New York is expected to host the next phase of the Cyprus issue following the decision by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to attend the new informal five-party meeting scheduled for July 16-17. Mr. Tatar made the announcement after meeting with UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Colin Stewart, in the occupied territories. According to the Cyprus News Agency, Tatar had discussed the possibility of participating in the new round of negotiations during weekend phone calls with Antonio Guterres’ personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin, as well as with the UK’s Minister for Europe and British MPs, whom he assured that the Turkish Cypriot side would participate in the talks once the meeting is finalized.
In statements following his meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus in the occupied territories, the Turkish Cypriot leader reiterated his position on “sovereign equality” and “equal international status” as prerequisites for beginning formal negotiations on the Cyprus issue. He also expressed disappointment with the results of Holguin’s efforts to find common ground with the Cypriot side, informing the UN Secretary-General accordingly. Mr. Tatar again advocated for a two-state solution, emphasizing that under his leadership he has achieved diplomatic gains. “In four and a half years, a new vision has been presented. It has become internationally understood what a two-state solution means,” he said characteristically, while claiming it was a success for the Turkish Cypriot side that UN reports no longer refer to the term “federation.” He also repeated that progress on the Cyprus issue can only be made within the framework of the “new policy” he promotes, namely “sovereign equality.” Ersin Tatar accused the Greek Cypriot side of “injustices,” “restrictions” and “isolation” of Turkish Cypriots for 60 years and stated he will continue to record these “injustices” to the international community.
