Erhurman on NTV: We Are Acting from the Same Position as Turkey on the Cyprus Issue

Speaking on NTV’s Special Interview programme hosted by Deniz Kilislioglu and Selim Sayari, Erhurman underlined that political equality based on the joint use of areas of shared sovereignty remains a common understanding between the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey.

Responding to a question on whether it was realistic to bring the Greek Cypriot side back to the negotiating table, Erhurman said the question itself was based on a flawed premise. He noted that the Cyprus problem has persisted for more than six decades and that the core struggle of Turkish Cypriots has been to prevent their sovereign rights from being bypassed.

Commenting on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, Erhurman said the Greece–Israel–South Cyprus energy corridor was neither financially nor politically feasible or sustainable. While noting that the project has received financial support from the European Union, he argued that the most logical route would be Turkey–Cyprus–Greece. He added that such projects could create interdependence within a broader search for a settlement, but warned that the ongoing deadlock in Cyprus also creates conditions for attempts to sideline Turkey, citing the GSI project as a concrete example.

Erhurman also outlined a four-point methodology for negotiations, emphasizing that his administration does not support “negotiations for the sake of negotiations” but instead seeks talks aimed at producing results. He said the framework focuses on political equality, a clear timetable, continuation of convergences, and a cost-based, outcome-oriented approach.

Referring to his meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General, Erhurman said he conveyed that leaders who cannot even open two crossing points on the island cannot realistically negotiate a comprehensive settlement. He explained that a phased negotiation model was envisaged, beginning with confidence-building measures and steps that would ease daily life for citizens as a symbolic demonstration of political will.

He distinguished between dialogue and formal negotiations, noting that the first stage should involve contact and confidence-building to establish common ground and define the rules of engagement, with negotiations constituting the final stage. He added that the UN Secretary-General also emphasized the need for a results-oriented process.

Assessing prospects for talks during the period in which South Cyprus holds the EU Council presidency, Erhurman said the Turkish Cypriot side would continue to demonstrate its will for a solution to all visiting diplomats and interlocutors.

On relations with Ankara, Erhurman said cooperation was productive and well-coordinated, reiterating that the two sides share the same core position on the Cyprus issue. He added that agreement had been reached on recognizing political equality through the joint use of shared sovereignty areas, describing this as a significant step toward a settlement.