A Turkish press outlet publishes statements by the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Ersin Tatar, that he responded positively to the proposal of United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to meet with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides at an informal dinner “which will not be in the context of the Cyprus talks”.

Ersin Tatar also said that an atmosphere of consultative contacts on how to shape the future of Cyprus could be achieved, at a meeting to be held in the “4+1” format, with the participation of Turkey, Turkish Cypriots, Greece and Greek Cypriots, under the auspices of the United Nations.

He also reiterated that he will not sit at the formal negotiating table until the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot side is confirmed and stressed that he conveyed to the UN Secretary General that the issue of federation is in the past, has been exhausted and will not be accepted, however he will not break off communication with the other side.