Erhürman: “We Want Negotiations For A Solution, Not For The Sake Of Talks”

Speaking after the Political Parties Council meeting, Erhürman said the gathering addressed recent developments on Cyprus and the issue of the Immovable Property Commission (TMK).

The meeting, chaired by Erhürman, brought together UBP leader Ünal Üstel, CTP leader Sıla Usar İncirli, DP leader Fikri Ataoğlu, YDP leader Erhan Arıklı, HP leader Kudret Özersay, and TDP leader Zeki Çeler.

Erhürman said the UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ initiative is supported, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to contribute within its own framework. He referred to Guterres’ “this time must be different” approach following Crans-Montana, saying this should be reflected in the methodology of any new process.

He stressed that substance matters more than terminology, adding: “What will determine whether there is a solution is content.”

On a possible 5+1 meeting, Erhürman said the Turkish Cypriot position remains unchanged, arguing that confidence-building measures that can be resolved in Nicosia should not be transferred to a broader format. He said any 5+1 meeting must be properly prepared and guarantee concrete outcomes.

On the Immovable Property Commission, Erhürman said recent decisions by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers do not directly question its effectiveness, but are still significant. He called for strengthening the commission and said there was broad consensus among political parties on the issue.

Referring to developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Erhürman said there are two equal co-founding partners on the island and that unilateral steps do not alter legal status. He added that such moves complicate UN efforts to restart negotiations.

He reiterated that progress must follow a step-by-step approach, including confidence-building measures, agreed methodology, time-limited negotiations, and a final settlement process.