“First Nicosia, Then 5+1,” Says Turkish Cypriot Leader Erhürman

Speaking during meetings in Turkey, Erhürman said talks with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides are currently continuing around the negotiating table, noting that the initial meeting focused on a 10-point proposal package submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side.

Detailing the progress made on these proposals, Erhürman said they include facilitating trade under the Green Line Regulation, easing procedures at crossing points, resolving problems faced by children born of mixed marriages regarding EU citizenship rights and their passage to the south of the island, and addressing obstacles linked to these issues.

He also referred to a long-pending agreement related to halloumi exports, stating that a contract which needs to be signed by the Greek Cypriot side in order for halloumi to be sold to the EU has been awaiting signature for three years. “Mr Christodoulides gave a commitment in front of the UN that this matter would be concluded by January 31,” Erhürman said, adding that there was also agreement to ease procedures at the Deryneia and Bostancı crossing points.

“We are expecting these to be finalised before the next meeting,” he said. “There is a possibility that Holguin will return again by the end of this month. Before Holguin arrives, there are some matters we need to sort out among ourselves.”

Emphasising the need to resolve issues locally before moving to broader international formats, Erhürman underlined that problems should first be addressed in Nicosia before attending any renewed 5+1 talks in Geneva, which have previously taken place without producing results.

“Issues such as opening or easing crossing points should not require a meeting involving the guarantor powers,” he said. “Two leaders who cannot find a solution over a single crossing cannot then go and claim they are solving the Cyprus problem. This is also how the UN is currently approaching the issue.”

Erhürman also noted that the general elections due to take place in the south of Cyprus in May could slow down progress on the issues currently on the table. 

Source: Yenidüzen