**Title: Turkish Cypriot Minister Emphasizes Need for Consensus on Cyprus Problem**
In a recent statement, Turkish Cypriot ‘foreign minister’ Tahsin Ertugruloglu highlighted the necessity for both sides in the Cyprus conflict to reach a mutual understanding of the nature of the problem before any meaningful progress can be made towards a settlement. Speaking on Wednesday, Ertugruloglu expressed agreement with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman’s commitment to finding a resolution to the longstanding issue. However, he raised concerns about the effectiveness of previous negotiations, questioning why decades of discussions have not yielded a solution despite both parties expressing a desire for one.
Ertugruloglu articulated that the crux of the problem lies in the differing perceptions of what constitutes a solution. He stated, “The answer is that what one side considers to be the solution, the other defines as the problem.” This divergence in viewpoints has been a significant barrier to achieving consensus and moving forward in negotiations.
The minister also criticized the role of international bodies in the conflict, specifically the United Nations and the European Union. He accused the UN of having “created the problem” and suggested that the EU has “consolidated” it. Ertugruloglu asserted that without intervention from the international community to rectify past mistakes, it would be challenging to reach an outcome that is acceptable to the Turkish Cypriot side.
A key point raised by Ertugruloglu was the issue of “status inequality.” He emphasized that no solution could be anticipated while the Republic of Cyprus is recognized internationally as a sovereign state, while the Turkish Cypriot side is regarded merely as a community. This perceived inequality is a fundamental obstacle in the negotiations, according to the Turkish Cypriot leadership.
Ertugruloglu insisted that without a shared understanding of the Cyprus problem, any declarations of willingness to reach a settlement would be devoid of significance. He called for both sides to engage in a dialogue that acknowledges their differing perspectives and seeks to establish a common ground.
In the coming weeks, negotiators from both sides are expected to convene ahead of a leaders’ meeting scheduled for August 26. This meeting aims to assess the Turkish Cypriot side's readiness to advance discussions on the Cyprus issue. As part of the preparatory work, a record of convergences achieved in previous talks is being compiled. This documentation will be shared with all relevant parties, including representatives from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, as well as the three guarantor powers involved in the negotiations.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding the Cyprus problem remains complex, with deep-rooted historical and political factors influencing the perspectives of both sides. As the leaders prepare for their upcoming meeting, the emphasis on achieving a mutual understanding may play a crucial role in determining the future of negotiations and the potential for a lasting resolution to the conflict.