Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman commented in a social media post on the upcoming arrival to the island of the UN Secretary‑General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, who is due to meet separately with the leaders on 8 June.
Erhürman noted that with parliamentary elections over and the Cyprus Republic’s EU Council Presidency also coming to an end this month, the UNSG is gradually taking steps related to his expected new initiative.
“We, in good faith and in line with our people’s will for a settlement, are ready to engage in talks within the framework of the principles and approaches we have put forward for a long time,” said Erhürman in a post on Sunday.
“It is neither right to raise expectations excessively nor to attempt to kill the process at the very beginning,” he added.
The Turkish Cypriot leader argued that resolving the problems on the island and in the region is the “path to lasting peace and stability from which everyone will benefit, both on the island and in the region”. He added that the only way to achieve this is through “dialogue and diplomacy”.
Erhürman said he will refrain from making unnecessary statements or responding to unnecessary statements. However, what needs to be said will be said within the right of the Turkish Cypriots to be informed and not misled, he added.
“We are not in favour of creating problems, escalating problems or excessive rhetoric, but support dialogue and diplomacy to resolve problems.”
On the upcoming effort, he said: “May it be auspicious.”
Elusive progress
Erhürman came to office last October on a pro-federation platform and with a tidal wave of support across the political spectrum. After five years of Ersin Tatar’s more obstinate leadership which saw intercommunal relations hit a low point and limited movement on reviving the peace process, hopes were high that a change would come.
Since in power, however, Erhürman and President Nikos Christodoulides have yet to agree on any major milestone in terms of confidence-building measures or on resuming peace negotiations.
Having avoided interviews with Greek Cypriot media to date, the Turkish Cypriot leader's thoughts on the political process are often gauged through his social media posts or statements to the media made immediately after leaders' meetings.
Phased approach
Politis reported on Monday that Holguín’s return to Cyprus is reviving cautious momentum around restarting peace talks, with stakeholders exploring ways to relaunch negotiations after years of deadlock.
As António Guterres nears the end of his term and regional political timelines add a sense of urgency, ‘brainstorming’ sessions with the leaders and their associates have already begun.
Discussions are focusing on a phased process. Informed sources told Politis this could begin with a limited starting document that would see the launch of formal negotiations, progress to a binding strategic agreement, and ultimately lead to a comprehensive settlement.
Both sides seek assurances, including recognition of past convergences, while the Turkish Cypriots want safeguards against failure.
While no breakthroughs are expected in CBMs, Holguín’s visit aims to clarify whether conditions exist to convene an expanded ‘5+1’ conference with the guarantor powers and formally relaunch negotiations.
It remains to be seen whether the UN Personal Envoy will present the sides with a starting document on her arrival or work with the leaders to formulate one.
