Erhürman: "If There Will Be a Solution, It Will Be a Bi-Communal, Bi-Zonal Federation Based on Political Equality"

Addressing questions on the proposed two-state solution, Erhürman dismissed the possibility as unrealistic under current international conditions. “For two states to be accepted, the UN Security Council would need to revoke Resolutions 541 and 550 with unanimous support from all five permanent members. This is simply not possible today,” he asserted.

He emphasized that CTP will only return to official negotiations if the Greek Cypriot side accepts political equality, rotational presidency, and the principle that no decision can be taken without the consent of at least one Turkish Cypriot. “These are not negotiable. They are enshrined in UN resolutions,” he said.

On the Presidential Complex

In response to a question about the newly constructed presidential complex, Erhürman said that it should serve as “the home of the Turkish Cypriot people,” and be accessible to youth, women, scientists, and artists. While clarifying that there have been no internal discussions yet on how it would be used, he stated, “The building is too large to be used solely as a presidential office. It should become a space for community activities.”

Comments on the İmamoğlu Case

Erhürman also commented on the controversy surrounding CHP's presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu and the revocation of his university diploma issued by an institution in Northern Cyprus. “This is not something we want associated with our universities. If there’s no fraud involved, the law allows for the revocation within 60 days—not 35 years later. Legally, this decision is not sound,” he said.

“Federation Is a Knowledge, Not Just a Concept”

Expanding on his views, Erhürman described federation not just as a policy choice, but as a practical and historically backed formula for peace. He cited the Annan Plan as a comprehensive model for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, noting that under such a structure, two constituent states would exercise sovereign authority over all competencies not explicitly delegated to the federal government.

“What we are talking about is a loose federation,” he added. “Anything else cannot be defined as a solution. You can advocate for a two-state model, but that means accepting a future where negotiations are not grounded in current international law and UN parameters.”

On Property and the UN’s Role

On the property issue, Erhürman said that solutions are already outlined in the Annan Plan and should not be renegotiated. “We told the UN that we are ready to return to the table only if it reaffirms its commitments. We conveyed this directly to the UN Secretary-General's envoy, to the Americans, the French, even the Russians,” he noted.

Criticism of the Greek Cypriot Leadership

Erhürman argued that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides is attempting to counterbalance Turkey by aligning with global powers, but warned that “these powers never stay in the background—they take over.” He stressed that on strategic issues such as maritime zones, hydrocarbons, energy, and trade, the will of the Turkish Cypriots and of Turkey remains firm.

“There Is No Viable Alternative to Federation”

When asked whether the Greek Cypriot side would accept a federal solution, Erhürman acknowledged the difficulties but said that the lack of alternatives makes federation the only rational path. “Some suggest other options. But if a two-state solution had truly been possible, would we be discussing federation today? This is not about preference, it’s about feasibility,” he said.

He also pointed out that despite the discovery of hydrocarbons, the Republic of Cyprus has yet to benefit financially. He criticized the failure to implement the EuroAsia Interconnector project, which he said is vital for both communities given the ongoing electricity crisis.

“Shared Decisions Under Political Equality”

Concluding his remarks, Erhürman said that the federal model he proposes aligns with Turkey’s strategic interests as well. “There will be two constituent states and a central structure. Under this setup, no decision will be taken without the consent of the Turkish Cypriots. Is it in Turkey’s interest to push for a model where only one state is recognized and the other remains in limbo? I believe the structure we advocate benefits both sides,” he stated.