Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said his administration is aligned with Turkey on the Cyprus issue and that any negotiations with Greek Cypriots must recognise political equality between the two sides. He said talks cannot resume under the current framework unless Turkish Cypriot rights are guaranteed.
Coordination with Ankara
Speaking on Turkish television channel NTV on Wednesday, Erhurman said a “strong consultation mechanism” with Ankara ensures coordinated policy. He said agreement has been reached on the joint use of shared sovereign territories.
Conditions for resuming talks
Erhurman said negotiations should only begin once rights are guaranteed, calling this a prerequisite rather than an outcome of talks. He said the UN Secretary-General is aware that the existing negotiation system failed to produce a solution, citing a recent visit to New York where he met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Crossing points proposals
Criticising past approaches for lack of results, Erhurman said leaders who cannot open two crossing points cannot negotiate a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. He said his administration aims for “negotiation for a solution” rather than “negotiating for the sake of negotiating.”
He said the Turkish Cypriot side is preparing phased proposals to address concerns over new crossing points, including locations at Mia Milia, Louroudjina and a transit route through Athienou. Erhurman said the Turkish Cypriot side supports Greek Cypriots also benefiting from these crossing points and backs mutual facilitation.
Preserving past convergences
Erhurman said past agreements, including convergences reached at the 2017 Crans-Montana negotiations, must be preserved. He said that if convergences are treated as belonging to one side or the other, “every topic will be reopened for negotiation.”
What do you think should be the minimum conditions for restarting Cyprus negotiations?
