President Ersin Tatar has meets with María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General
“The mentality of the Greek Cypriot leadership towards the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people does not conform with international law.”
Photos
President Ersin Tatar has met María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General at the Presidency, which lasted about an hour-and-a-half.
President Tatar spoke to the press following his second meeting with Ms. Holguin during her visit to the Island this week.
“I held a good meeting with Ms. Holguin today,” President Tatar said, adding: “I have re-stated my strong concerns regarding the acts of terror and intimidation being carried out against the Turkish Cypriot People by the Greek Cypriot leadership in relation to property issues. Arresting investors, who are adhering to the laws of our country that is in line with European Court of Human Rights rulings, does not conform with international law but are merely politically motivated aimed at strangling the Turkish Cypriot economy.”
“As long as the Greek Cypriot leader continues to attack my people in this manner, he will see a reciprocal response. I will not give credence to threats and blackmail,” President Tatar said.
President Tatar, who stated that it is “unacceptable to try to create an atmosphere of fear by portraying people who invest or acquire property within the borders of the TRNC as committing a crime”, said: “This is a dangerous approach that targets not only the rights of individuals but also the trust between the two peoples and the possibility of future reconciliation”.
President Tatar emphasised that “the mentality of the Greek Cypriot leadership is seriously undermining the efforts of the UN Secretary-General, who, after we agreed on a group of new cooperation initiatives at the informal meeting on Cyprus, had referred to a new atmosphere”.
“I have never avoided contact and dialogue”
President Tatar said that Ms. Holguin had been appointed as a Personal Envoy, following the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format, that was convened by the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in March in Geneva.
“Ms. Holguin was appointed with a mandate to help progress on six initiatives and to help us in preparation for another informal meeting at the end of July,” President Tatar said. “However, there is no point in participating in a trilateral meeting on the Island whilst the Greek Cypriot leader is continuing to terrorise our people in relation to property, as I had stated to the press on Monday,” President Tatar added.
The President stressed: “I have never avoided dialogue. I have always continued my efforts to ensure that the two sides can understand each other. I have met with the Greek Cypriot leader twice in the last two months. However, I have reached a point where I had to give a diplomatic response to the latest developments.”
Paying tribute to the leadership of the UN Secretary-General for his efforts to help the two equal sides in Cyprus, President Tatar stated that a positive atmosphere had been created following the informal meeting, adding: “The positive atmosphere following the informal meeting should be continued and everyone should make an effort to ensure that developments -- that will benefit the people -- can be achieved through cooperation between the two sides.”
“It is not possible to talk about an atmosphere of healthy dialogue as long as this mentality continues”
President Tatar said: “The Greek Cypriot leadership has intensified political pressure and intimidation and is targeting people through immovable properties. This mentality of the Greek Cypriot leadership towards the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people has nothing to do with international law. An atmosphere of fear is being created by portraying people, who invest or carry out property transactions within the borders of the TRNC, as if they are committing crimes. These actions are politically motivated and is not acceptable. This is a dangerous approach that targets not only the rights of individuals but also the trust between the two peoples and the possibility of future reconciliation. As long as this mentality continues, it is not possible to talk about a healthy dialogue atmosphere. Showing respect to this mentality would mean normalising these activities and damaging the new atmosphere.”
“The period of tolerating this hostile policy that targets the freedom, prosperity and peace of people, has ended”
President Tatar stated that a “reaction must be given to these actions and this mentality of the Greek Cypriot side,” and emphasised that the “period of tolerating this hostile policy that targets the freedom, prosperity and peace of people has ended”.
Explaining why he rejected the proposal for a tripartite meeting by Ms. Holguin, that had been made on the request of the Greek Cypriot leader, President Tatar said: “My decision not to participate in such a meeting was made on very clear, justified and principled grounds. This decision was not taken with any emotional reaction, but with an approach that prioritises the security and rights of our people. As long as the Greek Cypriot leader continues to attack us, he will receive a similar response. I will never give credence to threats and blackmail.”
President Tatar said that he had “previously clearly expressed my warnings on this issue to Christodoulides and Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General. . . I have great respect for the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. I appreciate his interest in the Cyprus issue and his constructive approach towards cooperation between the two sides. I would also like to thank his Personal Envoy, Ms. Maria Angela Holguin, for the approach she displayed during her contacts. However, it is clear that Mr. Christodoulides, who targets our people by using the property issue as a tool of pressure by using the judiciary, cannot be considered a reputable interlocutor without changing this hostile behavior. This policy of the Greek Cypriot leader, which increases tension, does not serve dialogue but a deadlock.”
