TRNC President Confirms Participation in Cyprus Talks in Geneva

Ersin Tatar, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), met yesterday with Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding. Following their talks, President Tatar confirmed that he will participate in the expanded Cyprus negotiations scheduled for March 17-18 in Geneva.

According to Tatar, the meeting with the senior UN official lasted about an hour and a half, during which they discussed a range of topics. These included the opening of new crossing points and the preparations for the upcoming informal meeting in Geneva, which will bring together both communities on the island along with representatives from the guarantor countries.

Tatar expressed confidence that the informal talks would be productive, stating, "The meeting will be beneficial, especially with all parties involved."

The TRNC leader also emphasized that there are "two sides, two sovereign peoples, and two states" on the island, adding that for any constructive steps to be taken toward resolving the Cyprus issue, it is necessary to "recognize the sovereign equality and equal rights of the Turkish Cypriot people."

Tatar further stated that the UN must take action on this issue, stressing that "the opening of direct flights, direct contact, and direct trade" is a key requirement.

After the meeting with Tatar, Rosemary DiCarlo issued a statement highlighting that the discussions were productive. Following her engagement with the TRNC President, DiCarlo also met with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides. During the day, she continued her meetings with the Bi-communal Women's Coalition of Cyprus and other representatives.