Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has proposed four new checkpoints from Mia Milia to Pyroi and Louroujina, but refuses to name his preferred solution model until negotiation procedures are locked down.
Erhürman told Yeni Düzen newspaper and Sim television that talks are centred on reinstating “common powers” based on political equality across six key sectors: hydrocarbons, energy, maritime zones, trade routes, security and EU citizenship.
“Hydrocarbons, energy, maritime zones, trade routes, security and EU citizenship: these are common competences that were taken from us. I don’t intend to act alone in these areas. These powers must be used jointly based on political equality,” he said.
He insisted he won’t name the solution model until methodology is finalised. “I won’t name the form of the solution for now. Because I don’t want to disrupt my methodology.” Going into substance before completing methodology preparations would be wrong, he added.
Simply naming the model wouldn’t create progress, Erhürman said. “Does the problem end when it’s accepted as a federation? On the contrary, you haven’t discussed absolutely anything. Let’s take the right steps and let those define it.”
He argued that willingness to solve the conflict shouldn’t only be judged at the negotiating table but through daily political actions. “We should also be assessed by what we do outside the table regarding whether we want a solution or not,” he said, pointing to confidence-building measures.
Erhürman warned that those seeking a solution must act realistically, stating Turkey’s involvement is unavoidable. “For everyone in this country who wants a solution, including me, we must know that a solution against Turkey is technically impossible.” Turkish Cypriots never had a “president” who negotiated “against Turkey,” he said.
On checkpoints, he stressed Nicosia needs a second vehicle checkpoint and said they’re mapping four checkpoints from Mia Milia to Pyroi and Louroujina.
“Opening a new checkpoint is not economically beneficial for Turkish Cypriots. But that doesn’t concern me at all. What concerns me is that our people don’t suffer at the checkpoints.”
Asked about claims the American president would intervene in Cyprus, Erhürman dismissed them as rumours with nothing official behind them.
The Cyprus problem is bi-communal but has become more international, he said, with guarantor powers legally at the table and other regional and international powers present.
“Outside solution” approaches won’t work, he said. “We hear the rumours, but there’s nothing like that in official contacts.”
His proposal for Under-14 football teams from both sides to play a match was rejected because Greek Cypriot teams belong to international federations and would face problems, he said.
On children from mixed marriages, Erhürman said he raised the issue with ambassadors, showing documents, and called it a “flagrant violation.” “There is extreme political inequality here. Therefore, we are quickly taking measures for our children who are victims of mixed marriages.” EU officials he met agreed the situation wasn’t normal, he said.
President Christodoulides did not raise the Imagine educational programme, Erhürman said.
On “parliamentary” and “local elections” scheduled for January 2027 and December 2026, Erhürman said the timing creates problems and weakens the “government’s” ability to function.
“It would be a very serious waste of time for the government’s work. It could also affect voter behaviour. Therefore, I don’t think it’s right to have two electoral contests so close together. I have no legal authority beyond this.”
Erhürman said he’s raised the Turkish Cypriot entry ban to Turkey with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz in every meeting. “I don’t know if these codes will be abolished or not. But because my citizens are involved, I must know at least the reason.” He’s started a process and is waiting for results.
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