Erhürman: We Will Continue Strengthening Relations with the Turkic States Organization

Speaking on Er Meydanı, a programme broadcast on Genç TV and hosted by Mustafa Alkan, Erhürman discussed a range of current issues.

Highlighting the importance of ties with the Turkic States Organization, Erhürman recalled that the Turkish Cypriot side had previously fought to obtain observer status in both the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Economic Cooperation Organization.

He said the fact that member states of those organisations recognise the Greek Cypriot administration as the “Republic of Cyprus” did not prevent the Turkish Cypriot side from obtaining observer status, arguing that relations within the TSO should similarly continue to be developed.

Erhürman recalled that during a speech in Kazakhstan he stressed the need to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots, noting that this was not merely his own position but one that has also been reflected in documents issued by the United Nations, the European Union and the Council of Europe.

“Mistakes were made in managing expectations”

Erhürman also criticised expectations that had been created regarding the TSO in recent years, arguing that claims observer status would quickly lead to recognition, direct flights or full membership were unrealistic.

He said managing expectations is an important part of diplomacy and noted that some Turkic states must balance their positions in light of their relations with the European Union.

Commenting on Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides’ description of his visit to Kazakhstan as “historic,” Erhürman compared it to Christodoulides seeking a similar meeting after Erhürman’s own talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

“The visit to India was not described as historic, but the visit to Kazakhstan was,” Erhürman said, adding that he personally did not see any reason for disappointment.

He also said that the Republic of Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had made significant contributions to securing the invitation to the summit in Kazakhstan, and noted that he had expressed his gratitude during his speech there.

“We should make more effective use of our observer status within the TSO,” Erhürman said, adding that efforts to deepen relations with Turkic states will continue.

Immovable Property Commission

Erhürman also addressed debates surrounding the Immovable Property Commission, rejecting claims that it would completely lose its status as an effective domestic legal remedy.

He said intensive work is being carried out ahead of assessments due to take place in June, with the aim of ensuring a positive rather than negative outcome.

According to Erhürman, the commission has become more efficient in recent years, and efforts are ongoing to accelerate the processing of applications.

At the same time, he stressed that the commission is not a mechanism capable of resolving all property-related disputes.

“This mechanism keeps us within the framework of international law, but it cannot replace a comprehensive settlement,” he said.

“Dialogue continues on TRNC citizens banned from entering Turkey”

Erhürman also addressed the issue of TRNC citizens subject to entry bans in Turkey, recalling that restrictions on 16 individuals have so far been lifted.

He said he had deliberately chosen not to make the names public and had instead contacted the individuals personally to inform them.

According to Erhürman, the names on the list provided to him do not exactly match the list circulating publicly. While some individuals remain unable to enter Turkey, he said the number is not particularly high.

“I want to solve problems. The issue has been resolved for 16 of our friends, and there will be more progress. Dialogue on this matter is continuing,” he said.

“It would be better for the municipality to manage the park”

Erhürman also shared his personal view regarding the management of the park opposite the Presidency.

He said that, in principle, the maintenance and management of a park should be the responsibility of the municipality in the city where it is located.

“Personally, I believe the most appropriate arrangement is for a park to be maintained by the municipality of the city in which it is situated,” he said.

However, he noted that the current arrangement was determined by a Council of Ministers decision, under which the park was placed under the management and use of the Security Forces Command.

“The outcome was determined by a Council of Ministers decision. Therefore, the Presidency currently has no connection to it. The Council of Ministers decision assigned it to the use of the Security Forces Command,” he said.