Turkish Cypriot Leader Declares Cypriot Reunification "Absolutely Impossible"

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar declared Tuesday evening that Cypriot reunification is “absolutely impossible” during an appearance on British television channel GB News. Speaking with former Member of the European Parliament Martin Daubney, Tatar presented a “new vision” for resolving the Cyprus issue through a two-state solution.

Tatar emphasized that reunification efforts have proven unfeasible after 60 years of separate governance by Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. He highlighted the failed Annan Plan referendum of 2004 and the collapse of the Crans Montana negotiations in 2017 as evidence that past federal solution attempts were unsuccessful due to the Greek Cypriots' status as a recognized EU member state.

“The Greek Cypriots are not prepared to share power with the Turkish Cypriots concerning the island’s administration, wealth, and resources,” Tatar stated. He proposed that a two-state solution could lead to cooperation on issues such as energy, water, and natural resources, benefiting both communities.

Tatar's visit to the UK also included meetings with British MPs and Lords, during which he congratulated British Cypriot MP Nesil Caliskan on her election as the first Turkish Cypriot woman MP in the UK. Caliskan acknowledged the ongoing Cyprus issue and stressed the need for a political resolution.

Read about how Cyprus and US sign bilateral defence cooperation roadmap