cyprus talks — Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman has condemned recent media claims about the progress of discussions on the Cyprus problem as “baseless” and potentially provocative.
- cyprus talks — Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman has condemned recent media claims about the progress of discussions on the Cyprus problem as "baseless" and potentially provocative.
Speaking on Thursday, Erhurman addressed ongoing debates fuelled by an article from a Greek Cypriot journalist. He expressed concern that the claims were being accepted as fact and might have been deliberately constructed to incite reactions from the Turkish Cypriot community.
He stated, “A debate which has been going on for days… is being accepted as completely true.” Erhurman questioned the motives behind these claims, suggesting there may be an intention to reassure Greek Cypriots while undermining the Turkish Cypriot side.
Erhurman emphasised that any proposals that do not receive the approval of the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey, a guarantor power, will not be enacted. “Surely no one doubts that any idea to which we, the Turkish Cypriot side, and Turkey do not say ‘yes’, will not be implemented, right?” he asserted.
He further challenged the notion that the Turkish Cypriot community would engage in actions that could jeopardise their rights, security, and equality in the ongoing negotiations. “Are there really people who doubt that we… will not embark on a path which will make a solution impossible?”
Erhurman reiterated the seriousness and commitment of the Turkish Cypriot side to the negotiation process, stating they would not be deterred by manipulation or provocation. “We have convened our political parties, our youth coordination desk, and we will meet our trade unions and economic organisations,” he noted, ensuring that accurate information about the negotiations would be shared.
He expressed confidence in the ability of his office to discern genuine contributions to the discussions from those with ulterior motives. “We are continuing the process from where and how we started, and we will continue in the same way,” he declared, expressing that they would not be swayed by distractions.
Erhurman’s remarks come in light of reports suggesting that United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin has proposed a “looser” solution to the Cyprus problem. This suggested framework would involve establishing two constituent states, with the central government retaining only essential competencies.
Additionally, this proposed solution would involve a transitional phase of two or three years during which territorial concessions by the Turkish Cypriots would be matched by allowances for direct trade and flights to Ercan (Tymbou) airport.
When asked about these developments, Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou refrained from commenting on the specifics, stating that the content of any proposed solution was not currently a topic for discussion.
