Harmancı: Our Primary Goal Is to Push for Inclusion Within International Law

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası’s Gündem programme, Harmancı reflected on his participation in the Socialist International’s Local and Regional Authorities Working Dinner held in Istanbul over the weekend. The event was attended by key political figures, including Spanish Prime Minister and Socialist International President Pedro Sánchez, Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, and several Turkish metropolitan mayors. Harmancı noted that he had the opportunity to share his insights on the Cyprus issue during the meeting.

Describing his invitation to a forum focused on establishing a new framework for local governance as “highly valuable,” Harmancı also commented on how developments in Turkey impact Turkish Cypriots. He underlined the importance of intercity dialogue and noted that cooperation between cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Athens, and Nicosia could yield positive outcomes on shared concerns.

Harmancı said he also discussed the Schengen visa process with Prime Minister Sánchez, stressing that the exclusion of Turkish Cypriots from this process is unsustainable. He reiterated that achieving peace and a solution on the island is vital not just for Cyprus, but for the stability of the entire region.

He highlighted that a joint resolution submitted by the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) was unanimously adopted at the General Assembly, underlining its significance in calling for a return to the negotiation table and a change in policy toward children born of mixed marriages. Harmancı criticized the shortcomings in the government's lobbying efforts and called for intensified international engagement.

According to Harmancı, one of the main themes of the Istanbul meeting was Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. He said the CHP’s decision to host the event in Istanbul was aimed at mobilizing international support against attempts to imprison İmamoğlu.

Touching on his visit to Brussels, Harmancı said the Union of Turkish Cypriot Municipalities participated in an event organized by MEP İlhan Küçük. He reiterated his decade-long advocacy for establishing a lobbying office in Brussels and noted that such efforts require well-funded and structured initiatives.

Harmancı also met with Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the EU and emphasized the importance of moving beyond internal discussions. He praised the acknowledgment of the process’s significance by UBP-affiliated mayors.

“Sometimes mental blocks occur, but since 1962, municipalities have been one of the key actors shaping the history of Cyprus,” Harmancı stated. He concluded by stressing that international acceptance is distinct from recognition, reiterating, “One of our primary objectives is to escape this unlawful environment and push for inclusion within international legal frameworks.”