Erhürman “I do not want negotiations for the sake of negotiations, but for a solution”

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has reiterated that he supports negotiations on the Cyprus issue only if they are aimed at achieving a genuine and lasting solution, stressing that political equality is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

In a statement shared on his social media account, Erhürman said his long-standing experience with the unresolved Cyprus problem has clearly shown that the main obstacle to a settlement is the Greek Cypriot leadership’s refusal to accept political equality. He noted that this stance has been consistent throughout his political career and was not limited to the period before or after the presidential election.

“The biggest obstacle to a solution is the refusal of the Greek Cypriot leadership to accept political equality. This is why political equality is the first item in the four-point methodology proposal I put forward,” he said.
Erhürman emphasized that he would not move from discussions to formal negotiations without prior agreement on the methodology, explaining that after many past disappointments, he does not want a new negotiation process to lead to further frustration.

“I do not want negotiations for the sake of negotiations; I want negotiations for the sake of a solution. And I know that if there is no political equality, there will be no solution,” he stated.

Explaining why he felt the need to restate his position, Erhürman said that at times his words are misinterpreted by altering their context, creating the impression that he has said things he has not. He added that whether he clarifies or not, his statements are often subject to commentary, prompting him to reiterate his stance once again.

“There is nothing new. What I told my people during the election about what I would do is exactly what I am doing,” he said. Erhürman concluded by underlining that large segments of the Turkish Cypriot community want a solution, as he does, but do not consider an agreement without political equality to be a solution—adding that his position on this issue has not changed and will not change.

( Source : BRT News)