Incirli Welcomes Increased UN Momentum On Cyprus Solution Efforts

İncirli said they view the UN’s recent initiatives positively, noting that UN Secretary-General António Guterres appears to want to take meaningful steps towards a solution before the end of his term.

She said the UN has intensified its engagement following the completion of elections in the Greek Cypriot side, adding that the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, has also stepped up her contacts.

Although no concrete outcome has yet emerged, İncirli said there is an impression that progress towards a settlement may be possible, adding that the CTP is closely following the process and will support steps that benefit the Turkish Cypriot community.

On the negotiation process, İncirli stressed that “negotiations for the sake of negotiations” are not acceptable, adding that the process must be results-oriented.

She said the CTP supports the methodology put forward by President Erhürman, including safeguarding political equality, setting a clear timetable, and preserving the convergences reached up to Crans-Montana.

İncirli added that any process that fails must not lead back to the current status quo, a point she said her party has long defended.

Recalling key moments in the Cyprus peace process, she referred to the 2004 Annan Plan referendum and the 2017 Crans-Montana talks as examples of the Turkish Cypriot community’s repeated support for a solution. She also said the election of a pro-solution leader in the most recent presidential vote reflects this will.

She emphasized that the Cyprus issue is no longer only an intercommunal matter but also one that affects regional security, stability, and international relations, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean.

İncirli said a peaceful and stable environment in the region would benefit all sides, including Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Türkiye, Greece, and broader regional actors.

She warned that the cost of the current status quo is particularly heavy for Turkish Cypriots in political, economic, and social terms, stressing the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to a solution.

İncirli concluded that UN efforts should not be underestimated and said the CTP will continue to support initiatives aimed at achieving a settlement, while ensuring lessons from past negotiations inform any new process.