TRNC President Tatar stated that the time has come for a new approach to a solution in Cyprus

President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) stated that federal-based negotiations have failed for over fifty years and that the time has come for a new approach to a solution in Cyprus.

Tatar made the remarks at the UN Headquarters following a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Tatar said he had a constructive and sincere meeting with Secretary-General Guterres, noting that the 80th UN General Assembly session is one of the most critical meetings this year.

Tatar said, “I would like to emphasize that the Turkish Cypriot people are closely following the unfortunate developments in the Middle East, and in particular, the genocide committed by Israel in Palestine, with deep concern and sadness.”

Expressing their satisfaction with the decisions to officially recognize the State of Palestine and support a two-state solution, Tatar thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his call during his speech at the UN General Assembly to support the TRNC and end the inhumane isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Tatar stated that during the meetings held with the Greek Cypriot side in March and July, an agreement was reached to build trust between the two sides and to make new initiatives, adding that he would approach today's tripartite meeting under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General with goodwill and optimism.

Expressing his hope that the talks would pave the way for concrete progress on issues such as new border crossings, interconnectivity, electricity, and water, Tatar said, “These steps will improve daily life and strengthen inter-community communication across the island. My basic message is clear: the two communities in Cyprus urgently need to create cultural cooperation.”

Tatar emphasized that all federal-based negotiations over more than fifty years have ended in failure, stressing that the time has come for a new approach that takes into account the realities on the ground.

Underlining that there are two peoples on the island of Cyprus, each with their own democratic institutions, identity, and aspirations, Tatar said, “For any solution to be sustainable, it must be based on our sovereign equality and international status. Cooperation between the two sides, particularly in the areas of individual trade, public health, environment, and resource management, must become a common priority.”

Tatar added that challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and energy security necessitate cooperation until a political solution is reached, noting that constructive arrangements promoting interaction based on equality, dignity, and mutual respect are needed on the island.