President Ersin Tatar on Monday joined other TRNC state and government officials in pointing out that the claims put forward by the Greek Cypriot administration that a new beach was being opened in the fenced-off town of Maraş did not reflect the truth.

In a written statement issued by his office, the president described the current work being carried out by the Gazimağusa Municipality in the area for the public good, as a positive development.

He reminded that the Maraş initiative will not only benefit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus economically but will also take the country forward.

“We shall unwaveringly continue to pursue our new two-state policy based on the recognition of our sovereign equality which we are carrying out in full harmony with motherland Turkiye. I would also like to point out that we shall not refrain from taking all necessary steps for the development of the TRNC in all fields,” he said.

Reminding that the process to reopen Maraş had begun during his term as prime minister, Tatar said that the move will bring life to Gazimağusa and upgrade the TRNC’s status in the region.

He also said that the high number of tourists and locals who have visited the area despite the pandemic was a pleasing development.

President Tatar added that the visit carried out to the fenced-off town by the President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkiye Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu during the weekend was also very meaningful.

He pointed out that the Maraş initiative was being carried out in line with international law and that property owners could return to their properties by applying to the TRNC Immovable Property Commission.

“I would like to take this opportunity to state once again that this initiative is an important step in terms of human rights and addressing grievances,” Tatar said.