Ersin Tatar, the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, is obstructing the UN process aimed at resuming discussions for a Cyprus settlement. He dismissed a proposal from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides for a joint meeting with UN envoy Maria Angela Olgin, labeling the Cypriot President as an unreliable counterpart. This proposal was personally delivered to Tatar by Olgin.
Tatar expressed his anger over recent arrests in the free territories related to the illegal occupation of Greek Cypriot properties. Foreign nationals operating in the real estate market within the pseudo-state are currently under investigation, leading to several arrests. This crackdown has caused a halt in construction activities in the occupied areas, as potential foreign buyers are now wary of legal repercussions.
After a little over an hour meeting with the UN envoy, Tatar addressed reporters, emphasizing that his decisions are not driven by emotion but rather focus on the “security and rights of our people.” He added that as long as the Greek Cypriot leader continues to attack, he will respond similarly, stating he will not succumb to threats or blackmail.
Tatar mentioned that he had conveyed these warnings not just recently but also during past meetings in Geneva and Nicosia, as well as to UN Special Representative Colin Stewart. He reiterated his stance last Monday during discussions with Olgin.
He expressed respect for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, acknowledging his constructive engagement on the Cyprus issue and thanking Olgin for her approach. However, Tatar claimed that Christodoulides’s use of the property issue as a pressure tool makes him an unreliable partner unless he changes his approach. This policy only exacerbates tensions and undermines dialogue.
Tatar asserted that the Greek side’s actions concerning the Turkish Cypriots’ legitimate rights are not legally justified, arguing that political motivations are framing real estate transactions as criminal activities, which creates an atmosphere of fear. He described this approach as “dangerous,” undermining individual rights, mutual trust, and the potential for reconciliation. He claimed that without a change in this attitude, a healthy dialogue environment is unattainable. He stated, “Tolerating this hostile policy, which threatens the freedom and prosperity of Turkish Cypriots, is no longer acceptable.”
As long as these concerns over property issues remain unresolved, he said, he cannot participate in a trilateral meeting with Christodoulides.
During his meeting with Olgin, Tatar noted her sincerity, which he appreciated. He shared his concerns with her and asked her to relay them to the UN Secretary General.
On the issue of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories, he insisted that the property titles recognized by the pseudo-state are valid. He pointed to the “real estate commission” established following an ECHR ruling, which has awarded compensation exceeding 600 million pounds.
Tatar highlighted the potential for “property exchange,” noting that there are 200,000 acres owned by Turkish Cypriots in the free areas, many of which are coastal properties. He stated that properties left by Turkish Cypriots were exchanged for equivalent value properties in the occupied territories, and claimed that the Greek Cypriot side is now targeting these valued properties.
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