On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Mr. Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), attended a press meeting in Brussels. This author, participated in the meeting in my personal capacity as part of my academic research.

During the meeting, Mr. Tatar emphasized his aspiration to establish direct collaboration with the European Union. Below is a summary based on a transcription of his speech and accompanying notes, with efforts made to retain Mr. Tatar’s phrasing and intent, while using the third person to ensure consistency and respect for the speaker’s tone.

President Tatar highlighted the prolonged hardships faced by Turkish Cypriots over several decades, pointing out that they had sought independence from Greek Cypriots following the Greek coup and the Enosis movement.

He recalled the inhumane conditions endured by Turkish Cypriots in the 1960s, including discrimination that left many without jobs, salaries, or access to medical care. He underscored that........

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