Erhürman: We Remain on the Same Course as Before the Election

Speaking during a live broadcast from the Presidency on BRT, moderated by Damla Soyalp, Erhürman answered questions from journalists Hüseyin Ekmekçi, Canan Onurer, Rasıh Reşat, and Güven Arıklı regarding his first month in office and the current agenda.

Erhürman stressed that all commitments made before the election are being followed, the proposed four-point methodology for Cyprus negotiations remains on the table, and the will of the Turkish Cypriot people will not be disregarded.

“WHAT WE SAID BEFORE THE ELECTION, WE WILL DO AFTER IT”

The President underlined that promises made prior to the election are being implemented and that steps promised during the campaign are being realized promptly. He noted that the National Security Council, the Political Parties Council, and bi-communal committees have convened, and emphasized that the Presidency functions as an “active office,” not merely a notary role.

10-POINT PRIORITY LIST AND 4-POINT METHODOLOGY

Erhürman recalled that the four-point methodology for the Cyprus negotiation process was announced before the election and shared with all parties during the first meeting, clarifying the distinction between discussion and negotiation tables. The 10-point priority list, he said, includes proposals beneficial not only for the Turkish Cypriot side but for both communities, citing the example of the Metehan Crossing Point.

“THE TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE ARE NOT JUST BENEFICIARIES; THEIR WILL MUST BE RECOGNIZED”

Erhürman emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots are one of the two founding partners on the island and that their sovereign rights will not be violated or ignored. He reacted to certain statements attributed to Greek Cypriot leader Christodoulides, describing them as “void” since they were not communicated at the negotiation table. He stressed the vital importance of the rotating presidency, recalling the Crans Montana talks, and insisting that this issue must be clarified from day one.

“THE CYPRUS ISSUE IS NO LONGER JUST A BI-COMMUNAL MATTER; IT IS AN INTERNATIONAL EQUATION”

The President highlighted that the Cyprus issue today is part of a wider international framework. He noted that military and political alignment between the U.S., Israel, Southern Cyprus, and Greece is altering regional balances. “Our process is not a tango; it’s a much larger line dance,” he said, stressing that the Turkish Cypriot community should not be treated as pawns but must have an active role on the international “chessboard.”

DOMESTIC POLITICS AND STATE FUNCTION: “SERIOUSNESS AND CONSULTATION ARE ESSENTIAL”

Erhürman discussed efforts to restore the long-disrupted working order of the state and ensure proper constitutional relationships between the executive, legislature, and presidency. Citing the two-year delay in the Theology College protocol reaching the Presidency, he stressed that international agreements are a matter of state reputation and should be consulted from the outset. He explained that this was the reason he referred the protocol to the Constitutional Court.

“CYPRUS AND THE REGION NEED LASTING PEACE”

The President expressed concern over potential spillover from ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts to the island, saying: “Tensions in the region are rising. Our duty is to establish a lasting solution and lasting peace in Cyprus.”

“THE WORLD IS UNFAIR, BUT CONSISTENCY DENIES OTHERS LEVERAGE”

Erhürman underlined the importance of consistency in international politics, stating: “The world is not a fair place. But if your arguments are consistent and resolute, you deny those who act unjustly any advantage. We will not make that mistake.” He reaffirmed that he will oppose any attempts to exclude the Turkish Cypriot community in dialogues between Turkey and the Greek Cypriot side.

“NOT A CONDITION, BUT WILL MUST BE SHOWN”

Regarding the 5+1 talks, Erhürman said attendance is not a precondition, but both sides must demonstrate their commitment. “I don’t want to impose conditions on what is prioritized, but if we attend, I want both communities to have achieved something and shown their will in Nicosia first,” he said.

“I DON’T NEGOTIATE JUST FOR THE SAKE OF NEGOTIATION”

The President emphasized that he seeks negotiations that lead to solutions, not meetings for formality’s sake: “I speak as someone who has spent years at negotiation tables: I do not want negotiations just for the sake of negotiation. I want negotiations that lead to a solution. I don’t want our children to waste years like we did.”

“AFTER DECEMBER 4, OUR MARAŞ ROADMAP WILL BE CLEARER”

Erhürman noted that if comprehensive negotiations begin, Maraş will be part of the process, but if talks do not start, Maraş could become a “game-changer.” He reminded that opening Maraş under UN supervision is stipulated in Security Council resolutions, and no resolution assigns Maraş to the Greek Cypriots. He added that the results of the Strasbourg vote will be decisive and that after December 4, the roadmap for Maraş will be clearer.