Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman convened political party leaders on Tuesday ahead of his first meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader on Thursday, cautioning that no significant outcome should be expected from what he described as an introductory exchange.
The two-hour meeting brought together senior political figures, including Prime Minister and National Unity Party (UBP) leader Ünal Üstel; Republican Turkish Party (CTP) acting leader Erkut Şahali; Democrat Party (DP) leader Fikri Ataoğlu; Rebirth Party (YDP) leader Erhan Arıklı; People’s Party (HP) leader Kudret Özersay; and Social Democracy Party (TDP) leader Zeki Çeler.
Speaking after the talks, Erhürman said the meeting marked the first official session of the newly formed Council of Political Parties, a body he had pledged to establish during his campaign under the theme of “governing together.” He noted that all parties receiving more than three percent of the vote were invited and that he would also hold periodic meetings with smaller parties.
Erhürman explained that the Council would convene regularly—particularly before and, if needed, after developments related to the Cyprus issue—to ensure ongoing consultation and informed decision-making.
Addressing Thursday’s planned one-hour meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader, Erhürman described it as a purely preliminary encounter.
“I believe it would be a surprise to get a result from this meeting,” he said. “This is a meeting where initial positions will be mutually presented.”
He added that a greater opportunity for progress may come in early December, when UN envoy María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar is set to meet him on December 5 and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides on December 6.
The Turkish Cypriot leader stressed that his main expectation from the upcoming contacts is the creation of an “atmosphere for a solution,” noting that steps aimed at easing daily life for both communities would be central to fostering such conditions.
“Our wish and our effort will be in the direction of implementing these confidence-building measures at the first stage. But, of course, the fundamental goal is to reach a comprehensive, just and permanent solution to the Cyprus problem,” he said.
Erhürman further argued that a stable settlement in Cyprus could yield wider regional benefits. “Our concern is neither to defeat one nor to usurp the rights of one. We have no designs on anyone’s rights, but protecting our own rights is our most fundamental duty,” he added.
Responding to questions regarding Türkiye’s role, Erhürman said Ankara maintains a supportive stance toward dialogue.
“The Republic of Türkiye has in no way adopted an approach against sitting at the table. Therefore, I can easily say that an atmosphere conducive to setting up the table currently exists, both following my visit to Ankara and the visits of Turkish officials here for November 15,” he said.
