Northern Cyprus president meets senior UN official

The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus received the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs in the Presidential Office in Nicosia on Monday, Anadolu has reported. President Ersin Tatar met Rosemary DiCarlo during her trip to the region, which includes stops in Greece and Turkiye.

During the talks, the two discussed the proposed comprehensive meeting on the Cyprus issue, which is planned to be held next month with the participation of representatives of Turkiye, the TRNC, Greece, the UK and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting with DiCarlo, Tatar said that sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people must be accepted if steps are to be taken towards a constructive solution in Cyprus.

“The Turkish Cypriot people are the main element in Cyprus and have the inherent sovereignty right,” he said, adding that he conveyed to DiCarlo that the TRNC approved the meeting envisaged to be held in Geneva on 17-18 March.

“We will never accept an agreement that will make our lives difficult,” said Tatar. “For a fair, permanent and sustainable agreement, the sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriot people and what has been happening on the island for 60 years should be taken into consideration.”

Up until today, he added, the Greek Cypriots have rejected every agreement, but it is the Turkish Cypriot people who remain under embargo. “Embargoes are unacceptable and the UN must now take steps on this issue. An opening of direct flights, direct contact and direct trade to the TRNC is a must.”

In a brief statement to the press, DiCarlo emphasised that the meeting was constructive, saying that they deliberated on issues to be discussed at the comprehensive meeting. The UN official noted that she will also meet Greek Leader Nicos Christodoulides during her trip.

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