Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has rejected President Nikos Christodoulides’s proposal for a three-table negotiation format presented during an informal dinner in New York, stating it would amount to comprehensive negotiations.
According to Turkish Cypriot media Kibris, Christodoulides suggested three separate discussion tables: a 2+1 format for governance issues, a 4+1 format for security matters, and a 5+1 format for guarantees.
Tatar said he dismissed the proposal, arguing these issues require comprehensive discussion, while the UN Secretary-General remained silent.
Speaking on a web television programme, Tatar reiterated that there is no common ground between the two sides.
He emphasised that any future meeting should follow a 4+1 format, including the UN, “motherland countries”, and both sides, to determine whether common ground can be established.
The Turkish Cypriot leader noted that Greek Cypriots want British participation due to the UK’s status as a guarantor power and its military bases on the island.
“We only agree to sit with our motherland. Perhaps the UK could participate as an observer at ministerial level. We discussed this with Turkey. We shall see”, he said.
Tatar criticised the UN’s stance as partial, though expressing respect for Secretary-General Guterres, whom he described as “fair” and having “witnessed firsthand events at Crans Montana”.
Regarding new crossing points, Tatar indicated positive progress in New York discussions, reiterating support for a commercial crossing at Mia Milia.
He added that Greek Cypriots could propose a crossing in the Louroujina area, where studies are underway.
(information from CNA)
