Northern Cyprus eyes sovereignty recognition, says President Tatar

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' primary goal is to get recognition of its sovereignty, President Ersin Tatar said on Friday.

Speaking to a group of reporters from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Turkey virtually, Tatar said a public survey result showed no hope in a potential agreement based on establishment of a federation.

Tatar said other details of negotiation can be put forward once the TRNC's sovereignty is accepted and recognized by all.

Regarding an unofficial 5 1 meeting on Cyprus issue with the participation of the guarantor countries which is planned to be held under the leadership of the UN, Turkish Cypriot president said his side will attend the meeting to express its views.

"If there are any common grounds towards future of the island, they will be addressed at the 5 1 meetings. There is no just thing as stepping back," he added.

Applauding Turkey and its people's support for the Turkish Cypriots’ struggle, Tatar described Turkey as "motherland" and said it is "the strongest country in the region. When Turkey and TRNC act together, the scales act in our favor."

"Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side are preparing for the negotiations in full compliance and consensus [...] This gives us comfort, and such comfort is significantly important for us to strengthen our position [in the talks]," Tatar noted.

He also hailed Turkey's strength in economic empowerment and said the TRNC desires and hopes for Turkey to have a say in the region.

Noting the conditions on [the island of] Cyprus and in the region has changed, Tatar said two separate states based on sovereign equality can cooperate with one another.

"Cooperation can be done in sharing energy resources. Collaborations are possible on other issues, but living side by side is essential," he said.

- Federation model ‘not an option’

Stressing that a federation model is "no longer an option," Tatar said: "a federation could be established in case of a need. [But] We do not have such a need."

Responding to a question on two-state solution and works to be done in this respect, Tatar said "We will revive the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus."

The president stated they will complete the infrastructure transformations and make the superstructure more productive, thus attracting more tourists and students to the TRNC.

Underscoring that the major goal of his government is to enhance prosperity and strengthen TRNC's economy, Tatar said the major issue his country faces is not having a direct flight.

"If we solve this problem, then many more tourists can arrive to our Cyprus, which is truly a tourism country," he told.

On a question of negotiating with energy companies, the Turkish Cypriot president said such negotiation is only possible through Turkey.

Recalling the injustices the Turkish Cypriots have faced for many years, Tatar said the Greek Cypriot administration is against the two-state solution and "believe the Northern part belongs to them fully."

"We will never, ever compromise our own sovereignty. The TRNC will definitely preserve its sovereignty in case of an agreement," he said.

He also said the matter of "flexibility" from both sides to reach an agreement had also come up, but emphasized such "flexibility" will only be at the negotiating table, underlining there will be no compromise on sovereignty.

- Rights

In case of a no deal on the island, the current status would remain but the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus would be more "integrated to Turkey as it has always been till now," Tatar noted.

He expressed hope they will find a solution to the issue as long as there is the necessary "respect" from the other side, referring to Greek Cypriots.

"We are seeking our rights. That right is recognition of our sovereignty. There are two separate regions and peoples in Cyprus," he added.

On the town of Maras, a former ghost town that was partially opened last October, Tatar stated "Maras will become like any other region in TRNC over time. There is no obstacle for it to be turned into a civilian site."

He also reminded of the potential of Maras region and said Turkey's support in reopening the area is "very important" for TRNC.

On Turkey's monetary support to TRNC, Tatar said "a support of $200 million is coming in from Turkey […] It has many different dimensions such as defense, public finance and other projects, but I can give a figure of about $200 million a year."

The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at Greece's annexation of the island was followed by violence against the island's Turks and Ankara’s intervention as a guarantor power.

It has seen an on-and-off peace process in recent years, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Turkey, Greece, and the UK. The TRNC was founded in 1983.