President Ersin Tatar received the Güzelyurt Healthy and Honourable Life Society delegation headed by Cemal Kılıç.


President Ersin Tatar emphasised during the meeting that after the 1960 events, Turkish Cypriots have always governed themselves and have gained their sovereignty.

Pointing out that there can only be an agreement with that is based on sovereign equality the cooperation of two independent states coexisting side-by-side based on sovereign equality, President Tatar said: "It is not possible for us to be patched onto and to continue our existence as a community under the Republic of Cyprus.” 



Indicating that this policy was being put forward in consensus with motherland Turkey, the strongest country in the region, the President stated that they are well prepared for the five-plus-UN informal meeting in Geneva.  President Tatar underlined that it is the sincere desire of the Turkish Cypriot side to find a just and sustainable settlement which will create the basis for peace and stability in the region and said that he emphasises this in all his communications and contacts. 


“The most important aspect is the future of our people. We are striving for our future generations to live in security  in these lands,” the President stated, adding that “we have been conveying to the whole world that we are prepared to do our best to find a mutually agreed and sustainable settlement to be reached through negotiations, however, nobody should expect us to give up our state, our rights, our rights, and our existence.” 

The President also reiterated that this policy is being pursued with the support of the Turkish Cypriot people.


In his statement, Association President Cemal Kılıç stated that the Cyprus problem essentially started with the departure of the Ottoman Empire from Cyprus, and said that when Britain transferred the administration of the island to the Republic of Cyprus, it was the “beginning of the events, not the end”. Mr Kılıç wished President Tatar success and stated that a two State settlement is inevitable. Mr Kılıç also presented his book titled "To Forget: Never to Happen Again" to President Tatar.

Presidential Advisor Ahmet Hamdi was also present at the meeting.