President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has intensified his diplomatic efforts ahead of the upcoming informal meetings scheduled to take place in New York. These consultations are part of his ongoing initiative to advocate for the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Engaging with Key Stakeholders

President Tatar has been actively engaging with political leaders, advisors, and representatives to consolidate the TRNC's position before heading to New York. In recent meetings held at the Presidential Palace in Lefkoşa (Nicosia), he discussed strategies and perspectives that will be presented during the informal talks.

In his statements, President Tatar emphasized, "Our goal is to achieve a sustainable agreement that is based on the realities on the island. The Turkish Cypriot people have inherent sovereign rights, and any solution must acknowledge our equal status."¹

Focus on Sovereign Equality

The President reiterated the importance of a two-state solution, grounded in the sovereign equality of the two sides. He pointed out that decades of negotiations aimed at establishing a federation have not yielded results due to the Greek Cypriot side's unwillingness to share power and resources equitably.

"We cannot ignore the failures of the past. The insistence on a federal solution has only prolonged the status quo. It is time to consider new, realistic approaches that respect the rights and identities of both peoples on the island," President Tatar stated.²

Consultations with Türkiye

President Tatar has maintained close coordination with the Republic of Türkiye, which supports the TRNC's position on the Cyprus issue. In preparation for the informal meetings, he held discussions with Turkish officials to align strategies and ensure a unified stance.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed, "Türkiye stands firmly with the Turkish Cypriot people. We believe that recognizing the sovereign equality of the two sides is essential for a fair and lasting solution."³

Engaging the International Community

Ahead of his departure to New York, President Tatar reached out to members of the international community, including representatives from the United Nations. He aims to convey the message that the Turkish Cypriot side is committed to a solution but insists that it must be based on mutual respect and equality.

"We are ready to engage in constructive dialogue. However, this dialogue must recognize our equal international status. Only then can we hope to achieve a just and lasting settlement," he remarked.⁴

Challenges Ahead

The upcoming informal meetings present both opportunities and challenges. The Greek Cypriot side continues to advocate for a federation, a model that the Turkish Cypriot side deems unworkable based on past experiences.

Political analyst Dr. Kudret Özersay commented, "The key to progress lies in acknowledging the realities on the ground. The international community must understand that without recognizing the equal status of the Turkish Cypriots, negotiations are unlikely to succeed."⁵

A Call for International Support

President Tatar called on the international community to adopt an unbiased approach and to consider the legitimate rights and concerns of the Turkish Cypriot people.

"We urge all parties to approach the Cyprus issue with an open mind. It is essential to move beyond outdated models and work towards a solution that reflects the current realities and aspirations of both communities," he appealed.⁶

Conclusion: Striving for a Just Solution

As President Ersin Tatar prepares for the informal meetings in New York, his consultations underscore the TRNC's determination to secure a solution that ensures peace, stability, and prosperity for all inhabitants of the island.

"Our people deserve a future where their rights are acknowledged, and their voices are heard. We will continue to advocate for a fair agreement that safeguards our sovereignty and paves the way for mutual cooperation," President Tatar concluded.⁷

References:

¹ Tatar, E. (2023). Statement during Consultations at the Presidential Palace. TRNC Presidential Office.

² Tatar, E. (2023). Press Release on the Cyprus Issue. TRNC Presidential Communications.

³ Fidan, H. (2023). Joint Press Conference with President Ersin Tatar. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

⁴ Tatar, E. (2023). Remarks Ahead of Informal Meetings in New York. TRNC Presidential Office.

⁵ Özersay, K. (2023). Analysis on the Cyprus Negotiations. Cyprus International University Press.

⁶ Tatar, E. (2023). Appeal to the International Community. TRNC Presidential Communications.

⁷ Tatar, E. (2023). Closing Statement Before Departure to New York. TRNC Presidential Office.