Erhürman Urges New Approach to Cyprus Talks, Says ‘This Time It Will Be Different’

Erhürman said the message from the public is a strong desire for a solution, adding that he also carries this will and that the objective is to reach a settlement. He noted that this message must be correctly interpreted and does not imply a process without substance, stating: “We want negotiations not for the sake of negotiations, but to reach a solution.”

He emphasized the need to learn from past experiences and ensure that confidence-building measures and methodological stages are not skipped.

Referring to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Erhürman said interest in the Cyprus issue continues, noting that a new initiative is expected from July. He said this should not be seen as a new plan, but rather as the Secretary-General’s intention to become directly engaged again.

Erhürman also underlined that contacts with the Organization of Turkic States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the European Union are important not only for a Cyprus settlement but also for lifting restrictions and enabling the Turkish Cypriot people to engage directly with the world.

Commenting on the opening of crossing points and the anniversaries of the 2004 referendum, Erhürman described the opening of crossings on 23 April 2003 as a turning point in Cyprus history, while calling the 24 April 2004 referendum process an important lesson from a missed major settlement opportunity.

President Tufan Erhürman made the remarks in response to questions from the Turkish Cypriot News Agency (TAK).

“We Had A Useful And Productive Meeting With President Erdoğan”

Assessing his contacts at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Erhürman said that even in a period marked by ongoing global conflicts and a heavy international agenda, the Cyprus issue continues to attract attention from international actors. He noted contacts at various levels with Turkey, the Organization of Turkic States, the United Nations, the European Union, and other countries.

He described his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul ahead of the forum as positive, useful, and productive, saying it provided an opportunity to coordinate recent developments on the Cyprus issue.

Erhürman also highlighted Erdoğan’s remarks at a dinner held in honour of the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly, particularly his reference to the need for a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, ongoing since 1963, as well as calls for lifting restrictions. He recalled that these references were based on the UN Secretary-General’s Annan Report following the 2004 referendum.

“There Is A World Beyond The Negotiation Table”

Referring to his contacts with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Erhürman said they are continuing the four main approaches he outlined before the election.

He said efforts to lift restrictions will continue in parallel with negotiations, and that engagement with the international community will continue beyond the negotiation table.

He noted that observer status within the Organization of Turkic States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation should translate into stronger political, cultural, sporting, and economic engagement.

Erhürman added that relations with the European Union should not be limited solely to the Cyprus issue, stating that in his meetings with EU representatives and member state ambassadors he not only explained the Cyprus issue but also emphasized the need for confidence-building measures between the EU and the Turkish Cypriot side.

He said he also raised the issues of lifting restrictions and enabling the Turkish Cypriot community to engage directly with the world.

“Guterres’ Strong Interest Continues”

Recalling his meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo in Antalya, Erhürman said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres continues to show strong interest in the Cyprus issue despite approaching the end of his term.

He noted that following elections in the south of Cyprus and the completion of the EU Council presidency period, a new initiative by Guterres is expected by the end of June. He said this should not be interpreted as a new plan, but rather as the Secretary-General signalling his renewed direct engagement.

“This Time It Will Be Different”

Erhürman said the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriot community wants a solution, and that this message must be correctly understood. Referring to his four-point methodology, he stressed that Turkish Cypriots are not willing to relinquish their rights regarding political equality, equal founding partnership, energy, and security.

He said the methodology is not a precondition or unilateral list of demands, but rather a framework developed based on lessons from failed past negotiations. The aim, he said, is not “negotiations for the sake of negotiations,” but a structure that leads to a solution.

Erhürman added that the process should follow a step-by-step approach, noting that trust has not improved since Crans-Montana in 2017 and has instead weakened due to lost time and new tensions. He stressed the need for concrete steps to rebuild trust between leaders and communities.

“Our effort is not to appear to be working, but to actually work,” he said. “We are committed to a solution-oriented process.”

“Halloumi Is A Joint Product”

Erhürman noted that a new bilateral meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Hristodulidis is planned for the end of the month, adding that some progress has been achieved in confidence-building measures.

He said progress has been made regarding the Metehan crossing point and seyrüsefer procedures in Bostancı, with further developments expected.

On halloumi, he said an important step had been taken with the signing of an agreement after five years of waiting, but stressed this does not mean exports will begin immediately. He noted ongoing issues regarding small ruminant milk ratios exist on both sides and called for a special subcommittee under a bicommunal technical committee or economic technical committee.

“Halloumi is a joint product, and problems should be addressed jointly,” he said.

He also raised concerns regarding EU animal health criteria, noting inconsistencies in application between the two sides.

“2004 Was A Lost Opportunity For The Entire Island”

Marking the anniversaries of the opening of crossing points and the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, Erhürman said the 2003 opening of crossings was a major turning point in Cyprus history, transforming daily life across the island.

He said the 2004 referendum represented a major missed opportunity that resulted in a significant loss for the entire island, adding that had a solution been reached then, life today would be very different.

Domestic Issues And Digital Media Access

On domestic issues, Erhürman said he had consistently called for dialogue regarding cost-of-living measures, stressing the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches.

Regarding recent social media access issues affecting media outlets, he said he had contacted both the Information Technologies and Communication Authority and Meta’s Turkey office, noting that positive progress had been made in some cases.