Tatar says Turkish Cypriots ‘won’t retreat’

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar made clear he would not return to the negotiating table without equal sovereignty and international status for Turkish Cypriots.

In his New Year’s message, distributed on Tuesday, Tatar underlined that it was not yet possible to reach an agreement on the Cyprus problem due to the wrong attitude of the Greek Cypriot side.

He argued it does not respond positively to any proposal for cooperation and tries to obstruct Turkish Cypriots around the world, even on humanitarian issues.

“The Greek Cypriot administration, which still takes a hostile stance against Turkey and the TRNC, dreams of returning us to the pre-1974 period, to expel Turkey from Cyprus and the EU.

“I want to reiterate once again that we will not retreat from our clear position that we put on the table on the Cyprus problem, and we have no intention of returning to the table while our equal sovereignty and our equal international status are not accepted.”

Tatar stressed that he believes a settlement to the Cyprus problem would make a “serious contribution” to the prosperity of the island, and further develop relations between Turkey and Greece.

It will also establish of peace and stability in the region.

“We hope that this sincere attitude and our humanitarian proposals will find a response within 2024,” he said.

Whatever happens, Tatar said that in the new year, the north will continue its struggle with “the support of the motherland Turkey.”

In unity, they would exert efforts for Turkish Cypriots “to take their place in the international community and for the development of sincere relations with the countries of the Organization of Turkic States.”

Tatar also had a call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, where the latter wished peace and prosperity to Turkish Cypriot people.