Independence Path Calls on Erhürman to Advance Maronite Village Return

Independence Path has urged President Tufan Erhürman to adopt a constructive approach to the Cyprus settlement ahead of his meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday.

In a statement, the party recalled Presidential Undersecretary Mehmet Dana’s remarks that the meeting would help prepare the ground for a new and results-oriented 5+1 meeting, and that the Turkish Cypriot side would contribute to the process in a sincere, constructive and determined manner.

The party said the meeting was expected to focus on confidence-building measures and methodology, but expressed concern that confidence-building measures could become limited to a framework in which both sides seek to impose their own priorities on the other.

“The Interests of All People Must Be Considered”

Independence Path said that if the Cyprus problem is to be resolved on a federal basis and an environment of peace, trust, cooperation and renewed reconciliation is to be created between the communities, representatives at the negotiating table must take into account the interests of all people living on the island.

“If both negotiators act at the table by prioritising unilateral interests, this will increase competition and tension rather than build trust,” the statement said.

The party argued that Erhürman’s repeated emphasis on the importance of confidence-building measures could have a divisive rather than unifying effect if he focused solely on demands on behalf of Turkish Cypriots, even if that was not his intention.

Against this backdrop, Independence Path said the long-standing issue of allowing Maronites to return to their villages could serve as a constructive confidence-building measure.

The party called on Erhürman to pursue such steps as part of efforts to build trust and create a more inclusive basis for the Cyprus settlement process.