In a recent series of exchanges, President Ersin Tatar has vehemently criticized UN Special Envoy to Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, for her approach towards the ongoing Cyprus negotiations. President Tatar asserted that Holguin’s actions are not conducive to fostering a constructive dialogue and accused her of attempting to provoke tensions rather than resolve them.

Holguin, in an interview with Kibris Postasi, expressed her surprise at President Tatar's refusal to participate in a proposed trilateral meeting involving the Greek Cypriot leader and herself. She also proposed a 5+1 format meeting, which includes the involvement of negotiators, a suggestion that Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan seemed open to. Holguin stated, "I have to admit I was surprised by Ersin Tatar’s refusal to agree to a trilateral meeting," emphasizing her belief in the necessity of continued dialogue.

President Tatar responded firmly, rejecting the notion of sitting at a table where Greek Cypriots are recognized as the Republic while Turkish Cypriots are merely a community. He criticized Holguin’s methods, particularly her meetings with opposition figures, including Sener Levent, a journalist, and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. Tatar remarked, "She cannot gauge public opinion going from door to door. She has no right. It’s not nice of her to go to the most extreme opponents and provoke, challenging the established order of the country."

The President underscored the long-standing nature of the Cyprus issue, highlighting that it has persisted unresolved for 60 years and cannot be magically fixed by Holguin’s interventions. He stated, "Frankly, I was annoyed by that… It’s Holguin’s duty to investigate if there is common ground. It is already clear that there is not." He further emphasized that without a genuine basis for agreement, holding meetings would be pointless and accused Holguin of not understanding the realities of Cyprus.

In her defense, Holguin reiterated her commitment to impartiality and the necessity of dialogue, despite the historical disappointments. She argued that diplomacy should always be given a chance, noting, "We must give diplomacy a chance. I believe dialogue is always necessary because it builds bridges and opens doors. Accumulated disappointments must be healed. Dialogue is always the first step to solving problems because people deserve to live without constant uncertainties and anomalies."

Holguin’s insistence on maintaining an open line of communication and her proposed 5+1 format meeting is seen by some as an attempt to move the peace process forward. However, President Tatar remains skeptical of these efforts, pointing out that Holguin’s strategies may not be aligned with the current realities and sentiments of the Turkish Cypriot community. He emphasized the need for recognizing the Turkish Cypriots' rightful status and the importance of approaching the negotiation process with a clear understanding of the ground realities.

As tensions between the two sides continue, the road to a peaceful resolution in Cyprus remains fraught with challenges. President Tatar’s strong stance reflects the broader sentiment among Turkish Cypriots who seek equal recognition and a fair approach to negotiations. The UN and other international stakeholders must navigate these complex dynamics carefully to foster a conducive environment for future talks.

This ongoing exchange underscores the intricate nature of the Cyprus issue and the critical role that international mediators play in attempting to bridge the gap between the two sides. The effectiveness of these efforts, however, hinges on a deep understanding of the historical and current contexts that shape the perspectives of both Turkish and Greek Cypriots.