Erhürman Rejects Varosha-Famagusta Port Proposal: ‘This Is Not Something I Can Accept’

Speaking on the Er Meydanı programme on Genç TV, hosted by Mustafa Alkan, Erhürman discussed the Cyprus issue and explained his objections to the proposal.

Erhürman said Christodoulides had not submitted a written “19-point package” to him, but outlined the proposal involving the transfer of Varosha to United Nations administration and the opening of Famagusta Port to direct trade under EU supervision.

Erhürman Explains Why He Did Not Attend Trilateral Meeting in New York

Erhürman also explained why he had not participated in the trilateral meeting in New York, which had been discussed in the Greek Cypriot press alongside the Varosha-Famagusta Port proposal.

Stressing that he opposed negotiations being conducted merely for the sake of holding talks, Erhürman said: “I do not negotiate just for the sake of negotiating. I will not keep you at this table for another 10 years.”

‘Famagusta Port Is Already Open’

Explaining Christodoulides’ proposal, Erhürman said it involved transferring Varosha to UN administration within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions and opening Famagusta Port under EU control.

“Famagusta Port is already an open port. It is not a closed port. The problem with our ports is that we cannot engage in direct trade with the European Union,” Erhürman said.

He added that he had asked Christodoulides whether the proposal would involve implementing the EU’s Direct Trade Regulation, but had received a negative response.

Erhürman said the proposal did not envisage bringing the regulation into force, but rather initiating direct trade through Famagusta Port under EU control.

“Is this about bringing the Direct Trade Regulation into force? No, it is not the implementation of the regulation. It is about starting direct trade because the port would be under EU control,” he said.

‘Are These Balanced Proposals?’

Questioning the balance of the proposal, Erhürman asked why transferring Varosha to UN administration should be made conditional on the arrangements concerning Famagusta Port.

“Why is handing Varosha over to UN administration being made the counterpart to this? Are these balanced proposals?” he asked.

Erhürman also noted that the proposal was not new, recalling that a similar formula had been put forward in 2006, during Mehmet Ali Talat’s presidency.

“This formula was presented during Mr Talat’s presidency in 2006. Twenty years have passed, and now it is being presented as a new formula,” he said.

Reiterating his opposition, Erhürman said: “This is not something I can accept.”

He also recalled that Talat had rejected the proposal in 2006 and explained the reasons for his decision.