“It is unacceptable for some circles to remain silent about the rhetoric and practices of the Greek Cypriot leadership”
President Tatar noted that it was “unacceptable” for some circles to remain silent against the rhetoric and practices of the Greek Cypriot leadership, or even to adopt a supportive stance, in the face of the isolation and human rights violations imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people, which have been ongoing for a prolonged period of time.
Stating that this behaviour does not mean ignoring a mentality that goes after the people and treats them as criminals, but tacitly supporting it, President Tatar said: “Attempting to legitimise these oppressive policies for the sake of daily political interests means contributing to the continuation of ongoing injustices against our people. This is not politics, but a surrender disguised as politics. I reject this understanding. I will continue to resolutely defend the rights, honour and future of our people.”
Emphasising that his priority is the peace, security and protection of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, President Tatar said: “I explained all of these issues in great detail to Ms. Holguin, and have requested that she conveys the latest developments directly to the UN Secretary-General.”
“Ms. Holguin will head to Ankara to meet with Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye on Monday, followed by a visit to Athens. Ms. Holguin will return to the Island of Cyprus before July, and we will continue to be in contact during this period,” President Tatar said.
“TRNC has established a property regime in line with international law, the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights which has endorsed the Immovable Property Commission”
President Ersin Tatar, who also answered questions from journalists, stated that the TRNC has established a property regime “that is in line with international law, the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights which has endorsed the Immovable Property Commission”.
The President added that the Immovable Property Commission provides effective legal remedies for Greek Cypriot applicants, that is recognised by the European Court of Human Rights.
“The property regime of our country has been developed over many years, with the signatures of people from across the political spectrum, who have held positions in the Presidency, Prime Ministry and Government,” President Tatar said.
President Tatar stated that “it is not right to blame the TRNC President and the government for the activities of the Greek Cypriot leadership,” and emphasised that “everybody in the TRNC is in the same boat, as they are also buying and selling properties and undertaking investments”. President Tatar noted that he will share his views on this issue in the Republican Assembly and demand a “single voice”, adding: “It is important that we as the Turkish Cypriot People, can speak with one voice on this issue. This is the future of all of us. It is in the interest of all of us. It is an issue that relates to our future and that of our children."
The President stated that a Voluntary Exchange of Populations Agreement had been signed between the two sides – where Turkish Cypriots had moved to the North, and the Greek Cypriots to the South. “In all comprehensive UN plans, there have always been regulations on property. Turkish Cypriot people have more than 500,000 dönüms of immovable property in Southern Cyprus, which they had “renounced” in exchange for equivalent (eşdeğer) land in the North.
President Tatar spoke to the press following his second meeting with Ms. Holguin during her visit to the Island this week.
“I held a good meeting with Ms. Holguin today,” President Tatar said, adding: “I have re-stated my strong concerns regarding the acts of terror and intimidation being carried out against the Turkish Cypriot People by the Greek Cypriot leadership in relation to property issues. Arresting investors, who are adhering to the laws of our country that is in line with European Court of Human Rights rulings, does not conform with international law but are merely politically motivated aimed at strangling the Turkish Cypriot economy.”
“As long as the Greek Cypriot leader continues to attack my people in this manner, he will see a reciprocal response. I will not give credence to threats and blackmail,” President Tatar said.
President Tatar, who stated that it is “unacceptable to try to create an atmosphere of fear by portraying people who invest or acquire property within the borders of the TRNC as committing a crime”, said: “This is a dangerous approach that targets not only the rights of individuals but also the trust between the two peoples and the possibility of future reconciliation”.
President Tatar emphasised that “the mentality of the Greek Cypriot leadership is seriously undermining the efforts of the UN Secretary-General, who, after we agreed on a group of new cooperation initiatives at the informal meeting on Cyprus, had referred to a new atmosphere”.
“I have never avoided contact and dialogue”
President Tatar said that Ms. Holguin had been appointed as a Personal Envoy, following the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format, that was convened by the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in March in Geneva.
“Ms. Holguin was appointed with a mandate to help progress on six initiatives and to help us in preparation for another informal meeting at the end of July,” President Tatar said. “However, there is no point in participating in a trilateral meeting on the Island whilst the Greek Cypriot leader is continuing to terrorise our people in relation to property, as I had stated to the press on Monday,” President Tatar added.
The President stressed: “I have never avoided dialogue. I have always continued my efforts to ensure that the two sides can understand each other. I have met with the Greek Cypriot leader twice in the last two months. However, I have reached a point where I had to give a diplomatic response to the latest developments.”
Paying tribute to the leadership of the UN Secretary-General for his efforts to help the two equal sides in Cyprus, President Tatar stated that a positive atmosphere had been created following the informal meeting, adding: “The positive atmosphere following the informal meeting should be continued and everyone should make an effort to ensure that developments -- that will benefit the people -- can be achieved through cooperation between the two sides.”
