Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has alleged that President Nikos Christodoulides is seeking to sideline seven proposals put forward by António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, by reintroducing a separate package of 19 measures that have been discussed for years.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Ali Kişmir on Özgür Gazete Web TV, Erhürman discussed developments in the Cyprus issue, confidence-building measures and disagreements with the Greek Cypriot side, insisting that negotiations should focus on achieving concrete results rather than simply continuing talks.
"An attempt to make the seven proposals disappear"
Erhürman argued that the seven proposals presented by Guterres remain on the table and questioned why Christodoulides had chosen to revive a package of 19 proposals at this stage.
According to him, the proposals were never formally submitted in writing but were presented orally by the Cypriot president during meetings in New York attended by both Erhürman and Guterres.
"I heard the 19 proposals and took notes, but I could not reach the number 19," he remarked.
He said several of the suggestions related to a joint visit to Pyla and visits to the bicommunal Technical Committees on Cultural Heritage and Youth.
Erhürman argued that such activities could not be considered substantive confidence-building measures because the two leaders are already free to undertake joint initiatives.
He added that he had proposed from the beginning of his term that the two leaders meet informally over coffee or a meal, either in the government-controlled areas or the north, to demonstrate their ability to engage in dialogue.
According to Erhürman, Christodoulides rejected the idea, arguing that similar meetings between former leaders Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akıncı took place only after negotiations had formally begun.
Linking the timing of the 19 proposals to Guterres' approaching departure from office, Erhürman said:
"When so little time remains before António Guterres leaves office and seven proposals are on the table, if you bring back 19 proposals that were not raised for eleven months, then you are trying to make the seven proposals be forgotten."
Citizenship for children of mixed marriages
Erhürman placed particular emphasis on what he described as the inclusion, for the first time, of issues relating to the European citizenship rights of children from mixed marriages and matters concerning sport among the UN proposals.
"It is important to me that, for the first time, the United Nations' proposals include the European citizenship of children from mixed marriages and sport, because my argument has now become the argument of the United Nations."
He claimed the issue has been raised previously in UN and EU human rights reports as a matter involving discrimination.
"This is not a confidence-building measure and it is not a favour. It is already a human right."
He insisted that the matter should not be treated as a bargaining tool in negotiations.
Erhürman also criticised the rejection of a proposal involving football matches between under-15 players from the two communities.
"Let the children play each other and get to know one another. If two teams play a match, does that mean the TRNC is recognised? Where in the world does such thinking exist?"
New crossing points
Addressing discussions on additional crossing points, Erhürman said maps from previous talks in New York were already in his office when he assumed leadership.
According to him, discussions have focused on four proposed locations:
- Mia Milia
- Louroujina
- The Kyra area
- Aglantzia
He said he did not intend to introduce new proposals until discussions on the existing options were completed.
"My job is not to destroy something that has already progressed. Let us solve these first and then open as many crossing points as possible."
Erhürman argued that crossings at Mia Milia and Louroujina would benefit both communities, while the other two would primarily assist Greek Cypriots travelling between Larnaca and Nicosia.
"Why should I object simply because the lives of Greek Cypriots will become easier?"
Famagusta and direct trade
The Turkish Cypriot leader also dismissed the prospect of reaching an agreement within the next few months on issues such as Varosha and the port of Famagusta, saying such matters have been discussed for more than two decades without resolution.
Regarding Famagusta port, he argued that the main issue is not the port itself but the lack of direct trade with the European Union.
Erhürman said he had asked Christodoulides for clarification regarding proposals linked to the port and claimed the Greek Cypriot side's approach envisages management of the facility by the EU in order to facilitate direct commercial activity.
"To implement something that was already promised to me, do I now have to give something in return?"
Holguín's optimism and ties with Ankara
Despite his criticism of the Greek Cypriot side, Erhürman welcomed the optimism expressed by María Ángela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy.
He said Holguín is acting as a bridge between the two sides and that her positive public statements suggest she believes progress is possible.
At the same time, he argued that the number of meetings between the two leaders is not the issue.
"Wanting a solution does not mean asking for more meetings and negotiations. It means producing genuine, concrete solutions."
Responding to questions about relations with Turkey, Erhürman said he remains in full consultation with Ankara and maintained that no previous Turkish Cypriot leader had conducted negotiations without prior coordination with Turkey.
"We are not pursuing negotiations simply for the sake of negotiations. This time we want negotiations that lead to a solution."
