Erhürman: A Solution is Now an Urgent Necessity

Speaking on BRT with journalist Levent Kutay, Erhürman highlighted that the Cyprus problem has always been an international issue and should not be viewed merely as an intercommunal dispute.

Erhürman pointed out that the upcoming informal meeting in March should be evaluated in this context. He underlined that, given the geopolitical shifts in the region, the Cyprus issue has gained even more international significance. “The five-party informal meeting is not a formal negotiation table,” he stated, adding that regional developments will also be discussed alongside Cyprus-related matters.

"Leaving Turkey and Turkish Cypriots Out of Projects Undermines Peace and Stability"

Criticizing the approach of the Greek Cypriot leadership, Erhürman stated, “If projects are developed that completely exclude Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, this means that a vision of solution, peace, and stability has not been adopted.” He stressed that the Cyprus issue has become a decisive factor for regional peace and stability.

Referring to recent geopolitical moves, Erhürman remarked, “At a time when the United States is strengthening ties with Southern Cyprus, France is already active in the region, and has secured usage rights for the Paphos Air Base, it is insufficient to consider this merely an intercommunal dispute.”

"Clear Stances Must Be Taken"

Erhürman noted that the informal meeting should be evaluated in light of these geopolitical factors. He emphasized that the foundation for any official negotiations remains a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation based on political equality. “While the guarantor countries and the two community leaders are at the table, the European Union and the United States are also on the periphery of the process. I believe backchannel diplomacy will be very intense. Expecting a definitive solution from this meeting would be overly optimistic, but it is essential for sustaining dialogue,” he said.

Criticizing the lack of progress on even minor agreements, Erhürman added, “If the two community leaders cannot even agree on opening new crossing points and this issue has escalated to a discussion involving the guarantors, then criticism regarding the diminishing agency of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides is inevitable.” He stressed that all parties need to make their positions clear.

"If We Don't Trust Our Own Youth, the Real Problem Lies Within Us"

Erhürman also addressed recent discussions on crossing points and youth initiatives, saying, “President Tatar has brought up the Luricina and Haspolat crossing points, while President Christodoulides has proposed different ideas. However, Tatar should not say, ‘We were supposed to discuss crossing points, where did the youth committee come from?’ Likewise, Christodoulides should not insist, ‘Either all eight of my proposals are accepted, or none at all.’ The real issue is reaching an agreement on at least one matter. Every new crossing point benefits both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Similarly, establishing a youth technical committee to foster closer relations between the two communities poses no harm.”

Rejecting claims that a youth committee could be influenced by external powers, Erhürman argued, “If we do not trust our own youth and assume they will fall under the influence of the U.S. or the EU, then the real issue lies within us.” He called for moving past outdated perspectives and urged a more constructive approach to negotiations.

"Southern Cyprus Seeks Defense Mechanisms Against Turkey’s Military Presence"

Erhürman noted that the Greek Cypriot administration is trying to build a defense mechanism against Turkey’s military presence in the region, interpreting Christodoulides' strategy as an acceptance of the presence of major powers in the area. However, he warned, “Once major powers enter, they never stay in the background. The Turkish Cypriot side has already lost its agency over the past four and a half years, and the Greek Cypriot side is now heading down the same path. A solution is now an even more urgent necessity.”

"Domestic and Foreign Policy Cannot Be Evaluated Separately"

Erhürman stressed that the current situation is unsustainable and that domestic and foreign policy are deeply intertwined. “The Cyprus problem is directly connected to economic shifts towards the south. Developments in the construction and tourism sectors are part of the Cyprus issue. Security concerns, population policies—these are all interlinked with the Cyprus problem,” he stated.

Asserting that Cyprus' future is at a critical juncture, Erhürman criticized the short-term vision of political leaders, saying, “Right now, the main concern seems to be ‘How can I stay in power?’ rather than addressing the seriousness of the situation.”

Referring to agreements between the U.S. and Southern Cyprus, Erhürman warned that these are not minor matters and criticized those who believe they can shape the island’s future based solely on their own idealized views. “The real issue is not talk, but action. A determined stance is necessary,” he said.

As the main opposition, Erhürman reaffirmed their willingness to support sincere efforts for a solution, adding, “Will the UN Secretary-General and the three guarantor countries come together just to discuss the Haspolat crossing point? I hope the process does not come to that.”