President Ersin Tatar has said that the next stage in the initiative to reopen the fenced-off resort town of Maraş will be to put into service several public buildings.
Tatar also said that the latest decision by the US to provide military training to the Greek Cypriot National Guard would raise tensions on the island.
In an interview with the Turkish daily newspaper Hürriyet, President Ersin Tatar said that the latest decision to include the Greek Cypriot National Guard in the US State Department’s Partnership Program was an unlawful step which will raise tensions both in Cyprus and the region.
“Not only is there an unlawful situation but the situation will also raise tensions,” he warned, pointing out that the war in Ukraine had changed many things which forced South Cyprus to cool down its relations with Russia.
“The US is now rewarding the Greek Cypriot administration for complying with EU sanctions and distancing itself from Russia. They want to pressure Ankara at the same time to force it to cool off its relations as well,” Tatar said.
He said the US’ decision was a move to encircle and challenge Türkiye.
“No one should underestimate or take Türkiye lightly. The strength of Türkiye’s army is known by everyone. Since the US is talking about law and justice, how is it possible that it is standing by and allowing a people to suffer,” the president added.
Also responding to Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades’ latest statement, Tatar said that Türkiye was close and powerful enough to reinforce its troops in Cyprus within an hour.
“Neither we nor Türkiye have eyes on the other side’s territory. The only thing we want is the continuation of peace and stability as well as our security,” he said.
Asked about direct flights from Russia, Tatar said that they had received a number of applications from several airline companies and that they were in consultation with them so as not to experience any diplomatic or political problems.
“In any case, tourists from all over the world can fly to the TRNC via Türkiye,” he said.
Describing the call made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the recognition of the TRNC as historic, Tatar said that the call has carried the Turkish Cypriot side’s new policy a step further.
“It’s no longer possible to reunify these two states into one. Single sovereignty under a single roof is not possible. We will not return to the negotiating table before our sovereignty and equal international status is recognized. Any settlement to be reached will need to be based on two states,” the president stressed.
Also touching upon the issue of Maraş, President Ersin Tatar said that section of the fenced-off area which had been opened to visitors on October 8, 2020 was no longer a ghost town but a museum city with two beautiful beaches.
“The next step in our efforts to reopen the town for settlement could be to put into service public buildings. We will also be holding various events on October 8 to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the town’s opening,” he said.