Tag: President Tatar

Former celebrity hotspot in Cyprus blossoms after being closed off for 50 years

13 April, 2024

The ghost town of Maraş was reopened in 2020 by TRNC President Tatar. Known for its past as an A-list celebrity hotspot, the town is now being eyed as the Dubai of the eastern Mediterranean.

After decades of abandonment, the TRNC has bold and ambitious plans to bring the seaside town back to its former glory. Over a million tourists have already visited the town – proving its incredible potential.

Two States in Cyprus can prevent the island from becoming the new Gaza

4 April, 2024

Nick Squires, The Telegraph

Both Sides in Cyprus must remain level-headed and respectful of one another to prevent a costly mistake that could turn the island into the new Gaza. Speaking to The Telegraph’s Nick Squires, who was visiting the TRNC, President Ersin Tatar outlined why he believes efforts to reunify the island are a ‘waste of time’, and explained how recognition from more countries can and will come slowly but surely.

The British Residents’ Society also gave their opinions on the continued stalemate in negotiations on the future of the island, with one commenting “you can’t keep flogging a dead horse.”

European ‘ghost town’ to transform into the next Vegas

12 February, 2024

Radical plans are underway to transform a deserted ‘ghost town’ into a European hotspot for gambling, shopping, fine dining and entertainment, to compete with Las Vegas or Macao.

A consortium of prominent businesspeople have approached authorities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with a grand proposal to create a major new resort city.

Billionaire businesspeople from across the globe as well as some of the world’s most successful hoteliers have identified the beachfront town of Maraş, a suburb of Famagusta, as the best location for this new billion pound project.

During the early 1970s, Maraş was the top tourist destination in Cyprus and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and attracted the glitz and glamour of Hollywood celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren. However, following the Cypriot civil war and the Turkish intervention it has lain empty and is now a ghost town. Buildings have deteriorated over time, metal has corroded and plants and

trees grow through the roads and pavements.

Maraş is host to one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and sea turtles have been known to nest there.

Under the new proposals, Maraş would be restored to its place as one of the world’s top holiday destinations. Dozens of casinos, luxury hotels and resorts, shops and fine dining restaurants are planned.

Dr Muhammet Yasarata, Chairman and CEO of the Paradise and Premier Group of Companies, a leading luxury tour operator in North Cyprus, Turkey and Malta said:

“For too long America has held Las Vegas as a shining example of what can be achieved through strategic investment. It is about time Europe had a contender to attract tourists from all corners of the globe.

“What better place to establish a rival, than in a historically significant tourist destination that has languished unused and neglected for far too long.

“This year Maraş will have stood deserted for half a century, which is far too long.

“Now is the opportune moment to unleash our creativity and explore ways in which Maraş can flourish and offer experiences to people across the world.”

Chet Ramadan, Co-Chairman of the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign said:

“North Cyprus and the rest of the island will benefit enormously from this development. It will show the world that North Cyprus is open for business.

The University of Oxford welcomes the Turkish Cypriot President to mark its 40th anniversary as a nation

30 November, 2023

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) visited The University of Oxford, to mark the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the state, and set out his plans for a new co-operation agreement with Greek Cyprus.

At an event, last week (Monday 20th November) at St John’s College, the University of Oxford, President Ersin Tatar set out a new all-encompassing initiative for cooperation dialogue between TRNC and Greek Cyprus to secure peaceful coexistence on the island and create an environment of interdependence.

President Tatar was joined at the event by Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş (Turkish Ambassador to the UK), Ambassador Çimen Keskin (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Representative to the UK), TRNC community representatives, and students of the University of Oxford.

President Tatar called for the North and South to cooperate on a wide range of issues, including hydrocarbon resources off the coast of Cyprus; electrical interconnectivity with the European Union’s grid via the Republic of Türkiye; effective use of solar energy as a means of transitioning to green energy; managing the Island’s freshwater resources; demining; and curbing of irregular migration.

The President reiterated his commitment to a two-state solution to the Cyprus issue based on sovereign equality and equal international status of the two sides.

