Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman said that on the Cyprus issue, “they are moving from the same starting point as Turkey,” adding that there is convergence on accepting political equality based on the joint exercise of shared spheres of sovereignty.
In an interview with NTV, Erhürman argued that the Cyprus problem has remained unresolved for more than 60 years and that the primary objective of the Turkish Cypriots is to ensure that their “sovereign rights” are not bypassed.
Asked whether it is easy or realistic for Greek Cypriots to come to the table, he said the question is framed incorrectly, adding that the essence is to shape conditions that make the process meaningful and effective.
Projects excluding Turkey
Referring to the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, he claimed that the Greece-Israel-Cyprus route is neither economically nor politically viable. Though it receives EU funding, “the most logical route” would be a Turkey-Cyprus-Greece line, he argued.
According to Erhürman, the deadlock in the Cyprus issue creates space for international initiatives that attempt to sideline Turkey, citing the project as an example.
The Turkish Cypriot leader also outlined a four‑point methodology he proposes for restarting the process, saying he does not adopt a “negotiation for the sake of negotiation” approach, but one with a clear goal of reaching a solution. He said the framework is based on political equality, a timeframe, maintaining convergences already achieved, and ensuring an outcome that carries concrete costs and benefits for both sides.
‘If you can’t open crossing points, you can’t negotiate a solution’
Referring to his meeting with the UN Secretary‑General in New York, he said he conveyed the view that “leaders who cannot open two crossing points on the island cannot negotiate a comprehensive solution.” He added that he favours a gradual process, beginning with Confidence‑Building Measures, which, he said, would ease daily life for citizens and serve as a sign of willingness to make progress.
Regarding coordination with Ankara, he said there is a productive relationship and a strong consultation mechanism, reiterating that on the substance of the Cyprus issue, the two sides “start from the same point.”
Christodoulides ‘concerned’
Asked by a reporter to comment on Erhürman’s statements, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday: “I have read the statements and I am indeed concerned. Turkey’s position is clear – a two‑state solution in Cyprus. If that is Mr Erhürman’s position, he should say so publicly.”
Christodoulides added: “Let me remind you that in the joint communiqué following our meeting in December, we refer very specifically to the UN Security Council resolutions, which speak to a very specific solution, the bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by the resolutions.”
The president said he would raise this discrepency at the next leaders’ meeting on February 24.
Asked about his apparent dissatisfaction with the content of UN Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar’s opinion piece published last Sunday, Christodoulides said: “It is not an expression of dissatisfaction; I conveyed the facts. The facts are very specific: that the EU Council Presidency and the Parliamentary Elections do not affect the Cyprus problem process at all.”
He added that, despite the many comments and statements going around, he would not be distracted from his goal.
“My fundamental aim is one: the resumption of talks, and that is where I am focusing all my efforts,” he said.
UNSG backs his envoy, says progress needed
Meanwhile, asked by CNA about Holguín’s article which ruffled a few feathers in Nicosia, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said: “The recent op-ed reflects the Personal Envoy's observations of the realities on the ground."
He added: “The Secretary-General has full confidence in his Personal Envoy and shares the view that more progress needs to be made between the leaders.”
Harmancı: ‘Open crossing point ourselves’
Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriot representative of north Nicosia Mehmet Harmancı highlighted the need to apply pressure – even through unilateral steps if needed – to open more crossing points in the capital.
“We are obliged to push with different ideas and different actions. In my view, today we must complete everything for a new crossing point, put it forward forcefully, and say: ‘We have prepared everything, come on, we are opening it’,” said Harmancı.
Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası TV, Harmancı said the main volume of crossings on the island (around 60–70%) is centred in Nicosia. He assessed that the ongoing works in Ayios Dometios are insufficient to resolve the traffic gridlock, making the creation of a new crossing point unavoidable. As an immediate decongestion measure, he proposed allowing the controlled passage of students in vehicles through the Ledra Palace crossing.