Arıklı: We'll Block Federation Talks and Strip Erhürman’s Negotiating Authority

Speaking to Hüseyin Ekmekçi on Haber Kıbrıs, Arıklı stated that Erhürman would encounter conflicts with the TRNC government if he won the presidential election.

Referring to the parliament’s recent decision endorsing a “two-state solution,” Arıklı emphasized that Erhürman would not have the authority to negotiate a federal settlement and, if necessary, the government would strip him of his negotiating powers.

Arıklı said that if Tufan Erhürman wins the presidential election, he will face serious conflicts with the TRNC government. Referring to the parliament’s recent decision supporting a “two-state solution,” he stated that Erhürman would not have the authority to negotiate a federation and, if necessary, the government would revoke his negotiating mandate.

“The Two-State Solution We Advocate Is a Confederal Model”
Arıklı emphasized that the Rebirth Party’s founding manifesto has always included a two-state solution, adding that the party began its political journey with the view that “the federation model is a grave for Turkish Cypriots.” He explained that the two-state solution they support is, in essence, a confederal system based on sovereign equality.

“This is not about saying, ‘You go your way, I go mine,’” Arıklı said, noting that the model envisions two states transferring some powers—such as air and sea transport, meteorology, and defense—to a central government. He cited Switzerland as one of the best examples of this model.

On the issue of territory, Arıklı said that the principle should be “return, exchange, and compensation.” He added that the property matter has effectively been addressed through the Immovable Property Commission, and that sufficient funding for the commission would allow the issue to resolve itself. Arıklı argued that had the two-state or confederal model been pursued instead of federation talks over the past 50 years, the Cyprus problem would have long been resolved.

“Erhürman Only Performed a Show and Then Left”
Arıklı criticized CTP leader Tufan Erhürman for avoiding debate in parliament, saying they had expected a longer and more substantive discussion. “We waited for Tufan Hoca to speak so we could question each other afterward. But he gave his speech, put on a show, and then left,” he said.

Arıklı warned that if Erhürman were elected, a clash between the government and the presidency would be inevitable. He stressed that the authority to conduct negotiations is granted by parliament and can be withdrawn if necessary. Arıklı added that despite repeatedly asking what Erhürman planned to do given Turkey’s clear stance that “the federation file is closed,” he never received an answer.

“Opening Varosha to Former Users Will Happen This Term”
Addressing the issue of Varosha (Maraş), Arıklı said one of his party’s key goals is to open the area for the resettlement of its former users. “We will do this during this term, God willing,” he said, indicating that this step will be implemented under the new government as a reflection of the two-state policy.

“We’ve Closed the Gap and Are Now Leading by 1–2 Points”
Arıklı also shared details about election surveys and fieldwork, claiming that Erhürman had a seven-point lead at the start of the campaign but that his party has since closed the gap and now leads by one or two points. He said both their own polls and the atmosphere on the ground confirm this trend, predicting that the election will be decided in the first round with a margin of one to two points.

He noted that while supporters of the National Unity Party (UBP) often appear quiet until the final days of campaigning, they remain loyal and vote for their party on election day—something he expects to happen again in this election.