TRNC Presidency: “Colin Stewart’s remarks not aligned with his mandate”

The Presidency has strongly criticized recent statements made by Colin Stewart, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, stating that they are “not in line with his mandate” and undermine the UN’s neutrality.

In a written statement, the Presidency affirmed its full institutional respect for the UN Secretary-General and the UN mission, but expressed that Stewart’s remarks raise serious concerns in terms of the UN’s responsibility to maintain an equal distance from both sides.

The statement also noted that Stewart’s term is set to end on August 9 and emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot side will remember him as an official who failed to build trust between the sides, damaged perceptions of neutrality, and neglected the people’s legitimate humanitarian demands.

The Turkish Cypriot side has consistently demonstrated its commitment to a realistic and sustainable settlement, based on the existence of two peoples, two democratic orders, and two States on the island. Any lasting and just resolution must be rooted in this fundamental reality.

Dismissing the Turkish Cypriot vision of sovereign equality and equal international status as a proposal “not to be taken seriously” was described as incompatible with the principle of impartiality that underpins the United Nations’ good offices mission. President Ersin Tatar has also added that he repeatedly articulated this constructive framework in his engagements with international interlocutors. In this regard, the unwavering support of the Republic of Türkiye reflects a clear expression of solidarity with the legitimate aspirations of the Turkish Cypriot people.