Erhürman: I Oppose Wrongdoing on Both Sides of the Property Issue

President Tufan Erhürman has defended his recent remarks on the Cyprus property issue after facing criticism, saying key parts of his comments had been overlooked.

In a written statement, Erhürman said he rarely feels the need to clarify comments made during television appearances but decided to do so because some observers had ignored two central points he repeatedly made during the interview.

He said he had clearly stated that, as both a lawyer and an individual, he neither wanted nor approved of the actions being discussed.

Erhürman said the relevant section of the interview, available on the Presidency's official platform, showed that he had explicitly stated he did not wish for, seek or support such measures.

The President said he does not view issues such as missing persons, the violence experienced during the Cyprus conflict or property disputes solely through the suffering of Turkish Cypriots, but also rejects approaches that focus exclusively on the suffering of Greek Cypriots.

"I have always opposed wrongdoing related to property issues in the north, just as I have opposed wrongdoing in the south. I will continue to do so," he said.

Erhürman also criticised the use of arrest warrants and witness summonses in property-related cases, arguing that no individual should be treated as though they were personally responsible for the Cyprus problem.

"As someone who seeks a solution rather than tension on this island, I cannot regard such actions as justified or as confidence-building measures," he said.

He also reiterated his longstanding opposition to reciprocal arrests or imprisonment in response to similar actions.

Concluding his statement, Erhürman said he does not want, support or consider it right for anyone from either the north or the south to be arrested or to live under the threat of arrest because of the unresolved property issue.

"I never want it, never wish for it, never seek it, never desire it, and I do not believe it is the right thing to do," he said.