Erhürman: My Ultimate Goal Is A Solution To The Cyprus Problem

Erhürman was a guest on Sabah Postası, a programme prepared and presented by Gökhan Altıner on Kıbrıs Postası TV.

Speaking first about his four-point methodology, Erhürman said these points concern the procedures for launching negotiations. He noted that he has been explaining this methodology since 2024 and that both diplomats and the public are already aware of what he stands for. For this reason, he said he feels no sense of urgency and has maintained the same position he has defended for years, even after assuming office.

“I Do Not Discuss Substance Before Procedure; If The Greek Cypriot Side Had Accepted Three Of The Four Points, We Would Have Announced It”

“I do not discuss substance before procedure,” Erhürman said, referring to the Greek Cypriot side’s approach to the four points. He rejected claims that “the Greek Cypriot side accepts three of the four points,” stating that if this were the case, it would already have been made public.

On the first point, “political equality,” Erhürman said that only a partial convergence had been achieved so far. He stressed that full agreement on political equality could not be reached without rotating presidency, noting that a structure in which Turkish Cypriots could never become president could not be described as politically equal.

“My Ultimate Goal Is A Solution To The Cyprus Problem”

Erhürman underlined that this situation does not mean the negotiation process is going badly, adding that it will proceed in a calm, patient and determined manner.
“My ultimate goal is a solution to the Cyprus problem,” he said, stressing that sitting at the table without establishing trust would not produce results.

He emphasised that they want negotiations not for the sake of negotiating, but for the sake of reaching a solution, and that discussing substance without first determining procedures would be meaningless. Before any 5+1 conference to be held abroad, confidence-building measures could be addressed domestically, he said, noting that three meetings had already taken place in three months to this end.

“Walking Away From The Table Is Not In My Book”

Finally, Erhürman said that although the agreed confidence-building measures are targeted to be completed by 31 January, the process has not yet concluded. He warned that failure to fulfil certain commitments could undermine the existing climate of trust.

“Walking away from the table is not in my book,” Erhürman said, stressing that despite all difficulties he will continue to voice the problems of the Turkish Cypriot people and to pursue negotiations.