Erhürman: 'I Am More Hopeful Today Than I Was Before the Secretary-General's Visit'

Erhürman described Guterres' visit as an important and positive development, saying the first visit by a UN Secretary-General to the island in 16 years demonstrated the importance the United Nations attaches to the Cyprus issue.

He noted that Guterres was accompanied by a high-level UN delegation and held separate meetings with both Christodoulides and himself, which he said underscored that both leaders were being engaged on an equal footing under the UN framework.

Although the trilateral meeting produced neither a new crossing point nor any concrete agreement, Erhürman said the discussions had been positive.

He recalled that the Turkish Cypriot side has long argued that confidence-building measures should be implemented before formal negotiations begin, adding that Guterres' view that "this time things must be different" reflected a new methodology for the process.

Erhürman said the Secretary-General's meetings with the bicommunal technical committees and his emphasis on confidence-building measures were evidence of this new approach, stressing that the methodology should not be viewed as a political victory for either side.

He said the Turkish Cypriot side has long advocated alternative approaches to achieving a settlement and that the UN has now embraced this understanding.

Focus on Results-Oriented Process

Referring to a possible expanded 5+1 meeting, Erhürman said the guarantor powers would be involved in the process and that the Turkish Cypriot side would continue to work in close consultation with Turkey.

"Our goal is not negotiations for the sake of negotiations," he said, adding that both the UN and the Turkish Cypriot side favour a results-oriented process.

Erhürman said he did not view the absence of a confirmed date for the expanded meeting negatively.

"I am more hopeful today than I was before the Secretary-General's visit," he said, adding that the most important reason was that the commitment to "doing things differently this time" had now evolved into a concrete methodology.

Property, Isolations and Security Discussed

Erhürman said the issue of journalist Yasa Yeşilada being summoned for questioning in southern Cyprus was also raised during the meeting.

While noting that the measure was not an arrest warrant but a summons to give a statement, he said its timing ahead of the Secretary-General's visit was striking and warned that such actions could undermine confidence and negatively affect crossings between the two sides.

He added that issues relating to mixed marriages, citizenship rights, sports-related isolations and broader restrictions imposed on Turkish Cypriots were also discussed.

Erhürman said the Turkish Cypriot side also raised concerns over recent military activities and arms acquisitions by the Greek Cypriot administration, warning that they could negatively affect the island's security environment.

'We Want a 5+1 Meeting That Produces Results'

Erhürman said Guterres remains in close contact with the guarantor countries and recalled that the Secretary-General had expressed confidence in their support for convening an expanded 5+1 meeting, provided sufficient preparation is completed.

"We have always said that we do not want negotiations simply for the sake of negotiations, nor a 5+1 meeting just to hold a meeting," Erhürman said.

"If there is to be a 5+1 meeting, it should be one that is guaranteed to produce results. If negotiations resume, they must finally lead us to a settlement."

He welcomed Guterres' emphasis on a successful and outcome-oriented process, saying it strengthened confidence that future talks would not become another inconclusive exercise.

Call for Regular Meetings With Christodoulides

Erhürman also revealed that, in Guterres' presence, he told Christodoulides he was prepared to meet him once a week.

He said the Turkish Cypriot side's performance in the coming months would help determine how soon an expanded 5+1 meeting could take place.

While acknowledging that no agreement had been reached on a transitional period or its details, he said discussions on methodology had created a clearer framework for moving forward.

'We Now Have a Road Map'

Erhürman said growing regional security risks make a Cyprus settlement increasingly important not only for the island but also for wider regional peace and stability.

He added that he was not disappointed by the absence of major announcements following Guterres' visit.

"We have now clarified certain issues. I now see a road map ahead of us," he said.

Erhürman said he believes meaningful progress is possible if there is sufficient political will on both sides, adding that he does not consider the prospect of an expanded 5+1 meeting taking place before the end of Guterres' term in office to be a remote possibility.

"It is by no means guaranteed," he said, "but I believe the chances are very high."