Erhürman: We Support UN Chief’s Efforts, Will Not Allow Another Disappointment

Erhürman said, “We are ready to negotiate for a solution, but we will not be part of open-ended processes that lead nowhere.”

President Erhürman stated that the Turkish Cypriot people’s will for a solution has been clearly expressed on many occasions, adding that they support the UN Secretary-General’s efforts in line with this position.

He noted that the UN Secretary-General was expected to launch a new initiative following elections in the south of Cyprus and the end of the EU Council presidency period, a development they had already signalled months earlier.

Erhürman said that while there was considerable debate in the Greek Cypriot media and among officials, much of it was unfounded, adding that his side was communicating its position to all relevant parties in a consistent and structured manner.

“We are not negotiating for the sake of negotiations; we are negotiating for a solution,” he said, stressing that they would not enter a process that was open-ended or risk returning to square one.

He referred to the “deep disappointments” experienced by the Turkish Cypriot people in 2004 and 2017, stating: “We will not allow a new disappointment in 2026.”

Erhürman added that while various ideas were being discussed internationally, none had yet reached a level of maturity suitable for meaningful public debate.

He noted that in any potential “5+1” format, final decision-making would rest with the two sides and the three guarantor powers, with the Turkish Cypriot people being an essential party to the process.

Erhürman concluded by saying they would continue to approach the issue seriously and consistently, without promoting despair or engaging in unrealistic optimism, adding: “Our people should remain reassured.”