Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on Tuesday called for the next enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem to produce results after convening Turkish Cypriot political parties at his official residence. He said negotiations should aim at a solution rather than be held for their own sake.
Call for outcome-focused talks
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Erhurman said the next “five-plus-one” format should not take place merely for the sake of convening. The format refers to the island’s two sides, guarantor powers Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom, and the United Nations.
Erhurman said “the rational path in Cyprus and the region is a lasting solution, lasting peace, and lasting stability” and added that this “can only be achieved through diplomacy and dialogue”.
Reference to past failed negotiations
He said “this time, it must be different”, referring to the failure of the most recent round of negotiations in Crans-Montana in 2017.
Erhurman also said his “four-point methodology” for restarting negotiations in earnest “should be reflected in the spirit of the process”.
Four-point methodology
The four points envisage acceptance by the Greek Cypriot side of political equality, time-limited negotiations, preservation of all past agreements, and a United Nations guarantee that embargoes on Turkish Cypriots would be lifted if the Greek Cypriot side leaves the negotiating table again.
Erhurman said that, as stated during the election period, he does not want negotiations for the sake of negotiations but negotiations for a solution. Referring to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he said that since Crans-Montana, Guterres has repeatedly stated that this time “it must be different, or will be different”.
He added that “the methodology is clear” and said the next step is to “define the rules of the game” and “proceed step by step”.
Immovable Property Commission
Erhurman also referred to the Immovable Property Commission, established in 2005 to handle claims by Greek Cypriots who fled the north after 1974 and their descendants. The commission deals with applications for compensation, restitution of property and land exchanges, and Erhurman said it should be “strengthened”.
Remarks from party leaders
Other party leaders also spoke after the meeting. UBP leader and “prime minister” Unal Ustel, whose party is the largest in the ruling coalition, said President Nikos Christodoulides is “making some initiatives as if he wants a solution because of the upcoming elections” in 2028.