President Tatar meets with British MP to discuss direct flights
President Ersin Tatar met with Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith to discuss the campaign for direct flights between the UK and the TRNC. Smith expressed his commitment to the campaign, citing the importance of easy travel for British citizens with family in Northern Cyprus. The campaign, supported by former ministers, aims to address the lack of direct transportation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Smith emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the issue and called for a logical and humanitarian approach to resolving it. He noted that there should be no valid reason for individuals with family in both the UK and the TRNC to not have direct flights available to them. Smith highlighted the need for movement on the issue, as the demand for direct flights is reasonable and necessary.
President Tatar praised Smith for his dedication to the campaign and acknowledged the strong ties between the Turkish Cypriot community and England. He emphasized the importance of direct flights for economic and social reasons, noting the significant number of Turkish Cypriots living in England. Tatar also addressed the unfair treatments faced by Turkish Cypriots and expressed the need for a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem.
Looking towards the future, Tatar called on the international community to lift embargoes on direct flights, trade, and sports, as promised during the Annan Plan process. He highlighted the importance of finding a solution based on sovereign equality and stressed the need for support from friends like Smith to push for the removal of existing embargoes. As the 50th anniversary of Turkey’s intervention in Cyprus approaches, Tatar underscored the importance of working towards a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
