President Tatar meets with TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu
President Ersin Tatar Meets with TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu
President Ersin Tatar recently met with the President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, along with his accompanying delegation. During the reception, President Tatar addressed the importance of the Cyprus Peace Operation and the Turkish-Greek balance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
President Tatar emphasized that the events of July 20, 1974, should not be viewed as an invasion, but rather as a necessary operation to bring peace to the island of Cyprus. He commended Turkey for its role in sending Mehmetçik to Cyprus, noting that this action was crucial in achieving stability in the region.
As the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation is celebrated, President Tatar highlighted the progress made in the TRNC’s economy and tourism sector. He stressed the importance of cooperation with Turkey in furthering the development of the TRNC.
President Tatar also underscored the necessity of acknowledging the inherent sovereign rights of the Turkish Cypriots in any negotiation process. He rejected the notion of ‘zero soldiers, zero guarantees’ proposed in previous talks, stating that the Turkish military presence in Cyprus is essential for the security and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots.
In conclusion, President Tatar reaffirmed that any agreement regarding the future of Cyprus must involve the cooperation of both states and the continued guarantorship of Turkey. He emphasized that the TRNC’s sovereignty and statehood are non-negotiable, and that the Turkish military will remain a vital presence in the region.
