal negotiations require the reaffirmation of the sovereign equality and equal international status of both sides.

This stance underscores the Turkish Cypriot commitment to a two-state solution, reflecting the realities on the ground and the aspirations of the Turkish Cypriot people. The international community must recognize this legitimate pursuit of sovereignty and end the unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The Case for Sovereign Equality

The TRNC's call for sovereign equality is rooted in the principle of self-determination, a cornerstone of international law. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has affirmed that international law does not prohibit declarations of independence, as seen in its advisory opinion on Kosovo. This precedent supports the TRNC's right to assert its sovereignty.

Moreover, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has acknowledged the legal validity of the TRNC's institutions. In its decisions, the ECtHR recognized that the TRNC's courts operate with a constitutional and legal basis, ensuring the rule of law within its jurisdiction.

Türkiye's Support and the Path to Recognition

Türkiye's unwavering support for the TRNC is pivotal in its quest for international recognition. The Turkish Parliament's resolution calling for the recognition of the TRNC as an independent state emphasizes the urgency of ending the inhumane isolation faced by Turkish Cypriots.

Despite recent setbacks, the TRNC has also gained observer status in international organizations such as the Organisation of Turkic States and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), reflecting growing international engagement. This only highlights the importance and influence of the TRNC in wider regional developments.

Addressing the Embargoes and Isolation

The continued embargoes and international isolation of the TRNC violate the human rights of Turkish Cypriots. These measures hinder economic development, restrict freedom of movement, and perpetuate a sense of injustice. The international community must acknowledge the detrimental impact of these policies and work towards their removal.

Conclusion

The TRNC's pursuit of sovereign equality is a legitimate and just aspiration. The international community must recognize the realities on the ground and support a two-state solution that respects the rights and identities of both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. Ending the isolation of the TRNC is not only a matter of justice but also a step towards lasting peace and stability in the region.