Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman said on Thursday that the will of Turkish Cypriots to reach a settlement of the Cyprus issue is stronger than the 63% support he received in last October’s leadership elections.
Presenting a review of his first 200 days in office at a press conference held in the north, Erhürman said there is renewed momentum on the Cyprus issue and that the Turkish Cypriot side is “far ahead” compared to when he assumed office.
“The Turkish Cypriot people have the will for a solution. The Turkish Cypriot leader is obliged to work in that direction,” he said, adding that this will goes beyond his electoral mandate.
This time must be different
Erhürman reiterated his commitment to a four-point methodology outlined during his campaign, stressing that negotiations should not be pursued merely for the sake of process.
“We do not want negotiations just for the sake of negotiations. We want negotiations that lead to a solution,” he said.
He also pointed to the role of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, saying the message from the UN chief is that “this time things must be different,” despite his term nearing its end.
Erhürman said the Turkish Cypriot side has presented its approach to Guterres, his envoy María Ángela Holguín and other international actors.
Trust-building initiatives
Confidence-building measures were identified as a second priority, with Erhürman referring to discussions on new crossing points, including Mia Milia, where he said progress has been recorded.
He also noted that long-delayed checks related to halloumi have begun, a process outstanding since 2021.
Talks with the European Union include issues such as Schengen implementation, halloumi and other technical matters, while a bicommunal committee on civil society organisations is nearing completion, he added.
Turkish Cypriots in the world
Erhürman said boosting the international presence of Turkish Cypriots beyond the framework of Cyprus talks is another key priority.
He cited contacts at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and visits to Kazakhstan, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side aims to make use of all available international platforms.
Referring to the Organisation of Turkic States, he noted that Turkish Cypriots hold observer status and said efforts are focused on leveraging this position for the benefit of the community.
“There is no point in watching global developments from a distance. We must look at the world through a broader perspective,” he said, adding that he aims to expand ties in sport, education and tourism.
Erhürman also highlighted close coordination with Turkey, describing relations with Ankara as a core pillar of his policy.
He said the Cyprus issue is handled in full consultation with Turkey, adding that no Turkish Cypriot leadership has ever acted independently from Ankara on matters concerning the national issue.
