Erhürman: The Presidency Must Be Insistent on the Direct Trade Regulation

Erhürman underlined that, as an unrecognized state, the TRNC must conduct all its foreign relations through the President, and that these relations determine everything from economic ties with Turkey and the European Union to tourism and higher education. He was accompanied by CTP Secretary-General Erkut Şahali and several MPs at the meeting, where he shared his vision for the Presidency.

“We have an unrecognized state and must conduct all foreign relations through the President. A significant part of our economy is determined by these external relations, shaped by our ties with Turkey and the EU. Moreover, our main sources of revenue—tourism and higher education—depend on external income. Therefore, both our economy and our development opportunities are directly tied to foreign relations,” Erhürman said.

“The Presidency Must Be Insistent on the Direct Trade Regulation”

Referring to the EU’s Green Line Regulation, Financial Aid Regulation, and Direct Trade Regulation, Erhürman reminded that all three were presented as a kind of “commitment” ahead of the 2004 referendums. “The Green Line and Financial Aid Regulations came into force, but after the Greek Cypriots joined the EU, the Direct Trade Regulation became subject to a veto and was never implemented. The Financial Aid Regulation was nearly suspended recently following an initiative by [Greek Cypriot leader Nikos] Christodoulides, but it was saved at the last minute,” he said.

Erhürman stressed that ensuring the continuity of the Financial Aid Regulation and directing its funds to the right areas is under the authority of the Presidency. He also pointed out that exports from the TRNC only cover 6 percent of imports, whereas in other island economies this figure is around 35-40 percent. “Seventy-two percent of our exports go to Turkey, about 10 percent are via the Green Line to the south, and the rest to other countries. Despite its small share, the Green Line is still our second largest export channel. There are unresolved issues and new problems that arise suddenly under the Green Line Regulation. The office that must insist on the Direct Trade Regulation is again the Presidency,” he said.

“We Will Produce Together”

Erhürman argued that for effective economic and financial coordination with Turkey, communication must be conducted directly at the presidential level. “Because of Turkey’s system, this kind of communication is only possible on the basis of reciprocity through the Presidency,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing the Immovable Property issue, which was initially prepared under the Presidency in 2005. “We must ensure that everyone lives a life worthy of human dignity, where work and effort are properly rewarded,” Erhürman said, pledging to prevent producers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, tourism professionals, and tradespeople from being crushed under unfair practices and regulations.

“We will stand on our own feet, produce together, grow the pie together, and share it fairly,” Erhürman concluded.