The leader of the Republican Turkish Party, (CTP) Tufan Erhürman, attended the Socialist International meeting in New York.
In his speech, Erhürman expressed the urgent need for a solution in Cyprus, stressing that the path to this was through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation.
He also noted that no one can tolerate another disappointment.
Leader of the Republican Turkish Party, Tufan Erhürman, delivered a speech at the “Investing in Dialogue and Diplomacy” session during the Socialist International meeting held in New York.
Stating that the formula for a solution in Cyprus was a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on political equality, Erhürman shared insights on the efforts made so far to resolve the Cyprus issue.
He stressed that the UN Secretary-General had repeatedly stated that the new approach must be result-oriented, time-framed, and incremental, which means that certain methods should be included and maintained to reach a political agreement.
Stating that dialogue and official negotiations should continue under the auspices of the UN, with the UN Secretary-General personally managing the process to achieve a result, Erhürman also added that the new approach should prioritize the development and implementation of Confidence-Building Measures.
Pointing out that the most politically, technically, economically, and commercially viable way to export Eastern Mediterranean gas to European markets would be through a submarine connection between Cyprus and Türkiye, the CTP leader also noted that EU-backed electricity interconnection projects would be less risky and more feasible if implemented between Cyprus and Türkiye.
Stressing that it was legally impossible for the Greek Cypriot administration to make decisions on these matters unilaterally, as if Turkish Cypriots did not exist on the island, Erhürman said, “Joint decision-making between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots on these issues is not only a legal requirement but also an essential part of the spirit of a federal partnership. Furthermore, Türkiye’s inclusion in the design and implementation of these projects is necessary for the economic, security, and environmental viability of the projects.”
The CTP leader called on all members of the Socialist International to support and encourage the UN Secretary-General and all international actors in establishing and conducting an intensified and result-oriented new process in Cyprus.
“There is an urgent need for a solution in Cyprus, and the path to this is certainly through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation. However, it should not be forgotten that sufficient time has already been spent at the negotiation tables in Cyprus. Therefore, the purpose of dialogue and diplomacy should not merely be to initiate a new negotiation process, but to start a negotiation process that will definitely produce results this time,” Erhürman said.
He also expressed that a solution in Cyprus was key to peace and cooperation in the region, stressing that no one can tolerate another disappointment.
In his speech, Erhürman pointed out that the situation in the Middle East, stating that the international community had not done what is necessary regarding Gaza.
“As a member of the Socialist International, the CTP sees the call for an urgent ceasefire and peace as our common duty” he added.
