For insufficient number of vaccines received by the Turkish Cypriot community from the EU, referring to the vaccines channelled through the Bicommunal Health Committee, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar referred to the vaccines, according to a Güneş report.
According to the Press and Information Office, Tatar said that the number of coronavirus cases had also increased in the occupied territories due to the rapid spread of the Omicron mutation and called on "citizens" to take increased measures.
Speaking to "Vatan" radio, Tatar said that it is a great investment for the pandemic hospital that was erected during the pandemic period with the support in Turkey and added that after the "elections", the "government" will definitely address the problems in the health system.
With regard to the number of vaccines given to Turkish Cypriots, on behalf of the EU, he also referred to the recent report of the UN Secretary General, and claimed: "We see the EU as an interlocutor. We have conveyed to the EU that we want our fair share."
Reiterating two-state positions
Reiterating the position that the Cyprus problem is a sovereignty issue, Tatar claimed that Turkey's guarantee rights are rooted in the past and there are international agreements in relation to its right to speak on the island.
Arguing that the goal of the Greek Cypriot-Greek duo is to turn Cyprus into a Greek island, Tatar reiterated that "we will not play the game that is being played within the framework of a single construct under the name of federation with promises of prosperity under the roof of the EU."
Claiming that he is not against the EU, Tatar argued that an agreement based on the "two-state reality" with equality and sovereignty would make it possible for "northern Cyprus" to join the EU with Turkey's support.
He expressed the view that the Turkish Cypriot side's accession to the EU through the "federation game" is an attempt to sever their ties with Turkey. To this he argued that "we are a sovereign state. If the concept of two separate sovereign states is included in an agreement, then we can also be within the EU. But we must always be able to continue with this concept in our relations with Turkey as the sovereign state located in the north."
Tatar reiterated that he put on the table the proposal of a two-state "solution" with the full support of Turkey, that only on the basis of two sovereign equal states can formal negotiations be started and that there was no result from the negotiations aimed at federation that had been conducted for many years.
"Our equality is not accepted by the other side," he claimed, arguing that during the federation talks they saw that the perception of the Greek Cypriot side is that the majority will rule the minority, that Turkish troops will be withdrawn from the island and in the long run the island will become a Greek island. This caused a loss of time, he claimed, adding that they will continue their struggle and contacts internationally with the support of Turkey, explaining the importance of their sovereignty and their policy.
The opening of Varosha will continue
Responding to a question in relation to the enclosed town of Varosha, Tatar claimed that despite the fact that the properties located in Varosha belong to the EBKAF, they were illegally given "pesquios", in his words, during the British period and a perception developed that Varosha would be returned if there was an agreement, but the sacrifice and efforts he claimed the Turkish side made to reach an agreement did not work.
Moreover, he reiterated the claim that the promises made to the Turkish Cypriots had not been kept and therefore, in consultation with Turkey, the opening of Varosha took place with "a new political vision of two states".
Noting that Varosha is an important step for their economy, Tatar said that the Turkish Cypriot policy on Varosha is that the properties could be given to their former owners through the Real Estate Commission.
Tatar also said that the opening of Varosha would continue, that infrastructure works were ongoing and that Varosha would be returned to "our country" as "a part of our homeland".
Reports on transition to the euro
Referring to economic developments in the occupied territories, Tatar referred to some negative developments brought about by the negative exchange rate and the pandemic, adding that there is a great "production mobility" from Turkey to Europe to overcome these difficulties. He said that despite the rise in the value of the exchange rate, Turkey's exports
had increased and added that this mobility would have positive effects in many sectors in the occupied territories as well.
According to him, "the transition to the euro is not possible." The existing budget deficit in the pseudo-state, he said, "is largely covered by Turkey. After the euro, the budget deficit will also increase."
It is, he said, "known the source of financing of this deficit. These should be subject to consultation with Turkey. The use of the euro will increase the accuracy of life. Because of the intensive contacts and relations with Turkey in the same region there is a great benefit in using the same currency unit."
Tatar also said that he assessed the reports about switching to the euro as attempts to hurt relations with Turkey and did not consider them correct.
Source: CNA
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