Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said it is “time to Turkify Greek-Cypriot properties in the north by purchasing them,” according to the news site Haber Kıbrıs, while stressing he opposes any territorial concessions. Arguing that ceding land would “squeeze” Turkish Cypriots “between Pentadaktylos and the sea,” he asked, “How would we survive? We must think about that too.”
Tatar asserted during a programme that Turkish Cypriots controlled the entire island during the Ottoman era and that 45% of the island later fell under British rule, adding it is “mandatory” to act on this issue. He reiterated he is “against territorial concessions” on strategic grounds, framing the matter as existential for the community.
Speaking separately on a Kıbrıs Postası online show, Tatar said that if Tufan Erhürman is “elected” he will call to congratulate him, but questioned whether Erhürman would do the same if he, Tatar, is “re-elected.” Asked about international recognition, he said it may not come within three to five years but insisted that “one day the ‘TRNC’ will certainly be recognised.” Within that context, he presented direct flights, direct trade and direct contacts as prerequisites for formal negotiations.
On the Cyprus issue, Tatar said the proposal for “two separate states within the EU” formed part of the programme of the previous “government” when he was “prime minister.” He rejected the notion that the past five years have been wasted, arguing that the UN Secretary-General has confirmed there is no common ground for federation, that Türkiye has repeatedly endorsed a two-state model, and that the Turkish-Cypriot position within the Organisation of Turkic States has strengthened. He framed these as achievements, alongside “saving this nation from the abyss of federation” and advancing as a “sovereign state” while maintaining the guarantor framework.
He claimed that those “technically familiar” with the Cyprus file, including former negotiators, agree with his stance. He added he will not retreat from the “borders” established in 1974. On the status of children from mixed marriages, he said he raised the matter with the Greek-Cypriot side but received no reply.
At a large campaign rally in Famagusta on Wednesday night, which his campaign said drew a motorcade of about 1,500 vehicles, Tatar criticised Tufan Erhürman for not using the word “federation.” He also revisited disputes from his time as “prime minister,” saying his administration did not sign the financial protocol with Türkiye and salaries could not be paid, and accusing the Republican Turkish Party of boycotting the “assembly” during a visit by the Turkish President on the grounds of “tutelage.” He said the party opposed the pandemic hospital and the new “presidential” complex, and did not react when AKEL called Türkiye an “invader.” He added that Erhürman now says his first trip, if elected, would be to Türkiye for consultations, arguing it is “too late” for such statements.
Source: CNA