Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has sharply criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership for signing international agreements on behalf of the entire island without the consent of the Turkish Cypriots, whom he described as “one of the two equal partners with equal sovereign rights.”
His remarks came after the Greek Cypriot leadership signed an EEZ delimitation agreement with Lebanon on Wednesday.
Erhürman called the deal “an agreement that excludes the will of the Turkish Cypriots,” stressing that no action concerning the island’s future should be taken unilaterally.
“There Is a World Outside the Negotiation Table”
Erhürman reiterated his earlier position that Turkish Cypriots must continue engaging with the international community in parallel with the formal negotiation process. He underlined his intention to hold contacts with organizations such as the EU, the Organization of Turkic States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Economic Cooperation Organization to ensure the Turkish Cypriot perspective is heard.
He noted that some Greek Cypriot media had criticized these efforts, claiming they undermined negotiations. Erhürman rejected the criticism, arguing that while the Greek Cypriot side continues to act unilaterally, Turkish Cypriots are expected to “sit still” and rely solely on what happens at the negotiation table.
“This mindset insists on maintaining the status quo, allowing Greek Cypriots to behave as if they are the sole owners of the island while Turkish Cypriots simply wait,” he said. “We do not accept this.”
Erhürman Outlines the “New Era”
Erhürman said the new era is defined by four key principles:
a) Turkish Cypriots want a solution. b) They refuse to be ignored while working toward that solution, and reject any actions that bind the future of the island without their consent. c) They openly state that unilateral initiatives do not contribute to peace, stability, or a viable settlement. d) While negotiating, they will continue proposing measures to benefit both communities and will actively engage with the world through every available channel.
“We will continue to convey this message to everyone with patience, calmness, and determination,” Erhürman concluded.
