CTP Sends Letter to Cuellar: Our Request is a Results-Oriented Solution Timetable on a Federal Basis

In the letter addressed to Holguin, CTP emphasized that its vision for Cyprus is a permanent federation based on political equality, fully compatible with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and parameters, and requested a "results-oriented solution timetable." The main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) has sent a letter to Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, the Personal Representative appointed by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, outlining the party's demands regarding the Cyprus issue.

In the letter addressed to Holguin, CTP emphasized that its vision for Cyprus is a permanent federation based on political equality, fully compatible with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and parameters, and requested a "results-oriented solution timetable."

According to a written statement from the party, the letter was delivered yesterday at Ledra Palace by Fikri Toros, CTP's Member of the Executive Committee Responsible for Foreign Relations, to Sergiy Illarionov, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative and Director of the Cyprus Peacekeeping Force.

The full text of the letter sent to Holguin is as follows:

"January 26, 2024

H.E. Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar,

Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General.

Your Excellency,

The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) is the oldest political party of the Turkish Cypriot Community, established in 1970. CTP is primarily known for its commitment to Peace, Democracy, and Justice in Cyprus since its establishment. Our vision for the island is a permanent federation based on political equality, fully compatible with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and parameters.

As the Leader of CTP, I am writing to you to congratulate you on your appointment as the Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus and to convey to you the views of my Party regarding the search for common ground on the path to a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue.

Please allow me to begin by expressing my deep concerns about the ongoing deadlock in the Cyprus peacebuilding process. This situation not only deepens the existing deadlock but also leads to developments that hinder the much-needed peace, stability, and security in the island and the region. The recent tragic events in Ukraine and Gaza remind us that political issues cannot be left unresolved. We firmly believe that the Cyprus issue is not an exception to this rule. Therefore, for the well-being of Cyprus and its people, a comprehensive solution to this longstanding problem is imperative.

The solution must be based on political equality, security, and functionality. Empathy, compromise, and forgiveness are indispensable elements of mutual respect that must be embraced among the parties to the solution. The aspirations of both communities should be addressed in terms of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, principles on which the European Union is founded. We believe that certain measures designed to strongly encourage and leverage both communities will be critically important for overcoming the impasse. Therefore, the general approach in the forthcoming process should be based on a timetable that is determined with a sense of urgency and is focused on results, ensuring the participation of leading civil society organizations in accordance with the principle of inclusivity. Given the fact that the continuation of the status quo is unacceptable and unsustainable, there must be a guarantee from the UN Secretary-General that there will be no return to the status quo.

After a review of the negotiation methods as outlined above, formal negotiations should continue adhering to all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and parameters, the Joint Statement of 11 February 2014, and all convergences reached until the Crans-Montana conference in 2017. Formal negotiations, which should begin with the aim of reaching a strategic political agreement to end the Cyprus issue, should be based on the framework outlined by the Secretary-General on 30 June 2017 and his statement of 25 November 2019.

Your Excellency,

The principle of political equality in relevant UN resolutions should be reflected as follows: "political equality, while not necessarily implying equal numerical participation in all organs and administration of the federal government, among others... effective participation of both communities in all organs and decisions of the federal government; assurances that the federal government will not take any action contrary to the interests of one community; and equal and identical powers and functions of the two federated states." (As stated in the UN General Assembly Report S/21183, 8 March 1990 and approved in UN Security Council resolutions 716 (1991) and 750 (1992)). Therefore, political equality of the two communities should be implemented not only in the Council of Ministers but also through rotational presidency and positive vote in federal bodies. In other words, political equality should not be limited solely to the "vital interests" of the communities.

In conclusion, I kindly request that you provide us with an opportunity to meet at your earliest convenience to discuss our views. In the meantime, I would like to assure you of our strong support and cooperation throughout your tenure. I want to express that your personal engagement encourages us, and we look forward to working together eagerly.

With Regards,

Tufan Erhürman,

Chairman,

Republican Turkish Party (CTP)"