President Tatar: “The isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots should be lifted”

TRNC President Ersin Tatar attended the 2^nd. Global Destination Exchange Forum in the German capital Berlin.

Speaking at the conference held at the Solwo Suites on Monday, President Tatar thanked the TCWTF for organising and inviting him as a speaker, where he stated that “the meeting of different cultures through tourism is of great importance, despite the challenges facing humankind”.

President Tatar underlined that the “outdated inhuman isolation and restrictions” imposed on Turkish Cypriot people is “continuing in this day and age of fast transportation and communication”.

Stressing the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, the President called upon the EU, and particularly Germany, to listen to the views of the Turkish Cypriot People and to take effective action to end their unjust isolation.

President Tatar stated that the Turkish Cypriot People continue to be subjected to great injustices through isolation that is preventing them from direct trade and direct flights.  “It is time that Germany takes a fair and impartial approach towards the Cyprus issue and take a fresh review of its lack of equal treatment of the Turkish Cypriot People, who have inherent rights with sovereign equality and equal international status.”

The President said that the TRNC has an increasing demand for tourism due to its moderate Mediterranean climate, rich culture and cuisine, beautiful beaches and the many historical sites dotting the country from past civilisations.

As part of his contacts in Germany, President Tatar also visited the TRNC Representative Office in Berlin and was briefed by Representative Beniz Uluer Kaymak on the work of the Office.

President Tatar gave an interview on the Cyprus issue to German journalist Michael Martenes of the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper.