Tufan Erhürman said there are currently no formal negotiations under way on the Cyprus issue, stressing that the process remains at the level of discussions and calling for restraint in public statements.
In a social media post on Friday, reported by Turkish Cypriot media, Erhürman said it is widely understood that no “negotiations” are taking place at present, but that the sides are instead at the “discussion table”.
Responding to recent remarks by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, who said that President Nikos Christodoulides participates in talks as President of the Republic of Cyprus and as leader of the Greek Cypriot community, Erhürman maintained that both sides are effectively present as “two leaders”.
He added that United Nations records and reports clearly reflect this reality and are publicly available.
Erhürman questioned why this position continues to be repeated “when everything is so clear”, asking what purpose it serves and whether it contributes to efforts towards a solution.
He said such claims carry no real value when the facts are known to all sides, warning against moves that could be seen as provocative.
According to Erhürman, a “provocation” can only succeed if those targeted fall into its trap. “If they do not, it remains ineffective,” he said, adding that the sides remain at the table and are proceeding with “patience, composure, seriousness and determination”.
He also noted that he has responded to only a fraction of statements made by his counterpart and has deliberately avoided raising the issue of status publicly, having instead conveyed his views in private meetings.
He warned against repeatedly raising the issue at meetings and opening ceremonies, cautioning against attempts to establish new positions in the absence of the other side, poison the atmosphere, or engage in blame games.
Erhürman further referred to claims that have not even been discussed in bilateral meetings but are, he said, being introduced through the media.
Source: CNA