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Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar called for a new approach to resolving the Cyprus issue on Saturday, stating that over 50 years of federal-based negotiations have failed, and it's time to consider the realities on the ground.
Tatar made the remarks at U.N. headquarters following a bilateral meeting with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the 80th U.N. General Assembly (UNGA), which he described as one of the year's most critical gatherings.
"I want to emphasize that the Turkish people of Northern Cyprus (Turkish Cyprus) are closely following with deep concern and sorrow the unfortunate developments in the Middle East, especially Israel's genocide in Palestine," Tatar said during his statement.
The Turkish Cypriot president expressed satisfaction with countries recognizing the State of Palestine and supporting a two-state solution.
He thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for supporting the Turkish Cypriots during his U.N. General Assembly speech and calling for an end to the inhumane isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
Tatar noted that meetings held with the Greek Cypriot side in March and July resulted in agreements to build trust and launch new initiatives between the two sides.
He expressed optimism about the upcoming trilateral meeting under U.N. auspices on Tuesday.
"These steps will improve daily life and strengthen communication between people across the island. My basic message is clear: The two peoples of Cyprus urgently need to create cultural cooperation," Tatar stated.
The president hoped discussions would yield concrete progress on issues including new border crossings, interconnectivity, electricity and water supplies.
Emphasizing that all federal-based negotiations spanning over five decades have failed, Tatar stressed the need for a new approach that considers ground realities.
"There are two peoples on the island of Cyprus, each with their own democratic institutions, identity and aspirations," Tatar underlined.
"For any solution to be sustainable, it must be based on our sovereign equality and international status. Cooperation between the two sides, especially in individual trade, public health, environment and resource management, must become a common priority," he added.
Tatar argued that challenges like climate change, pandemics, and energy security necessitate cooperation even before reaching a political solution, calling for constructive arrangements that encourage interaction based on equality, dignity, and mutual respect.
In separate remarks to journalists in New York, Tatar criticized Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides for what he called inconsistent behavior.
"The Greek leader makes insults at the U.N. General Assembly. He says he wants a solution while adding new elements to his aggressive policy every day. The world should see this insincerity," Tatar said.
The Turkish Cypriot president questioned Christodoulides' sincerity, noting that the Greek Cypriot leader thanked Jordan for not purchasing halloumi cheese from Turkish Cyprus, while claiming to seek a solution.
Before his trilateral meeting, Tatar met with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and emphasized the need for complete coordination between Turkish Cyprus and Türkiye.
He stated that President Erdogan's recent statements gave them significant strength.
"As President Erdogan clearly stated, the federation book is closed, never to be opened again; our sovereign equality is essential," Tatar declared.
The Turkish Cypriot president stated that he would convey to Secretary-General Guterres that while the Turkish Cypriot side has approached issues like opening border gates positively and with sincerity, the Greek Cypriot leadership's actions demonstrate a lack of genuine commitment to finding a solution.
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