The event, held in Girne (Friday), was also attended by RBL Kyrenia branch officials and members in accordance with the Covid-19 measures.


Speaking at the event, President Tatar thanked branch chairman, David Horsfall to “celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion”.

“I join you here today as a friend and a supporter of the great work the RBL undertakes here in the TRNC.  You should be very proud of your effort, which continues to make a real difference.    Along with David I would also like to thank Branch President, Sir Michael Graydon, and Vice President Sabri Muhsinoğlu.”


President Tatar also praised the expat community for their contributions and charity work in the TRNC, saying: “I see the expat community here in Northern Cyprus as a very important part of our wider family.  You will all be aware of my ongoing efforts as your President to help readdress the injustice that we currently face and the huge uphill struggle to rebalance that situation. Today we stand at a point where we must make change happen and join together a broader campaign to support that direct effort.  The plight of the TRNC has to be raised  internationally to challenge the wider issue of resolving the recognition of the TRNC, which is the key to unlocking, amongst other things, the direct flight issue.”  

President Tatar said they are “currently progressing on the redevelopment of Ercan Airport to Internationally approved standards, and will shortly be capable to operate direct flights in readiness for such an approval.”

President Tatar added that “We’ve never stood together as a wider Northern Cypriot community, both here and overseas, with one ‘Single Voice’ before but now is the time. I call on you all to help support that effort.”


President Tatar commented that the TRNC was taking steps to “improve our day-to-day lives at this difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic”. “We have pushed ahead with our vaccination campaign which continues to drive forward and I know a great deal of you have benefitted from that effort”.

The President said he “hopes that this global effort gathers pace to ease the current restrictions.”  


The President said he is “mindful that we want to see our families and friends returning to the TRNC and I'm aware that the Government are working to review the introduction of the Double Vaccine/Double PCR and no Quarantine rule on 10 June”.

“Clearly, there is more to consider but I hope that this is an opportunity we can take.   Despite everything, we must never forget we live in a beautiful country and I wish you all a very happy Bayram,” the President said.