Erhürman: Technical Work on Cyprus Issue Began Over the Weekend

Speaking on BRT’s Manşet+ program he emphasized that technical work on the Cyprus negotiations began over the weekend and that administrative units and technical committees would soon be established, designed on a merit-based system representing all segments of society.

Reflecting on the recent election, Erhürman described the results as a clear expression of the public’s desire for change, noting that his victory was achieved with support from across the political spectrum. “This election has no losers,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to serve as a neutral president who represents the entire community, not just those who voted for him. He stressed that his campaign was built on inclusivity and dialogue, with no community left out.

Erhürman highlighted that he aims to be a president who listens more than he speaks, creating a freer and more open environment for public discussion. While the Cyprus issue remains a central concern, he acknowledged that voters were motivated by a range of issues beyond the negotiations. “During the campaign, certain topics were presented in a way that could have polarized society, but we focused on the content rather than the rhetoric, and this approach received widespread approval,” he said.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Erhürman stated that technical work began on Saturday, particularly targeting humanitarian matters such as the rights of children born to mixed marriages and other issues affecting daily life. He emphasized that these matters should not require international travel to address, suggesting that Nicosia itself should serve as a permanent and reliable channel for dialogue. Erhürman also stressed that border crossings between the communities should be handled with mechanisms that produce mutually beneficial outcomes, creating continuous consultation channels both at the leadership and technical negotiation levels.

On international relations and negotiations, Erhürman said that he will act in close consultation with Turkey and that his first official visit is planned for this weekend or early next week. He confirmed that he would also meet Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, asserting, “I will not avoid any diplomatic channel — the more diplomacy we engage in, the better it is for all parties.”

He further outlined the policy framework his administration will follow, emphasizing that political equality is a fundamental UN principle and not a negotiable matter. Referring to the four pre-negotiation parameters his party presented to international institutions during his tenure as CTP leader, Erhürman said, “These are not preconditions, but parameters fully compatible with UN resolutions. We will present these in detail during the initial discussions.” He clarified that if the UN were to reject their proposals, it would be seen as the UN rejecting its own principles, which he does not expect to occur.

Erhürman also addressed confidence-building measures, describing them as critical steps toward a full settlement. He noted that these measures are aimed at improving daily life, fostering trust between communities, and facilitating smoother interaction even before formal negotiations begin. “What may seem like simple measures are in fact crucial steps toward a lasting solution,” he said. He stressed that all initiatives undertaken by his administration will be results-oriented, ensuring tangible benefits for citizens on both sides.

Concluding the program, Erhürman said that his administration will rapidly form administrative units and technical committees based on merit, ensuring broad participation from all sectors of society. “Our technical committees and administrative structures will be designed to include representation from every segment of society, and we will move forward with efficiency and accountability from day one,” he added.

This approach, Erhürman said, reflects his broader vision of governance: transparent, inclusive, and focused on solutions that deliver practical results for the entire Turkish Cypriot community while maintaining strong diplomatic engagement with Turkey and international partners.