Tatar Advocates for Equality and Justice for Turkish Cypriots

Tatar stated, “The Turkish Cypriot people are seeking justice, equal treatment, equal opportunities, and equal status. We are striving for the recognition of our inherent rights, sovereign equality, and equal international status on the basis of our acquired rights in Cyprus.”

He called on the international community to support a solution that reflects the realities of the island, acknowledging the existence of two peoples, two democracies, and two states. Tatar highlighted the continued injustice faced by Turkish Cypriots, including inhumane isolation, and stressed the need for the international community to fulfill its promises to end these conditions and respect the individual and universal human rights of Turkish Cypriots.

ADVOCATING FOR SOVEREIGNTY AND EQUALITY

At the reception held at the Melbourne Consulate Residence, Tatar addressed attendees, including Turkish Cypriots, Turks living in Melbourne, and Natalie Suleyman, Victoria's Minister for Veterans, Small Business, and Youth. He spoke about his visit to Australia to participate in numerous events and meetings marking the 80th anniversary of Turkish Cypriots’ arrival in Australia.

Expressing gratitude towards the Turkish Cypriots in Australia, Tatar said, “I am here to embrace you and show the world that our hearts beat as one, whether in the TRNC, Turkey, the UK, or Australia, and that our hearts beat for our homeland, the TRNC. We are a people who maintain our existence with our language, history, culture, and traditions.”

EMPHASIS ON THE TURKISH CYPRIOT STRUGGLE

Tatar recounted the hardships faced by Turkish Cypriots who emigrated to Australia, a journey that took months by ship amidst the pressures and issues in Cyprus. Despite these challenges, he praised the resilience and success of Turkish Cypriots in preserving their culture and traditions in a new land.

Highlighting his historical visit as the first TRNC President to Australia, Tatar reiterated his commitment to visiting the Turkish Cypriot community following numerous online meetings and invitations over the past three years.

A CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

Tatar reiterated his appreciation for Turkey’s support and the efforts of those involved in his visit, underlining the importance of unity among Turkish Cypriots in Australia. He reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot people seek justice, equal treatment, and equal opportunities, and strive for the recognition of their sovereign equality and equal international status. Tatar called on the international community to support a solution that reflects the realities of Cyprus, acknowledging the existence of two peoples, two democracies, and two states.

REMEMBRANCE OF PAST PROMISES

Tatar reminded attendees of the unfulfilled promises made to Turkish Cypriots following the 2004 Annan Plan referendums, where the Greek Cypriots rejected the plan while the Turkish Cypriots accepted it. He stressed that the failure to end isolations and provide direct flights, trade, and sports participation under the TRNC’s flag violated these promises.

ADVOCACY FOR A NEW VISION

Tatar described his new vision for a solution based on sovereign equality and equal international status, stating that the decades-long federal solution negotiations failed due to the Greek Cypriots' obstructive policies and refusal to share governance and resources.

He emphasized the need to open a new chapter for Cyprus, moving beyond federal frameworks and exploring new solutions that could benefit the island and the region through cooperation between two states.

SUPPORT FROM TURKEY AND THE TURKISH COMMUNITY

Tatar highlighted the support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has called on the international community to lift isolations on Turkish Cypriots and establish economic, diplomatic, and political relations with the TRNC. He noted the TRNC’s acceptance as an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States, thanks to Erdoğan’s support, and its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Turkic countries.

IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL TIES

Tatar also praised the Turkish Cypriot community in Australia for their contribution to multicultural Australia and emphasized the importance of teaching Turkish language, culture, and traditions to future generations.

REMARKS BY MINISTER NATALIE SULEYMAN

Minister Natalie Suleyman expressed her pleasure at President Tatar’s visit and acknowledged the long-standing contributions of Turkish Cypriots to Victoria’s multicultural society. She highlighted Victoria’s significant Turkish community and celebrated the community’s diverse and successful immigrant stories, emphasizing the pride in their cultural and linguistic heritage.