Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar emphasised the need for cooperation and dialogue “between two states” ahead of his bilateral meeting on Tuesday with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Geneva.
Tatar thanked the UN Secretary-General for the opportunity to express the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side, stating that “we did not come here with the expectation that something specific will emerge.”
“We came here with a constructive and positive attitude, looking forward rather than backward,” he said, adding that the platform provides an opportunity to voice the Turkish Cypriot side’s stance.
Dialogue and Turkish Cypriot claims of isolation
“Some say that nothing will come out of this. We did not come with the expectation that anything would happen – everyone knows that. But we have been given the opportunity for dialogue and communication, to express the rights and expectations of Turkish Cypriots and to discuss the unjust embargo, isolation, and restrictions imposed on us for 60 years,” Tatar stated, reiterating his claims regarding the so-called “isolation” of the Turkish Cypriots.
Call for cooperation in key sectors
The Turkish Cypriot leader also stressed the need for cooperation “between two states” in sectors such as energy, water management, migration, and crime prevention.
Regarding the opening of new crossing points, Tatar questioned “why the Agios Dometios and Louroujina checkpoints should not be opened.”
“An answer needs to be given on this,” he said, noting that 65% of all crossings through the nine existing checkpoints occur at the Agios Dometios crossing.
Encounters after the UN meeting
Following his meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Tatar had a brief encounter in the hotel lobby with former President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, Speaker of the House Annita Demetriou, Attorney General George Savvides, and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
Also read: Plenary of informal meeting on Cyprus underway in Geneva
