Turkish Cyprus President Tatar urges Greek leadership to acknowledge two-state reality

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar called for a pragmatic approach to resolving the Cyprus issue on Saturday, urging Greek leadership to acknowledge the existence of “two peoples, two states, and two democracies” on the island.

Speaking at a news conference at the U.N. headquarters in New York, Tatar emphasized that any negotiations must reflect the realities on the ground, including the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community, as outlined in the 1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus.

“The only way forward is for Greek leadership to face the reality in Cyprus: there are two peoples, two states, two democracies,” Tatar said.

“Talks should explore whether there is common ground,” he added.

Tatar underscored that any solution must recognize the political equality and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot state.

“Unfortunately, the Greek Cypriot leadership continues to intensify policies of oppression and obstruction against Turkish Cypriots, which we deeply regret,” Tatar maintained.

He concluded by calling for a reciprocal approach and the affirmation of the Turkish Cypriot community’s equal international status as essential steps toward future negotiations.