Speaking in a lengthy joint interview with the newspaper Yeni Düzen and television channel Sim, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman said he is not prepared at this stage to name the model of a Cyprus settlement. Instead, he stressed that discussions should focus on the reactivation of what he described as “shared powers”, exercised on the basis of political equality, in areas such as hydrocarbons, energy, maritime zones, trade routes, security and EU citizenship.
‘Shared powers removed from us’
Erhürman said his objective is clear.
“Hydrocarbons, energy, maritime zones, trade routes, security and EU citizenship: these are shared competences that were taken away from us. I do not intend to act alone in these areas. These powers must be exercised jointly, on the basis of political equality,” he said.
He explained that he will not name the form of a solution before the procedures and methodology of the talks are finalised.
“I will not name the form of the solution for the time being, because I do not want to disrupt my methodology,” he said, adding that it would be wrong to delve into substance before agreement on procedures.
Simply closing the discussion by labelling a solution model would not bring progress, he argued.
“Does the problem end when it is accepted as a federation? On the contrary, you have not discussed anything at all,” he said, adding that the correct steps should define the outcome.
Beyond the negotiating table
According to Erhürman, the will to resolve a conflict should not be measured only at the negotiating table but also through everyday political practice.
“There is a narrative that says ‘we will be judged when we sit at the table’ on whether we want a solution. I extend this. We should also be judged by what we do away from the table on whether we want a solution,” he said, stressing the importance of confidence-building measures.
He also said that any pursuit of a settlement must be realistic and acknowledge the Turkish dimension.
“For everyone in this country who wants a solution, including myself, we must know that a solution against Turkey is technically impossible,” he said, noting that Turkish Cypriots have never had a leader who negotiated “against Turkey”.
Crossing points and daily hardship
On the issue of crossing points, Erhürman underlined the need for a second vehicle crossing in Nicosia. He said work is under way on a map aiming at four crossing points, from Mia Milia to Pyroi and Louroujina.
“Opening a new crossing point is not economically beneficial for Turkish Cypriots. But that does not concern me at all. What concerns me is that our people should not suffer at the crossings,” he said.
International dimension and rumours
Asked to comment on claims that the US President might intervene in Cyprus, Erhürman dismissed them as rumours, saying there is nothing official. He recalled that the Cyprus issue is a bicommunal problem which, in the current context, has become more international.
“The guarantor powers are therefore legitimately at the table. It is also common knowledge that other regional and international actors are present somewhere around the table,” he said, adding that “solutions imposed from outside” are not appropriate.
Youth football, mixed marriages, education
Referring to his proposal for an under-14 football match between teams from what he termed “northern and southern Cyprus”, Erhürman said it was rejected because Greek Cypriot teams are members of international federations and would face problems if such a match were played.
On the issue of children of mixed marriages, he said he raised the matter in meetings with ambassadors, presenting documents and describing the situation as a “blatant violation”.
“There is extreme political inequality here. We are therefore taking rapid steps for our children who are victims of mixed marriages,” he said, adding that EU officials he met did not describe the situation as normal.
Asked about the Imagine education programme, he said President Nikos Christodoulides did not raise it during their discussions.
Elections in the north
Turning to the upcoming municipal and ‘parliamentary’ elections in the north, scheduled for December 2026 and January 2027 respectively, Erhürman said the timing creates an ineffective calendar and weakens the ability of the leadership to function.
“It would be a very serious waste of time for the work of the government,” he said, noting that holding two elections so close together could also affect voter behaviour. He added that he has no legal authority beyond raising the issue.
Finally, Erhürman said he discussed with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz the issue of entry bans imposed on Turkish Cypriots travelling to Turkey.
“I do not know whether these (security) categories will be lifted or not. But since my citizens are involved, I must at least know the reason,” he said, adding that a process has begun and that they are awaiting results.
Source: CNA