Erhürman to EU: We Won’t Accept Ignoring Turkish Cypriots

Erhürman stated that he had read von der Leyen’s speech text carefully and noted that the island’s history was presented solely through a Byzantine lens, with Turkish Cypriots entirely ignored. “An account that suggests only Byzantium exists in the history of this island is unacceptable,” he said, adding that this narrative denied both the presence and the contributions of the Turkish Cypriot people.

“We Will Not Remain Silent To Preserve Relations”

Underlining that they do not subscribe to an attitude of silence for fear of damaging relations, Erhürman said they had instead adopted the principle of making such acts of exclusion visible at every platform. “We neither avoid dialogue nor refrain from speaking the truth when we engage,” he said.

Erhürman noted that in all contacts with EU officials they had clearly conveyed the need for confidence-building measures between the European Union and Turkish Cypriots, adding that this message would continue to be delivered with determination in future meetings.

“This Island Exists With The Turkish Cypriot People”

Recalling that they had repeatedly drawn attention to the political dimension of the Cyprus issue and the “anomaly” surrounding Cyprus within the EU, Erhürman said that even a reconsideration of this single speech by EU officials could be enlightening in terms of understanding many underlying realities.

Erhürman concluded his statement by saying: “The Turkish Cypriot people were here, are here, and will continue to exist on this island. Alongside dialogue, patience and composure, there is also determination. No one should overlook this.”