Ersin Tatar warns Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, which is recognized only by Turkey, commented on the agreements concluded by several member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) with the European Union. He stated that such agreements are understandable and that every country builds relations based on its national interests. Tatar made these remarks on April 15 during a reception at the presidential residence for a delegation led by Davut Gunaydin, Vice President of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies.

In response to journalists’ questions, Tatar drew attention to the declaration of the first Central Asia-European Union summit held in Samarkand on April 3–4, highlighting that it included a provision rejecting recognition and cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Anadolu Agency reports.

“This situation likely arose from the process of these countries’ engagements with the European Union. This is normal—these countries have various projects with the EU and benefit both at the state and private sector levels. As mentioned, the EU offers financial assistance and commercial opportunities in various dimensions,” Tatar said.

He emphasized that the TRNC holds deep affection for all OTS member states, noting that being part of a union of countries that share the same culture and language is of paramount importance.

According to Tatar, the TRNC’s relations with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and other member states of the OTS have been developing steadily. He claimed that the European Union, which previously had little involvement in the region, has now taken steps to obstruct the TRNC’s role, even though it has held observer status in the OTS since 2022.

Tatar reiterated the Turkish position on Cyprus, calling for a two-state solution, and urged Turkic states to establish ties with the TRNC, just as they do with the Greek Cypriot side.

Referring to the joint EU-Central Asia declaration, which reaffirmed adherence to UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984)—both of which oppose recognition and cooperation with the TRNC—Tatar questioned whether the Central Asian signatories fully understood the implications.

“Do they know where these articles will lead, to whom and with what consequences?” he asked.

Tatar also cautioned Turkic states to be more careful in their dealings with the Greek Cypriots.

“They may engage with the European Union, which is an alliance, but not under Greek sovereignty. The Greek Cypriots, with a population of just 800,000, play a very different and, frankly, inhuman game. We will engage with you again once an agreement is reached and the rights of Turkish Cypriots are acknowledged”, Tatar stated.

It is worth noting that following the first Central Asia-European Union summit, a joint statement was signed by the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and key EU leaders, including President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso.

Paragraph 4 of the statement reads: “We reaffirmed our commitment to UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984)... Participation in regional cooperation structures should be guided by these international principles, which are of great importance for EU–Central Asia relations.”

These resolutions emphasize the non-recognition of the TRNC, indicating that the three full members of the OTS—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan—along with observer state Turkmenistan, are aligned with the EU’s stance, despite simultaneously engaging with the TRNC under the framework of the OTS.

Legal status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The island of Cyprus has been divided along ethnic lines since the Turkish military intervention in 1974, which followed a coup d'état by supporters of unification with Greece. As a result of this military action, approximately 37% of Cyprus's territory is under Turkish control. Northern Cyprus was declared in 1983, but it is recognized only by Turkey in the international community. Turkey maintains a military presence of 40,000 troops in Northern Cyprus. The southern part of the island remains under the control of the Republic of Cyprus, predominantly inhabited by Greek Cypriots.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) relies heavily on Turkey for economic, political, and military support. The Republic of Cyprus and the United Nations consider the TRNC as an occupying power. While not internationally recognized, the TRNC holds observer status in both the Organization of Turkic States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The TRNC has a population of approximately 294,906 people living on an area of 3,355 km². The majority of the population is ethnically Turkish, with enclaves also inhabited by Greek Cypriots and Lebanese Maronites. The capital of Northern Cyprus is Lefkosa (Nicosia), which is divided between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The TRNC is separated from the rest of Cyprus by a buffer zone, which is patrolled by the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.