Tatar: Recognition of Sovereignty Required for Negotiations

Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, reiterated that the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot side's "sovereignty" is a prerequisite for the start of negotiations. He characterized the process for a federal solution as "empty talk that has been tried in the past."

In statements on the "Bayrak" (BRT) broadcaster, Mr. Tatar argued that the talks aim at cooperation "between two states" and stressed that for "official" negotiations to take place, recognition of the "sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots" is necessary.

Mr. Tatar characterized references to a federation as "empty talk," arguing for the need to confirm the "sovereign equality and equal international status" of the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the issue of opening a new crossing point, the Turkish Cypriot leader claimed that he is making "serious efforts," mentioning the Louroutzina area. He claimed that the Greek Cypriot side requested an additional passage through the dead zone, a request that the Turkish Cypriot side rejected.

CNA