Erhürman: We Will Continue to Advocate for Solution-Oriented Dialogue on Cyprus Issue and Beyond

Speaking on Ada TV, Erhürman described the last four and a half years as a “lost period” for the Turkish Cypriot people, during which not only were existing problems left unresolved, but new issues were added to the agenda.

“More Crossing Points, Less Tension”

On the Cyprus problem, Erhürman pointed to the long-standing discussions about opening new crossing points between the north and south. “The more crossings we have, the better,” he said, emphasizing that people are currently facing difficulties when trying to move across the divide. He criticized the absence of substantive diplomacy during the last four and a half years, adding, “There hasn't even been proper contact, let alone meaningful negotiations.”

Erhürman lamented the lack of progress on key social issues, such as the rights of children born from mixed marriages, and warned that the Turkish Cypriot economy is shifting southward, with the construction and tourism sectors particularly strained.

“No Will, No Intention for a Comprehensive Solution”

Referencing past statements by President Ersin Tatar, such as his claim that he wouldn’t even “have coffee” with the Greek Cypriot leader, Erhürman noted the contradiction in Tatar’s recent engagements with President Nikos Christodoulides. He also welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s renewed push for dialogue, including the appointment of a personal envoy and the possibility of a new meeting in July, yet remained critical of the lack of genuine political will. “Neither leader seems to possess the intention or determination to pursue a comprehensive solution,” he said.

Commenting on the informal talks held in Geneva, Erhürman questioned their necessity. “Did we really have to go all the way to Geneva to talk about such basic issues?” he asked, although he acknowledged that any form of engagement is better than none.

“Two-State Solution Means the Status Quo”

Erhürman was sharply critical of the current leadership’s insistence on a two-state solution, which he equated to a refusal to negotiate in earnest. “What they really mean is: ‘We’re fine as we are.’ That’s not a solution,” he argued.

He accused Christodoulides of attempting to portray himself as the pro-solution leader, while hiding behind Tatar’s rejectionist stance. “But this community’s will is for a solution. Surveys and fieldwork show that over 80% of people say they want a solution, regardless of the model,” Erhürman asserted.

“Deadlock Comes at a Cost for Everyone”

The CTP leader emphasized that the ongoing stalemate impacts everyone living on the island, regardless of background. “This deadlock carries a cost for every person who has built a life here,” he said. He called attention to the absence of a proper population census and the need for a coherent population policy, asserting that the only concern of those in power appears to be holding on to their seats.

“No One Should Insult the Intelligence of This People”

Erhürman concluded with a call for a return to solution-oriented politics, stating:
“We must move to a phase of constructive engagement on the Cyprus issue and all other problems. No one should underestimate the intelligence or the experience of the Turkish Cypriot people. We will continue to speak the language of solutions.”