Erhürman: “Tatar Is the Only President Who Opened No Crossing Points"

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s “Sabah Postası” program, Erhürman rejected Tatar’s claim that he was responsible for deadlock in the Cyprus issue. He argued that during Tatar’s term no progress had been made, unlike under previous presidents when at least one crossing point was opened.

Erhürman stressed that federation is a long-standing Turkish position, citing its inclusion in the 1973 program of Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit’s government and subsequent adoption as a UN parameter. He said the real question was not whether the solution is called a federation or a confederation, but whether it ensures political equality and guarantees Turkish Cypriot rights.

Erhürman accused Tatar of remaining silent while Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides made unilateral decisions on Cyprus’s behalf on key issues such as maritime jurisdiction and energy, undermining Turkish Cypriot sovereignty.

He said he supports a solution based on two politically equal constituent states sharing central powers, insisting that Turkish Cypriots must continue to enjoy all rights stemming from the 1960 agreements until a comprehensive settlement is reached.

Erhürman also cast doubt on the feasibility of a two-state solution, noting that the UN Security Council, EU member states, and even Turkey in the Syrian context oppose such a model. He argued that Tatar’s “3D” policy was not a step toward two states but merely a precondition for restarting comprehensive negotiations under UN parameters.

On upcoming UN-led trilateral talks in September, Erhürman said such meetings were routine during the UN General Assembly and should not be seen as a breakthrough. He concluded by saying that while polls look promising, “the real poll is on the ground,” and that what he sees on the ground is just as encouraging as survey results.