President Ersin Tatar and Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, hold joint press conference following their meeting
President Tatar: “We will continue to defend the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people against the injustice of the international system”
Photos
President Ersin Tatar and Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, held a joint press conference following their meeting at the Presidency in Lefkoşa on Wednesday.
Welcoming Minister Fidan, who is paying a two-day official visit to the TRNC, President Tatar said it is a “great pleasure” to be hosting the Minister in our country, adding: “We are proud of the exceptional leadership put forward by the Republic of Türkiye, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for being a voice of conscience in the face of wars, crisis and human tragedies taking place in this important geography where our country, the TRNC, is also located.” President Tatar said: “We are also proud of the shining diplomacy put forward by yourselves and members of your ministry, in building bridges between different parties that have refused to talk to one-another or who are hostile to each other, and in doing so showing to the international system the importance of diplomacy instead of violence.”
"We are waging a struggle for the reaffirmation of our inherent rights, namely our sovereign equality and equal international status, in the midst of an unjust global environment, where the international system has closed a blind eye to the daily massacres of innocent people and is watching the trampling of human rights,” President Tatar said. “I express gratitude to Motherland Türkiye that has on every platform, with the mobilisation of all her resources, supported the Turkish Cypriot People in their just struggle, so that we can achieve the status we are entitled to enjoy," he added.
“This situation cannot continue”
President Tatar stated: “We cannot thank enough for the past and present arduous efforts of President Erdoğan, across different areas including our observer membership as the TRNC at the Organisation of Turkic States. I wish to extend the endless love and respects of my People to President Erdoğan through you." “International actors have used the continuously failed and exhausted basis of negotiations for 61 years as an excuse to deprive Turkish Cypriot People from the enjoyment of their basic human rights,” President Tatar said, adding: “This situation cannot continue. We are explaining to the international community that this great injustice on my People cannot and will not go on. We are continuously reiterating our position that as a party to a settlement that will be reached through negotiations with a new vision, the facts on the ground need to be reflected on the table.” President Tatar pointed out that the “most important reason for the continuous failures in the negotiation processes that have been held for the past 56-years,” has been “because of wrong diagnosis of the problem” and the “insistence of imposing a formula that is not wanted. It is futile to insist on negotiations on the tried, failed and exhausted basis, which has condemned Turkish Cypriot people to both the isolation and the status quo, despite the fact that this reality, which has been expressed even by previous UN Secretary Generals, is well known.”
“We say no to the perpetuation of the status quo”
"As the Turkish Cypriot side, we say no to the perpetuation of the status quo,” President Tatar said. “As stated in the report following the six-month work of Ms. Holguin, the former Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, whose mandate was to explore whether common ground exists or not between the sides, it was noted that the Greek Cypriot People rejected the UN Comprehensive Settlement Plan in April 2004 in the separately held simultaneous referenda, where the federal settlement basis died. This basis was buried following the collapse of the summit in Crans-Montana in July 2017. The federal settlement basis is no longer accepted by both parties as a compromise. This reality was also clearly stated in the statement made by the UN Secretary-General following the informal meeting I had with the Greek Cypriot leader in New York that was hosted by Mr. Guterres on October 15. Are there not parties that do not accept this reality and insist on a federation because it is against their interests? Yes, there are. However, the positions of those parties and what they want are of no importance to us. If a fair and permanent settlement is desired, such a compromise is a reality that can only be found through negotiations on a basis that the parties will consent to.” President Tatar stated that the two States are already “working on various issues” until a “final settlement is reached,” adding: “We are continuing our work with this understanding on two fronts. The first is aimed at opening new crossing points. There are at present a total of nine crossing points, with the first being opened in April 2003, which has had concrete reflections on the two Sides. Sixty-five per cent of the crossings are from Metehan, where there is traffic congestion. It is among the duties as the leaders to make it convenient for those who wish to use the crossing points. I have stated the need for a second crossing point in Lefkoşa for vehicles, in order to address both commercial activities and normal passage. The opening of a crossing point in Haspolat is a demand put forward by all sections of our country, including the relevant municipality and our economic organisations. If he wants a response, my call to the Greek Cypriot leader is to make a crossing point proposal. The Greek Cypriot Side’s current position is for transit, horizontal crossings. The difficulties that exist with regards crossings are well known by the Greek Cypriot Side. I would like to call upon the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Christodoulides, to meet me on January 20, to constructively discuss the opening of new crossing points.” Referring to the informal meeting to be held in a broader format in Switzerland in mid-March, President Tatar said: “This meeting will be hosted by the UN Secretary-General and will be attended by the two Leaders, the Foreign Ministers of the two Motherlands, Türkiye and Greece, and the UK, which will be represented at a lower level. Details regarding this meeting will be finalised and announced by the Under-Secretary General Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, who will soon be paying a visit to the Island.” Stating that the informal meeting is of great importance, President Tatar said that the “next steps to be taken for the future of the Island of Cyprus will be discussed in this meeting”, and that they will “discuss how the relations of the two sides can be structured, including areas of cooperation, and how possible crises could be resolved peacefully, with a practical and pragmatic understanding, within the framework of consultation and dialogue”.
