President Ersin Tatar on Tuesday highlighted the importance of strengthening Turkish presence and sovereignty in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking during a video-conference with the rector, dean and students from the Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Tatar provided background information on the Cyprus Issue, reminding that Greek Cypriots had been allowed to join the EU despite overwhelmingly rejecting the 2004 UN-sponsored Annan Plan.

Highlighting the importance of the Turkish Cypriot side’s two-state policy, Tatar said, “We will always defend the continuation of Turkiye’s guarantees and the presence of Turkish troops on the island.”

He argued that the Greek Cypriots aimed to include the island under Greece’s sphere of influence and control.

“Their aim is to force upon us a solution that will end Turkiye’s guarantees and the presence of Turkish troops on the island,” he said adding that the Turkish Cypriot people will never accept this.

Tatar pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot side will not abandon its two-state policy as it was their natural right to govern themselves.

“If we are able to live an honourable life today it is because of our brave soldiers, the struggle we waged and an honourable history,” he said.