Erhürman: We Want a Solution, Not the Appearance of One

Speaking at the official parade in Nicosia marking the 52nd anniversary of the July 20 Peace Operation, Erhürman said Turkish Cypriots would never give up their rights, equality or security on the island.

"We do not want negotiations for the sake of negotiations or a 5+1 meeting for the sake of holding one," he said, adding that any future process must be result-oriented, in line with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for a different approach.

Erhürman reiterated that Turkish Cypriots are one of the island's two equal constituent partners and "have never been and will never become a minority."

Referring to the events preceding the 1974 intervention, he said the Cyprus problem did not begin on July 20, but should also be viewed in the context of the intercommunal violence between 1963 and 1974 and the Greek junta-backed coup of July 15, 1974.

He argued that without Turkey's military intervention alongside Turkish Cypriot fighters, the coup would have posed an existential threat not only to Turkish Cypriots but also to Greek Cypriots opposed to the junta.

Erhürman said Turkish Cypriots have consistently demonstrated their commitment to a settlement, pointing to the 2004 Annan Plan referendum and the 2017 Crans-Montana talks as examples of their willingness to reach an agreement.

He criticized what he described as continued international isolation of Turkish Cypriots despite previous commitments by the United Nations, the European Union and the Council of Europe following the 2004 referendum.

"The Turkish Cypriot people exist on this island, and they will not accept being ignored or treated as if they do not exist," he said.

Calling for confidence-building measures before launching any new negotiations, Erhürman warned against repeating past mistakes.

"If we are to try again, it must be different this time. Let us first take meaningful steps to build trust and establish the rules of the process before negotiations begin, instead of creating another disappointment," he said.

He also stressed that his administration is coordinating closely with Turkey while supporting the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Erhürman said unresolved political issues should not be used to deny Turkish Cypriots their fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, participation in international sports and cultural activities, and equal treatment.

He also criticized what he described as attempts to impose criminal liability on individuals over unresolved property disputes resulting from the Cyprus conflict.

Highlighting the capabilities of the Turkish Cypriot community, Erhürman expressed confidence in the country's future.

"We have a beautiful country and highly qualified people. By prioritizing justice, merit and hard work, we can build a stronger future and leave our children a better country than the one we inherited," he said.

Concluding his address, Erhürman paid tribute to Dr. Fazıl Küçük, founding president Rauf Raif Denktaş, former Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, former Deputy Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, as well as those who lost their lives during the conflict.

"Let the whole world hear this once again: As the Turkish Cypriot people, we have always existed on this island, we exist today, and we will continue to exist even more strongly in the future," he said.