“The Turkish Cypriot side is of the view that illusions must be put aside and will continue to explain that no place will be reached with the policy of brushing issues under the carpet," President Tatar said. Noting that peace and tranquillity have reigned in the geography of Cyprus for more than 50 years thanks to the Cyprus Peace Operation carried out by Motherland Türkiye in 1974, and the declaration of our State 41 years ago, President Tatar stated. “It is our duty to take this State forward and to strengthen it." President Tatar said: “As a State and a People, we will continue our efforts by prioritising dialogue and diplomacy for the reaffirmation of our inherent rights and the establishment of our basic human rights,” and added that they will continue to “take steps within the framework of the roadmap” with the understanding that “dialogue is meaningful when it moves from rhetoric to action”.
Fidan: “We can all work together to build a better future in the region”
Speaking at the press conference, Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, expressed his desire for Türkiye, Greece, the TRNC, and the Greek Cypriot Administration to work together to build a better future in the region. “Ignoring the existing reality, bringing the status quo of 50 years ago to the table with a solution formula that they themselves do not accept even today, and trying to produce a solution to the Cyprus problem from here is really wasting time in vain,” he said. Mr. Fidan highlighted the marginalisation and international isolation policies against the TRNC, saying the measures in place cannot impede its historical progress. Stating that the isolation that the Turkish Cypriot People have been subjected to for the last 50 years has “almost turned into a silent crime against humanity,” he added: “Unfortunately, there are partners in this crime which is being committed against humanity that is taking place under close watch of the world, and many of them are doing this either knowingly or unknowingly. As Türkiye, we are doing our utmost to ensure that the TRNC is minimally affected by this isolation.” Mr. Fidan said that Türkiye, with all her institutions, will “continue to increase cooperation with the TRNC, especially in agriculture, economy, transportation, energy and telecommunications”.
Importance of a two State settlement
Stressing that everyone comprehends the importance of a two State settlement on the island and that there are no other options, Mr. Fidan stated that “other models as a basis for a settlement have been previously attempted, which have all but failed”.
Minister Fidan said that the two States on the island, which trust each other and respect each other's sovereignty, borders and security, can bring much more positive effects, economic development, peace, stability, and the potential to bring a tremendous contribution to the region and beyond with various cooperation models to be developed." “However, there are many people who ignore this and do not dare to express it,"
Mr. Fidan said, adding: "Everyone has their own domestic political concerns. . . the politicians in the Greek Cypriot side have their own areas of discussion. Everyone continues on their political path without breaking their own routine, opting to remain in their comfort zone as much as possible, without taking any risks. So, does this bring a solution to the island? It does not," Mr. Fidan stated.
Welcoming Minister Fidan, who is paying a two-day official visit to the TRNC, President Tatar said it is a “great pleasure” to be hosting the Minister in our country, adding: “We are proud of the exceptional leadership put forward by the Republic of Türkiye, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for being a voice of conscience in the face of wars, crisis and human tragedies taking place in this important geography where our country, the TRNC, is also located.” President Tatar said: “We are also proud of the shining diplomacy put forward by yourselves and members of your ministry, in building bridges between different parties that have refused to talk to one-another or who are hostile to each other, and in doing so showing to the international system the importance of diplomacy instead of violence.”
"We are waging a struggle for the reaffirmation of our inherent rights, namely our sovereign equality and equal international status, in the midst of an unjust global environment, where the international system has closed a blind eye to the daily massacres of innocent people and is watching the trampling of human rights,” President Tatar said. “I express gratitude to Motherland Türkiye that has on every platform, with the mobilisation of all her resources, supported the Turkish Cypriot People in their just struggle, so that we can achieve the status we are entitled to enjoy," he added.
“This situation cannot continue”
President Tatar stated: “We cannot thank enough for the past and present arduous efforts of President Erdoğan, across different areas including our observer membership as the TRNC at the Organisation of Turkic States. I wish to extend the endless love and respects of my People to President Erdoğan through you." “International actors have used the continuously failed and exhausted basis of negotiations for 61 years as an excuse to deprive Turkish Cypriot People from the enjoyment of their basic human rights,” President Tatar said, adding: “This situation cannot continue. We are explaining to the international community that this great injustice on my People cannot and will not go on. We are continuously reiterating our position that as a party to a settlement that will be reached through negotiations with a new vision, the facts on the ground need to be reflected on the table.” President Tatar pointed out that the “most important reason for the continuous failures in the negotiation processes that have been held for the past 56-years,” has been “because of wrong diagnosis of the problem” and the “insistence of imposing a formula that is not wanted. It is futile to insist on negotiations on the tried, failed and exhausted basis, which has condemned Turkish Cypriot people to both the isolation and the status quo, despite the fact that this reality, which has been expressed even by previous UN Secretary Generals, is well known.”
