Erhürman: Four-Point Framework for Comprehensive Negotiations Submitted to UN

Erhürman held a press briefing at the Presidential Palace after the first official meeting with Hristodulidis. He described the initial session as “sincere, positive, and constructive,” noting that the meeting lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes with delegations, plus 15 minutes of one-on-one discussion.

Both sides presented their views during the meeting. Erhürman added that the United Nations (UN) Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin Cuéllar will meet him on December 5 and Hristodulidis on December 6, followed by a tripartite session.

“Efforts Must Be Made to Create a Solution Atmosphere”

Erhürman emphasized the need to actively foster a solution-oriented atmosphere on the island. “We gave our representatives full authority. They will meet regularly to discuss the positions we have outlined and any issues that arise over time. We also agreed to maintain constant communication by phone if needed,” he said.

He noted that the matters discussed between former President Ersin Tatar and Hristodulidis in New York remain on the table and that the TRNC will continue efforts to resolve them. Erhürman stressed that achieving preliminary agreements before any potential 5+1 meeting, and ideally before Holguin’s visit, would be beneficial for both the forthcoming discussions and creating a conducive environment for a solution. Priority areas for early agreement include opening new crossing points and activating a solar energy project.

10-Point Proposal to Foster a Solution Atmosphere

Erhürman outlined the 10-point proposal presented to Hristodulidis, which includes:

1. Citizenship rights for children of mixed marriages and allowing spouses to drive in the south.

2. Facilitating movement of certain TRNC-born individuals to the south.

3. Increasing the number of booths at Metehan crossing to three with permanent staff.

4. Introducing navigation passes at Bostancı and Derinya crossings.

5. Organizing friendly matches for children under 14 through the Youth Technical Committee.

6. Joint visits by the two leaders to the Committee on Missing Persons.

7. Addressing arrests and trials related to property disputes.

8. Resolving bureaucratic challenges in trade conducted under the Green Line Regulation.

9. Signing a contract with Bureau Veritas Paris for Halloumi and establishing a new technical committee.

10. Re-establishing the EU Ad-Hoc Committee abolished after Crans-Montana and establishing a communication channel between the TRNC and Greek Cypriot security forces, as well as jointly attending the start of road widening works in the Metehan buffer zone.

Four-Point Methodology Proposal for Comprehensive Negotiations

Erhürman also shared, for the first time officially, a four-point methodology proposal regarding the comprehensive settlement process. He stressed that he does not want to attend a 5+1 meeting empty-handed, emphasizing the importance of achieving tangible results unlike past meetings in Geneva and New York.

He added that the Greek Cypriot side will assume the EU Council Presidency starting January 1, 2026, but that this will not serve as an excuse to delay progress on the Cyprus issue.

Agreement on Methodology Required Before Comprehensive Talks

Erhürman clarified that until consensus is reached on the four methodological proposals, no comprehensive negotiations will take place. He stressed that these proposals are not preconditions but methods to ensure the process progresses differently than in the past.

Commitment to Constructive Engagement

When asked about sincerity, Erhürman described the meeting atmosphere as genuine and stressed that both sides agreed to avoid prejudiced or accusatory approaches. He emphasized that past disputes or sensitive issues, such as military agreements or developments in the Committee on Missing Persons, may still require commentary outside the negotiation table.

Representative Appointed to Oversee the Process

Erhürman announced that his Chief of Staff, Mehmet Dânâ, a seasoned diplomat, will oversee the process, noting that without comprehensive negotiations, he does not consider it appropriate to designate a “special envoy.”

Prioritized Issues for Initial Discussions

Erhürman stated that while there are no strict priorities, the 10-point package represents issues that can be implemented relatively easily and will contribute to a constructive atmosphere. These include:

• Citizenship and rights for children of mixed marriages

• Triple-booth arrangement at Metehan crossing

• Implementation of navigation permits at Bostancı and Derinya crossings

• U14 youth friendly football matches

• Joint visits to the Committee on Missing Persons

• Addressing arrests related to property disputes

• Resolving trade difficulties under the Green Line Regulation

• Signing a Halloumi contract with Bureau Veritas

• Re-establishing the EU Ad-Hoc Committee

• Establishing a communication channel between TRNC and Greek Cypriot security forces

Erhürman concluded by stressing that if this process is to be different from previous attempts, “the difference must be visible,” and the four methodological proposals incorporated into UN frameworks are central to achieving that.