Erhurman: Entry Bans To Turkey Lifted For More Than 15 People

The two leaders held a nearly two-hour one-on-one meeting at the residence of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the buffer zone.

Speaking to the press afterward, Erhurman described the meeting as productive, constructive and positive.

He said the discussions focused on issues aimed at facilitating daily life and increasing contact between the two communities, emphasizing once again the symbolic and practical importance of opening new crossing points.

Erhurman noted that progress had been achieved on several issues included in the confidence-building measures package previously proposed by the Turkish Cypriot side.

One of the agreements reached concerned the establishment of a consultative mechanism aimed at increasing civil society participation in the process. Erhurman said the initiative had originally been discussed during a meeting held in New York on July 16-17, 2025, during the presidency of Ersin Tatar.

He said both sides had now agreed on the framework of the initiative and authorized representatives would begin joint work under the structure of the technical committees.

On religious freedoms, Erhurman said both sides had experienced difficulties concerning religious services and worship in recent months. He referred to issues surrounding visits to Hala Sultan Tekke for Turkish Cypriots and religious ceremonies in the north for Greek Cypriots, Maronites and Armenians.

He said the Turkish Cypriot side proposed preparing six-month schedules for religious ceremonies and worship in order to avoid last-minute disputes and allow problems to be resolved in advance. According to Erhurman, Christodoulides accepted the proposal.

Erhurman also said both sides agreed to continue coordination efforts regarding foot-and-mouth disease, which has affected both the north and south of the island, although he noted the disease had been largely brought under control in the north.

Another agreement involved the establishment of a subcommittee under the Economic and Commercial Affairs Committee to work on PDO/PGI matters, particularly halloumi/hellim.

He said the new body would bring together Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot representatives to work jointly on the issue.

Erhurman said these developments, while appearing small individually, could help create momentum in the broader process and strengthen communication between civil society groups.

He also pointed to what he described as progress on several previously proposed confidence-building measures, including eased traffic at the Metehan Crossing crossing point, the start of transit procedures in Bostanci and anticipated developments at Deryneia.

Erhurman further noted that a long-delayed agreement allowing Bureau Veritas to begin inspections related to halloumi production had finally been signed after five years, with inspections expected to start in June.

He reiterated his step-by-step approach to the Cyprus issue, saying the priority was to resolve issues that could be addressed in Nicosia before broader initiatives expected from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after June.

Asked about entry bans to Turkey, Erhurman confirmed that restrictions had been lifted for more than 15 individuals.

“Yes, such a development took place. I personally informed those individuals one by one,” he said.

Erhurman said the development occurred a few days ago and stressed that consultations and efforts on the matter would continue.

“This issue must be handled seriously and calmly. What was discussed can now be understood from the outcome,” he said.