Erhürman: Cyprus Problem Cannot Be Solved Without the Federation Model

Speaking on the Sabah Postası program on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Erhürman pointed out that the solution to the Cyprus problem has always been discussed within the framework of a federation, and no alternative agreement has been addressed in official talks thus far.

Erhürman stated that without the federation model, no official negotiations could take place, and any meetings would only be informal discussions. He recalled that the Turkish Cypriot side has always pursued a solution based on federation, while, at times, the Greek Cypriot side attempted to steer the process toward a unitary state.

Erhürman also praised the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), noting that it was beneficial in terms of exchanging ideas. He further stated that regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections, there would continue to be unity and cooperation between Turkey and the TRNC, and that such rumors should be avoided.

In the current situation, Erhürman pointed out that the solution process is being primarily discussed in South Cyprus, unlike the period of the Annan Plan when the Turkish Cypriot community was more focused on it. He highlighted that the Greek Cypriot party AKEL has consistently supported a federation-based solution and has not backed down from this stance.

Erhürman emphasized that if a new negotiation process begins, it must be time-limited, results-oriented, and guarantee political equality. He agreed with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' remarks that any new process should not be like previous ones.

He also indicated that the upcoming informal talks, expected to take place in March, will not only involve the TRNC, South Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, and the UK, but also include other international players. Erhürman concluded by stressing that the Cyprus problem is not only an issue for the two states but also for many other international actors.