TRNC President Tatar Criticizes UK's Stance Amid Constructive Talks with Minister Doughty

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Stephen Doughty, the United Kingdom's Minister of State for Europe and North America, recently visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to meet with President Ersin Tatar.

This meeting, held ahead of the forthcoming Geneva talks on the Cyprus issue, underscored the TRNC's commitment to a constructive dialogue while highlighting concerns about the UK's stance on the island's longstanding division.

A Constructive Dialogue Ahead of Geneva

On March 7, 2025, Minister Doughty met with President Tatar at the TRNC Presidential Office in Lefkosa (Nicosia). The discussions were part of a broader diplomatic effort to engage with both sides of the Cypriot divide before the informal expanded talks scheduled in Geneva on March 17-18. These upcoming talks aim to address the protracted Cyprus issue, with participation from both Cypriot communities and the island's guarantor powers: Greece, Turkey, and the UK.

President Tatar emphasized the TRNC's readiness to engage constructively in the Geneva discussions. He stated, "As the Turkish Cypriot side, we will go to Geneva in a constructive way." This sentiment reflects the TRNC's ongoing commitment to seeking a fair and sustainable resolution to the island's division.

Critique of the UK's Position

Despite the positive tone regarding the upcoming talks, President Tatar expressed concerns about the UK's current stance on the Cyprus issue. He argued that the UK's approach has not fully reflected the realities on the island and has, in fact, deepened inequalities between the parties. Tatar noted, "The UK's current stance deepens the inequality between the parties in Cyprus. The UK's policies have been approaches that have further increased the imbalance and inequality in Cyprus."

These remarks highlight the TRNC's perception that the UK, as a guarantor power with historical ties to the island, has a responsibility to adopt a more balanced and equitable approach. The perceived bias towards the Greek Cypriot administration has been a point of contention, with Tatar asserting that the UK is "under the influence of the Greek Cypriot Administration." 

The Call for a Two-State Solution

Central to the TRNC's position is the advocacy for a two-state solution as the only fair and sustainable option for Cyprus. President Tatar reiterated this stance during the meeting, emphasizing that previous attempts at a federal solution have failed to address the core issues. He underscored that a two-state solution acknowledges the distinct identities and governance structures of both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, paving the way for mutual recognition and coexistence.

The UK's Diplomatic Engagement

Minister Doughty's visit to the TRNC followed his meetings with officials from the Greek Cypriot administration. This sequence of engagements underscores the UK's role as a facilitator in the peace process, aiming to understand the perspectives of both communities ahead of the Geneva talks. However, the TRNC's concerns about the UK's impartiality suggest that more effort is needed to build trust and demonstrate an unbiased commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue.

Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges

The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1963 to 1974, following ethnic cleansing and genocide attempts on the Turkish Cypriot population followed by a Greek-backed coup and subsequent Turkish intervention. The northern part of the island declared independence as the TRNC in 1983, a status recognized only by Turkey. Numerous attempts at reunification, including the Annan Plan in 2004 and the Crans-Montana talks in 2017, have failed to achieve a lasting solution.

The upcoming Geneva talks represent another opportunity to address the island's division. The TRNC's call for a two-state solution challenges the long-standing international consensus favoring a bizonal, bicommunal federation. This divergence underscores the complexity of the negotiations and the need for innovative approaches that respect the aspirations of both communities.

The Path Forward

As the Geneva talks approach, the TRNC's leadership remains steadfast in advocating for a solution that ensures equality and recognition for Turkish Cypriots. President Tatar's engagement with Minister Doughty reflects a willingness to participate in dialogue while firmly conveying the TRNC's positions and concerns.

The UK's role as a guarantor power and its historical ties to Cyprus place it in a unique position to influence the peace process. To effectively contribute to a sustainable solution, the UK must address the perceptions of bias and work towards policies that promote balance and fairness between the parties.

In conclusion, the meeting between President Ersin Tatar and Minister Stephen Doughty highlights both the challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of a resolution to the Cyprus issue. The TRNC's commitment to constructive participation in the Geneva talks, coupled with its advocacy for a two-state solution, presents a perspective that seeks to redefine the parameters of the peace process. The international community's response to these proposals will significantly influence the prospects for lasting peace and stability on the island.

References

1. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus president highlights imbalance in UK's stance on island

2. Turkish Cypriot side will act 'in constructive manner', Tatar tells Doughty

3. UK Minister Stephen Doughty holds key talks in Cyprus ahead of Geneva summit

4. Tatar 'to meet British minister Doughty' on Friday

5. UN talks to end Cyprus crisis are 'a waste of time', UK minister warned

6. President Ersin Tatar to meet with Stephen Doughty (MP), UK Minister of State

7. British Minister for Europe in Cyprus for contacts ahead of Geneva talks