“It is not possible to talk about an atmosphere of healthy dialogue as long as this mentality continues”
President Tatar said: “The Greek Cypriot leadership has intensified political pressure and intimidation and is targeting people through immovable properties. This mentality of the Greek Cypriot leadership towards the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people has nothing to do with international law. An atmosphere of fear is being created by portraying people, who invest or carry out property transactions within the borders of the TRNC, as if they are committing crimes. These actions are politically motivated and is not acceptable. This is a dangerous approach that targets not only the rights of individuals but also the trust between the two peoples and the possibility of future reconciliation. As long as this mentality continues, it is not possible to talk about a healthy dialogue atmosphere. Showing respect to this mentality would mean normalising these activities and damaging the new atmosphere.”
“The period of tolerating this hostile policy that targets the freedom, prosperity and peace of people, has ended”
President Tatar stated that a “reaction must be given to these actions and this mentality of the Greek Cypriot side,” and emphasised that the “period of tolerating this hostile policy that targets the freedom, prosperity and peace of people has ended”.
Explaining why he rejected the proposal for a tripartite meeting by Ms. Holguin, that had been made on the request of the Greek Cypriot leader, President Tatar said: “My decision not to participate in such a meeting was made on very clear, justified and principled grounds. This decision was not taken with any emotional reaction, but with an approach that prioritises the security and rights of our people. As long as the Greek Cypriot leader continues to attack us, he will receive a similar response. I will never give credence to threats and blackmail.”
President Tatar said that he had “previously clearly expressed my warnings on this issue to Christodoulides and Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General. . . I have great respect for the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. I appreciate his interest in the Cyprus issue and his constructive approach towards cooperation between the two sides. I would also like to thank his Personal Envoy, Ms. Maria Angela Holguin, for the approach she displayed during her contacts. However, it is clear that Mr. Christodoulides, who targets our people by using the property issue as a tool of pressure by using the judiciary, cannot be considered a reputable interlocutor without changing this hostile behavior. This policy of the Greek Cypriot leader, which increases tension, does not serve dialogue but a deadlock.”
“It is unacceptable for some circles to remain silent about the rhetoric and practices of the Greek Cypriot leadership”
President Tatar noted that it was “unacceptable” for some circles to remain silent against the rhetoric and practices of the Greek Cypriot leadership, or even to adopt a supportive stance, in the face of the isolation and human rights violations imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people, which have been ongoing for a prolonged period of time.
Stating that this behaviour does not mean ignoring a mentality that goes after the people and treats them as criminals, but tacitly supporting it, President Tatar said: “Attempting to legitimise these oppressive policies for the sake of daily political interests means contributing to the continuation of ongoing injustices against our people. This is not politics, but a surrender disguised as politics. I reject this understanding. I will continue to resolutely defend the rights, honour and future of our people.”
Emphasising that his priority is the peace, security and protection of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, President Tatar said: “I explained all of these issues in great detail to Ms. Holguin, and have requested that she conveys the latest developments directly to the UN Secretary-General.”
“Ms. Holguin will head to Ankara to meet with Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye on Monday, followed by a visit to Athens. Ms. Holguin will return to the Island of Cyprus before July, and we will continue to be in contact during this period,” President Tatar said.
“TRNC has established a property regime in line with international law, the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights which has endorsed the Immovable Property Commission”
President Ersin Tatar, who also answered questions from journalists, stated that the TRNC has established a property regime “that is in line with international law, the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights which has endorsed the Immovable Property Commission”.
The President added that the Immovable Property Commission provides effective legal remedies for Greek Cypriot applicants, that is recognised by the European Court of Human Rights.
“The property regime of our country has been developed over many years, with the signatures of people from across the political spectrum, who have held positions in the Presidency, Prime Ministry and Government,” President Tatar said.
President Tatar stated that “it is not right to blame the TRNC President and the government for the activities of the Greek Cypriot leadership,” and emphasised that “everybody in the TRNC is in the same boat, as they are also buying and selling properties and undertaking investments”. President Tatar noted that he will share his views on this issue in the Republican Assembly and demand a “single voice”, adding: “It is important that we as the Turkish Cypriot People, can speak with one voice on this issue. This is the future of all of us. It is in the interest of all of us. It is an issue that relates to our future and that of our children."
The President stated that a Voluntary Exchange of Populations Agreement had been signed between the two sides – where Turkish Cypriots had moved to the North, and the Greek Cypriots to the South. “In all comprehensive UN plans, there have always been regulations on property. Turkish Cypriot people have more than 500,000 dönüms of immovable property in Southern Cyprus, which they had “renounced” in exchange for equivalent (eşdeğer) land in the North.