Ulaş Barış writes..."CTP’s Critical Journey to New York"

The New York trip announced by the CTP, the largest organization advocating for a federal solution in the north, marks a significant step that has surprised many.

This morning, CTP leader Tufan Erhürman and the party's Secretary for Foreign Relations, Fikri Toros, are heading to New York for a five-day visit, during which they will attend the Socialist International meeting. More importantly, they will meet with high-ranking representatives from the UN and the Security Council. This is historically significant, as it adds another voice calling for a solution alongside Tatar’s stance on the unresolved status.

Don’t worry, I’m not claiming that the CTP will solve the Cyprus issue during this visit. However, the meaning of this visit is much greater than itself.

It pleases me to see the CTP shake off the “dead weight” that has long been draped over it. Contrary to popular belief, I have no objection to the long-overdue calls for closer engagement with the international community and taking initiatives. On the contrary, I support it.

Especially after witnessing Ersin Tatar's panicked speech regarding this matter during the UBP congress last Saturday, my support has only strengthened!

In his speech, Tatar carelessly accused Tufan Erhürman of “establishing a parallel structure” and harming national politics. He continued this line of accusation even as he departed Ercan Airport. I, of course, was even more incensed.

It is impossible to use the phrase “acting with the dignity of a statesman” in the same sentence as Tatar. This is especially true considering his comments after meeting with the THY manager on the plane, claiming they discussed flights to the TRNC. What’s the relevance?

However, I did not choose to focus on Tatar for this article. I merely wanted to make a brief reference because I haven’t seen anyone respond clearly to him.

So, I want to return to the CTP’s “shaking off the dead weight” operation.

It is more constructive to discuss how something can happen rather than why it cannot.

The essence of this entire article is to be constructive.

Now, of course, there are various interpretations of the CTP's stance.

The most frequently asked question is about Turkey’s role in this matter. More specifically, people are curious whether the decision for the CTP’s visit was taken after consulting the “good fellows” in Turkey.

In my opinion, the answer to this question can be found in Turkey's recent foreign policy shifts regarding Egypt, Syria, Greece, and EU relations. Turkey appears to be undergoing some changes.

Regardless of who comes to power or what anyone desires, the reality that we are strategically partnered with Turkey will not change. However, Turkey should not be our only strategic partner. Attempting to solve the Cyprus issue is nothing more than trying to establish a strategic partnership with the community we seek to unite.

The issue lies in finding ways to balance this partnership.

Another criticism relates to the ongoing distrust toward the CTP stemming from the 2004 Annan process and the events that followed. This distrust largely arises from the arrogance of some perspectives still dominating the party and the lack of confrontation with that period. However, this article is not about that.

Nonetheless, it is clear that distrust exists.

For instance, the package the CTP recently announced, proposing to start negotiations in five steps, is unfairly criticized by some.

In summary, this package supports sticking to the rapprochements achieved in Crans Montana and states that there will be no return to the current status quo, emphasizing UN criteria and parameters for a federal solution, advocating for results-oriented negotiations with a definite timeline.

Some interpret the last point as CTP wanting to promote the TRNC or elevate its status.

Since I haven’t seen a response to these interpretations, I feel compelled to write these lines, but I must also state that there is a limit to my leniency.

Returning to the flow of the article, there is no possibility of constructive dialogue from those who harbor deep-seated animosity toward the only viable solution—the federal solution in Cyprus. Such anti-federal stances only serve to perpetuate the deadlock, aligning them with the Church, Elam, and those who support Tatar!

Since July 6, 2017, the Turkish Cypriot people have been rolling downhill, thrown into the pit of unresolved issues in October 2020 and left for dead. They need hope, light, and, above all, a leader! This is the essential void.

The gap created by Ersin Tatar, supported by Turkey, who has only been going as far as taking selfies at the Turkish House and has shown no concern for the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people, is vast.

The CTP’s recent statement about the reasons for their New York trip points to this significant void.

Certainly, that void should have been filled long ago, and necessary steps should have been taken, but I’d like to wrap up this intricate issue with the phrase “better late than never.”

Because, first and foremost, the Turkish Cypriots and all Cypriots urgently need a solution.

To achieve this solution, we must act constructively but also wisely. I am determined to do my part.

However, do not interpret this as a call for us to become puppets or to engage in a mere “sit-stand” type of relationship.

We have a strategic partner, and there is also a candidate for strategic partnership.

Moreover, we have no other chance than to live in the same house as this candidate!

The mastery lies in bringing all parties to that longed-for sea of friendship.

I see this visit as the beginning of a journey, and I hope it leads to fruitful outcomes.

May it end like Frodo and Sam’s journey...