Erhürman: I Hope EU Response Will Guide Discussions on Confidence-Eroding Measures

Erhürman referred to a letter they sent to the European Commission on August 28 concerning attempts to have festivals and the Barcelona football school event cancelled.

In a social media post, Erhürman said the European Commission’s response referred to a 2004 decision by the EU Council aimed at ending the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

He said the response stated that civil society and private organizations that contribute to the socioeconomic development of Turkish Cypriots, particularly young people, and help establish closer relations between Turkish Cypriots and the EU are consistent with the objectives set out in the EU’s decision to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

“In short, the EU said that festivals and events such as the Barcelona football school event to be held in our country are not only not unlawful on the grounds that the ‘TRNC is not recognized,’ but, on the contrary, are consistent with the objectives set out in the EU’s decisions aimed at ending the isolation of Turkish Cypriots,” Erhürman said.

He said he hoped the response would serve as a guide both in discussions on the issue and in assessing the “confidence-eroding measures” that had been carried out.

Erhürman said they would continue working to help young people connect with the rest of the world.

“We will continue dialogue and diplomacy with all relevant parties,” he said.