Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar strongly criticized the European Commission’s appointment of a Special Representative for Cyprus, stating that the move ignores the will and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people and is unacceptable without their consent.
Speaking to the Turkish News Agency Cyprus (TAK), Tatar denounced the appointment of Johannes Hahn as a unilateral decision driven by Greek Cypriot pressure, calling it “a step that disregards the political realities and delicate balances on the island.”
“The EU cannot be part of any process without our consent,” Tatar stressed. “The will and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people cannot be ignored.”
Tatar argued that although the EU frames Hahn’s appointment as a contribution to a settlement, the language used in the announcement signals a push to revive the Greek Cypriot-backed federal solution proposal.
He referred to the unofficial Geneva meeting, initiated by the UN Secretary-General, as the beginning of a “new atmosphere” in dialogue. According to Tatar, that process had so far respected the balance between both communities, a balance now jeopardized by the EU’s latest move.
“The international community must now understand: a fair, lasting, and realistic solution in Cyprus is only possible through negotiations between the two peoples on the basis of equal status and mutual respect,” he said.
Tatar added that Turkish Cypriot side will continue its cooperation with the UN Secretary-General and work constructively with Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín, expected to visit the island at the end of the month, within the framework of six agreed initiatives.
( Source : BRT News)
