Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar Calls for New Approach to Cyprus Solution, Citing Federal Talks' Failure

Tatar Advocates for 'Realities on the Ground'

Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), has publicly called for a fundamental shift in the approach to resolving the long-standing Cyprus issue. Speaking at the United Nations headquarters following a bilateral meeting with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the 80th U.N. General Assembly, Tatar asserted that more than 50 years of federal-based negotiations have proven unsuccessful and that it is time to acknowledge the 'realities on the ground'.

The Push for a Two-State Solution

President Tatar emphasized that any sustainable resolution must be founded on the principle of sovereign equality and equal international status for the Turkish Cypriot people. This position aligns with his consistent advocacy for a two-state solution, which would entail the legal recognition of the existing division of the island into a Greek Cypriot state in the south and a Turkish Cypriot state in the north. He has previously stated that the 'federation book is closed, never to be opened again,' reflecting a firm stance against further federal-based talks.

Tatar highlighted that there are 'two peoples on the island of Cyprus, each with their own democratic institutions, identity and aspirations.' He also noted recent agreements with the Greek Cypriot side in March and July aimed at building trust and launching new initiatives, expressing optimism for an upcoming trilateral meeting under U.N. auspices. These initiatives include potential progress on:

• New border crossings
• Interconnectivity
• Electricity and water supplies

Historical Context of Failed Negotiations

The Cyprus issue has been a subject of diplomatic efforts for decades, with numerous rounds of negotiations failing to achieve a comprehensive settlement. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, established in 1983, is recognized solely by Turkey, while the international community considers it territory of the Republic of Cyprus. The United Nations Security Council has passed resolutions, such as Resolution 541, deeming the TRNC's declaration of independence legally invalid and urging states not to recognize it.

Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have consistently supported the two-state solution, arguing that the federal model has failed due to the 'intransigent stance of the Greek Cypriot side.' Erdogan has urged the international community to 'make peace with the realities on the ground' and end the 'unjust isolation' of Turkish Cypriots.

International Reactions and Future Outlook

The call for a new approach by President Tatar underscores the ongoing divergence in positions regarding the future of Cyprus. While the Turkish Cypriot side, backed by Turkey, insists on a two-state solution, the Greek Cypriot leadership, led by President Nikos Christodoulides, continues to advocate for a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Christodoulides has accused Tatar of an 'aggressive tone' and 'several accusations' during their recent meeting with the UN Secretary-General. The international community, including the UN and the European Union, generally maintains support for a federal solution based on UN parameters, though the UN Secretary-General has acknowledged the lack of common ground for resuming formal negotiations.