Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar stirred fresh controversy by calling for the “Turkification” of Greek Cypriot properties in the north through purchase, while reiterating his opposition to territorial concessions.
Speaking to Haber Kıbrıs and in a separate online interview with Kıbrıs Postası, Tatar argued that Turkish Cypriots historically controlled the entire island during the Ottoman era and that 45% of Cyprus was under British rule.
He said it was “imperative” to act on the property issue and warned that ceding land would leave Turkish Cypriots “squeezed between Pentadaktylos and the sea.”
Tatar also commented on the upcoming leadership contest, saying he would congratulate rival candidate Tufan Erhürman if elected, but questioned whether Erhürman would reciprocate in the event of his own re-election.
On the broader Cyprus issue, Tatar reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution within the European Union, claiming that the past five years of negotiations were not wasted.
He cited statements by the UN Secretary-General and Turkish President backing the two-state model and pointed to growing ties with the Organization of Turkic States as signs of progress.
Tatar insisted that the north Cyprus would eventually gain international recognition, though not necessarily within the next three to five years.
He said direct flights, trade, and diplomatic contacts were prerequisites for formal negotiations.
He also criticized Erhürman for avoiding the term “federation” in campaign rhetoric and revisited past disputes over financial protocols with Turkey, pandemic infrastructure, and political representation. Tatar claimed that Erhürman’s recent pledge to consult with Ankara if elected was “too little, too late.”