Commenting on the visit, Chet Ramadan, Co-Chairman of the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign said:

“It was an excellent initiative of the University of Oxford to host this event to mark the 40th anniversary of the TRNC, which means so much to the 300,000 Turkish Cypriots living in the UK.

“The President set out his proposal for how the north and south can co-operate and co-exist peacefully which is absolutely essential given the volatility of the region.”

A future Labour Government could exercise its leadership by recognising the TRNC

20 November, 2023

Rikki Williams, CapX

With the appointment of Lord David Cameron as Foreign Secretary, it is clear the Conservative Government is serious about burnishing its international credentials. At a time when Britain’s role in the world is more important than ever, and with the prospect of a Labour Government assuming office within a matter of months, how can the UK use its influence to resolve the frozen conflicts that remain?

Cyprus should be one of Keir Starmer’s foreign policy priorities. After nearly 50 years since the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation, Labour should endorse a two-State solution in Cyprus to create a lasting peace in the already fragile region.

WATCH: President Tatar gives an exclusive interview to TalkTV on his two State vision for Cyprus

19 November, 2023

Peter Cardwell, TalkTV

President Tatar speaks to TalkTV’s Peter Cardwell on his plans for a two State settlement for Cyprus, and touches on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and the implications it may have for the island.

A two State solution, proven in Cyprus, needed for Israel-Palestine

31 October, 2023

TRNC President, Ersin Tatar

President Tatar recently spoke to the Express amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The President highlighted that whilst the world does not recognise the two State solution in Cyprus, it is a model that is an undoubtable reality and it is a model for relative peace. President Tatar therefore argues that it should be implemented to other irreconcilable conflicts, like with Israel-Palestine.

President Tatar also reflects on his childhood and how he witnessed the atrocities faced by the Turkish Cypriot people. Similar to the Palestinians in Gaza, Turkish Cypriots were under siege between 1963 to 1974, deprived of food, water and electricity.

The only way to ensure peace between Israel-Palestine is via a two State solution. It established peace on the island of Cyprus and it can help establish peace in this area of the Middle East.

British High Commissioner Siddiq blasted by President Tatar

20 September, 2023

David Maddox, Express.co.uk

In the second time in just over two months, Britain’s High Commissioner in Cyprus has once again accused Northern Cyprus of being Russia’s “money laundering black spot”.

Fresh off the back of calling Türkiye’s 1974 Peace Operation a ‘land grab’, Irfan Siddiq has again displayed his bias against Turkish Cypriots by alleging (without evidence) that the so-called ‘Republic of Cyprus’ has cleaned up its financial practices in relation to Russia.

Siddiq’s misinformation was slammed by TRNC President Ersin Tatar as “disappointing” and “prejudiced”. Once again, Siddiq demonstrates why he has no credibility in his position.

British weakness is not just affecting Northern Cyprus but also the South

1 September, 2023

Çetin Ramadan, Comment Central

British foreign policy has, for too long, been passive and seemingly uninterested on all matters relating to Northern Cyprus. Whilst successive UK governments regurgitate the same calls for a ‘bizonal, bicommunal federation’, the region falls further into an uncertain spiral – creating a void other countries are happy to fill.

The UK runs the risk of Russia expanding its eastern Mediterranean influence unless it acts decisively. Russia’s recent ‘partial recognition’ of the TRNC, alongside an increasing presence of Iranian nationals may pose critical threats to the future of the UK’s strategic foothold in the region.

Direct flights from the UK to Northern Cyprus? There may be a way…

1 August, 2023

David Maddox, Express.co.uk

Affordable holidays to Europe’s last unspoiled corner may be getting easier to go on. In an interview with Chet Ramadan, Chair of the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign, he argued for the practicality of a solution that allows for direct flights.

With countless benefits for the 300,000 Turkish Cypriots living in the UK, the 10,000 British nationals living in the TRNC, and for anybody who wishes to touch down in the island of Cyprus’ largest airport to begin a holiday without breaking the bank, direct flights are the answer.

Interested to learn how they could start? Click on the link above to read the article.