President Ersin Tatar on Monday said that any settlement to be achieved in Cyprus needed to be on the basis of two states, the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot side’s equal international status as well as the continuation of the presence of Turkish troops and guarantees on the island.
Tatar, who was speaking whilst receiving the Azerbaijani delegation visiting the TRNC as part of events marking the 30th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre, drew attention to the strong bond that existed between their two countries.
“We are the real brothers and sisters of the Azerbaijani people. I would like to use this opportunity once again to pay my compliments and send our greetings to the Azeri people,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their state, Tatar said that the struggle waged against those who set out to wipe out Turkish existence either in Cyprus or Azerbaijan will never be forgotten.
“The Turkish Cypriot people have always trusted motherland Turkiye. Any settlement to be reached in Cyprus should be on the basis of two sovereign states and should ensure the recognition of the equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots. Turkish troops and guarantees must also remain. This is not open to debate…this is our redline,” he said.
For his part, the head of the Azeri delegation Ramil Hasan said that they were extremely happy to be in the TRNC and that they shared the warm feelings of the Turkish Cypriot people.