TRNC’s 5th President Ersin Tatar Delivers Key Messages in Oxford: “We Will Never Compromise on Sovereignty”
The 2nd Life-Changing Leaders Summit, organized by Lobin International in cooperation with DMW International Diplomats Association, was held on the campus of the world-renowned University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The summit brought together representatives from politics, diplomacy, academia, business, and media. The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Uğur Özgöker, Head of the Department of International Relations at Istanbul Arel University, while the opening presentations were delivered in English by Done Öğretici.
TRNC’s 5th President Ersin Tatar distinguished awards at the summit.
As one of the guests of honor, Tatar delivered a comprehensive speech, reflecting on his past tenure and sharing his assessments on the Cyprus issue. He began with the words, “Feelings are mixed, but everyone must be mature,” emphasizing that maturity is the ability to digest experiences and face them with humility and love.
During his tenure, Tatar highlighted that TRNC’s participation in Turkish World platforms under its own flag was a historic step and expressed his gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey for his support.
Teknofest, Infrastructure Investments, and the Presidential Complex
Tatar devoted significant attention to investments made over the last five years, stating that new hospitals, health centers, and road projects initiated during the pandemic strengthened TRNC’s infrastructure.
He also noted that the Teknofest event held in TRNC with the support of Selçuk Bayraktar has gained worldwide attention and has now become a significant event recognized in international literature.
Tatar emphasized that the new complex built in Nicosia—including the Presidential Complex, the Parliament, the Supreme Court, the National Library, a mosque, sports facilities, and approximately 400 acres of parkland—constitutes a major state achievement for TRNC’s capital.
“I Will Keep Running”
Stating that he came to Oxford to receive an award, Tatar expressed great pleasure in being honored and shared the following message:
“As the fifth President of TRNC, I will of course continue to run. My health is good, my energy is high. Wherever I go, I will continue to convey our messages.”
Two-State Solution and Crans-Montana Emphasis
Tatar devoted a significant portion of his speech to the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that “the essential matter is the existence, sovereignty, and rights of TRNC and the Turkish Cypriot people in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Recalling that federation-based negotiations since 1968 have been inconclusive, Tatar stated that the “zero troops, zero guarantees” approach brought up during the 2017 Crans-Montana Talks was unacceptable.
He pointed out that similar demands are still voiced by the leadership of Southern Cyprus and in international circles, noting that under these conditions, classical negotiation tables are unsustainable.
Geopolitical Assessment with Eastern Mediterranean and Country Names
Addressing increasing military and political activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, Tatar stated that countries such as the UK, France, the United States, and Israel have taken various positions in the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus.
He noted that these developments further increase TRNC’s geopolitical and geostrategic importance, emphasizing that TRNC is strategically located just 60 kilometers from Turkey.
Emphasis on the Turkish Armed Forces
Tatar highlighted that the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces in TRNC guarantees peace, security, and stability, and clearly stated that they oppose the “zero troops – zero guarantees” approach.
He reminded that the people of TRNC faced serious tests during the Annan Plan aftermath and the Crans-Montana process, and that this collective memory remains alive today.
“The Turkish Cypriot Is Not Alone”
Concluding his speech, Tatar delivered the following message:
“The essential matter is for the Turkish Cypriot people to move toward the future with their own traditions and national and spiritual values. Protecting our sovereignty, state, and security is our most natural right. The Turkish Cypriot is not alone.”
