Erhürman: “A Comprehensive Solution on Property Depends on a Comprehensive Solution to the Cyprus Problem”

Speaking to journalist Damla Dabis on Kanal T, Erhürman stated that the only realistic model for resolving the Cyprus issue is one where two constituent states exercise their powers with sovereignty and make joint decisions on specific matters based on political equality.

“On an island this small, there can be no ‘our environment’ versus ‘their environment’”

Erhürman began by expressing condolences over the recent wildfires in Turkey and the southern part of Cyprus, describing the night as “very tragic.” Noting the loss of lives in both regions, he offered sympathy to the victims’ families and stressed the need to focus on climate change and the preventive measures required in its wake.

Reflecting on the past five years, Erhürman criticized the complete absence of negotiations, despite meetings in Geneva and New York. He said there was an expectation for progress on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), which his party supported, but nothing materialized. “Even if negotiations were not possible, we expected some movement—something to keep the climate for resolution alive. But instead, we were left with five empty years,” he said.

Commenting on the environmental damage caused by wildfires in Limassol and Paphos, Erhürman argued that the problems facing the island are shared: “On an island this small, there can be no separation between ‘our environment’ and ‘their environment.’”

“People in this country have become estranged from their own children”

Erhürman highlighted that every past presidential term had at least seen the opening of a new crossing point and continuous functioning of technical committees. “For the first time, we experienced five years with no negotiations, no progress on CBMs, a complete disconnect from the international community, and a lack of significant activity domestically,” he said.

Despite the political stalemate, Erhürman noted that no party involved in the Cyprus talks—neither in Geneva nor in New York—wanted the process to collapse entirely. “Not a single side wants this process to end. Everyone supports the continuation of dialogue and diplomacy. That’s the only positive aspect of the current situation.”

He also addressed the issue of youth emigration, noting a growing trend of young people leaving the country. “People in this country have become estranged from their own children,” he said.

“Our self-confidence comes from our trust in competent individuals”

Emphasizing that the Cyprus issue is one that unites the people, Erhürman stated that the concept of “governing together” is not a slogan introduced just before the elections, but a long-held principle. “No one can claim to run this country alone with only their own team. We must govern together, and merit should be the key criterion. We need to work and govern with all our qualified human resources,” he said.

Erhürman reiterated that the only viable model for a solution to the Cyprus problem is a loose federation. “A federation with a strong central structure is not realistic. The only realistic model is one in which two constituent states exercise sovereign powers and make joint decisions in specific areas based on political equality. A comprehensive solution to the property issue will come only with a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. Our self-confidence stems from our trust in the competent people of this country.”