Ersin Tatar, the Turkish Cypriot leader, has stated that the mission of UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, has concluded and that no new appointment is required.
Speaking in a television interview before leaving New York, Tatar said he would reject any proposal for a new envoy.
Regarding a potential expanded informal meeting, Tatar expressed concern over the Greek Cypriot side’s request for British involvement.
He argued that to ensure equality at the negotiating table, there should be a Turkish Cypriot side with Turkey as the “motherland” on one side, and a Greek Cypriot and Greek side on the other. He claimed that British involvement would disrupt this balance.
Tatar reiterated his stance against a federal solution, stating, “We are definitely not negotiating a federation. The federation book is closed.”
He suggested that discussions could focus on mutually beneficial issues for both communities that could be implemented before a final solution, based on equality.
Regarding the atmosphere of the dinner meeting with President Christodoulides and the UN Secretary-General, Tatar described it as not particularly comfortable.
He mentioned that while the Greek Cypriot side came to discuss federation, he made it clear that this was unacceptable to the Turkish Cypriot side.
In a separate statement, Tatar emphasised that Turkish guarantees and the presence of Turkish military are “red lines” and essential elements for a fair, permanent, and viable agreement in Cyprus.
He also asserted that both Turkey and the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” have rights and legal grounds concerning the energy resources around Cyprus.
Tatar concluded by echoing the sentiments of previous Turkish Cypriot leaders, stating that the Cyprus issue cannot be resolved without Turkey’s involvement.
(information from CNA)
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