Turkistan, Kazakhstan. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said the Turkish Cypriots have shown a “strong will” for a solution to the Cyprus problem, as he attended an Organisation of Turkic States summit for the first time. He said Turkish Cypriots have faced “unjust isolation” for many years.
Claims of isolation and restrictions
Erhurman said restrictions affecting “science, sports, culture, economy, trade, transportation, and international contacts” constituted a limitation of the Turkish Cypriot people’s fundamental human rights. He said the Turkish Cypriot people had internalised universal values such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and had consistently demonstrated their will for a just and lasting solution and reconciliation on the island.
Reference to the 2004 referendum
He said the Turkish Cypriot people’s will for a solution was demonstrated at the 2004 referendum on reunifying Cyprus based on the Annan plan. Erhurman noted that the Turkish Cypriot electorate approved the plan while the Greek Cypriot electorate rejected it, and said this showed the isolation and restrictions imposed had no legitimate justification.
International statements and observer status
Erhurman said the European Council had stated shortly after the referendum that it was determined to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. He also referred to statements made after the referendum by then United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan and the parliamentary assembly of the council of Europe. He said those statements formed the basis for Turkish Cypriots gaining observer member status of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2005, adding that observer membership within the Organisation of Turkic States was a continuation of the same basis.
Crans-Montana talks and call to end isolation
Erhurman referred to the most recent round of formal negotiations at Crans-Montana in 2017, saying the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey demonstrated a strong will for a solution. He said this was known to the international community and that it was unacceptable for the Turkish Cypriot side to continue to be subjected to isolation despite what he described as constructive efforts and sincere will.
Solidarity from other countries
He said solidarity shown by friendly and brotherly countries with the Turkish Cypriot people on this basis was a requirement of fraternal ties and would contribute to efforts to find a just and lasting solution in Cyprus.
What steps do you think could help advance a just and lasting solution in Cyprus?
