President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRK) Ersin Tatars said that the Cyprus-Turkish side did not intend to return to official settlement negotiations until its sovereign equality and equal international status are confirmed. He announced this after an expanded informal meeting on Cyprus, which was held in New York under the auspices of the Secretary General of the UN Antoniu Gutherresh.
Tatars emphasized that he arrived in New York with a positive and constructive agenda, despite the uncertainty that arose after an informal meeting in Geneva in March. However, according to him, a series of unsuccessful events on the island, in particular the position of the Greek-Kiru leadership, strengthened the feeling of threat and pressure on Turks-kipriota. “Many Turks -kypriots are afraid that they can be detained or arrested when crossing to the south side or when leaving abroad,” he said.
The head of TRSK recalled that there are two peoples, two democracies and two states on the island, reflecting the will of their citizens. “If a new official negotiation process should begin, then only on the basis of realities on the ground, with respect for the principles of equality, justice and mutual respect,” he stressed.
According to Tatar, over the past four years, TRSK has strengthened its new political line. “We will not return to the table of official negotiations until our sovereign equality and equal international status will be confirmed,” he said.
“Due to the position of Greeks-kypriots, there is no progress on the transitions”
Tatars expressed regret that the parties could not announce the opening of four new transitions through the buffer zone. He accused the Greek-Kiro Administration of this, which, according to him, insists on the military and other use of the buffer zone, which makes it impossible to achieve an agreement. “The Turkish side cannot agree with this,” he stressed.
According to him, despite the efforts of the UN Secretary General, due to the persistence of the Greek-Kirus side, this issue has not yet been resolved.
“The goal is the complete clearance of the island”
Answering the question about progress in the issue of clearance, the Tatars confirmed that the purpose of the Turkish side was the complete liberation of the island from mines. He noted that the problem remains the reluctance of the Greek-Kirsky side to cleanse some areas.
Tatars also said that the next meeting with the Greek-Kirus leader may take place in September as part of the UN General Assembly, and the next expanded informal Cyprus meeting is planned at the end of the year.