Turkish Cyprus President Ersin Tatar heads to New York to seek end to isolation

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar departed for New York on Saturday to talk with U.N. officials, seeking support to end the international isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

Tatar is scheduled to meet U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to push for direct flights, increased trade, international engagement and the lifting of the embargo on the Turkish Cypriot community, according to a statement from the TRNC Presidency.

The visit comes after a six-month review by Angela Holguin, the U.N. chief’s representative, who recently concluded a fact-finding mission on the island.

Tatar also dismissed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ calls to restart negotiations in Crans-Montana, citing the failure of the 2017 talks in the Swiss town.

He cautioned that resuming discussions could undermine Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and Türkiye’s role as a guarantor.

“We will not return to the negotiating table until the equal status and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots are acknowledged,” Tatar said.

He added that he would continue his efforts to secure international recognition for Northern Cyprus during his visit.