Nicosia, Cyprus. Tahsin Ertugruloglu on Friday criticised Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman’s stance on the Cyprus problem, saying he does not support him. Speaking at a press conference, Ertugruloglu said Erhurman’s policy was causing Turkish Cypriots to lose time and status.
Claims about coordination with Turkey
Ertugruloglu said it was his duty to emphasise that Erhurman’s policy was wrong and said he did not believe Erhurman was telling the truth when he said he was acting in coordination with Turkey. He said Erhurman repeatedly claimed to be following a path in consultation with Ankara, but added, “This is not the case.”
Accusation of political use of the Cyprus problem
Ertugruloglu accused Erhurman of using the Cyprus problem for his own political preferences, saying, “He is ignoring the issue and thinking, ‘I will use this office according to my own political preferences. No one else can interfere’. It is not right.”
Questions over negotiation status and outcomes
Ertugruloglu questioned the basis on which Erhurman intends to negotiate, asking, “with what status will you at the table?” and “what will be the status of the other side?” He also asked what practical gains would come from not leaving the negotiating table while the Greek Cypriot side maintains the status of the “Republic of Cyprus” and embargoes continue.
Criticism of political equality position and references to CTP
Ertugruloglu criticised Erhurman’s declared support of political equality between the two sides, saying it amounted to aiming for the dissolution of the state and could weaken the status of the TRNC. He said establishing a partnership was out of the question in an environment where Greek Cypriots do not respect the rights of Turkish Cypriots, adding that this was a point of conflict in parliament.
Ertugruloglu referred to a “party” in his remarks, in reference to the opposition CTP, which Erhurman led between 2016 and last year, when he relinquished party political ties upon becoming Turkish Cypriot leader. Ertugruloglu said, “The president of the state does not accept the sustainability of that state. There is no precedent for this in other countries.”
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