Cyprus will not be turned into a ‘Greek island’ says Tatar 

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has accused the Greek Cypriot community of attempting to turn Cyprus into a ‘Greek island’ and that this will not be allowed as there are two separate peoples in Cyprus.

Speaking at the Ostim polytechnic in Ankara, Tatar reiterated that a solution to the Cyprus issue can only be reached within a framework which reflects the independence of the Turkish Cypriot people based on equality.

“If there is to be an agreement in Cyprus, then it must be on the basis of cooperation of the two independent peoples who can live side by side,” Tatar said.

He further argued that there can be no solution without Turkey – praising all it has done for Cyprus and that the Turkish army and governments have always extended a friendly hand towards the Turkish Cypriots – developments which constitute a font of life.

As part of his visit, Tatar also met the Association of Turkish Fighters; who he claimed carried out a “peace operation” in Cyprus and peace arrived on the island in 1974.

“The realities in Cyprus are clear,” he said.

Speaking later in the day, Tatar said that he will not meet President Nicos Anastasiades at the UN General Assembly in New York.

“He will not be a presidential candidate in February, so there is not point for us to meet,” he said.

Speaking to Turkish broadcaster NTV, Tatar said the Cyprus issue would be discussed at the United Nations meeting in New York and that he would meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Commenting on Tatar’s statement, Anastasiades said he would continue to fight for the reunification of Cyprus until the last day of his presidency.

“My own programme, my own efforts do not depend in any way depend on Mr Tatar’s opinions.”