“We say no to the perpetuation of the status quo”
"As the Turkish Cypriot side, we say no to the perpetuation of the status quo,” President Tatar said. “As stated in the report following the six-month work of Ms. Holguin, the former Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, whose mandate was to explore whether common ground exists or not between the sides, it was noted that the Greek Cypriot People rejected the UN Comprehensive Settlement Plan in April 2004 in the separately held simultaneous referenda, where the federal settlement basis died. This basis was buried following the collapse of the summit in Crans-Montana in July 2017. The federal settlement basis is no longer accepted by both parties as a compromise. This reality was also clearly stated in the statement made by the UN Secretary-General following the informal meeting I had with the Greek Cypriot leader in New York that was hosted by Mr. Guterres on October 15. Are there not parties that do not accept this reality and insist on a federation because it is against their interests? Yes, there are. However, the positions of those parties and what they want are of no importance to us. If a fair and permanent settlement is desired, such a compromise is a reality that can only be found through negotiations on a basis that the parties will consent to.” President Tatar stated that the two States are already “working on various issues” until a “final settlement is reached,” adding: “We are continuing our work with this understanding on two fronts. The first is aimed at opening new crossing points. There are at present a total of nine crossing points, with the first being opened in April 2003, which has had concrete reflections on the two Sides. Sixty-five per cent of the crossings are from Metehan, where there is traffic congestion. It is among the duties as the leaders to make it convenient for those who wish to use the crossing points. I have stated the need for a second crossing point in Lefkoşa for vehicles, in order to address both commercial activities and normal passage. The opening of a crossing point in Haspolat is a demand put forward by all sections of our country, including the relevant municipality and our economic organisations. If he wants a response, my call to the Greek Cypriot leader is to make a crossing point proposal. The Greek Cypriot Side’s current position is for transit, horizontal crossings. The difficulties that exist with regards crossings are well known by the Greek Cypriot Side. I would like to call upon the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Christodoulides, to meet me on January 20, to constructively discuss the opening of new crossing points.” Referring to the informal meeting to be held in a broader format in Switzerland in mid-March, President Tatar said: “This meeting will be hosted by the UN Secretary-General and will be attended by the two Leaders, the Foreign Ministers of the two Motherlands, Türkiye and Greece, and the UK, which will be represented at a lower level. Details regarding this meeting will be finalised and announced by the Under-Secretary General Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, who will soon be paying a visit to the Island.” Stating that the informal meeting is of great importance, President Tatar said that the “next steps to be taken for the future of the Island of Cyprus will be discussed in this meeting”, and that they will “discuss how the relations of the two sides can be structured, including areas of cooperation, and how possible crises could be resolved peacefully, with a practical and pragmatic understanding, within the framework of consultation and dialogue”.
“The Turkish Cypriot side is of the view that illusions must be put aside and will continue to explain that no place will be reached with the policy of brushing issues under the carpet," President Tatar said. Noting that peace and tranquillity have reigned in the geography of Cyprus for more than 50 years thanks to the Cyprus Peace Operation carried out by Motherland Türkiye in 1974, and the declaration of our State 41 years ago, President Tatar stated. “It is our duty to take this State forward and to strengthen it." President Tatar said: “As a State and a People, we will continue our efforts by prioritising dialogue and diplomacy for the reaffirmation of our inherent rights and the establishment of our basic human rights,” and added that they will continue to “take steps within the framework of the roadmap” with the understanding that “dialogue is meaningful when it moves from rhetoric to action”.
Fidan: “We can all work together to build a better future in the region”
Speaking at the press conference, Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, expressed his desire for Türkiye, Greece, the TRNC, and the Greek Cypriot Administration to work together to build a better future in the region. “Ignoring the existing reality, bringing the status quo of 50 years ago to the table with a solution formula that they themselves do not accept even today, and trying to produce a solution to the Cyprus problem from here is really wasting time in vain,” he said. Mr. Fidan highlighted the marginalisation and international isolation policies against the TRNC, saying the measures in place cannot impede its historical progress. Stating that the isolation that the Turkish Cypriot People have been subjected to for the last 50 years has “almost turned into a silent crime against humanity,” he added: “Unfortunately, there are partners in this crime which is being committed against humanity that is taking place under close watch of the world, and many of them are doing this either knowingly or unknowingly. As Türkiye, we are doing our utmost to ensure that the TRNC is minimally affected by this isolation.” Mr. Fidan said that Türkiye, with all her institutions, will “continue to increase cooperation with the TRNC, especially in agriculture, economy, transportation, energy and telecommunications”.
Importance of a two State settlement
Stressing that everyone comprehends the importance of a two State settlement on the island and that there are no other options, Mr. Fidan stated that “other models as a basis for a settlement have been previously attempted, which have all but failed”.
Minister Fidan said that the two States on the island, which trust each other and respect each other's sovereignty, borders and security, can bring much more positive effects, economic development, peace, stability, and the potential to bring a tremendous contribution to the region and beyond with various cooperation models to be developed." “However, there are many people who ignore this and do not dare to express it,"
Mr. Fidan said, adding: "Everyone has their own domestic political concerns. . . the politicians in the Greek Cypriot side have their own areas of discussion. Everyone continues on their political path without breaking their own routine, opting to remain in their comfort zone as much as possible, without taking any risks. So, does this bring a solution to the island? It does not," Mr. Fidan stated.