President Ersin Tatar on Thursday reacted to British High Commissioner Stephen Lillie’s interview with the Greek Cypriot daily Kathimerini stating that his views overlapped with those of the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades.

He said that Lillie’s remarks violated the principle of impartiality.

In a statement issued from his office, Tatar said, “It is understood that the UK is after protecting its interests and its sovereign base areas instead of finding a sustainable agreement based on the realities of the island”

He added that the Turkish Cypriot side expects the British diplomat to approach the Cyprus issue with a realistic viewpoint and to be impartial.

Tatar argued that the UK is fully aware of the reasons as to why previous negotiations have failed.

He added that it was obvious, as stated earlier by the UN Secretary-General, that the Cyprus issue can only be solved through creative and new ways that are outside the known boundaries of the status quo.

“In this respect, the Turkish Cypriot side has tabled its vision for a solution based on two-states with sovereign equality and equal international status,” Tatar said, urging the relevant sides to free themselves of the prejudices of the past and approach the matter with an open mind.

“It is an undeniable fact that the Cyprus problem cannot be solved with imposed plans,” he stressed, urging the “external actors who want to contribute to the efforts to be at equal distance to the sides on the island.”