In a recent, impassioned plea, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, called upon the United Kingdom to “review its policy and treatment of Turkish Cypriots.” This call should not only resonate but also prompt immediate action from the British government.

As a guarantor power and a nation with historical and moral obligations, the UK must step up to correct the longstanding imbalance in its approach toward the Turkish Cypriot community, which remains unjustly isolated and marginalized on the global stage.

A Matter of Principle and Justice

President Ersin Tatar, a staunch advocate for a two-state solution, represents the genuine aspirations of the Turkish Cypriot people for recognition, equality, and self-determination. His leadership and the commitment of the ruling National Unity Party (UBP) towards achieving a just and equitable resolution deserve acknowledgment and active support from the international community. As President Tatar has emphasized, "We will not accept any settlement that ignores our sovereign equality and equal status," underscoring the determination of Turkish Cypriots to assert their rightful place in the world.

The United Kingdom, with its historical connections and ongoing strategic interests in Cyprus, must rethink its stance and align with these efforts. Tatar’s call for a change is not an outlier but rather an assertion of the rights of his people, who have been systematically marginalized and denied their sovereignty for far too long.

Prolonged Greek Cypriot Lobbying: A Bias That Must End

For decades, the British government’s policy toward Cyprus has been shaped by relentless Greek Cypriot lobbying. "The Greek Cypriot side has used every diplomatic means to isolate us, to maintain their claim as the sole legitimate government of Cyprus," Tatar remarked. This sustained pressure has led to a lopsided narrative favoring the Greek Cypriot administration while marginalizing the legitimate rights of Turkish Cypriots.

What began as a diplomatic maneuver has become an outdated and exhausted policy stance that no longer serves justice or fairness. The Greek Cypriot lobbying efforts, relentless as they have been, have long since passed their sell-by date. "It is time for the UK to recognize this and move beyond the influence of an outdated and one-sided narrative," said Tatar. The continuous appeasement of Greek Cypriot demands has led to an entrenched bias, which perpetuates the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and ignores the reality of two separate entities existing on the island.

Remembering British Sacrifice: The Forgotten Tragedy

The UK’s current stance on Cyprus also appears to forget a key part of its own history. Between 1955 and 1959, 371 British servicemen were killed in Cyprus, many at the hands of Greek Cypriot extremists. The EOKA terrorist organization, committed to enosis (union with Greece), waged a bloody campaign that targeted British personnel, civilians, and infrastructure. President Tatar recently questioned, “How can the UK, a country that lost so many of its sons on our soil, continue to side with those who perpetuate an unjust narrative?” This selective amnesia is nothing short of a betrayal of the principles that the UK claims to uphold. It is time for the British government to confront this uncomfortable truth and acknowledge that its current policy fails not just Turkish Cypriots but also its own citizens who paid the ultimate price in Cyprus.

The Role of the UK: From Passive Observer to Active Advocate

The United Kingdom has a unique responsibility to support the Turkish Cypriots. As one of the guarantor powers, alongside Türkiye and Greece, the UK holds a special role in ensuring peace, stability, and fairness on the island. Yet, for decades, it has remained a passive observer, often failing to stand up for the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The British government’s recognition of only the "Republic of Cyprus," dominated by the Greek Cypriot administration, has perpetuated a systemic bias. As President Tatar pointed out, “The UK’s stance is both outdated and unjust. It continues to align itself with a narrative that ignores the realities on the ground.” The existence of two distinct communities, with their own identities, governance, and aspirations, is a fact that cannot be erased by mere diplomatic convenience. The UK's continued alignment with the Greek Cypriot position only deepens the divide and delays a resolution that is both practical and equitable.

Call for Policy Review and Action

President Tatar's call for a review of the UK's policy is “a matter of urgency and fairness.” The Turkish Cypriot community has endured decades of economic, political, and social embargoes that have stunted its growth and potential. This unfair treatment is a direct result of the UK's refusal to acknowledge the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriots to self-determination and governance. "We are asking the UK to live up to its responsibilities, not as a favor, but as a matter of justice," Tatar declared.

