President Ersin Tatar, speaking during his meeting with Polish journalists in Warsaw, reiterated that decades of federation-based negotiations on the Cyprus issue had failed. He declared, “It is time to think outside the box. A realistic and sustainable agreement can only be reached in Cyprus with a two-state solution.”

According to a statement from the TRNC Presidency, President Tatar outlined a new vision for a solution based on sovereign equality and equal international status for the Turkish Cypriot side. He urged the international community to end the isolation and restrictions imposed on Turkish Cypriots, labeling them inhumane and unjust.

Historical Context and Injustice

Drawing parallels with Poland's historic struggle for independence, Tatar emphasized the Turkish Cypriot people's inherent rights as founding partners of the Republic of Cyprus, established in 1960 on principles of equality. He accused the Greek Cypriot side of undermining this partnership with their aspiration to annex Cyprus to Greece, leading to the exclusion of Turkish Cypriots from state administration and their subsequent hardships.

Tatar criticized the international community for recognizing the Greek Cypriot side as the sole representative of the island, saying, “The TRNC is the only state that can represent the Turkish Cypriot people.”

Failed Federation Talks and a New Vision

President Tatar pointed to the collapse of the Crans-Montana talks in 2017 as the final blow to federation-based negotiations. Highlighting the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriot side in 2004, despite Turkish Cypriot approval, Tatar stressed that the Greek Cypriots lack any incentive to share power or resources.

“It is time to open a new page in Cyprus,” Tatar declared, presenting his proposal for a two-state solution that emphasizes good neighborly relations, peaceful coexistence, and sovereign equality. The proposal includes:

• Cooperation in energy and water resource management.
• Transition to green energy and use of solar energy.
• Connecting Cyprus’ electricity to the EU grid via Turkey.
• Collaboration on addressing irregular migration.
• Joint efforts to demine the island.

Commitment to Dialogue

Despite ongoing challenges, Tatar reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue with the Greek Cypriot side. He noted his attendance at an informal dinner hosted by the UN Secretary General in New York on October 15, where both sides agreed to:

• Discuss opening new crossing points.
• Plan a larger meeting involving Turkey, Greece, and the UK to continue dialogue.

Tatar also highlighted acts of oppression and economic harm against Turkish Cypriots by the Greek Cypriot side, including the arrest of investors, but emphasized his willingness to engage constructively.

A Path to Peace and Progress

President Tatar concluded by urging all parties to move beyond past failures and embrace a solution that ensures a prosperous and peaceful future for all on the island. “Insisting on a federation has not worked for over 50 years. It’s time for a new approach.”

Source: Kıbrıs Gazetesi