Şahali: Turkish Cypriots Are the Losers of the Deadlock in Negotiations

Speaking on the “Gündem” programme on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Şahali offered his views on the ongoing 5+1 Cyprus meeting taking place in New York today and tomorrow.

"One Is Greater Than Zero"

Şahali described the current dialogue, albeit limited, as valuable, given the overall lack of engagement in recent years. “We approach this process with the understanding that one is greater than zero,” he said, while underlining that the ultimate goal must go far beyond this meeting.

"Turkish Cypriots Lost in the Absence of Negotiations"

Şahali criticised the lack of a formal negotiation process under the auspices of the United Nations during President Ersin Tatar’s four years and nine months in office, saying this void has resulted in significant setbacks. “The absence of negotiations has ultimately harmed the Turkish Cypriot people the most,” he noted.

"Turkish Cypriots’ Rights Cannot Be Confined to Northern Cyprus"

Şahali pointed out that the current Turkish position ignores Turkish Cypriots’ rights across the entire island. He stressed that these rights cannot be confined to the northern part alone, just as the rights of the Greek Cypriot community in the north should also not be disregarded.

"A Solution Must Ensure Both Communities Can Exercise Their Rights"

He emphasised the need for a settlement that acknowledges and enables both communities to exercise their rightful claims across the entire island. However, he added that no tangible progress has been achieved in this regard.

"No Reflection of Turkey-Greece Rapprochement on Cyprus"

Şahali acknowledged the growing rapprochement between Turkey and Greece as a positive development for regional stability. However, unlike in the past, he said, this improved bilateral relationship has not translated into any momentum on the Cyprus issue. “Turkey and Greece are perhaps closer than ever before, yet there has been no spillover effect on Cyprus,” he said.

"Hristodulidis’ Sincerity to Be Tested After October"

Şahali concluded by stating that after the October elections, CTP leader and presidential candidate Tufan Erhürman will represent all Turkish Cypriots. At that point, he added, the sincerity of Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Hristodulidis will also be put to the test.