Federation in Cyprus no longer possible - TRNC “prime minister”

A federation in Cyprus is no longer possible, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus “Prime inister” Ersin Tatar has said.

According to him, likely solutions should focus on the presence of two separate countries, side by side, a Turkish Daily Sabah reported on Thursday.

The federation process in Cyprus is over. A formula based on the presence of two separate countries should be put on the table. Greeks will be on one side and we’ll be on the other side, Tatar said to a visiting media delegation from the Alanya Journalists Association.

The newly-installed “prime minister” said that the “Greek side must accept the existence of the Turkish side” and that the Greek-Cypriots need to understand both sides are practically in the same position.

He also noted the recent increase in strategic importance for Cyprus and the East Mediterranean and said the north would move together with Turkey in order to protect its rights and interests.

There are some decisions taken with Turkey. We are in a serious process to protect our rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, Daily Sabah reporter Tatar saying.

Ersin Tatar was installed as “prime minister” in May after the previous administration collapsed over a land scandal.

Edited from In-Cyprus