Erhürman: We Need A Solution; Christodoulides Also Said The Current Situation Is Unsustainable

Erhürman appeared on the “Günaydın Kıbrıs” programme hosted by Serhat İncirli on Kanal SİM.

“THE ISSUE SHOULD BE DISCUSSED THROUGH CONTENT, NOT LABELS OR DEFINITIONS”

Responding to a question on Turkey’s “two-state solution” approach, Erhürman argued that the post-Crans-Montana framework based on sovereign equality and equal international status has not been sufficiently debated or filled with concrete substance.

He said Turkey’s position represents a conceptual framework, adding: “How much of this has been filled with substance and properly discussed? In my view, not enough.”

Erhürman stressed that he has maintained the same position before and after elections, insisting that content is more important than terminology. “You can name it whatever concept you prefer. But when you examine the substance, you may find it does not deliver what you expect,” he said, reiterating his four-point methodology.

“CYPRUS SECURITY IS AN ISSUE WHERE TURKISH CYPRIOTS ARE AS SOVEREIGN AS GREEK CYPRIOTS”

Erhürman said Turkish Cypriots are equally sovereign with Greek Cypriots in six key areas: natural gas links, electricity interconnections, hydrocarbons, energy, trade routes, and maritime jurisdiction areas.

He stressed that decisions on Cyprus’ security concern the entire island and therefore require equal Turkish Cypriot participation.

He also noted that his administration works in full coordination with Turkey, adding: “We want negotiations because we want a solution.”

“MIXED MARRIAGE CASES SHOULD BE RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY”

Responding to questions on citizenship and mixed marriages, Erhürman said individuals affected by mixed marriages should be granted identity documents without waiting for a settlement.

He argued that children of such unions are entitled to EU citizenship and referred to international reports describing their treatment as discriminatory.

Erhürman also shared examples from visits in the Karpaz region, saying he met individuals born and raised on the island who were still denied citizenship due to parental origin.

He said delays of more than a decade were still being reported in citizenship applications, calling the situation unacceptable.

“INTERNATIONAL REPORTS AND OFFICIAL JUSTIFICATIONS DO NOT ALWAYS MATCH”

Erhürman said there are inconsistencies between official explanations and findings in EU reports regarding citizenship applications.

He noted that while authorities often cite “illegal port entry” as justification, public explanations sometimes focus on the non-recognition of marriages performed in the Turkish Cypriot administration.

He also referenced European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence, stating that private legal transactions should be recognized independently of political status issues.

INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS

Erhürman said he regularly raises the issue of mixed marriages in meetings with ambassadors and international interlocutors, stressing the importance of consistency in foreign policy messaging.

He recalled UN reports under former Secretary-General Kofi Annan on lifting restrictions on Turkish Cypriots and said these remain an important reference point in international advocacy.

He added that he has not yet visited Brussels, noting that they are waiting for the end of the European Union Presidency held by the Greek Cypriot side.

“THE STATUS QUO IS NOT SUSTAINABLE”

Erhürman reiterated: “We need a solution. Fortunately, Kathimerini and President Nikos Christodoulides have also said this situation is not sustainable. I appreciate that.”

He said the current situation is unsustainable for both communities and stressed that a settlement is necessary for everyone on the island.

He repeated his call for “negotiations for a solution, not negotiations for the sake of negotiations,” saying he maintains this approach in coordination with Turkey.

“TURKEY RELATIONS ARE STABLE AND COORDINATED”

Asked about relations with Turkey, Erhürman said he is in regular contact with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and visiting Turkish officials.

He said he does not feel any tension or misunderstanding in bilateral relations and emphasized that all steps on the Cyprus issue are taken in consultation with Turkey.

“NO HARM IN HOLDING TWO ELECTIONS ON THE SAME DAY”

Commenting on the possibility of holding general and local elections on the same day, Erhürman said he does not support the idea, describing it as administratively and technically problematic.

He warned that such a move could overload the election system and create risks for electoral integrity, particularly during vote counting.

Erhürman concluded that his remarks were based on technical and democratic concerns rather than political considerations.