Ahead of the 5+1 informal summit in New York, TRNC President Ersin Tatar demands equal sovereignty, direct flights, and fair trade. He rejects federal talks and urges global recognition of Turkish Cypriot rights. northcyprusinvesting.com, Investra.io
TRNC President Ersin Tatar is heading to New York with a firm message:
👉 There will be no negotiations unless the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is treated as an equal, sovereign state.
Speaking from Ercan Airport, Tatar outlined his position ahead of the upcoming 5+1 informal Cyprus summit, where representatives from the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides — along with guarantor powers Türkiye, Greece, and the UK — are expected to discuss the future of the island.
✈️ Direct Flights, Trade & Recognition Are Non-Negotiable
Tatar made it clear that any future peace process must begin with:
- The end of the political and economic isolation of Turkish Cypriots
- Direct international flights to and from North Cyprus
- Unrestricted trade and diplomatic engagement with the TRNC
“We are not second-class citizens. We are a sovereign people — and we demand to be treated that way,” he said.
❌ No Return to Failed Federal Framework
Tatar strongly rejected the idea of returning to federal negotiations, a model he believes has failed repeatedly, most notably in Crans-Montana (2017).
“The Greek Cypriots continue to reject our political equality. We will not return to the same table under unequal conditions.”
Instead, he advocates for a realistic two-state solution, based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and peaceful cooperation.
⚠️ Accusations Against the Greek Cypriot Side
The President also criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership for:
- Escalating political tension across the island
- Blocking progress at crossing points
- Refusing cooperation on energy projects
- Using the property issue as a political tool to pressure Turkish Cypriot investors
Despite the presence of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) — an internationally recognized body — the Greek side continues to create obstacles, according to Tatar.
🌍 A Message to the World: Stop Ignoring Us
Tatar called on the United Nations and global powers to stop ignoring the systematic injustices Turkish Cypriots have faced since 1963, when they were removed from state institutions and placed under embargo.
He emphasized that the TRNC’s position is not only morally justified, but grounded in international law and shaped by changing regional dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean.
🕊️ Final Word: Peace Through Equality
“We are not rejecting peace. We are rejecting inequality.”
President Tatar’s message is simple yet powerful: there can be no real peace on the island unless Turkish Cypriots are recognized as equals — with their own state, rights, and international presence.
As the 5+1 talks approach, the TRNC‘s red lines are firmer than ever — and the international community is being called to respond. northcyprusinvesting.com, Investra.io