There can be two states in Cyprus under the umbrella of the EU, T/C leader Ersin Tatar argued while reiterating that Turkey's guarantees are the 'red line'.
Speaking at the Industrialists and Businessmen's Association in Antalya, the TC leader said one of the most important dates for Cyprus was the date of 1571 when it came under Ottoman rule. "We are always in Cyprus and we are trying to maintain our presence," he said. Even when the Ottoman Empire left Cyprus, Ersin Tatar said "we Cypriots have always looked to Anatolia. We were looking at the mountains of Taurus. We always dreamed 'When will our Turkey come to Cyprus?" According to the TC leader, a new era began on 20 July 1974.
Ersin Tatar claimed that there are two "separate sovereign peoples" in Cyprus and that his own policy is based on this. He said the way to a just, permanent and viable agreement in Cyprus is to have two separate states living side by side.
Referring to the Cyprus negotiations, the TC leader said "we are no longer talking about federation" , arguing that the position of federation means the complete withdrawal of the Republic of Turkey from Cyprus over time and said they will never consent to that. According to Ersin Tatar, Turkey's guarantees are the 'red line'.
Asked about Varosha, Ersin Tatar said that its opening was a big political step and that despite the pandemic, about 400 thousand people visited the city.
Asked if he would like to see Cyprus in the European Union and Turkish as an official language of the EU, Ersin Tatar replied "if we can be in the EU as a separate state, of course Turkish can be the official language of the EU. There can be two states in Cyprus under the umbrella of the EU."
Source: CNA
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