erhurman hahn — erhurman hahn — The Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman met this week with the European Union’s special representative for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn, a meeting that has stirred criticism from within Turkish Cypriot circles over its perceived breach of protocol.
Announced by Erhurman on social media on Wednesday evening, the meeting aimed to address a range of EU-related issues impacting the island’s divided communities. Erhurman detailed the topics discussed, which included the Schengen process, EU citizenship rights for children of mixed marriages, direct contact with EU institutions, and ongoing projects like the EU-supported GSI initiative.
In addition to these points, they discussed halloumi registration and solar energy initiatives in the buffer zone, highlighting the multifaceted nature of their dialogue. A photograph of Erhurman and Hahn during their meeting was shared online, reflecting the significance of this encounter.
This meeting followed a joint visit by Erhurman and the Greek Cypriot leader to the CMP anthropological laboratory, where both leaders were briefed on efforts related to missing persons. Erhurman described the visit as a moral obligation, stressing the importance of non-politicising the sensitive research conducted by the laboratory.
However, not all responded positively to Erhurman’s meeting with Hahn. Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu publicly denounced the gathering as a misstep. He asserted that Hahn’s appointment was made unilaterally by the European Commission, without adequate consultation with Turkish Cypriot representatives. This has been a recurring theme, as Ertugruloglu noted that EU institutions have historically shown a preference for the Greek Cypriot perspective since the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU in 2004.
Ertugruloglu further emphasised that all Cyprus-related discussions should occur under the auspices of the United Nations secretary-general, insisting that both sides must consent to any personal envoys or UN peacekeeping officials. He categorically stated that the Turkish Cypriot authorities view Hahn’s role as an internal EU matter, which cannot be recognised in any official negotiations.
Moreover, the Foreign Minister warned that unilateral actions by the EU could jeopardise ongoing diplomatic efforts within the UN framework. He reiterated that a lasting resolution on the island hinges on collaboration grounded in sovereign equality and equal international status for both communities.
To advance the peace process, Ertugruloglu urged the EU to consider lifting various political, economic, and cultural restrictions imposed on Turkish Cypriots, thereby demonstrating a genuine commitment to fostering reconciliation.
