Erhürman highlights UN involvement
Tufan Erhürman has reiterated that it is significant that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres continues to show strong interest in the Cyprus peace talks, despite his term ending in December.
In statements to the SIM television station in the occupied areas, he said there are no expectations for a new comprehensive peace plan similar to the Annan Plan.
No expectations for new peace plan
Erhürman said the focus is instead on achieving progress on issues that could be resolved in Nicosia by July, stressing that crossing points remain a key priority in the Cyprus peace talks process.
He added that Guterres is expected to become more directly involved from July onwards, describing this as a new phase of diplomatic activity.
He referred to around five months of intensified diplomatic engagement until the end of the UN chief’s term, saying the Turkish Cypriot side is prepared.
Erhürman called for steps to be taken in good faith, with patience and determination, while emphasising the importance of confidence-building measures.
He said discussions on crossing points previously raised in New York were still on the table and argued that solutions are possible, particularly regarding congestion at Agios Dometios and proposed new crossings in Nicosia.
He claimed that proposals concerning routes between Athienou and Aglandjia, as well as alternative suggestions, were rejected by the Greek Cypriot side.
He also said that proposals involving crossings through the buffer zone carry serious risks.
Political equality and settlement model
On the broader Cyprus peace talks framework, Erhürman stressed that political equality remains the most fundamental element of any settlement model.
He said any structure without political equality would place Turkish Cypriots in a minority position, adding that rotating presidency is part of this principle.
He also criticised the approach of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, claiming inconsistencies between statements on restarting talks from Crans-Montana and parallel regional defence and energy agreements.
Citizenship and other issues
Erhürman also raised the issue of citizenship for children from mixed marriages, saying it is political rather than purely legal and that legal avenues are being explored.
He said some progress has been made but it remains insufficient.
He further noted difficulties faced by some Turkish Cypriots entering Turkey, saying the issue must be identified and resolved.
Also read: Üstel: Summit showed EU’s “biased and unfair” stance on Cyprus issue
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