The UK should immediately initiate a thorough policy review and consider extending formal recognition to the TRNC. Such a move would not only rectify a historical wrong but also pave the way for genuine peace negotiations based on the realities of the island's division. Recognizing the TRNC would demonstrate the UK's commitment to fairness and equity and its willingness to support a sustainable solution that respects the rights of both communities.

Why the UK Must Support the Two-State Solution

The two-state solution, as advocated by President Tatar and the ruling UBP, is “not only a pragmatic approach but the only viable path to lasting peace on the island,” according to Tatar. This model acknowledges the reality that the Greek and Turkish communities have been effectively separated for nearly half a century and that attempts to impose a forced union are unrealistic and counterproductive.

“The current status quo benefits no one,” Tatar emphasized, “least of all the Turkish Cypriots who continue to suffer from international isolation and economic sanctions.” Supporting a two-state solution would send a powerful message to the international community that the UK is committed to justice and fairness, rather than maintaining an anachronistic status quo that perpetuates division and mistrust.

Moreover, the UK's support for a two-state solution aligns with its broader geopolitical interests. “By championing a fair and equitable resolution, the UK can enhance its role as a mediator in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region of growing strategic importance,” Tatar argued. Aligning with the legitimate demands of the Turkish Cypriot community would not only serve justice but also reinforce the UK's position as a leader in promoting peace and stability.

Economic and Strategic Benefits of Recognition

Recognizing the TRNC would open new avenues for economic cooperation and development. The Turkish Cypriot economy, though resilient, has been hampered by decades of isolation and embargoes. "British businesses and investors could find significant opportunities in sectors such as tourism, real estate, education, and technology," President Tatar suggested, highlighting the untapped potential of the TRNC.

Additionally, enhanced UK-TRNC relations could lead to greater cooperation in areas like security and defense, energy, and environmental management. "The Eastern Mediterranean is becoming an increasingly strategic area for energy exploration and security partnerships," Tatar noted. "By taking a more active role, the UK could position itself as a key player in shaping the region's future while supporting the rights of the Turkish Cypriots."

A Test of Britain's Moral Compass

The issue of Turkish Cypriot recognition is not merely a diplomatic conundrum but a test of Britain's moral compass. The UK's current stance has been seen as tacitly endorsing the intransigence of the Greek Cypriot administration, which continues to block meaningful negotiations and perpetuate the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. “By failing to act, the UK is complicit in the denial of justice to a community that has been left stateless and voiceless on the world stage,” Tatar asserted.

If the UK genuinely believes in the principles of justice, fairness, and self-determination, it must heed President Tatar's call and re-evaluate its approach to the TRNC. "The time has come for the UK to demonstrate that it is a force for good in international affairs, capable of making bold decisions in the pursuit of peace and justice," Tatar concluded.

TCE Conclusion: A New Era for British Policy in Cyprus

President Ersin Tatar's recent appeal is more than a mere political statement; it is a call to the conscience of the UK government and people. The Turkish Cypriot community, under the leadership of President Tatar and the UBP, is striving for a just and fair resolution that respects their rights and aspirations. The UK must rise to the occasion and recognize its responsibilities.

The path to peace in Cyprus is clear. It requires courage, clarity, and commitment. It requires the UK to stand with the Turkish Cypriots and support their right to self-determination. It is time for the UK to shed its outdated policies and take a leading role in advocating for a fair and sustainable two-state solution. Only then can justice be served, and a lasting peace be achieved for all the people of Cyprus.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends via social media and invite them to join us on Facebook and TikTok.

References:

1. President Ersin Tatar’s remarks on the need for UK policy review and the two-state solution: Anadolu Agency

2. Historical context regarding the death of 371 British servicemen during the Cyprus Emergency: UK Ministry of Defense Archives

3. Analysis of Greek Cypriot lobbying efforts and their impact on UK policy: The Times Archive

4. Statements from the National Unity Party (UBP) on the two-state solution: TRNC Public Information Office

5. Context on the UK's role as a guarantor power: UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office