cyprus negotiations — cyprus negotiations — Tufan Erhurman has outlined four key stipulations crucial for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem, ahead of United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin’s arrival on the island. The Turkish Cypriot leader expressed his views on Sunday, emphasising the need for these stipulations to pave the way for productive discussions.
Cyprus negotiations: Erhurman’s Four Stipulations
The four stipulations proposed by Erhurman, often labelled as “preconditions”—a term he finds unappealing—are as follows:
- The Greek Cypriot side must accept political equality.
- Negotiations should have a set time limit.
- All past agreements must be preserved.
- The UN must guarantee that any embargoes on Turkish Cypriots are lifted if the Greek Cypriot side withdraws from the negotiations.
Political Equality as a Core Issue
Erhurman reiterated that the acceptance of political equality is vital for achieving a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue. He stated, “My experience regarding the intractability of the Cyprus problem is very clear to me. Throughout my political life, I have seen, thought, and explained that the biggest obstacle to a solution is the Greek Cypriot leadership’s refusal to accept political equality.”
He further explained that his insistence on political equality stems from a desire to avoid past disappointments in negotiations. “If negotiations begin, I do not want them to end in disappointment,” he added. “I want negotiations for the sake of a solution, not negotiations for the sake of negotiations.”
Public Sentiment for a Solution
Erhurman highlighted the widespread desire among Turkish Cypriots for a genuine resolution to the conflict. “A very large segment of my people wants a solution, and so do I,” he stated. He believes that any agreement lacking political equality would not be viewed as a legitimate solution by his constituents.
He affirmed, “Nothing has changed in this regard, and nothing will change,” indicating a firm stance on the necessity of political equality in any future negotiations.
Upcoming Meetings with UN Envoy
Maria Angela Holguin is scheduled to meet with both Erhurman and Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday, followed by a trilateral meeting on Wednesday. Erhurman expressed hope that Holguin’s visit would “yield concrete results aimed at creating the atmosphere for a solution.”
In preparation for these meetings, Erhurman has requested that technical-level work be expedited. “In line with our results-oriented approach, our request is that the technical-level work be accelerated before that meeting,” he said.
Future Outlook for Negotiations
Looking ahead, an enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem is expected to be convened in the weeks following Holguin’s visit. This meeting will include representatives from the island’s two sides, the three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—and the UN.
Following a previous tripartite meeting, a joint statement was released, emphasising that “the real aim is the solution of the Cyprus problem with political equality as described by the United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
This statement also included discussions on trust-building initiatives and new ideas aimed at fostering cooperation between the two communities.
A Collaborative Effort
Both sides have agreed to focus on achieving new agreements promptly, particularly regarding the opening of new crossing points, the halloumi issue, and the construction of pipelines from the Mia Milia water treatment plant. Christodoulides noted that the previous meeting had taken place in a “very good atmosphere,” suggesting a willingness to engage positively moving forward.
As the negotiations approach, the emphasis remains on the need for political equality, a central tenet that Erhurman is keen to uphold. His firm stance reflects not only his political convictions but also the sentiments of many Turkish Cypriots who yearn for a meaningful resolution to the longstanding dispute.
